Minister Bizimana Critiques UN Experts on DR Congo for Bias and Impartiality

Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana criticized the UN Group of Experts on DR Congo for bias against Rwanda, citing flawed selections and questionable integrity among members. He highlighted specific individuals whose backgrounds raise doubts about their neutrality and called attention to the UN’s ineffectiveness in addressing the FDLR militia issue. As Western nations impose sanctions on Rwanda, Bizimana emphasized the lack of international action against inflammatory rhetoric from Congolese leaders.

Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, criticized the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for perceived bias and lack of impartiality in their reporting. His comments were made during a session that included MPs, government officials, and representatives from various sectors, focusing on the issue of genocidal ideology in the region and methods to combat it.

Minister Bizimana emphasized that despite numerous resolutions by the UN Security Council, African Union, and European Union condemning the FDLR militia for human rights violations, there has been no effective action to disarm the group. He questioned the expertise and credibility of the UN experts, suggesting that their selection process may not be as robust as claimed.

He cited specific examples to illustrate his concerns about the impartiality of certain experts. For instance, Roberto Garreton, who led the UN experts from 1994 to 2001, was mentioned as having a biased perspective that influenced his reports. Bizimana noted that Garreton’s claims about Tutsi ambitions in the Great Lakes Region were questionable and pointed out that former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan had required Rwanda to review Garreton’s reports before their submission to the Security Council.

Another example is provided through Steve Hege, an American expert who served from 2010 to 2013. Bizimana revealed that Hege had established a company related to mineral extraction while still functioning as a UN expert, raising doubts about his ability to remain neutral regarding issues tied to Rwanda’s interests in DR Congo.

Furthermore, the Minister mentioned Bernard Leloup, who was educated in Belgium and had links to a professor known for his animosity towards Rwanda. Bizimana expressed concern over Leloup’s previous statements against President Kagame and questioned his suitability as a UN expert considering these biases.

The Minister’s remarks come amid increasing criticism and sanctions from Western nations towards Rwanda based on allegations of support for the M23 rebel group. Rwanda denies these accusations and highlights concerns regarding the Congolese government’s connections with the FDLR militia, emphasizing the humanitarian plight of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in DR Congo.

Despite ongoing tensions and violent rhetoric against Rwandans by certain Congolese leaders, Minister Bizimana lamented the international community’s lack of action regarding these provocations. He urged a reevaluation of the current situation concerning the UN’s approach to the situation in DR Congo, especially in terms of the expert panel’s credibility and impartiality.

In conclusion, Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana vehemently critiques the UN Group of Experts on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo for alleged partiality and biases. By highlighting the questionable backgrounds and interests of specific experts, he underscores the need for accountability and integrity in the selection of individuals responsible for assessing complex geopolitical issues. As sanctions against Rwanda loom amidst these criticisms, the call for a reevaluation of the international community’s response remains pertinent, especially concerning the implications for regional stability and humanitarian rights.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw