It’s time to end this rebel nuisance

Rwandan and DRC officials say their joint offensive will last between 10 and 15 days. However, the two countries should extend the offensive against all similar groups in the region.

Reports of progress against the LRA remain scanty. In fact, Ugandan legislators are grumbling and want information and detailed financial implications. That’s because Uganda is the leading partner in the offensive.

To Uganda, the LRA is currently not even a nuisance. The rebels, however, cannot be allowed to regroup, not after Mr Kony’s refusal to sign a peace agreement.

Some people might argue the offensives set a precedent of potential stifling of dissent. These arguments are invalid.

Both the DRC and Uganda have enticed Mr Nkunda’s and Mr Kony’s outfits with enough carrots to constipate. It’s time for big sticks.

As for the extremist Hutus, any group that seeks to exterminate another on ethnic, religious or racial grounds, deserves liquidation.
Personal views

It shouldn’t be forgotten though that some regional leaders bear responsibility for continued existence of these groups. This is especially so for Mr Kabila and Mr Kagame.

They would have solved the extremist Hutu and Gen Nkunda problem some time back, were it not for their distaste of each other. That’s turning personal views and opinions into state policy, a dud.

(cmbitiru@hotmail.com)