The ERG dream of a Super-Canada Deal: The ERG dream will not end the Brexit Nightmare!

The European Research Group (ERG) dropped a paper today, a 7 pages slice of paper, which is as thick as many of the prequel documents of Her Majesty’s Government before the Draft Withdrawal Agreement that was published last week.

The last week has been terrible for the Prime Minister Theresa May and her Cabinet. The resignations, the added no-confidence letters and the whole chaos from within. As the United Kingdom are supposed to vote for this Draft Agreement next week. While that is happening, the ERG, which is between 70 or 80 Conservative MPs. They dropped their document. Showing what they are thinking about the agreement.  What the “Your Right to Know: The Case against Chequers and the Draft Withdrawal Agreement in plain English” says are “We would hand over £39 billion of taxpayer’s money with nothing guaranteed in return” (…) “The UK will remain a ‘rule taker’ over large areas of EU law. The UK will continue to be bound by EU laws in vital areas such as social policy, environmental policy and employment policy, i.e will obey EU laws, but have no further influence over how they are drafted” (…) “No exit from a ‘backstop’ Customs Union. The agreement establishes a ‘joint committee’ which will oversee the UK’s ability to proceed to a future trade relationship” (…) “The Agreement creates internal borders within the UK. Northern Ireland would become a ‘rule taker’ in further areas such as goods, agricultural products and VAT compared to the rest of the UK” (…) “The European Court of Justice (ECJ) will remain in control of the agreement and large areas of EU law directly effective in the UK” (ERG, P: 2, 2018).

All of this has been said by many others and was expected to key arguments by the ERG. They are wanting full sovereign United Kingdom outside the European Union. However, they are not coming with solutions and how it will pan out. They complain that the Withdrawal Agreement and its content. But the ERG Notes are not specific in where the Brexiteers will solve the matter with the EU or within the UK itself. They have one way, but that doesn’t measures the reality of leaving the Union.

The ERG are saying this: “In essence, Super Canada would involve taking an existing EU Canada trade agreement, which was signed in 2016 and updating this framework by adding on some additional elements, such as a security protocol and a protocol on data. The EU Canada agreement took several years to negotiate but this means that most of the ‘heavy lifting’ has already been done and many of the key issues have previously been thrashed out in a manner the EU has already agreed to. A Super Canada trade agreement would not involve being in the Single Market or Customs Union and would not leave the UK subject to the authority of the European Court of Justice” (ERG, P: 5, 2018).

The ERG are proposing something that took years for Canada to do. Canada was never a member and neither had responsibilities toward the EU. That did the UK and they have benefited from the EU and its membership with the single-market and customs-union, even if they have to lose other sovereign control to be a part of that. However, now that they are leaving.

The EU will not accepted being a partner tricked by UK. The UK doesn’t want to be tricked by EU. The EU wants to follow protocol and also be correct within their laws. That is why the Withdrawal Agreement is like it is, but also because the Brexiteers and their negotiators didn’t do their job. They we’re busy promising easy leaving, without thinking consequences of the agreements done.

The ERG are continuing that, as this paper are saying the sad truths about the Agreement. However, they are wanting to go back to start and negotiate like Canada. To get a Super-Canada deal. That has never been done before and that would mean, that the EU would forgive and give-in all their demands. As the UK still have to in the imminent future pay for certain institutions and pledges given as a member. That is normal when people are leaving a Union and formerly being a Member.

The ERG just want to flea and expect to be able to get a favorable deal. They expect to have a say and still be on the outside. Like the EU is going to be humiliated and played like that. The UK will feel the pain and that is part of the plan there. To show the members the price of leaving. That is why the EU is prepared for a “no-deal”. Which is really devastating and costly for the UK. As the hard-borders, tariffs, and all sorts of measures happens over night.

However, the ERG are nothing considering that, as they are dreaming of a possible approach. Where two years of negotiations are down the drain and they can start all-over. Like it wasn’t anything and can be changed for the betterment of the UK. Because, everyone just want to be the loyal servants of the British Empire and the Giants of London. However, the world doesn’t look first London anymore. Even if London thinks so.

The ERG should consider themselves, humble themselves and wonder what the EU has planned. Because the ERG is just weakening the Tories, weakening the own Union. As the ERG just like the Withdrawal Agreement didn’t mention any remedies for the Scottish or Welsh. They are the forgotten siblings in the custody battle. The Good Friday Agreement and the Irish question is always major.

Still, the ERG thinks that the flawed Agreement can be rewritten into a Super-Canada. Do they think Brussels is that foolish? That forgiving and that they don’t have leverage? Seriously?

The ERG should consider to a unilateral approach so the HM Government or the Tories could be able to have a deal, where the votes are unanimously for one way with the EU. However, it is more knives and less finding ways to solve the Brexit. More dreams and less of a reality. Which has been a problem for the British for two whole years. An it doesn’t stop. Peace.

