The Philippines Association of Social Workers, Inc, strongly disagree to lowering the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility to 12 or 9 years old, PASWI firmly in the strengthening and full implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344) – (17.01.2019)

Zimbabwe: Speculations of a showdown between Mnangagwa & Chiwenga(!)

As the uncertainty is spiralling out of proportions, there are new rumours, which is not yet verified. But they might unravel the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) as the relations between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Who are both from two different fractions of the ruling regime, the Lacoste and Cosleg. They are maybe fighting for supremacy.

This would be a repeat of the November 2017 coup d’etat, though it is more bloody this time. As the latest few days has taken dozens of lives and the soldiers has been violating peoples rights on the regular. Therefore, since the fuel prices skyrocketed on the 12th January 2019, the Shutdown has really hit the Republic hard.

Suddenly, as the President was supposed to be attending the Davos Summit of 2019, but has instead planned to return. While that is happening. There are speculation and reports. That is worrying even more. They are amplifying as well. Because, it has been mere words. However, now they are getting more vocal.

Tony Karombo reported today: “At least 35 Zanu PF MPs met at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Friday night, where war veterans’ leader Christopher Mutsvangwa laid out the plan, sources have said. The rebels are said to be considering a wildcard candidate to take over. Legally, Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga or Kembo Mohadi, the other Vice President, would assume the presidency on an acting basis until Zanu PF nominates a replacement, who could be a new name” (…) “The plotters, sources said, were fanning out this weekend to the provinces to mobilise parliamentary and party support for Mnangagwa’s ouster. The panic in Zanu PF has been occasioned by a fear that the party could be “run out of town” by a popular uprising. This follows Monday’s widespread protests over a 150 percent increase in the price of fuel decreed by Mnangagwa. The protesters exhibited a militancy never before seen” (Zim Live – ‘War veterans leader Mutsvangwa leads dramatic plot to oust Mnangagwa’ 20.01.2019).

We don’t know if this is true. However, that is not the only words spoken about that. That is the worrying part. Even as the Social Media Black-Out and Internet Blockade. Still, these sort of speculations comes out. That shows that something is going-on and reasons behind the sudden back-flip of Mnangagwa. As he wouldn’t change his plans that swiftly, if he wasn’t fearing for something going on behind his back or had to take control of the situation. He knows how easily things can get out of hand. As he saw how quickly he went from being banished and in exile. To come back because of the Lacoste beating the G-40 part of Zanu-PF. He knows this perfectly well.

The Second source says this: “We have a potential crisis on our hands. The gloves are off between ED Mnangagwa and General Chiwenga. Sources have revealed that the major bone of contention is that Chiwenga wants Chamisa to be respected and given a Prime Ministerial post to restore confidence and fix the economy. As we speak ZANU PF provinces have started passing resolutions against Chiwenga seeking his expulsion from party and government. As we enter into the 2nd leg of the shutdown please stay indoors, lock your gate, lock your doors and preserve your life” (Unverified report, 20.01.2019).

We don’t know if either is true or what is going on. There is one more report from the diaspora, as the speculation continues to ravish: “Plans are to nominate General Chiwenga to the office of the President in few weeks to come as an incumbent since hes Deputising ED also to bring back the key young man Chamisa as the Prime Minister once the operation goes successful against the ED led Russian regime, then after 3 months fresh elections are to take place were it is believed General Chiwenga wants to give in Power to the young Chamisa this time, Chigumba will play a fair role this time as the Generals all they want to see is a true wish of the people & a Democratic process being followed, Chiwenga & all other post era Generals are set to retire after this final process they called Dupped Zimbabwe Restoration (DZR). General Chiwenga was quoted last week saying “if we did it before, we will do it again, this time in respect to the people of Zimbabwe not us as the Generals”” (Junta.Repo.G, 19.01.2019).

However, these cannot be verified. Whatever that is worrying is the signals it is all sending and the uncertainty, as the ZANU-PF isn’t the sort of Party where transparency or the truthful manner is ordinary behaviour. Rather the opposite and they can act like Game of Thrones to get into power. Usually, the king has lasted for decades, but now things are happening quickly. Because, the ones close to power has seen it is actually possible to topple the King.

These reports are not from viable sources. Therefore, I am not taking it as good things. But still showing it, because, this shows the talk of the town. This shows what is viable and what people thinks is happening. As the killings, torture, arrests and persistence of violence is happening. Therefore, there have to be apparent reason for everything. Since the soldiers are in the streets and they are acting like it is Martial Law.

ZANU-PF might be infighting, but they are might using t this speculation as a cover-up for their intention. Who know, because it is not like they are open and transparent … We all know that.

Mnangagwa and Chiwenga might be fighting, the War Vets and the Zanu PF might have some plans. The Cosleg and Lacoste are maybe doing something, but we cannot know right now. What we do know is that the soldiers are hurting, killing and arresting people. They are violent against the public, as they are struggling because of the fuel prices and that tearing up the Republic.

Who knows, if the Zimlive reports are true and we will know within 72 hours. However, right now, we don’t know. Peace.

African Union: Communiqué on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (20.01.2019)

Burundi: The Senate starts moving the offices to Gitega!

19th January 2019 – PNB loaded these trucks with furniture’s.

The movement of Capital in Burundi is winding up, as President Pierre Nkurunziza wants a more peaceful to continue his reign from. As the place of studies and such, which haven’t had the infrastructure nor the development are not stationed to be the political capital of the Republic.

