Kagame, Bashir: Birds of the same feather…
"In fact it is too late. I don't know why I didn't invite him for my inauguration…" Those were the words Kagame used, while responding to a question as to why he didn't invite Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir for his inauguration ceremony last month. For those who know a thing about African politics, it was a real surprise to see Gen. Bashir missing, as all other African despots especially from west and central Africa were in Kigali, albeit for an MDG meeting at the time.
Apparently, Kagame and Bashir have a lot in common that I think the latter should have been the chief guest in Kigali when Kagame was crowned. The two are army generals who seized power through the gun, established ruthless military governments in their respective countries and are among the world's worst dictators; they both feature on 'Foreign Policy's list detailing the 23 'worst of the worst dictators' released recently. Simply put, both enjoy a comfortable rating on the list of African dictators.
But that's not all; the two are targets of international criminal justice, carrying indictments, with Bashir's immunity even lifted for his human rights excesses in the western Darfur region of the Sudan. Kagame is still 'safe', but that has not deterred peace and human rights activists from pointing out his excesses including leading an army that murdered civilians both in Rwanda and DRC. Not surprising therefore, the two are 'enemies' of the International Criminal
Court (ICC) and other international justice instruments and, as the investigations about genocide committed against the Hutu in DRC continue, it is likely that Kagame may find himself in Bashir's situation (immunity lifted), thereby sealing their commonalities.
It is important to note that much as the ICC may not be independent, it remains the best choice of for seeking redress for international crimes committed by thoughtless leaders that are responsible for the human rights violations in Rwanda, the DRC and the Sudan.
So, for Kagame to deny in a recent interview that Rwanda's policy on the Hague-based court was not informed by the indictments against President Bashir and his officers, but by the 'whole background and concept of ICC', is preposterous.
And only a handful if any can believe his words! As a matter of fact, even when Kagame's officers were indicted, he was never heard criticizing the ICC or any other international justice instrument, so why the sudden change of heart? It is the inevitable realization that just like Bashir, the noose befitting those who abuse human rights is also tightening around Kagame's neck. And fast!
Interestingly, despite all allegations against the two, Kagame still has the audacity to hoodwink the world with the 'never again' slogan against genocide, claiming that that is what African leaders stand for today. But his hobnobbing with Bashir, an indicted genocidaire is all but telling.
So, his apparent recalcitrance when asked why he didn't invite Bashir should not be taken as a joke; the two are now good bedfellows, share ideals, and are 'true African leaders'.
On the contrary however, his apparent sarcasm while responding to the invitation question should not bluff anyone because it is common knowledge that Kagame depends on the US for political survival, which means he didn't want to infuriate Uncle Sam by extending an invitation to al-Bashir, a figure of questionable popularity in the corridors of power in Washington.
But, knowing African leaders and God willing if both men are still alive, come 2017 Kagame will certainly invite Bashir because they will still be in power, afraid of stepping down for fear of the attendant repercussions, administered by global instruments of justice and executed by organizations like the ICC. Indeed, Kagame and Bashir represent pure impunity, which makes them birds of a feather…
The writer is the Managing Editor, The Newsline
E-mail: charlesk@newslineea.com
Tel: (+256) 788 053249
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