I wish to start this note by stating that it is not meant to offend the Rwandan opposition nor discourage the pursuit of democracy in Rwanda.  

I share these thoughts with national unity and lasting peace in mind. 

Naturally, it would be naive to think that these are anywhere within reach, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

I will go straight to the point: the Rwandan opposition in exile has, for the past 26 years, tried and failed to make its demands heard. It has launched armed incursions that failed. It has created armed groups that have suffered nothing but losses. Rwandan lives have been lost and continue to be lost for a cause that looks grimmer by the day. 

War is a lost cause in the great lakes region: under regional integration accords, it is in no country’s interest to support wars against the other.

Continuing to advocate for war will only result in more Rwandans killed particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Today, the Rwandan “opposition” armed or unarmed does not have enough leverage to make itself heard by the government it antagonizes.

The Rwandan government will not relent. It will not give in to pressure. It will not be coerced or shamed into talks by an “ opposition” it scorns.

The government of Rwanda has the might and the means to continue this tit for tat that has been going on for the past 26 years. Can the “opposition” afford to do the same?

This appeal for a change of perspective in no way excuses the abuses of power we have been denouncing whether as “opposition” or individually. 

Murder, impunity, silencing of dissent, corruption, muzzling of freedom of speech, and power hoarding are still a very serious problem in Rwanda.

But, it is time to think in terms of peace. Peace is a cheaper and more reasonable solution for us all. Our politicians in exile have not ceased to repeat that peace is their ultimate goal. It is time to practice what they preach and allow for a change in pace.

Kigali will not make the first step beyond the Rwanda Day and Umushyikirano platforms.

Now that the “opposition” fails to even agree when it comes to organizing peaceful manifestations, perhaps it will have the maturity to consider this alternative. 

The Rwandan “opposition “ needs to reorganize in order to make itself heard through the only platform available: Inama y’ Igihugu y’ Umushyikirano.

On July 4th, 1994, Kigali fell to RPF after it won the war it had instigated and although this victory has been a source of loss and unspeakable trauma for many Rwandans, it remains a historical fact to be reckoned with and the victor is still in a position to dictate the political agenda. 

This is not to suggest that RPF’s exiled “opposition” should refrain from challenging its shortcomings, but perhaps it is time for a different approach. 

Organizing the post-1994 exiles along a multitude of political parties has proved to be an embarrassing failure. It has been more antagonizing than problem-solving.

Going forward, it would be best for Rwanda’s exiles to assemble in communities, to elect leaders that would represent their interests and convey their concerns at symposiums such as UMUSHYIKIRANO or Rwanda Day.  

General Kagame is preparing to hand over power to a younger generation and his opposition should follow suit. The system he has built may waver when he leaves but it will certainly not be replaced with a “Bridge” built on thin air nor will it be replaced by a multitude of political parties that fail to agree on the simplest things.

Noble Marara