More developments regarding Rose Kabuye

For the past week or so, there have been somewhat informal demonstrations protesting the arrest of Rose Kabuye. On Wednesday, the government announced a day of "manifest" where all businesses were closed to allow citizens to protest Rose Kabuye's arrest. There were over 140,000 demonstrators in Kigali. I did not go out to see the demonstrations as our embassy warned us not to, but there were no incidences of violence, before, during, or since. In fact, since the demonstrations the French government has agreed to release Rose kabuye on the grounds that she not leave France for two weeks. I do not know if she will then have to stand trial or not, but it seems a good sign that they do not have sufficient evidence to carry forth with the trial.

It is interesting to talk to people here about the protests because many Rwandans, despite firmly believing in Rose Kabuye's innocennce, would not go. Some said it reminded them too much of what happened 14 years ago. Others said that if you go to a demonstration, you dont know who is taking your picture or how your involvement will come back to haunt you. He cited the many anti-RPF demonstrations that took place prior to 1994 and how many people were identified by the government through records of those protests. At first blush, that seemed a bit extreme. But it certainly happens in the states as well. I wonder how many anti-Vietnam protestors have records? The recent election has revealed that our past will always come back to haunt us, or even the past of others. It isnt just people in Rwanda who need to be concerned about being identified. I've been to a protest, even a riot if you count the school-escorted trip to the WTO meeting in 2000. I wonder if I have a record out there?

In other, less contentios news, I am going on a mini-safari this weekend to Akagera state park in the East Province of Rwanda (dont worry family, it is about as far from Congo as you can get). We will be leaving on Friday and returning Saturday so it will be short, but it will be nice to get out of the city, explore a new corner of the world, and post some more photos.

Also, for Christmas, I will in South Africa with a friend of mine from Emory. I cant wait! There should be some great photos from that!!!!!! But I will write again before then...