Togo: In Lome the public marched again against the Gnassingbe Dynasty!

I know, this is hard nut to crack, even as it was again, a successful demonstration in Lome on the 17th November 2018. The Opposition and the public showed with their feet and performance on the street. That they are tired of the Gnassingbe family rule. The Togolese Republic have been a family enterprise since 1967. They have had the second and third President. There has been no other family to control and have the reign in the Republic.

The Second Generation Gnassingbe took power since 5th February 2005 and are planning this 16th December 2018 for a Referendum to extend his rule into 2030. That is because Faure like his father Eyadame, considers themselves as the owners and stakeholders of Togo. They are the ones who has the God-given right to delegate and operate the Republic without interference until death. If Faure has kids, he is surely planning that one of them will take over his time is due.

However, the Togolais, the Togolese are ready for a just republic, a republic with people representing them and not just the henchmen, the appointed cronies of the Gnassingbe family. Which is how it is today.

The Togolese will not be swayed by ECOWAS or the Group of 5. They was on the streets showing solidarity with the cause, with TogoDebout. They where out saying the time of Faure Gnassingbe has to be over. He has to step down and leave the throne. He is not their ruler and overlord. He is not their owner and they are not his tenants. That is how he acts and appears, however, that is not the case.

The Togolese have again showed to the world. That they are ready for another ruler, another system and the end of the Gnassingbe Dynasty. The march yesterday in Lome, showed again the power of the people, their will and determination in a peaceful manner. That they want an end of the 51 years of Gnassingbe.

It is time for justice, freedom and liberation from the oppression from one family. Peace.

Gabon: A Constitutional Coup to divert Power because of the illness of the President

There now been three weeks of illness, sickness and  hospitalization of the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo. Who is the second Generation President of the Republic. Clearly, the severe situation is more dire, as the power-vacuum is visible.

Because this week, this was reported by Le Gabon:

By ruling only on a vacancy of power, the Gabonese Constitution and Article 13 revealed a flaw that the country would have done well. With the vacancy of the power which is well taken into account by the Constitution, the judge François de Paul Adiwa-Antony added a paragraph very useful in the circumstance. “In the event of temporary unavailability of the President of the Republic, certain functions devolved to the latter may be exercised either by the Vice-President of the Republic or by the Prime Minister on special authorization of the Constitutional Court seized by the Prime Minister or a tenth of the deputies, members of the government whenever necessary “. Thus, the Vice-President of the Republic, Pierre Claver Maganga Moussavou, was able to preside over the Ministerial Council of this Wednesday, November 14, 2018. The Constitutional Court “as a regulating organ of the functioning of the institutions, authorizes the vice-president of the Republic to convene and preside over a council of ministers which will focus exclusively on the agenda attached to the request of the Prime Minister “in the words of its president. The Gabonese policy is not blocked by the temporary absence of the head of state, but this will not stop the rumors. Only images or a declaration of Ali Bongo can calm the most fertile and the most sorrowful spirits” (Le Gabon – ‘Pas de vacance du pouvoir à Libreville’ 15.11.2018).

So, because of the illness of Ali Bongo and the lack of protocol in the Constitution, the Constitutional Court has ordered an Amendment, which fits the current regime. Where the Vice President or the Prime Minister, can preside over the governing functions, as an interim effort. This leading the Council of Ministers and other functions to secure the running day-to-day government. That has been done without elections or even a democratic gesture.

The President fate is still uncertain, there are outlets proclaiming his death, even today. There was the same two weeks ago in Cameroon. Where the media-house was practically closed by the Cameroonian Authorities after it did so. Therefore, the lingering doubt is in the air.

It does not help that the African Union (AU) comes out with this statement yesterday:

Chairperson Faki is deeply concerned by unfolding developments in Gabon linked to the state of health of President Bongo. Chairperson Faki further calls on all political stakeholders and institutions in Gabon to show the necessary collective leadership during this time in order to preserve unity, peace and stability in the country. Chairperson Faki further reaffirms the African Union’s strong commitment to the full respect of constitutional order in the country. The Chairperson will deploy a fact-finding mission to Libreville in the shortest delay” (African Union – ‘Communiqué on the situation in Gabon’ 17.11.2018).

We can expect Pierre Claver Maganga Moussavou to be in-charge and set-up shop without any elections. As he takes control while Bongo’s uncertain fate in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the amendment and the change this week. Shows that the ones inside the Cabinet and the closest to power was ready to take control. This they by technicalities and not by a popular vote, not even ensuring a clean process. The Gabonaise people have been used as pawns again. Just like they did when the father of the President died and his son took over.

Now the Courts decided and changed the structure without any consideration of the implications and even checking who was most eligible. Again, the regime has taken the power and left the opposition out. They are locking Jean Ping out by any means. Even changing the constitution by Court Orders. Just to ensure the continued rule of the One-Party.

