The Exchange

Désiré-Joseph blogs at Breaking the cycle:Claiming the Destiny of the Great Lakes of Africa

The Great Lakes of Africa have endured decades of war creating instability and oppression. The Leaders of the Rebel Movements of Burundi and Uganda often said that they were called by God to lead the fight in order to be recognised or let their cause be heard.

A movement for the liberation of Hutu known as Palipehutu is still operating in the tiny Nation of Burundi, it is currently led by Agathon Rwasa. In Nothern Uganda, another man by the name of Joseph Koni leading the Lord Resistance Army also claims to be called by God to liberate his People.

Having sought Political Refuge in the UK, I often compared to Islamist fanatics such as suicide bombers who believe that taking lives will take them straight to Heaven.

There are confusions to apply international law or even mention human rights as the world now has to be careful not to offend individuals of a particular group.

In my Country of birth Burundi, we observe that an extremist Group refusing to change the name of his movement and not to mention pointing fingers at the acts of genocide he has been responsible for.

Everytime the FNL - Palipehutu attacked Burundi, Rebels were singing songs of praise (Religious songs) in which they longed for the day they will hold power. For the victims of the many attacks perpetrated by the same movement, it is unthinkable to know that these individuals will be given tomorrow power and control of the Nation.

Comparing the attacks of Terrorists who claim to be of Islam religion, they must have been brainwashed by a small Group of People who think they can impose their way by taking lives.

On the 14th August 2004, FNL led by Burundi Rebel Leader Agathon Rwasa, together with former Rwanda Hutu rebels based in Democratic Republic of Congo, and some Congolese Rebels (likely to be Mai-Mai) crossed into Burundi from DRC killing 150 Refugees Banyamulenge who had fled ethnic cleansing. Soon after, the Movement confirmed they were behind the attacks.

Lord Resistance Army Joseph Koni used the same strategy in Northern Uganda by slaughtering People for years, and they both (Agathon Rwasa and Joseph Koni) request to be given immunity for the crimes they committed.

With human rights laws such groups have been granted immunity from prosecution, disregarding justice for the victims they had traumatised for years.The international community only applies law in some conflicts while they regard other crimes as non important. As long as there is a culture of impunity it will be almost impossible to restore order.