If only Rwanda-Congo disputes were over stealing of cows...

Frank Kagabo  

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.