By Frank Kagabo
In Summary
- Instead of discouraging people, for whatever reason, from going to neighbouring countries, a few right steps would ease the situation for all. Deal with the security issues and create mechanisms for quality assurance across the countries through the numerous co-operation bodies.
More than a week ago there was fighting between Rwandan and Congolese forces across the common border.
The Congolese, through their Information Minister
Lambert Mende, claimed one of their soldiers was abducted and killed by
their Rwandan counterparts.
Louise Mushikiwabo, increasingly the public face
of Rwanda on the international circuit, only second to her boss
President Paul Kagame, responded in her usual combative mood, claiming
instead that it was the Congolese who violated Rwandan territory.
Somewhere in between, there were also reports
alleging that the fighting was sparked off by cattle theft. And the
theft was allegedly done by Congolese soldiers. Reports cited Kigali as
saying that, as a result, five Congolese soldiers died in the
skirmishes.
For two days the story was trending, with international media picking it up.
Given the history of the two countries over the
past two decades, it is apparent that war correspondents were readying
for yet another conflict story for at least weeks, if not months.
Then, surprisingly, the whole thing died out.
Investigations were promised and inspection teams dispatched to assess
the situation. Indeed, the whole thing was just a “localised” issue, as
one Western source was quoted by the media as saying.
All this comes against the backdrop of the
surrender of elements of the Forces for the Democratic Liberation of
Rwanda (FDLR). This is a move touted by the Congolese government as an
indication of their commitment to removing all negative forces from
their territory.
But their Kigali colleagues continue to show a
lack of confidence in these moves, especially of disarming the FDLR.
Therefore, such fighting cannot be taken for granted.
Moreover, that a simple issue of a single soldier
would lead to two days of skirmishes involving heavy weaponry is
indicative of mistrust that still exists between the two neighbouring
countries.
Therefore, a return to war of some sort, be it by
proxy or directly, is possible and can only be prevented by the presence
of international forces ready to rein in on the two countries —
militarily and diplomatically.
Earlier in April, Congolese authorities introduced
visa fees to Rwandans crossing through the border point of
Rusizi-Bukavu. This apparently goes counter to an agreement by the
Economic Community of Great Lakes Countries (CPGL) providing for a
zero-rate visa policy for the member states. DR Congo and Rwanda are
members of CPGL.
Such visa fees may not be an important issue to
people who only make occasional travel across the borders. But anyone
who has spent time at most of our border crossings will understand that
such is a great impediment to many people who make daily journeys
between countries. Some even make multiple journeys across the borders,
especially those who engage in small-scale trade.
Betray unease
Around the same time, authorities in Rwanda were
discouraging citizens, especially those living in the border areas, from
going to school in neighbouring countries.
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