Keep the justice and unity fire burning

Dear Editor,Having been in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide myself and having followed the history of its perpetrators since, I must congratulate you for your recent highly professional reporting on cases related to Genocide suspects and their methods of hiding or operating in other countries. The articles are well researched, objectively composed, give complete record of the sources used and - this might be the most remarkable element - do not bear any traces of revenge- or hateful writing nor any judgement. Not only are you demonstrating high standards of journalism, but also reflecting how far Rwanda has come in practising its national policy on unity and reconciliation in understanding that justice is the solution and not hatred. Let me also say that I have always found it disturbing how so many of these perpetrators move under the eyes of the international community so freely all over the world and do - particularly in Africa - engage in foreign wars and conflicts, spreading their cruel types of violence mainly to defenceless civilians. Those who have known them in 1994 can recognise their “hand writing” abroad easily, while outsiders might not be able to make such connections. In my view the cause for this might be international ignorance on one side, but also reluctance to act on the other. How heartbreaking this slow progress in investigation, prosecution and arrest really is, can probably only be understood by those who actually saw or suffered the horrors of 1994 in Rwanda and all those who still suffer from them today in other places. Unfortunately, so many of them will never be heard... It is therefore important that you speak for them and more so at the best level possible: the one of international standards of journalism. These professional articles you are publishing regularly will contribute significantly to raising more of the necessary awareness, I am sure also at international level! Maybe in small steps only - so what? Did the hopeless Rwanda from 1994 not get where it is now with many of exactly such small steps? All together and in perspective, these ongoing small steps will make a big step. So please... just keep walking! NYARUGENGE

Opinions

Keep the justice and unity fire burning