Pages

Thursday, 31 January 2013

SYFIA GRANDS LACS : Rwanda : Faible et divisée, la société civile est l'alliée du pouvoir

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Gerard Semushi Karangwa <karangwasemushi_gerard@yahoo.fr>
To: "rwanda-l@yahoogroups.com" <rwanda-l@yahoogroups.com>; "rwandanet@yahoogroups.com" <rwandanet@yahoogroups.com>; "democracy_human_rights@yahoogroupes.fr" <democracy_human_rights@yahoogroupes.fr>
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 8:22 AM
Subject: *DHR* SYFIA GRANDS LACS : Rwanda : Faible et divisée, la société civile est l'alliée du pouvoir

 



31-01-2013

Rwanda : Faible et divisée, la société civile est l'alliée du pouvoir

Une grande partie des organisations de la société civile rwandaise préfère être proches du pouvoir pour pouvoir survivre sans risques. Les autres, régulièrement combattues, ont du mal à faire entendre leur voix.
Au Rwanda, une partie de la société civile soutient le gouvernement en toutes circonstances. Début novembre 2012, quatre églises chrétiennes et l'association des Musulmans du Rwanda ont adressé une lettre au secrétaire général des Nations unies protestant contre le rapport du groupe d'experts onusiens accusant le Rwanda de soutenir le mouvement rebelle congolais dit M23. Elles remettent en question "l'intégrité de ces experts, la méthodologie employée et les conclusions de ces rapports basées sur des preuves insuffisantes" et tentent d'expliquer que les preuves d'implication du Rwanda ne sont pas entièrement fondées. En décembre dernier, la plateforme de la société civile s'est empressée de donner son avis sur la suspension des aides étrangères au gouvernement rwandais. L'organisation a condamné cette décision, brandissant qu'elle était basée sur les allégations non fondées. 
Au moment où une partie de la société civile est active et multiplie les déclarations de soutien au gouvernement, l'autre se contente de regretter que ses opinions ne soient pas prises en considération et dénonce, sans effet, les difficultés d'obtenir des documents administratifs pour pouvoir fonctionner.
Pour Épimaque Okwoko, secrétaire exécutif de la Ligue des droits de la personne dans la région des Grands lacs (LDGL), collectif régional basé à Kigali, "La société civile doit servir de contre-pouvoir pour éclairer les décideurs politiques. Ce qui la fragilise, c'est surtout le fait de toujours suivre ce que dit le gouvernement." "C'est ainsi, ajoute-t-il que celui qui ose donner un avis contradictoire est pris pour un opposant politique. Par peur de subir ce que subissent les opposants, on décide de se taire ou d'être partisan. 
Pour bon nombre de Rwandais, la société civile n'est autre qu'une caisse de résonnance du gouvernement. "Elle n'a pas de poids pour négocier avec le gouvernement. Ses plaidoyers ne changent rien aux décisions des autorités alors qu'elle devrait être la voix des sans voix", remarque un villageois de Gasabo. 

Peur de la solidarité
Au cours des deux dernières années, les secrétaires exécutifs de la ligue rwandaise pour la promotion et la défense des droits de l'homme (Liprodhor) et de la LDGL ont pris le chemin de l'exil. D'après leurs proches, ils ont quitté le pays car d'autres membres de la société civile les qualifiaient d'"ennemis du pays" suite à leurs prises de position sur les violations des droits de l'homme. 
"La solidarité au sein des organisations de la société civile laisse à désirer", note un journaliste de Kigali. Lors de l'élaboration du rapport de la société civile en marge de l'examen périodique universel du Rwanda en 2011, les organisations se sont désolidarisées. Certains ne voulaient pas ternir l'image du pays en dénonçant des violations des droits de l'homme commises par le pouvoir. "Lorsque les autorités s'en prennent au fonctionnement d'une organisation, les autres condamnent l'accusée au lieu d'apporter leur soutien", témoigne un membre de la LIPRODHOR. Pour Édouard Munyamariza, porte-parole de la plateforme de la société civile, la voix de la société civile se fait bien entendre : les plaidoyers sur la décentralisation du budget alloué à l'agriculture, sur la collecte des cotisations de la mutuelle de santé, ont été pris en considération par le gouvernement.
Lors de la célébration de la journée de la paix et de la démocratie mi-septembre 2012, le président du sénat, le docteur Jean Damascène Ntawukuriryayo, avait expliqué aux membres de la société civile qu'il "ne leur manque pas d'espace d'expression, mais de compétences pour exploiter les droits qu'ils ont". 

