Often the truth is hard to find, and it can be hard to relate to. Fortunately the truth often comes out, and that will happen eventually in this case as well. One book is already written, there will be more. There is work of a theater production and a film, and there will be an article in one of America’s most respected newspapers by a highly awarded journalist who has visited them in Kisangani.
This is a snowball running who gets bigger and bigger. Eventually the truth will come out about everyone who’s played a part in the case.
What’s the truth about the transfer from Kisangani? One thing is sure. It was not on the initiative of the Congolese! Who organized the practical things, and paid for the tickets? Was it the Congolese? No, they don’t pay for anything that’s for sure. Was it the foreign ministry? No, they say they didn’t pay. Was it Edvardsen? Yes, probably. Is it true that foreign minister Støre enforced the Congolese authorities and threatened to hold back aid if they didn’t get transferred? I have information that indicates that it’s a possibility. In case that’s true why did he do that? The situation in the prison in Kisangani was considered as too dangerous and the foreign ministry would receive massive criticism if they were killed in the riots there.
Norway contributes with 240 million a year to different projects and organizations in Congo. In addition they recently forgave 140 million in dept. In the soon to be 3 years the boys have been stuck there over 800 million has been transferred to Congo. They use the money for different things, but it’s obvious that if Congo didn’t get it the Congolese state would have large expenses because some of it they would have to cover themselves. The 140 million that was forgiven in dept is a contribution to the treasury. This is money that means something in Congo, there is no doubt about that. There is no doubt either that a threat retention of money will get the boys out an anytime. Why don’t they do that so we can get passed this miserable case? I think Fredrik Græsvik in TV2 is right! He writes in a blog on TV2’s website that it’s appropriate for the Norwegian authorities that they sit there for a while, because they don’t want to subject themselves to criticism by letting them go to soon. A prison transfer has been more and more unlikely because Congolese authorities understand that it will not work to let Norwegian citizens stay in Norwegian prison based on sentences in Congo that says they are spies for Norway, and sentences for murder without any evidence. They probably realize that they will be ridiculed if a trial comes up in Norway. That’s why a pardon is most likely. It’s actually not very complicated. It’s a signature from the president. I think the foreign ministry can get that signature anytime they want! This case is so much bigger in Norway than in Congo. Hardly anyone in Congo would care if they got sent out; they have much greater things to worry about. The settlement agreement with the widow is done and an agreement with the lawyers is done. Edvardsen has organized this. We also have information that even inside the government in Congo they know that the boys are not spies or murderers, and that the case is an embarrassment.
Now after Christmas everything was in place and it was almost like going in and getting them. But it all ended with “positive” talks and that we have to wait for the new government. Why? This is a president’s decision and he is elected. There is nothing that says that a new government has anything to add to this case. The decision was made in Oslo. I think they’ve decided to wait a little longer. I don’t have any doubt that they can get them out whenever they want.
It’s strange that we have a government that is so for human rights all over the world, and objects to human rights violations everywhere, with right of course, at the same time we witness Norwegian citizens who are subjected to severe human rights violations for years! This is not logic, something is not right here. We have to believe that enough is enough soon and get them home. I have to say that the disappointment in institutions I thought and supported is huge. People from UN were part of robbing them in the cell in Kisangani. Over 1000 dollars were stolen. They haven’t seen them despite promises they would. The people from UN also threatened to beat them up! There is no reason to believe they suffered any consequences for it. Doctors without borders would not treat Tjostolv when he was sick out of fear of consequences because he is white! Amnesty Norway has shown their true colors, and it has nothing to do with Amnesty’s statutes. For me it seems to be a cover for a whole other agenda.
Even the Salvation Army’s people have stolen money from them. I thought the Salvation Army was honest in every country. Not in Congo. Of course in Norway they are. People who think they know everything have made statements, made loose allegations, mainly with the agenda to promote themselves. They all have in common that they haven’t fully updated themselves on the case by reading the verdicts for instance. They will all be mentioned in the book.
I’ve travelled around the world as a sea captain for 44 years. I’ve seen and heard a lot in this big world. I’ve seen evil, corruption and misery. The evil many have shown in this case tops everything, the will to sacrifice others to get their hands on money, advantages, promoting yourself or your agenda. The Congolese have been bad, I can understand that the way this country is developed. The Norwegians who have benefited one way or the other I have nothing but despise for. Fortunately there have been countless of both Norwegians and foreigners who have shown their support. Many of these are people who have been around the world and have better understanding how it is.
Knut Moland
