The arrest in the UK last Saturday of Lt Gen Karenzi Karake has not only brought out the best in Rwandan solidarity, but it has also opened a new avenue of African consciousness. Many see the arrest as an insolent act of politically motivated harassment against African officials by Western nations. Now even the African Union has added its voice to condemn Gen Karake’s arrest. But as President Paul Kagame said just a few days ago, Rwanda will not be cowed by anyone; it will not buckle under any pressure nor will it be deterred in protecting what it stands for; dignified stance amid a family of nations. The so-called “international community” – that is made up of a few bullies who flaunt their financial clout to get their way – has failed the test of judicial probity. If Interpol and a Spanish High Court threw out the indictments, how can British authorities continue to boast of their judicial credentials? Those who engineered Gen. Karake;s arrest did not know what was coming; from the streets of Kigali and the hills of the provinces, to European capitals and fellow African nations, multitudes have been galvanized. Africa has found its voice and sent a strong message; it will no longer stand by as its rights are trampled upon and it was now ready to close ranks in defence of their dignity and sovereignty. It is many people’s hope that the Karake saga will spell the beginning of Africa’s awakening, of not being held hostage by those who hold the purse strings and dictate terms. The old African ghosts of subservience should be put to rest forever; Gen Karenzi Karake has opened the door.
