When will Africa stop being regarded as a continent whose people are compulsively violent? Have the genocides in Rwanda and the blood diamond trade in Burkina Faso not been enough? As South Africa, we have had our own fair share of unnecessary killings, enough to be considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. The scourge is being further fuelled by some fatalities that are spilling over to SA borders after originating in foreign countries. Recently, the hostile behaviour of the SA and Rwanda governments against each other hasnt been exemplary. Although Rwanda has been independent for longer than South Africa (since 1961), its still more underdeveloped due to its smaller size and lesser resources and should be duly assisted when it comes to economic and social issues. It is still a young democracy, which was tainted by the genocide in 1994, where the Hutu-led government, perpetrated the killing of approximately 1 million people. The current relations between SA and Rwanda are disturbing and the negativity should be averted before it gets out of control. It is up to SA to demonstrate progressive solutions for the people of Rwanda as the odds are stacked against them. The International Criminal Court was established as a result of inaction or dysfunctionality of legal systems in parts of the world, similar to that of Rwanda. SA shouldnt be the motivation for the international community to take notice of any anomalies that might require the Hague court to intervene in any crimes. Having a look at the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, which is filled with the genocide victims remnants, should give evidence of the countrys ailing condition as a result of its history. It is the Department of International Relations responsibility to see to it that this is sorted out without any further delay. We appreciate parliamentarians who actually realise that it is their duty, and not their prerogative, to inform the public on occurrences that affect our country; they are not doing us a favour. Justus de Goede, Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation attempts to save SA from this embarrassment: da.org.za/newsroom.htm?action=view-news-item&id=13524
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 04:04:10 +0000