Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana criticized the UN Group of Experts’ reports on DR Congo, alleging bias against Rwanda and questioning the integrity of its experts. He cited several individuals with potential conflicts of interest which could compromise their objectivity. Amid accusations and sanctions against Rwanda, he emphasized the urgency for the international community to address these concerns and support fair assessments.
Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, criticized the UN Group of Experts on DR Congo for bias and partiality. During a session with government officials and representatives, he expressed concerns over the efficacy of UN resolutions aimed at disarming the FDLR militia, noting ongoing human rights violations since 2008.
Bizimana questioned the credibility of UN expert selections, arguing that expertise does not preclude bias. He specifically cited Roberto Garreton, a former leader of the group from 1994 to 2001, alleging that Garreton’s reports reflected a one-sided perspective. According to Bizimana, Garreton suggested that the Tutsi coalition aimed to dominate the Great Lakes Region, which influenced the nature of his findings.
He highlighted how the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan mandated a review process of Garreton’s reports by Rwanda before they went to the UN Security Council. This practice, according to Bizimana, is no longer in place, leading to conclusions that lack objectivity.
Furthermore, he pointed out Steve Hege, who led the UN group from 2010 to 2013, as having conflicts of interest, mentioning a business partnership for mineral extraction established while still serving as an expert. He took issue with how such interests could coexist with unbiased reporting on Rwanda.
Bizimana also referenced Bernard Leloup, noting that Leloup’s academic ties to individuals hostile to Rwanda questioned his neutrality. Specifically, he mentioned Leloup’s connections with Filip Reyntjens, an academic known for his anti-Rwanda sentiments, suggesting that such biases undermine the integrity of UN assessments.
Amidst Western sanctions against Rwanda related to alleged support for the M23 rebel group, Bizimana reaffirmed Rwanda’s position regarding its security concerns about the Congolese government’s ties to FDLR. He criticized the lack of international response to incitements against Congolese Tutsi and reiterated Rwanda’s efforts to clarify its position amid rising tensions.
Minister Bizimana’s critique of the UN Group of Experts on DR Congo highlights concerns over bias in their reports and the implications this has for international decisions. His examples of specific experts with purported conflicts of interest underscore the need for reliable, impartial analysis in conflict situations. As tensions rise in the region, scrutiny of expert selections and their relationships to western powers may be essential to ensure equitable resolutions and accountability.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
