DRC should reconsider normalising relations with Rwanda

The state of affairs in North Kivu of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is obviously disturbing. Fighting and tension has escalated which is likely to cause unease in Rwanda, and indeed in the entire region. It should therefore not be left to go unabated. It has been reported that the Congolese army, together with ex-FAR soldiers and Interahamwe are fighting against the army of Congolese dissident Gen. Nkunda. As a result, thousands of civilians have been displaced. This latest development is frankly speaking, a pain in the neck. Monuc should be under compulsion to intervene and put a stop to this malaise that is likely to destabilise the region. The worst case scenario is the involvement of the Interahamwe – now grouped in what is called FDLR – who are responsible for loss of at least to a million people in the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. Instead of them paying for the crimes they committed, after getting sanctuary in DRC, and to add injury to injustice, they are continuing to pose a big threat to stability in the region.That is why Rwanda and DRC need to reconsider normalis ing relations by opening up embassies in each others capital and handle the issues in turbulent Congo decisively. Therefore, the invitation of Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs minister Dr Charles Murigande by his counterpart in DRC Mbusa Nyamwisi is a paramount step towards addressing the problem in eastern Congo. Minister Murigande has correctly stated that Nyamwisi wants to discuss with him about resolving problems between the two countries to bring about lasting peace. This is a significant step because diplomacy in crisis and conflict resolution is the mature way of settling disputes. The FDLR have become a nuisance and a growing problem to the extent that they levy taxes in areas they control. This is unacceptable given the heinous act they were involved in here in Rwanda. When the dust settles, let the two countries open foreign missions and update each other on the security situations and seek immediate remedy.Ends