AT the height of the genocide of 1993/94 in Rwanda that left almost a
million people dead, Tanzania was first-choice getaway destination for
thousands of refugees from the neighbouring country.
Refugee-hosting is not an easy task; it goes with all sorts of risks
and hazards, including destruction of the environment and security
problems. In the midst of the refugees fleeing to our country are
criminal elements who continue their evil ways while here.
Some of the incidents of crime around the refugee 'area of activity'
in parts of Kagera Region have been linked to the 'bad people' among
run-aways from Rwanda and Burundi.
If there is one country in the Great Lakes Region that has suffered
most from the civil unrest in Rwanda, Burundi and DRC, that country is
Tanzania. If there is one country that would most love to see a peaceful
resolution to the conflicts in the region, that country is Tanzania.
It is for the reasons stated above that Tanzania has played a leading
role in the search for peace in the region, the rest of Africa and even
beyond. Within SADC, within ICGLR, within the AU and within the UN,
Tanzania has always advocated for a peaceful resettlement of crises.
It is for the reasons stated above too that Tanzania has played the
role of mediator in a number of countries, in addition to contributing
soldiers to peacekeeping and order restoration missions in such places
as Darfur and The Comoros.
Back to Rwanda. Tanzania and her north-eastern neighbour share a
border, which means a lot, including cultural linkages and cross-border
activities such as trade. For the record, during the colonial era, a
number of people from Rwanda and Burundi crossed to Tanzania in search
of employment where they were amalgamated into our society.
Tanzania is, therefore, very much justified in its desire to see
peace is maintained in Rwanda and Burundi. It is for this reason that
the recent remarks by President Jakaya Kikwete, calling on the
authorities in Kigali to hold peace talks with the Democratic Liberation
Forces of Rwanda (FNLD) to end the war of 17 years are justified and
valid. Why should we then apologise to Rwanda just because our president
had made remarks that call on them to make peace? Funny and strange,
isn't it?
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