Freedom of Expressions Applies to All Sides

A few months ago, I became aware of the political situation in Rwanda and joined a couple of pages on an online social site in hopes of learning more. Undiscriminating, I joined a page named after, and supporting, current Rwandan president Gen. Paul Kagame, and another one for the opposition leader, Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza, leader of the FDU-Inkingi political party based primarily in exile. Through several discussions with other participants, I came to see the passions these people, especially the young men and women, have for what happens in their country. Some even talked about their willingness to pick up arms, should need arise, and fight for what they perceive to be their way of right.

I agreed with some, and I disagreed with others, without taking any one side besides the truthful side, but all in all I was impressed. Over time, some participants began to change their views towards the middle; their shift from radical beliefs to more conciliatory ones reflecting a sense of maturity that a country like Rwanda needs in order to move on from the wounds of the past.

One of the topics we tackled was that of freedom of expression...the ability to speak your mind and bring your ideas to the table without fear of persecution. In Rwanda, two tabloids were first suspended, then outrightly outlawed because of their criticism of the government; the president mentioned journalists' meeting of exiled former military leaders whom it accuses of terrorism and some took this to be a warning against them; There is talk of imprisonment and harassment of journalists with some going in hiding or exile; and Rwanda has been listed as one of the states where freedom of press is heavily hampered by authorities.

Our discussions varied with some supporting the government and others accusing it of heavy-handedness and authoritarianism. But, one thing that became apparent was that censuring of who said what and what they said was wrong. Several outspoken supporters of the current regime were banned from the Ingabire page, and they complained about in as much as supporters of the two tabloids did when the government announced their suspension.

A number of supporters of Ingabire cried afoul of the banishment of anyone from the group when all they are accused of is speaking their mind. Around that time, I paused a question on April 18, 2010 on Ingabire's group page asking whether that page was managed by her or someone delegated by her to that duty. My question was not answered but I was encouraged to ask whatever question I had in the discussions section. I posted my question that same day and it went as such:

"What is Ingabire and the FDU-Inkingi doing to reach out to those who might feel threatened by her ethnicity and what is perceived to be her views?"

Up to this day, no one has answered my question. I even sent an email to an FDU-Inkingi asking that same question and no one has replied yet. I understand times have been tough with her arrest and arraignment on extremely serious charges, but we, as ordinary Rwandans, also have questions that, if answered, can help us cement our support for her. However, beyond just standing up to the RPF-government, she has to show that she will not replace one form of system for a similar system just for change's sake.
Which brings me to another of my questions: If Ingabire, or her supporters, is intolerant of other's freedom to express their views, what makes us think she, or they, will not do so once in power in Kigali?

If the group is not affiliated with her, her representatives should be wary of someone turning potential supporters into critics.  To those who feel threatened and who feel they have sufficient reason to feel that way, this type of action only adds to their suspicion and mistrust. If we accuse the Kigali government of oppression, we have to make sure we are not committing the same offenses we are accusing it of. Otherwise, it's the proverbial name-calling between the pot and the kettle.

I call that those banned from the group for voicing their views be allowed back in and encouraged to debate in order to reach a middle ground that is beneficial to Rwanda in general without alienating some among our midst, no matter how different and infuriating their views might be. The exception, of course, is if their speech is illegal and exhibits threats against others.

The only way to live together as Rwandans is through dialog. We talk, we listen, we clarify our views, and we empathize. We become better, tolerant, and insightful Rwandans for the benefit of our future and our children's after us. Muze dukore, dusigire abana bacu umurage ababyeyi bacu badusigiye.