International interest about participation in the humanitarian force for Rwanda and Zaire has been waning following the dramatic return of hundreds of thousands of refugees. Its precise mandate has clearly become more problematic after these most welcome events, but the basic need for international solidarity devoted to rehabilitation, reconstruction and retribution remains urgent and unaltered. So does the need for a political resolution of the regional conflicts and tensions that gave rise to the genocide and the refugee crises.
African self reliance has been bolstered by the return of the refugees, the co operation of regional" governments in seeking negotiations in Burundi, and their concern for stability as the prospect has loomed, that Zaire might disintegrate. It is also apparent in the stunning military success of the Banyamulenge guerrillas in eastern Zaire which culminated in the separation of the Hutu extremist Interhamwe force from the mass of the refugees in the camps. This has fundamentally altered much of the political and security landscape in the Great Lakes region; but these forces are still at large and this reality puts the future of Zaire very much on the agenda.
The fact remains, however, that the regional states lack the political and material resources to tackle these problems comprehensively without substantial outside help and commitment. This must come from the United Nations and its agencies, from the European Union and from international non governmental organisations. It cannot be assumed that simply because the emergency mandate needs to be re examined in the light of events, the need for such solidarity is in any way diminished.
But as the Rwandan and Zairean governments have made plain, there is a thin line between international involvement and interference. Suspicion of the motives of former colonial powers remains an abiding and understandable factor, and care should be taken not to let it become an obstacle to the mobilisation of much needed humanitarian reconstruction and political help.
If this is not forthcoming, events are all too likely to overwhelm regional efforts to tackle these crises in the future, as the pressures of demography and poverty mount alongside those of ethnic tension, minorities and artificial borders. The rest of the world has a basic interest in a stable Great Lakes region and in avoiding a recurrence of genocide or of the political collapse that has afflicted parts of West Africa in recent years.
It is urgently necessary to establish a mandate that will combine military peacekeeping and peace enforcing, humanitarian commitment and longer term political reconstitution, in association with the states concerned. Reports from correspondents of this newspaper - and from Government and NGO representatives - have spelled out clearly the range of requirements. It remains to be seen whether there is sufficient international will to provide them. The Government in its role as President of the European Union, has the opportunity and the responsibility to press strongly for this will to be found at the Dublin summit in two weeks time.