Chaiperson and Presidential Candidate
UDF-Inkingi
January 23, 2010
My return home to register our political party FDU-INKINGI and participate in the upcoming presidential elections has triggered, despite a positive reception by the population, a rise of shield, a media hate campaign, calls to arbitrary arrests and the muzzling of our non-violent action. This vicious propaganda orchestrated by a twisting media, with clear intention to bludgeon opponents into silence, has mobilized politically motivated associations, some political parties participating in the current government, some devious politicians to call for the crucifixion of the candidate in the upcoming presidential election and the banishment of our political organization only setting foot in Rwanda at this time.
Those threats are echoed by some authorities, including the Minister of Interior who, without the slightest evidence of the facts, did not hide their political partisanship.
From well informed sources, some extremists are currently mobilizing associations of genocide survivors, widows, and others for demonstrations appealing to the Government to suspend our work and put me in jail.
I call upon the Rwandan people and the international community to witness this outrageous mendacity. Powered by non-violent values we seized the opportunity of democratic process believing that the higher authorities of the country, guarantor of institutions and security were seriously ready for the multiparty system and the opening of the political space. The fact that some devious and partisan press relentlessly sustains a defamatory and malicious campaign to trigger a machine of repression reveals the utter failure in political education, lack of respect for the other and a visceral fear of an open political space.
What are they afraid of? If, indeed, the performance of the system they are fighting for meets the aspirations of Rwandans, their candidate will be acclaimed in the upcoming elections. On the contrary, if they like our political program, they will vote for us. All they need is a free, fair and transparent election.
Exploiting intentionally, for deceptive purposes, my visit to the genocide memorial, my compassion for the bloodshed in our country, my commitment to ensure that the perpetrators of genocide and other crimes against humanity and war crimes are accountable;
Disregarding my visits to the sick, prisoners and widows;
Mocking my visit to the monument in ruins, of Democracy and the Republic, treated by those as a symbol of genocide ideology;
Extremists are using this press to conduct a venomous propaganda that recalls moments leading up to the genocide, accusing me invariably of genocide denier, negationist or descending from “ancestors with a genocide ideology”.
They don’t yet understand that silencing my voice won’t stop this growing movement of claims as long as many Rwandans aspire to more democracy, more freedom and genuine reconciliation based on mutual respect and the respect of the pain endured by all the victims of the Rwandan tragedy. Rwandans need to move beyond this deep-seated fear of ethnic annihilation by setting up political institutions guaranteeing everyone’s and everybody’s security and lasting peace.
Extremists or fanatics are themselves victims of a deep inner fear until they believe that national reconciliation is just a game while their malicious words and actions are another display of disdain, stigmatisation, demonising even the sanest voices with tricks and calls for lynching.
Our motto is peace and we will always raise our voices against the responsible of the genocide, the crimes against humanity and other crimes committed in Rwanda. We will fight for the rehabilitation of all the victims.
Together, let’s build a better Rwanda where our children will be happy to live.
Victoire UMUHOZA INGABIRE
UDF-INKINGI
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