Sir, - Aid from the Irish Government and the Irish public is critically important to many thousands of distressed Rwandan people in their own country and in neighbouring Zaire. The good offices of our Government in gaining access to the victims of this conflict in Central Africa, both with the Rwandan government and the Zairian Alliance, are vital to Concern.
The complexity of the present tragic situation in Central Africa can scarcely be exaggerated. This unfolding tragedy stands accusingly in the midst of our world of plenty. The present focal point is deep in the forests of Zaire where an "All Ireland" sized crowd, of 80,000 refugees are "lost". Among them are 9,000 reliably described as extremely vulnerable and 659 already registered unaccompanied children.
This tragedy has roots in colonial history. It is perpetuated by the greed of postcolonial commercial, banking and political interests, taking full advantage of ethnic differences and rivalries. The result is a crucible of suffering which does not lend it sell to simplistic analysis or easy solutions. It would be tragic for thousands if Irish interest waned or Irish Aid stopped.
Concern calls on the Irish Government and people to continue and increase aid. Our government is in a position to build on existing goodwill to help protect the interests of helpless populations. Sabre rattling and threats can avail little. Diplomacy and understanding are called for in this most complex situation. It poses a huge challenge to our government and the EU at the political level. It calls for patience, sensitivity and expertise at our humanitarian organisation level. It calls for generosity and caring from the public at large. In a particular way there is need for organs of the media to forego the "story" value in face of the urgent need of so many thousands.
Yours, etc.,
Chief executive, Concern Worldwide,
Camden St,
Dublin 2.