RWANDA DEFENSE FORCE: STABILITY IS A KEY FACTOR

By Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza
UDF-INKINGI, Chair
21-04-10

Repeating news confirm beyond any doubt a worrying state of instability and unrest within the high level of the RDF national army. Some senior military officers and Commanders are either fleeing the homeland, others are arbitrary detained, and others are arrested, questioned or sacked. There is a problem.

The Rwanda Defence Force is a key factor for the stability of this country. Many Rwandans respect the motto saying: “In the RDF, good leadership; discipline; mutual trust and respect between members; respect for the law and enduring loyalty to the constitution, are the cornerstone of our success and constant ability to be a force for good”. In this respect, we strongly advocate for professionalism, carrier stability and leadership empowerment.

As the presidential election looms, Rwandans can not afford a never ending political and military crisis. The shrinking tiny political space, the harassment of opposition leaders, the censorship of newspapers and uncertainty within the army leadership are serious red-flags for an urgent talk between all the stakeholders.