In an interview with The New Times early this week, embattled former MP Connie Bwiza attempted to open up on the reasons why she stepped down from Parliament. “This is an opportunity to clarify that what is being said out there, about my resignation, my conduct and my mistakes and disciplinary issues in my political party totally have nothing to do with the current debate on proposed constitutional amendments,” Connie Bwiza told The New Times. Former MP Bwiza. Her clarification dispelled the rumours and media reports that attributed her fall to the ongoing debate. However, according to the feedback from her explanation, the public was irked by her being non committal on what prompted her resignation. When she was pushed by the media to explain why she resigned, she only said: “My resignation was not about political matters, it is all domestic, all about family. But, of course, as a political leader I am held accountable to whatever course that might be taken.” Probably what she did not realise, was that the day before, during a senior RPF cadres retreat, her resignation was brought up. The cadres heard how Bwiza attempted to falsify documents to justify an asylum claim submitted by her husband who is in the US. “Bwiza is on record saying the party tortured her husband after he revealed a scam to steal billions of Francs during the 2010 elections and that he would face the same predicament if he returned to Rwanda,” the Cadres heard. To boost her husband’s application, Bwiza approached Rwandan doctors with the intention of soliciting fake medical certificates that would confirm that her husband was tortured. After the party learned of her manoeuvres, Bwiza had to resign as an RPF representative in Parliament. “Connie should be apologising to the party for her misconduct and her indiscipline vis-a-vis the party rules that she deliberately violated. Like any cadre should be doing. She should apologise officially,” reads a comment posted by Ngabo on the story that was published Tuesday in which Bwiza was cagey on her resignation. Another comment by Sarah U read: “Clearly Connie has let down so many people. If anyone out there speaks to Connie, please advise her to write an explanation letter. Preferably with details of what happened and what she is going to do to redeem herself. If she believes she wronged, then the right thing to do is apologise publicly. It is a difficult thing to do, but it’s the right thing to do. She can share the letter with the media houses that are following the story. That way she can start her “rehabilitation” journey in peace. But for that to happen, you have to accept your failures. You cannot confront what you don’t accept.” It is not uncommon for people to fabricate all sorts of stories when seeking asylum; however, when it is a senior official, the presumption is that they should know better than to lie in such situations. “I own the mistakes that I am held accountable for as a cadre of the RPF. In the RPF, were are governed and ideologically oriented on the discipline and conduct,” Bwiza told The New Times on Monday. Bwiza had served as an MP for about 15 years. The cadres at the retreat were reminded of the party’s code of conduct and urged to remain faithful to the party principles. “It is very unfortunate that a senior cadre would go that far to tarnish the image of the country for personal gains. She compromised the national interests that she protected and stood for as a member of parliament,” a senior cadre told The New Times. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
