AMAHORO-PEOPLE’S CONGRESS
DECLARATION
004/Vol. II/ 2002: The
Pretoria Accord between Rwanda and the DRC
AMAHORO
People's Congress welcomes the peace agreement signed by Presidents Kabila and
Kagame in Pretoria, South Africa, on July 30th 2002, to end the four-year war
that has devastated the Great Lakes region, and claimed the lives of millions,
civilians and soldiers alike. We consider this accord to be a step in the right
direction, a turning point in the pacification of the Great Lakes Region.
However, AMAHORO People's Congress cautions both Rwanda and the DRC, the
African Union, The SADC, the UN, and the international community at large, that
the lack of clarity in the expected actions leaves the accord open to
interpretation, and as such, renders its implementation difficult, if not
impossible.
Furthermore, the timetable established appears to be unrealistic and rigid.
It is crucial that the negotiators from both countries and the various
facilitators continue to work, in order to fill the remaining gaps in the
agreement. While the accord can be
carried out, provided there is a political will on both sides, we fear that
these gaps will be used as excuses not to live up to the spirit of the accord,
as it has been done in the past.
AMAHORO
People’s Congress reminds the Presidents Kabila and Kagame of their
responsibilities in ensuring not only the security of the people in their
respective countries but also in the Great Lakes region and beyond.
We urge them to spare no effort in seeking peace that our people
desperately need.
We
call upon the International community to seize this opportunity to bring about
peace in the Great Lakes region, by assisting the two countries to implement the
accord reached. Furthermore, we
call on the international community to take needed measures to hold accountable
those who fail to live up their responsibilities, and thereby prolong the
suffering of the people of the Great Lakes region.
AMAHORO People's Congress reiterates its unshakable commitment to dialogue,
and maintains that only through an open and frank debate can a lasting peaceful
resolution to the predicaments facing our countries be found.
As
the peaceful Rwandan opposition, we call on the Kigali regime to allow people in
Rwanda to freely express their opinions without being persecuted, and have a say
in the process of taking decisions that affect their livelihood. Such freedom
encourages healthy debates, which in turn leads to sound decisions.
Had such debates taken place four years ago, this war would not have
been. Unless they take place today,
this war will not end.
Jeff
Nsengimana
Vice President
Portland, Oregon
July 30th 2002