With Moussavou there will be continuation of the dictatorship and no imminent change. Just another French supported puppet to secure the French Businesses and Corporations, while the Gabonese are struggling. This is the deep reality, that Paris and Libreville are seeing. This done by a mere Court Order and not ushered change by the public. If they stand up against the regime. They are usually thrown behind bars. Therefore, the regime are pushing through and not giving way.

This is a constitutional coup by Moussavou and the ones in inner-circle. Who have awaited their turn. They are barring others from power, as they are feasting on the opportunity. Since Bongo is in the hospital in Saudi Arabia. Where his fate is still uncertain. Peace.

Zimbabwe: RioZim Limited – Withdrawal of Cautionary Statement (15.11.2018)

Public Notice from Telecommunication Companies on the Mobile Money Tax (17.11.2018)

MTN implements reduced Mobile Money Tax (17.11.2018)

RDC: La coalition politique LAMUKA informe le retour du candidat de l’opposition Martin FAYULU MADidI ce 21 novembre 2018 (16.11.2018)

Betty Nambooze Bakireke Statement on the House-Arrest of Nganda Ssemujju today (16.11.2018)

We are permanently under a twenty four surveillance by the regime…our homes are under watch day and night…We travel around the town with armed Bodabodas following us…Government spies followed me to hospital in India…those who follow us don’t do it for our security…. we are watched as enemies of the State….. in other words we are full time prisoners in this big brother’s house called Uganda.

So yesterday when I and Lord Mayor Lukwago visited Honourable Ssemujju for a colleagues meeting,the junta’s hitmen where watching….to them we can never meet to talk about anything else apart from plotting to overthrow their regime. So the fact that Hon.Ssemujju had a consultative meeting today and I and Lukwago were meeting him in the evening a day before was enough for them to tell that today we were to “overthrow the regime” through the Bweyogerere public meeting.

Deep in the night they intesfied surveillance on our homes …my guard told me that last night patrol vans kept a culculated distance from my home…In the night they deployed around Hon Ssemujju’s home breaking into the compound this morning,highly traumatizing his children and innocent wife. We are tired of living this life…I say we are tired,yes we are tired.

Opinion: No sane person want to be in Steve Barclay’s shoes!

Today, the Third Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union was appointed, this was Steve Barclay, the Conservative Party Member of Parliament from North East Cambridgeshire. The first Secretary for the position was David Davis who served from July 2016 to July 2018. The Second Secretary Dominic Raab was it from July 2018 until 15th November 2018.

Now, the third in line and unknown Barclay MP comes in after the Big Brexiteer Davis and Boris Johnson has left the building. The Conservative Party are really looking around for loyal subjects to finalize whatever this Brexit is.

Brexit is a chaos, it is a mess, it is a nightmare and there is no possible way of winning. It is a reason why the hardliners and the ERG MPs aren’t pushing for Cabinet positions. They know it is merely impossible to win at this stage. The background and the facilitation of the Withdrawal Agreement from the DExEU have already sucked and been done properly. It has been a farce and lack of due diligence. As well, as none of the concern of the Secretaries. As they have fled the ship, when they understood they couldn’t stomach the realities.

The Tories have really not won a good bargain. That is why even Prime Minister David Cameron fled the scene. He knew this would be loose-lose game. It wouldn’t be fruitful.

No matter what roads these are going, it is going to be rocky. It is not going to easy or be anything that the UK will earn upon. Unless, they are trying to find a way to still be a Member State within the EU. Even for some, that sound better, than any of the alternatives of how the UK are leaving the Union. Which is all ironic.

The Brexiteers are losing, the Remainers are losing. The United Kingdom are losing. The EU is losing, but not as much as the UK is. In the midst of that Barclay wants the job to end this and be the last remaing Secretary until the UK has left the Union. I don’t know what his motivation is, but he must be really desperate for a vital role in the cabinet.

Because Raab and Davis left a hell-hole and a hell-bound result. No matter what sort of magic trick he can, he cannot be able to satisfy or even ensure everyone good graces. There will only be blood. There will be more MPs resigning and more erratic behavior. As there are already mutiny and lack of trust to the PM. It is in the midst of this, Barclay is coming in.

Unless he is the savior of Brexit, which I doubt. Because by every minute there less and less to save, even to salve the skeletons and bones. The truth of what the UK is getting of a Withdrawal and the consequences of leaving is all there. It isn’t mere speculations. The Draft Agreement is specific and the new Secretary will not alter that much. Unless, he has other motive.

Barclay will work against the machine. A machine that has been running since the Referendum in June 2016. Which none of his predecessors was succeeding at doing. Both of them failed. So, most likely he will fail too.

Therefore, I don’t understand why he wants to go on this quest. A road not taken, but a road which is only filled with traps and no certainties.

Steve, good luck and have a safe journey! Peace.

UPF: Hon. Francis Zaake MP Summoned to the CID on the 21st November (16.11.2018)