Journalism to promote peaceful relations in EAC member states-Min Muhongayire.

Rwandan Minister in charge of EAC affairs Mrs Muhongayire Jacqueline urged journalists to promote peaceful neighborhoods between EAC states members especially Rwanda and Tanzania. She said that during a live show broadcasteded by Isango and Inkoramutima radio stations that takes place even Sunday  from 9h00AM to 10h00 AM, a show guided by ARJ and Institut Panos -Paris

Being the principal guest in the show, Minister  explained different barriers to full regional integration that,according to her , is based upon four pillars: a common economic zone, monetary union, customer union and a progressive  political integration leading to a one state.

One of the most discussed issues was an economic integration of which a free circulation of people and goods is the milestone.

“Political willingness is manifest as the EAC states members have signed agreements relating to free circulation of EAC citizens in states members for six months an search for legal papers to live in a given country if necessary” responded Mr Muganwa Gonzagua

Responding to Muvunyi Fred question on whether  there significant difference between the former EAC and the current one ,Mr Gonzague Muganwa,a journalist invited in  the show, said that the current EAC is most likely to succeed due to ‘a manifest willingness  of state members to boost the integration’.

Journalist Muvunyi wondered how a lasting and peaceful regional integration can be effective basing on the current serious diplomatic crisis between Rwanda and Tanzania.

Minister Muhongayire assures Rwandan commitment to solve the crisis through dialogue between both countries.

“The EALA (Eastern African Parliament) will discuss about this crisis to find out roots and solution to the crisis” she continued.

For her the real spark to chasing away Rwandans living in Tanzania is the speech President Kikwete that has created tensions between both countries top leaders, something that, according to journalist Muganwa , harms both countries citizens  positive relations.

Rwanda respects human rights of all foreign citizens living in Rwanda as fellow EAC citizens including Tanzanians living in Rwanda added Mrs Muhongayire Jacqueline.

“We recently saw meetings between Presidents Kagame,Kenyatta and Kaguta  to discuss about projects they share in common. Don’t you find this discriminative as Burundi and Tanzania do attend these Summit? asks Solange Ayanone Isango Star Show presenter to Minister Muhongayire.

Minister Muhongayire said that this is among the agreements as countries that share common  economic projects can discuss about them an let others know the resolutions of the summit as an integration members

“So this is not a means to exclude other members of the Community or signs of premature failure of the Integration” underlined the MINEAC manager

Journalists’ coverage of the current crisis between Rwanda and Tanzania, whereby many Rwandan refugees have been chased away in sad circumstances, was part of the debate, Muvunyi criticizing Rwandan journalists about the issue.

Mr Muganwa said that journalists, as any other citizens have a say on the current issues especially the ones that relate to Rwanda.

“When it comes about crisis involving Rwanda,I personally support that Rwandan journalists should support Rwandan government positions about national interests” says Muganwa, something that Minister Muhongayire says should be done carefully so to not blaze relations between both nations.

“I urge journalists, especially from Rwanda to be carefully in the coverage of this crisis because what Rwanda aims at is a peaceful solution to the crisis as a member state of EAC” concluded Minister Muhingayire.

Listeners reacting to the theme stressed their wishes on the establishment of mechanisms to provide both justice and security to Rwandan refugees from Tanzania.

This weekly show endeavors to promote the culture of debate among Rwandans through holding constructive discussions and debates on Radio stations (Isango Star and Inkoramutima) about recent breaking news .It is under the sponsorship of European Union.

NIZEYIMANA Jean Pierre

UM– USEKE.RW