Blair’s friend accused of war crimes

PAUL Kagame is one of Africa’s most con- troversial leaders – but has been repeatedly defended by Tony Blair.

The former Labour prime minister has a close relationship with the Rwandan tyrant, even though he has been accused of war crimes and human rights abuses.

Mr Blair has described Kagame as a ‘visionary leader’ and a friend. He made the central African country the focus of his Africa Governance Initiative charity. The initiative saw him placing officials in Rwanda’s institutions such as the president’s policy unit.

Mr Blair has said: ‘I’m a believer in and a supporter of Paul Kagame. I don’t ignore all those criticisms, having said that. But I do think you’ve got to recognise that Rwanda is an immensely special case because of the genocide.’

The former PM made no fewer than six visits to Rwanda between 2007 and 2011.

Eight years ago the United Nations accused Kagame’s forces of war crimes, including possibly genocide.