Great Lakes crisis * interference weapons used to slaughter the Tutsis
The massive spontaneous return of Rwandan refugees from Zaire has upset European and North American military strategy for the region. But there is no question of extending humanitarian aid to Rwanda unless the country accepts the stationing of foreign troops as well.
France and other Northern governments are extremely concerned about the effect of this crisis on the Mobutu regime in Zaire. France has troops in the region, ready to help the old dictator re-impose his corrupt regime on this vast, mineral-rich country. Time to act
There are no simple solutions to Rwanda's problems. But here are a few suggestions... • Open the books! We have the right to know the detailed truth about past and present "aid" which has benefited the region's butchers. • The interhamwes and the remains of the Rwandan army should be disarmed. • Those suspected of genocide should be tried, in Rwanda. • No to any foreign military intervention! • Send the necessary humanitarian aid to the refugees, without the imposition of an expeditionary force. • International support for Rwandan efforts to re-insert the refugees. • Cancel the foreign debt of Rwanda and Zaire, and the restrictive elements of their structural adjustment programmes. • Establish an international programme for reparations to the families of the victims of genocide. The Northern governments and multi-lateral institutions which share responsibility for the slaughter should pay compensation to the people of Rwanda. • Support efforts in Zaire to topple the Mobutu regime. Expropriate the Mobutu clan's property abroad, and return these riches to the people of Zaire, from which they were plundered. were plundered. *
January 1997 #284 5
* Great Lakes crisis