Encadré
Les Ong strictement encadrées 

Les autorités rwandaises encadrent de près le travail des Ong. La loi de février 2012 oblige toute Ong, qui veut se faire agréer, à fournir, chaque année, son plan d'action, son budget et ses sources de financement. Le gouvernement exige aussi que les actions de ces organisations s'inscrivent dans les plans de développement national et des districts. Mais, même si toutes les conditions sont respectées, certaines demandes peuvent être rejetées quand l'autorité juge avoir des preuves convaincantes que l'organisation requérante peut compromettre la sécurité, l'ordre public, la santé, la morale et les droits de la personne. "Ainsi certaines Ong "suspectes" passent de longs mois à chercher ces documents", constate un activiste des droits de l'homme de Kigali. Pour lui, "le pouvoir multiplie des tracasseries aux Ong pour les maintenir sous pression". 
En novembre 2011, le district de Nyarugenge a fermé les bureaux de la Liprodhor en application de la décision de la ville de faire respecter le plan directeur de l'urbanisation, avançant que sa maison qui l'hébergeait était dans un site résidentiel et non dans des logements destinés à être bureaux. "L'organisation est vouée à la disparition, car la location du bureau est très chère", note un activiste des droits de l'homme de Kigali qui ajoute que "compliquer le travail des Ong, ne pas leur faciliter l'obtention de documents administratifs pour chercher des fonds affaiblit la société civile. C'est un frein au développement du pays, dont la société civile est un acteur incontournable". Avis partagé par le secrétaire exécutif de la LDGL pour qui le processus d'enregistrement des Ong fait sentir le poids et le contrôle du gouvernement. "Celle qui n'accepte pas de s'allier au pouvoir risque de ne pas obtenir les documents administratifs reconnaissant son existence et d'être qualifiée de hors la loi". 
Albert-Baudoin Twizeyimana
__._,_.___
Activités récentes:
http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/Democracy_Human_Rights

Maître Innocent  TWAGIRAMUNGU
DHR FOUNDER&OWNER
Tél.mobile: 0032- 495 48 29 21


UT UNUM SINT

"L'extrémisme dans la défense de la liberté n'est pas un vice; La modération dans la poursuite de la justice n'est pas une vertu".

"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice; moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." (USA,Republican Convention 1964,Barry Morris Goldwater (1909-1998)).

"Le monde ne sera pas détruit par ceux qui font le mal mais par ceux qui regardent et refusent d'agir", Albert EINSTEIN.

Les messages publiés sur DHR n'engagent que la responsabilité de leurs auteurs.

CONSIDERATION, TOLERANCE, PATIENCE AND MUTUAL RESPECT towards the reinforcement of GOOD GOVERNANCE,DEMOCRACY and HUMAN RIGHTS in our states.

Liability and Responsibility: You are legally responsible, and solely responsible, for any content that you post to DHR. You may only post materials that you have the right or permission to distribute electronically. The owner of DHR cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of any statements made in or materials posted to the group by participants.

" BE NICE TO PEOPLE ON YOUR WAY UP, BECAUSE YOU MIGHT MEET THEM ON YOUR WAY DOWN." Jimmy DURANTE.

COMBATTONS la haine SANS complaisance, PARTOUT et avec Toute ENERGIE!!!!!!
Let's  rather prefer Peace, Love , Hope and Life, and get together as one!!! Inno TWAGIRA
.

__,_._,___


2013 World Press Freedom Index: Rwanda falls 5 places


2013 World Press Freedom Index: Rwanda falls 5 places

 
Jan 31st, 2013 | By  | Category: Top news
In its World Press Freedom Index that was released this Wednesday, January 30th 2013, Reporters without Borders (RSF) classified Rwanda, governed by Paul Kagame, among the group of 'Africa's predatory censors'. The country has sunk 5 places compared to the years 2011-2012 and is now on the 161st place out of 179.
The association also lists Paul Kagame next to other African heads of state such as those of Eritrea, Djibouti and Swaziland, describing them as 'members of an exclusive club of authoritarian African leaders, some eccentric others stern, who hold their countries in an iron grasp and keep a firm grip on news and information.'
According to RSF, in countries governed by these leaders, 'media pluralism has been whittled away and criticism of the head of state discouraged.'
Burundi fell slightly, ranking 132nd compared to 130th on the last index. RSF states that 'summonses of journalists declined but the case of Hassan Ruvakuki, given a life sentence reduced to three years on appeal, has created an atmosphere of fear among the media.'
In the Great Lakes Region, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country to have progressed on the Index. It is now on the 142nd place, 3 places above last year.
Finland, The Netherland and Norway still dominate the top-three of the Index. Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea are at the bottom of the list as 'dictatorial countries' with the least press freedom.
Ruhumuza Mbonyumutwa
Translated from French by Jane Nishimwe

