Despite its criticism, US still Rwanda's ally
By KEVIN J KELLEY Special Correspondent
Posted Saturday, January 25 2014 at 17:37
Washington has given Kigali more than $1 billion in development
assistance during that time, making the US by far the most important
of Rwanda's donors and political supporters.
The Obama administration reacted in unusually critical terms last week
to the Rwandan president's barbed threats against dissidents, but
analysts in Washington express doubt that the US is distancing itself
from a key African ally.
"We are troubled by the succession of what appear to be politically
motivated murders of prominent Rwandan exiles," State Department
spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
The US comments were made following the murder in South Africa of
Patrick Karegeya, the former head of Rwanda's foreign-intelligence
service and a strong critic of the Kagame government.
READ: US condemns killing of Rwandan ex-spy chief
Rwanda denies responsibility for Mr Karegeya's death, but President
Paul Kagame seemed to welcome it. Persons "undermining Rwanda usually
faces serious consequences wherever they are," he declared.
The US has cultivated close relations with Rwanda in the aftermath of
the 1994 genocide. Kagame has emerged during the past 20 years as one
of the African rulers most favoured by the US.
Washington has given Kigali more than $1 billion in development
assistance during that time, making the US by far the most important
of Rwanda's donors and political supporters.
But the relationship has been souring due to Rwandan actions that the
US views unfavourably.
"US policy is caught between two conflicting narratives," observes
Africa analyst Richard Downie. "On one side there's the good Rwanda
that has achieved impressive economic growth and social development in
the aftermath of a catastrophe. On the other, there's the bad Rwanda
that is led by a tyrannical person."
The Obama administration made a mildly punitive move last year by
withholding $200,000 in military aid in response to strong evidence of
Rwandan support for rebel fighters in the Democratic Republic of
Congo.
Rwanda has denied such involvement and takes a combative stance at the
United Nations in response to criticisms of its policy choices.
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Despite-its-criticism-US-still-Rwanda-s-ally-/-/2558/2160294/-/90jbj/-/index.html
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