The CEO of the CLADHO, a Rwandan umbrella of human rights organizations, Sekayange Jean Léonard revealed to journalists of the Isango star that after making a field visit to neighboring areas of the Rweru Lake and Akagera river, their investigative activities revealed that there is no tangible proof testifying the claims that the dead bodies spotted in Rweru Lake were of Rwandans.
In the introductory remarks, show presenters reminded that both Rwanda and Burundi denied the allegations according which the dead bodies were of either nation.
As the situation evolved, the USA and EU intensified that pressure on both governments to clearly conduct full investigation on the issue as soon as possible.
Sekayange said that the field visit was made by a joint delegation composed by delegates from Never Again Rwanda, LIPRODOR, CLADHO, among other NGO concerned with human rights and civil society.
The aim of the visit was to hear from the locals what they eye witnessed about the origin of these dead bodies, Sekayange said.
The delegation was intended to collect as much and clear information as possible that would enable us to write a full report to handle to a committee of experts skilled on conducting further investigation on this regard.
The CLADHO representative Sekayange revealed to journalists that Rwandans who responded to the questions (both civilians and officials) said that there is no Rwandan who lost his/her life in the recent times.
Journalist Robert Mugabe claimed that CLADHO made a field work as to back the government’s stand about the case according which the dead bodies were not of Rwandans.
For him, it is unlawful to state that no Rwandans were among the dead ones and add that further investigation is being conducted.
This statement is purely politically motivated, Mugabe said.
Mugabe said it confusing to hear from both countries( Rwanda and Burundi) affirming that there is no dead citizen from either country while Rweru Lake is located in between both nations.
He advocated for the creation of an independent commission well trained in forensic investigation and with adequate means and tools so to make an impartial report on the circumstances that led to the death of the anonymous people.
If need will be, this commission will be backed by the US Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI) agents as to be as successful as possible in the forensic investigation so to reveal the names of the victims and in which circumstances they died.
But the challenge remains on the fact that the dead bodies are buried in Burundi, a situation that does not allow the forensic to be conducted effectively.
Reactions from the listeners focused on the need to reveal the truth about this issue as it involves Rwandans even if further proofs are yet to be presented.
They wished the creation of a joint commission ready to learn more about this issue and provide a clean report .
The show that takes place every Sunday from 2 -3 PM aims at enhancing the spirit of debate on issues that characterized the headlines both at national and at international levels.
It is under the supervision of the Institut Panos Paris and the ARJ with the sponsorship of the European Union and the Embassy of the Netherlands.
UM– USEKE.RW
