UN "Humanitarian Aid" In Rwanda
This Frontline / American Radio Works radio story on Rwanda contains some new-to-me accusations about UN sanctioned malfeasance (and attendant coverup) in Rwanda.
The UN Betrayal800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus perished in Rwanda's genocide. It's been more than 10 years since the slaughter and there's much unfinished business. One case involves Callixte Mbarushimana. The charges against him are shocking, even in the context of the horrors that engulfed Rwanda. Mbarushimana worked for the United Nations there. He's accused of lending UN resources to the mass killing and even murdering co-workers.Yet another example of quality humanitarian work from everyone's favorite quasi-government, the UN. Sigh. Poor Rwanda.
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One final note on this story. Callixte Mbarushimana is suing the United Nations for back pay, reinstatement and damages. A UN advisory board has recommended that Mbarushimana receive back pay. But the matter is currently pending before the UN Administrative Tribunal.
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In 2001, Callixte Mbarushimana was discovered still working for the UN... in Kosovo. Prompted by newspaper reports, the UN detained Mbarushimana and a complex legal battle followed. In the end, a Kosovo court rejected an extradition request from the Rwandan government. Mbarushimana was released and eventually moved to France. The story seemed to end there. But hidden from the public, the UN war crimes tribunal for Rwanda launched a secret investigation of Mbarushimana in May 2001.
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This past spring the Rwandan government added Callixte Mbarushimana to its list of top genocide suspects living outside the country. Rwandan officials say they are discussing the case with authorities in France and will likely press for his extradition. But relations between Rwanda and France are poor. Meanwhile, a ruling from the United Nations Administrative Tribunal is expected in the coming weeks.
UPDATE: While you're at it, read this excellent Frontline interview with Canadian General Romeo Dallaire, head of the UN Military force in Rwanda.
Comments
Let's see whether USA will do any better this time, UN or no UN.
H.Con.Res.467 adopted by 422 votes in the House on July 22 says that Congress, in particular, "urges the Administration to seriously consider multilateral or even unilateral intervention to stop genocide in Darfur, Sudan, should the United Nations Security Council fail to act".
However... talking is one thing, but the general mood is "we are really tired right now", I am afraid...
Posted by: Mishka | August 10, 2004 08:42 PM
I agree, the US shares a lot of responsibility for what happened in Rwanda. I fear we are not going to do any better this time in Sudan. :/
People mistake my distaste for the UN as hyper-patriotism.. but in the end I will stand behind whomever is willing to do the hard, dirty work requird to keep thugs from raising armies to slaughter.
Le sigh.
=darwin
Posted by: Darwin | August 11, 2004 11:41 AM