Liz Truss (Foreign Secretary) is being called upon to oppose the appointment of Rwanda’s top diplomat in London. He was implicated in the kidnapping and imprisonment of Rwanda’s most renowned human rights activist.
Senior members of both major parties have called on Ms Truss for urgent sanctions against Johnston Busingye (Rwanda’s ex-justice secretary) to stop his appointment as central African regime’s next High Commissioner.
After admitting to having chartered the flight which led to the seizing of Paul Rusesabagina (the real hero of Hotel Rwanda) Mr Busingye, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame demoted him. This was after he admitted that his government had chartered the flight.
Mr Rusesabagina – a critic of the dictatorship – was duped into flying to Rwanda after boarding a private jet in Dubai he thought was flying to a neighbouring country. In September, the 67 year-old was arrested for “terrorism”.
Senior MPs have called on Liz Truss (pictured), Rwanda’s former justice secretary, to impose sanctions against Johnston Busingye to stop him from being appointed the next high commissioner.
In a discussion on sanctions, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former Tory leader, named Mr Busingye in Parliament along with Chinese Communist bosses, Iranian torturers, and Sudanese militia chiefs.
Mr Duncan Smith questioned why Mr Kagame wanted to send Mr. Kagame to represent his country. “Do they believe the UK has a soft touch?” He asked.
According to him, “This man must be sanctioned” and not sent as their bloody Ambassador, he said to The Mail on Sunday.
“It’s a shame that the government hasn’t yet stated clearly we will not reject his credentials. “We must make a strong statement.
Chris Bryant of Labour said it was impossible that ministers would accept the position. They should stop sending a coach for him to Buckingham Palace so he can meet Queen Elizabeth.
These MPs serve as co-chairmen in the All-Party Group on Magnitsky Sanctions. It aims to punish those involved in corruption and other human rights violations.
Bill Browder was the financier that pushed for these laws after Sergei Magnitsky, his lawyer, was killed in Russia. He said Rusesabagina had been a hero and added: “His only crime was being critical of Kagame.
Rusesabagina, who was the Manager of Hotel des Mille Collines Kigali saved 1,268 lives during the horrendous genocide.
After admitting that he had chartered the flight which led to Paul Rusesabagina’s seizure, Rwandan President Paul Kagame demoted Mr Busingye (pictured with Angelina Jolie).
He fled for his life, fearing for his safety. Later, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Co-founded Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change with opposition groups, as a fierce critic to Mr Kagame.
Rwanda’s regime has a long history of demonizing its opponents and accused him of being the founder, leader sponsor, and member of extremist, violent terror groups.
He denied any charges.
Human rights groups condemned the unlawful seizure of Rusesabagina and called his trial a fraud. In September, Rusesabagina was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
The video that was accidentally transmitted to al-Jazeera by Mr Busingye showed him admitting the government role. He was coached by Chelgate, who is a London expert on’reputation Management’.
He admitted that prison authorities had intercepted correspondence between Rusesabagina (and his lawyers) in this footage. This he later denied in an interview.
He confirmed that the regime had paid for Mr Rusesabagina’s plane to Kigali, as well as for the person who tricked Rusesabagina into getting on board.
Carine Kanimba’s daughter said, “This man oversaw my father’s kidnappings and torture.”
“He should be removed from any role that demands integrity.”
The Foreign Office has the power to veto Ambassadors and High Commissioners. However, they declined to comment and neither did the Rwandan government.