Problems coming to the fore

Observers say Sebarenzi’s sacking highlights several potential problems in the country - possible division in the army and the resentment of genocide survivors who accuse the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) of abandoning them. Sebarenzi himself is a genocide survivor and has been accused of “inciting” other genocide survivors against the government, the observers told IRIN. And once again the focus is on the return of the former king to Rwanda. Ndahindurwa has called for a referendum in the country on whether he should return as king or as a private citizen. Regional experts say the RPF, fearful that the king could be used by opposition Hutus and Tutsis to create divisions in the country, insists he should return as a private citizen. The king maintains that as he was removed unconstitutionally, the people themselves should decide.