Dear President Obama,


I am writing to urge you to support the creation of an internationally administered Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, which includes Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the Congo.


Sadly, the actions that led to the Rwandan genocide have never been fully revealed. The conflicts that preceded the genocide continue to this day. This means that justice has not been done for victims or survivors. It also means that related ethnic violence is continuing in nations bordering Rwanda such as the Congo, where 5 million have now died.


An internationally administered Truth and Reconciliation Commission is the only way to truly heal the wounds left by the genocide and bring justice to victims and survivors from all backgrounds.


The current situation in Rwanda is not conducive to sustainable peace. Severe repression of political dissent and the media has prevented real truth and reconciliation. A small minority of elites dominate and benefit from the nation’s economy and government. Inequality is on the rise and one-third of Rwanda’s population now suffers from nutritional deficiencies. Life expectancy is among the 20 lowest in the world at only 44 years.


Reports from the United Nations and human rights organizations have shown how Rwanda is fueling deadly conflict in the Congo. Rwanda also trades in Congolese conflict minerals, providing even more funding for a war where millions of innocents have been killed.


The Great Lakes Region of Africa, with all its complex problems, desperately needs a comprehensive Truth and Reconciliation Commission to lay the groundwork for lasting peace and real democracy, and to bring to justice all responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.


I thank you for your time and consideration, and look forward to your response.


Sincerely,