It’s slightly a better experience for our colleagues in Arab-Africa say, in Libya, Egypt Morocco and others as at least basic facilities like health services, shelter and food are to a larger extent realized by the majority of the population. That’s why I stick my issues with sub-Saharan Africa.

The recent arrest of the Rwandan envoy in Germany is indeed a big test for Africa and South Africa in particular. I have been to South Africa and I strongly believe that it can redeem its poor “siblings” of the constant problems that don’t seem to go tomorrow if it really desires. Because it has the capacity, wherewithal and ability to do so.

This arrest of Ms Rose Kabuye should open up questions within as to, who is Africa’s ally? Who is its enemy? Can we influence policies as a bloc like the EU? Say demonstrate in front of their missions? Or refuse to use their products?

And one should surely wonder why is France digging up old wounds yet it is surely known and understandable to many that the French government of the day had a strong hand in this vice (GENOCIDE). I’m not saying that the current regime in Kigali is totally innocent, but to me His Excellency Paul Kagame and his government are making Rwanda and its citizens realize that with a fair government in place, one can get adequate and quality health services, education, clean water, clean environment and a nearly corrupt free regime. So why is France going on a government like that yet it knows that the quality of life there now is indeed better than before? Genocide acts are unspeakable but I believe that reconciliation and forward movement are very basic factors in human life today (South Africa after apartheid).

As a Ugandan who was part of the exodus that flocked Rwanda after the genocide to look for work, I experienced first hand information and experience from the locals on how the French troops were strongly on the government side then. And indeed there are other stories from the same locals pinning the current regime in Kigali of some atrocities. But let’s face reality, the current regime in Kigali is doing far better than its mentors like Uganda my home country, and other African countries. So why the fuss from France?

To me this arrest that comes at a time when toothless and poor locals are dying in the DR Congo simply because the EU and the US are bent on stagnating other investments from countries like China who are indeed their economic and ideological rivals, leaves a lot to be desired?

Lessons

Africa is a rich and well endowed continent awash with vast minerals. And this will continue to attract super power scramble and partition unless it unites and take charge of its resources for its citizens’ use. I mean why wait for China to invest in DR Congo yet it is the reason that attracts its economical and ideological opponents to back rebels and only turn around to give “humanitarian” gifts for press purposes?

South Africa has the technology and the wherewithal to be the continent’s lean on peg within the mining sector. If indeed Rwanda which the French are seeking after can mobilize local resources and exploit its methane gas in Lake Kivu, what wouldn’t regional governments do, if they went beyond meetings, treaties, conferences, commissions of inquiries which yield nothing, protocols and so on?

Congolese resources should be applied to bring income and prosperity for the citizens and the region but not rebellions, poverty, disease (like cholera in DR Congo now). It is time Africa rallies in unity and act in protection of its citizens. Actions such as arrests of African government officials and official duty, simply shows that Africa’s future lies within Africans.