Editor, This is in reference to Lonzen Rugira’s article, “DRC populist antics counter spirit of AfDB conference” (The New Times, June 2). The people at the Rwanda-DR Congo border derive their livelihood and essential services and supplies from cross-border trade and other exchanges. Restricting their ability to cross the border for such exchanges like Kinshasas decision, will make it difficult or impossible for Rwandans and Congolese on either side of the border to move freely and trade with each other. This is not the best strategy for Kinshasas survival; it rather provides additional—perhaps decisive—grounds for an insurrection against Kinshasa from the people of both Kivus. Perhaps the Kinshasa government assured of the unconditional support of Monusco-FIB and the plethora of special this and special that envoy, feels it can do what it likes with the people. Many others have previously made the error to their own eventual cost of counting on what was once considered unshakeable foreign support to engage in anti-people policies. When you lack any vision for your people and your only goal is to stay in power, people themselves will eventually push you out. And your only legacy is your name—a byword for kleptocracy or extreme cruelty and buffoonery. Mwene Kalinda, Rwanda *************************** For the time being, free trade and free visas cant be effective between African countries. Rather, think of building confidence among African people, respecting borders of others, respecting the law of the land (constitution), fighting corruption within each country, encouraging democracy, respecting human dignity, creating a unified database management system to monitor IDs and travel documents, etc. These are the basic requirements for a long lasting free trade and free movement of people across African countries. Eddy Chico, United States
