The Global Pan African Movement has noted with growing dismay and alarm, the rapidly deteriorating relations between Rwanda and Uganda, again in the Congo. The ugly clouds of war gather apace over the two countries, amidst acrimony, accusation and counter accusation. It is not alarmist to speculate that their proxy war in the DRC may soon give way to direct confrontation across their borders.

We call upon the governments of Rwanda and Uganda, in the name of the African People, to exercise maximum restraint, step back from the precipice, and invest in a peaceful resolution of whatever differences they may have.

The people of both countries, just like the rest of the Great Lakes Region and the entire continent have for far too long suffered and been buffeted by all manner of calamity, crisis and conflict - including genocide and war. They should not be made to suffer the afflictions and trauma of yet another senseless war.

We urge both governments, in their involvement in the Congo, to be guided by the Lusaka Agreement and all other related multi-lateral agreements. The legitimate security concerns of both countries in the Congo must be taken care of. At the same time and most importantly, the fundamental interests and well being of the Congolese people must be respected.

This is not the time to fight one another. It is rather the time to work towards consolidating an East and Central African Political Federation as a building block in our new Africa Union.

The attack on Iraq is dominating the attention of the powers that be internationally while Africa is consumed by its own unjust wars. Friends of Africa should not turn their eyes away . Even if they do they do not owe us a living. We owe it to ourselves and the generations to come. 

Therefore we call upon all the people of the region, in their Churches, mosques, ancestral shrines, Trade unions, Students and Youth groups, Women , professional Associations, business groups, Parliamentarians, political parties, NGOs and civil society organisations to use all the pressures , influence and other leverage they may have on the leadership of both countries to persuade them to 'give peace a chance'.

Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem
General -Secretary
Plot 88b Kira Road, Kamwokya,
PO Box 24590
Kampala, Uganda
Tel:  (41) 530 535
Mobile: 075 653 917
Email: Pawlo@imul.com or Tajudeen28@yahoo.com
 

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