2013 World Press Freedom Index: Rwanda falls 5 places


2013 World Press Freedom Index: Rwanda falls 5 places

 
Jan 31st, 2013 | By  | Category: Top news
In its World Press Freedom Index that was released this Wednesday, January 30th 2013, Reporters without Borders (RSF) classified Rwanda, governed by Paul Kagame, among the group of 'Africa's predatory censors'. The country has sunk 5 places compared to the years 2011-2012 and is now on the 161st place out of 179.
The association also lists Paul Kagame next to other African heads of state such as those of Eritrea, Djibouti and Swaziland, describing them as 'members of an exclusive club of authoritarian African leaders, some eccentric others stern, who hold their countries in an iron grasp and keep a firm grip on news and information.'
According to RSF, in countries governed by these leaders, 'media pluralism has been whittled away and criticism of the head of state discouraged.'
Burundi fell slightly, ranking 132nd compared to 130th on the last index. RSF states that 'summonses of journalists declined but the case of Hassan Ruvakuki, given a life sentence reduced to three years on appeal, has created an atmosphere of fear among the media.'
In the Great Lakes Region, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country to have progressed on the Index. It is now on the 142nd place, 3 places above last year.
Finland, The Netherland and Norway still dominate the top-three of the Index. Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea are at the bottom of the list as 'dictatorial countries' with the least press freedom.
Ruhumuza Mbonyumutwa
Translated from French by Jane Nishimwe

Why Kagame will not discuss third term, at least not now


Why Kagame will not discuss third term, at least not now

The east african news
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has declined to be dragged into a debate that is gaining currency in the country on whether he should extend his rule into a third term.
kagame third term
At a press conference last week, President Kagame, whose final term expires in 2017 as per the Constitution, said it was not yet the right time to discuss the possibility of a third term in office, preferring to postpone such talk "until that time comes."
"That shouldn't be a problem at the moment. I cross the bridge when I get there," he said.
In the past, Kagame has stated openly he is not interested in another term in office. Of the current East African heads of state, Kagame has the longest time left to the end of his tenure.
The question at the press conference marked the third time in a week that the president was being asked if he would allow a constitutional amendment to allow him a third term in office.
"The idea should be put aside [to allow us to] attend to more pressing issues facing citizens at the moment. Of all challenges we have been through, I don't think this would be the hardest to overcome. I actually desist from taking part in these debates because they tend to divert people's attention from what they have been doing. Time for that will come, why don't we then hold this discussion until the right time comes?" President Kagame told journalists.
Shortly after being re-elected in 2010, President Kagame had ruled out a possibility of his seeking another term after his term expires in 2017 but at the end of 2011, he observed that he has "no problem with people making calls for constitutional change."
The remarks, made at a press conference in Kampala in December 2011, triggered reactions, with observers saying that the Rwandan leader wouldn't mind another term in office.
Kagame later said that he was not interested in a third term. He rebuked Minister of Internal Affairs Musa Fazil Halerimana who ignited the debate during the 9th National Dialogue.
Since then, the issue of the third term has been a no-go area within the Rwanda Patriotic Front hierarchy. A Member of Parliament from the RPF who spoke to The EastAfrican on condition of anonymity said the topic was "considered among the sensitive " and one that had been put to rest.
"The party does not want to divert attention from other things to the issue of constitutional amendment. There are guidelines that any discussion on such is suspended," the MP said.
Within ruling party echelons, the issue of a third term for President Kagame, who is the chair of the party, has not been tabled. It is a well-kept secret according to the insider.
Efforts to reach the party vice chairman Christopher Bazivamo, party secretary general Francois Ngaramber proved futile as our calls went unanswered.
However, in an earlier interview with The EastAfrican, Senator Tito Rutaremara, one of the key members and founders of RPF, said the party was not short of possible replacements for President Kagame were he to step down at the end of his term.
"We have been nurturing young and energetic leaders who are ready to take over from us who are retiring soon. There is no vacuum within the RPF leadership," the elderly politician said.
In an interview, MP Abbas Mukama said at the end of the day what would matter was the voice of Rwandans.
"I don't think even President Kagame can decide whether he can have a third term. If the citizens make a call to him to continuefrom where he stopped, he cannot turn down the request of the people," the vocal MP, who is also a proponent of the third term, said.
"There are two things; there is his position as a person and a proposal of the people. If they feel like he has done well in the first two terms, they can decide to increase his mandate," Mr Mukama said.
The legislator, who is a member of Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), said the people had reasons to demand a third term, mainly because President Kagame has been behind the country's turnaround and brought about peace and stability as well as economic prosperity.
"Power belongs to the people. We fronted the idea as a party. You would say it is still early but if people want to speak early, so be it. If the calls persist, parliament will have no option but to call for a referendum on the issue. It is their right," the vocal MP said.
Christine Mukabunani, the head of the breakaway opposition party PS Imberakuri, said that, despite delivering a lot during his two terms, President Kagame would leave behind an even much bigger legacy if he honoured the Constitution.
"I think he has also said it in the past. There should be no reason to change the Constitution. I think he can serve in other capacities after his mandate ends rather than allow a constitutional change," Ms Mukabunani, who is also the spokesperson of the Political Parties Forum, said.

