By Bosco Mutarambirwa
A debate is a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints. This is a dictionary definition.
So, if we are not debating here, what else are we doing?
Would you like a scripted debate? Well, Kagame has already come up with one that he has made his hostages rehearse over the past 20 years! Don’t take my word – listen to Christian Davenport in the all new BBC’s documentary film, Rwanda’s Untold Story.
Ordinary Rwandans outside Rwanda are always debating. And we speak our mind. We write in newspapers. We talk on radio. We use social media. And so on. And so forth.
What is missing so far is an effective leadership in the opposition. What is missing is a debate among opposition political and opinion leaders. What’s missing is some sort of opposition parliament where all parties are represented, a parliament with committees and sub-committees where specific issues can be debated by Rwandan experts from all walks of life in the opposition. By the way, leadership is a good thing when done right.
That said, I’d love to see Theogene Rudasingwa debating Faustin Twagiramungu in a political committee. I’d like to see Gerald Gahimadebating Charles Kambanda and Joseph Sebarenzi in a legal matters subcommittee. I’d love to see Anastase Gasana debating JMV Ndagijimana in a foreign affairs subcommittee. I’d love to see Nyamwasa debating Emmanuel Habyarimana or Victor Byilingiro in a military affairs committee. I’d love to see Gallican Gasana debating Alain Patrick Ndengera in an engineering committee. I’d love to see Didas Gasana debating Ismail Mbonigaba and Serge Ndayizeye in a press freedom subcommittee. I’d love to see myself debating Denis S. Rugendo on financial management issues. I’d love to see David Himbara debating economics with myself or with Peter Urayeneza. I would lie to see Noel Twagiramungu debate with Rene Claudel Mugenzi on human rights. I would like to see Rujugiro Ayabatwa debate Pascal Munyampirwa on commercial affairs. These are only spontaneous examples. I’d love to see King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa debating others on cultural affairs. I’d love to see Nahimana Thomas debate other religious leader freedom of religion. I’d love to see Frank Habineza debate other experts on environmental issues.
There are other specialized fields such as medical, agriculture, etc. There are many other individual potential leaders who specialize in different fields. The opposition is full of talents that can lead Rwanda to long lasting prosperity. Forget Kagame who feeds on nothing other than blood and divisions among the Rwandan people.
If you already have an organization you get to keep it. But you also get to get to share you expertise across the isle in the interest of promoting unity which is the only viable way for Rwanda.
Let us work toward forming a strongly structured that will bring Kagame on his knees. An opposition that will soon take over from Kagame and build a better Rwanda for future generations. An opposition that will win the hearts and minds of Rwandans inside Rwanda and in the diaspora. A strong opposition that will win the full trust of the international community.
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Feel free to the list in your comments. Tell who you would like to see debate what and why.