EDITORIAL: Dismissal of Gen Karake case vindicates Rwanda

As President Paul Kagame was officially opening the latest additions to Kigali’s skyline; the new City Hall and businessman Bertin Makuza’s M. Peace Plaza, news started trickling in that ‘KK’ was free to return home. Gen Karenzi Karake had been arrested nearly two months ago while on an official visit to the United Kingdom because of an outstanding European Arrest Warrant that had been issued by a Spanish judge. Notwithstanding that the frivolous warrants had been condemned by different quarters, including judicial experts as well as the Spanish High Court, the move to arrest KK was seen as state-sponsored bullying. But Rwandans were not cowed. The move galvanized thousands who generously raised money towards the General’s defence costs (bail and an impressive defence team). That the case has been dismissed vindicates Rwanda’s stance that the move was being orchestrated by Genocidaires, opposition figures and their sponsors. It is also a slap in the face for those who profess judicial competence beyond their borders and use it selectively to suit their agendas. What next now for the Gen Karake’s case? Aren’t the British authorities liable for causing distress and harmful embarrassment on the person of Gen Karake and the country as a whole? Should the government be satisfied with the dismissal of the case and not pursue legal avenues to iron things out? Whatever decisions government takes should send a strong message that Rwanda will not remain dormant as her rights are trampled upon. The people of Rwanda will stand up as one in solidarity to defend their dignity as they have not failed to express several times.

Opinions

EDITORIAL: Dismissal of Gen Karake case vindicates Rwanda