‘Block FDLR activities in Diaspora’

KIGALI - A new report by an independent rights organisation has exposed extensive details about individuals, operations and background of the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) representatives in the Diaspora.The December 2007 report titled, ‘A Welcome Expression of Intent’ has been published by justice NGO, African Rights, which also has offices in Kigali.FDLR, made up of former ex-FAR and Hutu extremist militias, are largely blamed for the 1994 Genocide.The 52-page report says FDLR, which currently operates in eastern DRC, has cells or satellites in 19 countries in Africa, Europe and North Americas. The cells exist in Zambia, Mozambique, Congo Brazzaville, Tanzania, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, according to the report.Other countries where FDLR do plan their activities from include Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, France, Denmark, Belgium and the US.Activities carried out by FDLR leaders in the aforementioned countries must be given serious attention in a bid to end the criminal force, the report suggests.‘Little consideration, if any, has been given to their representatives and spokespeople in Africa, Europe and North America, who raise funds,’ the report states in part.It cites FDLR’s Ignace Murwanashyaka and Rally for Unity and Democracy (RUD)’s Jean Marie-Vianney Higiro who are based in Germany and the US respectively. ‘They have an advantage that gives their organisations considerable exposure and opportunities internationally,’ the report says.The report comes weeks after a US-brokered regional Heads of State held in Addis Ababa called on the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on FDLR, which is estimated to have between 6000 and 1000 fighters.The group is largely composed of elements responsible for the 1994 Genocide in which an estimated one million ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus said.Ends

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‘Block FDLR activities in Diaspora’