Rwanda must pay close attention to Burundi

Editor, Reference is made to Arthur Asiimwe’s article, “Why Rwanda’s concerns over Burundi crisis are legitimate” (The New Times, May 6). Rwanda’s concerns over Burundi crisis are legitimate indeed. I invite anyone who may doubt to take a few minutes and listen to the broadcasts of the government-controlled Radio Télévision Rema FM. The ethnically charged propaganda it continuously broadcast against all those who are opposing President Pierre Nkurunziza’s unconstitutional third term whom the hate radio wrongly assimilates to Tutsi as well as its vocabulary (normally used for objects not human beings) are just other similarities to the Rwanda pre-Genocide period. An Interahamwe-like militia, Imbonerakure, has been armed and is terrorising the population who have started fleeing to neighbouring countries. The recent decision by President Nkurunziza to seek a third term in violation of the Arusha Accords reminds us of a former president who declared that another accord with a similar name was simply a “chiffon de papier” and we all know what followed that irresponsible declaration. So yes, Rwanda’s concerns are legitimate and so are Burundians’. The whole civilized world should indeed get concerned. Bela ************************ I totally I agree with the points raised by Mr. Asiimwe. However, as Rwandans, we should not interfere with Burundian internal governance as we do not wish any foreigner to interfere with ours. And I think Foreign affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo showed a high level of maturity in politics by firmly expressing our concerns diplomatically. Sincerely, I am not very much concerned about the model of Burundian governance, I am not even concerned whether or not Pierre Nkurunziza is a legitimate candidate for the presidency, even if he takes a crown and declares himself a king I would not be concerned. My biggest concern to me and many others with the same thinking is that the current government in Burundi wishes to turn back the clock to 1990-1994 by forging a cozy relationship with the FDLR militia, a terrorist group responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. I hope that those reports are wrong; otherwise I would be really concerned. Butare

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Rwanda must pay close attention to Burundi