Why Kagame will not discuss third term, at least not now


Why Kagame will not discuss third term, at least not now

The east african news
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has declined to be dragged into a debate that is gaining currency in the country on whether he should extend his rule into a third term.
kagame third term
At a press conference last week, President Kagame, whose final term expires in 2017 as per the Constitution, said it was not yet the right time to discuss the possibility of a third term in office, preferring to postpone such talk "until that time comes."
"That shouldn't be a problem at the moment. I cross the bridge when I get there," he said.
In the past, Kagame has stated openly he is not interested in another term in office. Of the current East African heads of state, Kagame has the longest time left to the end of his tenure.
The question at the press conference marked the third time in a week that the president was being asked if he would allow a constitutional amendment to allow him a third term in office.
"The idea should be put aside [to allow us to] attend to more pressing issues facing citizens at the moment. Of all challenges we have been through, I don't think this would be the hardest to overcome. I actually desist from taking part in these debates because they tend to divert people's attention from what they have been doing. Time for that will come, why don't we then hold this discussion until the right time comes?" President Kagame told journalists.
Shortly after being re-elected in 2010, President Kagame had ruled out a possibility of his seeking another term after his term expires in 2017 but at the end of 2011, he observed that he has "no problem with people making calls for constitutional change."
The remarks, made at a press conference in Kampala in December 2011, triggered reactions, with observers saying that the Rwandan leader wouldn't mind another term in office.
Kagame later said that he was not interested in a third term. He rebuked Minister of Internal Affairs Musa Fazil Halerimana who ignited the debate during the 9th National Dialogue.
Since then, the issue of the third term has been a no-go area within the Rwanda Patriotic Front hierarchy. A Member of Parliament from the RPF who spoke to The EastAfrican on condition of anonymity said the topic was "considered among the sensitive " and one that had been put to rest.
"The party does not want to divert attention from other things to the issue of constitutional amendment. There are guidelines that any discussion on such is suspended," the MP said.
Within ruling party echelons, the issue of a third term for President Kagame, who is the chair of the party, has not been tabled. It is a well-kept secret according to the insider.
Efforts to reach the party vice chairman Christopher Bazivamo, party secretary general Francois Ngaramber proved futile as our calls went unanswered.
However, in an earlier interview with The EastAfrican, Senator Tito Rutaremara, one of the key members and founders of RPF, said the party was not short of possible replacements for President Kagame were he to step down at the end of his term.
"We have been nurturing young and energetic leaders who are ready to take over from us who are retiring soon. There is no vacuum within the RPF leadership," the elderly politician said.
In an interview, MP Abbas Mukama said at the end of the day what would matter was the voice of Rwandans.
"I don't think even President Kagame can decide whether he can have a third term. If the citizens make a call to him to continuefrom where he stopped, he cannot turn down the request of the people," the vocal MP, who is also a proponent of the third term, said.
"There are two things; there is his position as a person and a proposal of the people. If they feel like he has done well in the first two terms, they can decide to increase his mandate," Mr Mukama said.
The legislator, who is a member of Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), said the people had reasons to demand a third term, mainly because President Kagame has been behind the country's turnaround and brought about peace and stability as well as economic prosperity.
"Power belongs to the people. We fronted the idea as a party. You would say it is still early but if people want to speak early, so be it. If the calls persist, parliament will have no option but to call for a referendum on the issue. It is their right," the vocal MP said.
Christine Mukabunani, the head of the breakaway opposition party PS Imberakuri, said that, despite delivering a lot during his two terms, President Kagame would leave behind an even much bigger legacy if he honoured the Constitution.
"I think he has also said it in the past. There should be no reason to change the Constitution. I think he can serve in other capacities after his mandate ends rather than allow a constitutional change," Ms Mukabunani, who is also the spokesperson of the Political Parties Forum, said.

-“The root cause of the Rwandan tragedy of 1994 is the long and past historical ethnic dominance of one minority ethnic group to the other majority ethnic group. Ignoring this reality is giving a black cheque for the Rwandan people’s future and deepening resentment, hostility and hatred between the two groups.”

-« Ce dont j’ai le plus peur, c’est des gens qui croient que, du jour au lendemain, on peut prendre une société, lui tordre le cou et en faire une autre ».

-“The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.”

-“I have loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore I die in exile.

-“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”

READ MORE RECENT NEWS AND OPINIONS

Popular Posts

WebMD Health Channel - Sex & Relationships

Love Lectures

How We Made It In Africa – Insight into business in Africa

David DeAngelo - Dating Questions For Men

Christian Carter - Dating Questions For Women

Women - The Huffington Post

Recent Articles About Effective Communication Skills and Self Development