Murwanashyaka ignace, the leader of the Hutu led FDLR rebel
group will go on trial this week. He faces charges that include, “crimes against humanity, war crimes and being members of a foreign terrorist group.”
Is this the end of terror in eastern Congo? Can we expect much from the trial?
There are many factors that it is hard and perhaps immature
to make any definitive statement. The prosecutor will have to prove that the
FDLR was under the direct command of Murwanashyaka. Although highly respected
in the rank and file of the rebel group, Murwanashyaka rarely traveled to
eastern Congo. He maintained his command base in Germany, coordinating with
those on the ground using telecommunication technology.
In any case, the trial carries a symbolic victory for those
fighting against impunity in the region. As critic of the Rwandan regime, I am
tempted to think that this is nothing new: it is the attack, through military
and legal means, all the opponents of the regime in Kigali. However, I have to
acknowledge that the FDLR has orchestrated some of the most despicable crimes.
Just because all thieves cannot be reprimanded does not mean that it is wrong
to catch one of them.
I will praise this arrest while continuing to push for the
prosecution of some criminals still at large, protected by the mighty Rwandan
regime. The most notorious of them being: Bosco Ntaganda and Laurent Nkunda.
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