His Excellency Mr. António Guterres
United Nations Secretary-General
United Nations Headquarters
405 East 42nd Street
New York, NY, 10017
Dear Mr. Secretary-General:
We, writers, artists, journalists, lawyers, researchers, civil society members, Genocide survivors, and university professors from Africa, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia unite our voices to respectfully urge the United Nations not to repeat the tragic error of judgement as it did during the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994. From the grave ongoing events in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which have their roots in history, a single narrative emerges that condones the exclusion of the Tutsis from the Congolese community, as well as the real risk of their extermination as is being openly advocated for by certain Congolese political players. This present conflict, as abominable as it is, cannot be reduced to a single cause. Rather, it is the result of an explosive and complex mix of political, social, and economic tensions that have gradually crystallized into an identity crisis and armed conflict.
It is therefore imperative to obtain an immediate ceasefire to preserve human lives and pave the way for a political solution. The best way to achieve this goal is certainly not to fixate on the risk of fragmentation of the DRC, and on the particularly simplistic accusation that Rwanda is supporting the M23 for the sole purpose of exploiting natural resources in DRC. This misguided interpretation, widely relayed by the media, ignores the atrocities being committed in broad daylight against Congolese Tutsis who are killed, mutilated, and sometimes devoured by their executioners. Such a single interpretation reinforces exclusion, exacerbates tensions, and fuels hate speech.
We hereby invite you to give priority to finding a lasting solution that addresses the root causes of this conflict. In our view, this is the best way to ensure stability of the Great Lakes region, and the security and well-being of millions of men and women who want nothing more than the right to live in peace. Lire Plus…