US Ambassador Suzan Rice worried of President Kagame’s dictatorship which may be a hindrance to Rwanda’s progress

By Johnson
Umuvugizi, Europe
November 26, 2011

US Ambassador Suzan Rice urges President Kagame to do not reverse the remarkable development simply because of his progressive autocracy.

The united states ambassador to the united Nations, Susan Rice, who is on a 4 day tour of Rwanda will be visiting today Musanze District where she will participate in UMUGANDA and later make a stop at Butaro Health Center before she leaves for the US.

During her stay in Rwanda she commended Rwanda’s effort in peacekeeping mission in Sudan where the armed forces have continued to assist in conflict resolution at the expense of their livelihood.

She commended the strides taken in developing the educational sector but lamented at the continued democratic restriction by the Kigali regime.

Ambassador Rice explained that Rwanda’s participation in peacekeeping efforts in the Sudan have earned her a seat on the UNITED NATIONS PEACE BUILDING COMMISSION in the UN.

In explaining the US’s role in Libya, Ambassador Rice stressed that the US Government is very conscious of becoming by-standers again when situations like those of the Rwandan genocide present themselves hence the need to take action against the Gaddafi regime which had turned on its citizens calling them “rats” and firing on them in the streets of Tripoli.

She explained how President Barack Obama sent her to the UN security council to garner support from other countries to enforce a “NO FLY ZONE” to avoid a catastrophe like that in Rwanda and Darfur happening in Libya. This action that was agreed upon in less than 2 days proved to be crucial in saving the many lives of the people living in Benghazi who were continually attacked by the dictator Gaddafi.

I quote her “President Obama ordered me to try to get from the United Nations Security Council a robust mandate to protect civilians, one that allowed the aggressive use of air power to halt Qaddafi’s advance. This time, the Security Council acted. And acted in time. Having failed in Rwanda, having failed in Darfur, it did not fail again in Libya. Within less than two days, American firepower played a decisive role in stopping Qaddafi’s forces and saving Benghazi, and our coalition continued its efforts to protect the Libyan people.” Unquote

Another commendable gesture by the Americans is the recent deployment of US forces in Eastern Africa to pursue another warlord, Joseph Kony, who has killed and maimed thousands in Uganda and central Africa. I quote Ambassador Suzan Rice “That is also why the United States is sending military advisors to support Central African states as they try to put an end to decades of war crimes committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army”.

Ambassador Rice cautioned Kagame to take lessons from the Libyan Situation .

Ambassador Rice, in her capacity as a friend of Rwanda, said that Rwanda holds a special place in her heart dating back to when Genocide was being committed and after when she came to visit a virtually destroyed country only to see it rise from the ashes.

she was compelled to bring her family on this trip to Rwanda so that they could share in this experience and see for themselves the remarkable transformation the country has undertaken. Bearing in mind that Rwanda has achieved this enormous change, she urged president Kagame’s regime to immediately stop restricting Democracy ,suppressing freedom of expression and media as lessons learned from the uprisings in Tunisia.

This remarkable progress should not be reversed at any cost, she warned. I quote Ambassador Rice again in her opening remarks “ I have visited Rwanda now several times, and as always, I come here as a friend. This time, for the first time, I will be joined by my family. I want them to see your beautiful country and to learn what can be accomplished when a proud people unite in common cause. I want them also to witness and take inspiration from your achievements” She Continued “ Rwanda’s economic vitality has moved the country forward. Social progress has been substantial. Yet, the political culture in Rwanda remains comparatively closed. Press restrictions persist. Civil society activists, journalists, and political opponents of the government often fear organizing peacefully and speaking out. Some have been harassed. Some have been intimidated by late-night callers. Some have simply disappeared” .Unquote

Ms Rice commended President Kagame as being the only African President to speak out against the atrocities committed by Gaddafi against his people and supported the NATO airstrikes.

At the time, President Kagame was quoted as saying “The uprising in Libya has already sent a has already sent a message to leaders in Africa and beyond. It is that if we lose touch with our people, if we do not serve them as they deserve and address their needs, there will be consequences. Their grievances will accumulate – and no matter how much time passes, they can turn against you.” unquote.”.

Recalling these words, Ambassador Rice said that the same effort put in developing the country economically should be the same effort exerted in opening up political space, freedom of speech and expression plus freedom to participate in governing. I quote her “The deepening and the broadening of democracy can be the next great achievement of this great country and its remarkable people. In Rwanda, economic development and political openness can reinforce each other. This is Rwanda’s next great developmental challenge. And, with all that you have achieved over the past 17 years, I am confident you will pass this milestone as well”. She Continued “Already, you are an example to all nations of what can be accomplished. You are an example to all nations of what can be accomplished after disaster strikes. Nothing can bring back what this nation has sacrificed. Grief wanes, but it never ends. Yet, we also know that the living must do credit to the lost, by building the future they should have been here to help build. A nation, just like a people, can overcome. Rwanda is proof”. Unquote

In her concluding speech, Ambassador Rice reiterated the US’s commitment in supporting Rwanda’s development programs together with principles of Democracy. I quote Ambassador again in her conclusive remarks “Nearly half of Rwandans today were born after the genocide ended. The generation that came through the genocide is passing on a country much more rich with possibility, healthier, better educated, and at peace. I am grateful to witness your extraordinary progress. And, I am proud to affirm that the United States will continue to stand with you, in friendship and partnership, as you take Rwanda to the next level of development and democracy” .