DRC should address the root causes of conflict in the Kivus

Editor, Refer to Pan Butamire’s article, “Kabila’s options for peace in DRC” (The New Times, November 19). It’s high time Congolese President Joseph Kabila and his government started to genuinely tackle the source of conflict in both Kivu – North and South. Kinshasa may have defeated the M23 rebels physically but they have not defeated or killed their spirit since the reasons for picking up the arms against the government have not been addressed at all. The successful conclusion of the Kampala peace talks (with an agreement and subsequent action) would have served as insurance against possibility of yet another rebellion caused by exactly the same reasons that led to the emergence of the M23 Movement. Arrogance will not help in finding lasting solutions to the crises that have troubled the Kivus for so long. Also, truth be told; no country will just sit back and watch as rebels against their government and people wander around in a lawless neighbourhood. President Kabila needs to genuinely address security concerns of neighbouring countries which are rooted in the fact that his country continues to harbour ruthless militia groups, including genocidaires. Leiuh Asuman Wakida, Mbale, Uganda ************************ As long as African solutions are prefabricated in Western capitals with all ill intentions such as slavery, colonialism, and the control of African wealth, then no need to say that Africa will be in the hands of poor performing leaders, and states like DR Congo will always be supported in their weaknesses. This state of affairs only benefits those who are bent on enslaving and feeding off Africa and its people. Otherwise, how would you explain a situation where the European Union encourages the alienation of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in their own homeland? That is why I think Africa should stop dancing to a tune that is not its own – the so called “Demon-crazy” tune remixed to “Democracy” for the purpose of blinding the masses. Look at what the West has done to the Arab world, the former Soviet Union and Africa. Africa should come up with homegrown solutions in issues of governance, starting with the cancellation of the borders imposed on us by the greedy and patronising West. Beau, Kigali

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DRC should address the root causes of conflict in the Kivus