Mugunga, May 30, 1995

RDR has just learnt by way of media about a report published by Human Rights Watch on alleged rehearsal for an armed attack by rwandese refugees in order to force their way back home.

According to very reliable sources within camps, this information is totally unfounded.

At many occasions, the rwandese community in exile has denounced the manipulation by certain political lobbies, of some NGO^s workers, who use the cover of humanitarian assistance in fulfilling political motives and expansionist ambitions as well as destabilisation of the region.

Late march 1995, an OXFAM worker made allegations on fictious arms supplies to refugees in Zaire.

The international media relayed this information without cross-checking it.

After a formal denial by Zairian authorities, nobody reacted, giving the date, the airport of loading or any other information likely to enlighten the international community.

A few weeks later, a journalist of a foreign radio-TV station produced a make-up on another fictious round of military training in an unknown camp in Zaire, while another one was relaying an alleged arms deal with rwandese refugees, without giving any slight evidence.

In actual fact, this campaign has the unique objective of preparing the international public opinion to accept:

It is not mere coincidence for this kind of information to surface after Major General Paul KAGAME, Vice-President and Minister of Defense of the Kigali Government, declared on 14^th May 1995, in RWAMATAMU commune, Prefecture of Kibuye, that he would soon raid rwandese refugees camp in Zaire and capture what he termed criminals.

This unfortunate statement came amidst repeated calls for dialogue and national reconciliation by rwandese refugees.

RDR reminds that the political manipulation of some Human Rights Organisation has played a substantial role in the massacres and destruction of Rwanda.

RDR takes very seriously threats by Paul KAGAME to raid camps of rwandese refugees and warns that the Kigali Government and Human Rights Watch will be held responsible for any violation of physical integrity of refugees and the extension of the war in the sub-region.

RDR reaffirms that dialogue and national reconciliation are the only steps that can bring a lasting peace in Rwanda and in the sub-region.

RDR appeals to Human Rights Organisations to desist from political manipulation and rather contribute towards achieving this noble goal.

Dr Innocent BUTARE

Executive Secretary