WRITTEN QUESTION E-3489/98

by Carlos Robles Piquer (PPE) to the Commission

(25 November 1998)

Subject: Formation of the "African Democratic Congress" in Lausanne

On 25 September 1998 it was announced that the "African Democratic Congress", apparently comprising three Rwandan political groupings or parties, had been formed in Lausanne, Switzerland. The most prominent signatory is former defence minister James Gasana, forced to flee Rwanda in 1993. The published manifesto condemns the crimes perpetrated by both Hutu and Tutsi extremists in equal measure and advocates a free, democratic and non-racial Rwanda which forms part of an "African integration movement".

At the same time, reports are emerging of the terrible plight of the Sud-Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in particular of its chief town, Bukavu. Hutu militia belonging to "interhamwe" groups have begun operations against the relatively firm control of the Rwandan and Ugandan militaries, whose unpaid soldiers are making their living from looting. There is growing public hostility towards the US and scepticism vis-à-vis the European Union.

Will the Commission provide a full account of the aforementioned facts, comment upon them, enlarge upon them or correct them?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(11 December 1998)

The current government of Rwanda results from the 1998 Arusha Agreements, which provided for the establishment of a Government of National Unity with the representation of several political parties. At the same time these agreements do not permit certain political activities.

It is clear that the current situation in Rwanda reflects a transition period and that all Rwandese must participate in the debate on the future of the country. The Commission therefore welcomes any initiative to encourage such a debate and hopes that a genuine constructive dialogue will develop among all Rwandese both inside and outside the country. However, the "African Democratic Congress" declaration of 25 September 1998 leaves some doubt as to the founders' intentions of seeking political solutions, given the call to "struggle against the dictatorship in power in Rwanda". The Commission is aware of the need for further progress towards democracy in Rwanda, but this must take place through dialogue. Incitement to armed struggle can only exacerbate conflict and ethnic and political polarisation and lead to further humanitarian disasters.

The Commission must unfortunately confirm the situation described by the Honourable Member and shares his concern about the worrying developments in the situation in Kivu. While the Commission is aware that the keys to solving the conflict are in the hands of the African people themselves, it is contributing to efforts to create the conditions for a negotiation and dialogue - both within and outside the country - that could lead to lasting peace in the Great Lakes/Central African region.

The Commission remains willing to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Kivu and assist in setting up the structures necessary for establishing the rule of law as soon as the situation in the country permits it. Initiatives are also under way to study the possibility of bringing humanitarian aid to the sections of the population seriously affected by this conflict, one which looks set to continue.