CNDD-FDD and Nkrunziza are now taking steps to get things ready in Gitega. From the 18th January until 2nd February 2019, the various offices of the Senate are moving as per order on the 16th January 2019. That was ordered by the Senat President Renovat Niyonzima. On the 19th January, the PNB started moving furniture on the 19th January 2019. Therefore, the move is happening and not just orders.

That is why it is clear, that the move of capital is happening. Surely sooner or later, the CNDD-FDD and Nkurunziza will ask for funds, loans and grants to develop the Capital. As there are not as much in Gitega compared to Bujumbura. Even if Gitega is the Capital of Kings, there is hard to compare the places in buildings and in infrastructure.

What is really special about the move, there are no budget or direct plan on how to do it within a month. Just dates on movement. You can wonder about housing and the places to stay for the ones working at the Senate and the Senators themselves. Just because the PNB starts driving away furniture, the placement and space in buildings has to be cleared or made. In a month is very short time limit, especially with no budget. Meaning needed funding for making Gitega the Capital.

We have to see how this continues, see if the IMF or World Bank will fix funds or even the CNDD-FDD will ask for viable funds through loans in the China Exim Bank. That would be natural for them, as the expenses of the transfer of the political capital there. Because, the state should have finance and funds ready to cover expenses. But they only had a vote and now they have a paper sheet for the move. Therefore, the plans are limited and the President have fixated on a more peaceful living in Gitega, than in Bujumbura.

This here looks a personal gift to him and his will. Not looking like a viable move. More of the same and more living like almighty king he is.

President Nkurunziza thinks this is wise, but really making him look foolish. Even as the Gitega is the historical town of Kings. Still, it doesn’t mean it yet is fit for the prospects of housing all parts of the political sphere of the Republic. That should been planned over a long time and also had sustainable funds for moving. However, this seems forced and unplanned. Peace.

Opinion: Kabila’s 2nd Best Choice is now the President-Elect!

The celebration of victory from Lambert Mende and Evariste Boshab proves there are something up. As the Constitutional Court dismissed the petition of Lamuka and Martin Fayulu, as he claims and also Catholic Observers claim. That the CENI have proclaimed CACH Coaliton Felix Tshisekedi as President, which gives the possibility of a giant role in the cabinet of Vital Kamerhe. This is happening after the two year postponed polls on the 30th December 2018.

With the newly minted respected President-Elect Tshisekedi, the speculation will ravish and his legitimacy will limp through the rough terrain and questionable election that is upheld. Since, the first Kabila endorsed Emmanuel Shadari was supposed to steady as it goes. However, the CENI and Kabila couldn’t let him win. Because, Shadari was even less popular than Tshisekedi. Therefore, Kabila changed strategy after secret meetings just in the days after the postponed announcement of the Election results. Which is also showing how little transparent and how much of a shadow dealer the “former” President is.

President Kabila, the now former will still be lingering in the shadows and be vital to the government. Even as the successor Tshisekedi made a deal with Kabila together with Kamerhe, who has worked closely with Kabila in the past. Therefore, these men are ready to serve him and his mission in the DRC.

What is painful about yesterday and the announced victory by CENI to Tshisekedi, is that the CACH coalition didn’t win this election. Neither did the FCC, but the Constitutional Court and CENI knows this. However, they have to do this, because Kabila has ordered this and they have to comply.

We know, that the authorities are afraid of transparency and proper protocol of counting the ballots and electoral procedure. As the authorities blocked off the internet between 31st December 2018 until 19th January 2019. The Internet only came back as the Constitutional Court was preparing to install the new President through the legal proceedings. We can soon assume that the authorities are preparing the Swearing-In Ceremony to fulfil the requirements for the takeover.

However, the takeover is only mildly, as the Kabila loyal people are in the background and giddy. While they are supposed to cry havoc for losing, but that is not evidence and the world is seeing that. While the real opposition the Lamuka, Fayulu is claiming to be President-Elect. Even if nobody is recognizing him. The SADC, the Presidents of Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, South Africa have already within the 24 hours after the ruling, they have celebrated the victory of Tshisekedi.

While Tshisekedi is ready to live a lie, he is ready to be a fraud and the one in the shadow of Kabila. He will be the puppet and the one awaiting to follow guidelines. He might look powerful, but he will be figurehead and not the one really in-charge. The ones believing so is naive. They are not knowing Kabila and his ways.

You know Kabila had to get his ways, as the public had to wait two years before they got to the polls. When the polls was done, he couldn’t realize the results before he had solution to keep power and his place in the shadow. When he did, he could make the Second Best Choice the President. Just to ensure himself a vital place. Now, the Constitutional Court has ruled in favour of the President and that is not shockingly, but expected at this point.

Therefore, in some respects, it wasn’t an election, but a selection. Peace.

RDC: Congratulatory Message by the SADC Chairperson to the President-Elect of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Felix Tshisekedi (20.01.2019)

RDC: Declaration Politique de la Coordination Provinciale de la Coalition Lamuka au Nord Kivu No. 003 du 20 Janiver 2019 (20.01.2019)

RDC: Lamuka – Statement of the President-elect of the Democratic Republic of Congo 01/19/2019 (19.01.2019)

Opinion: The ZDF and ZRP’s disgraceful spin!

Today, there was a Joint Press Conference from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on the Shutdown that has persisted since the 12th January 2019. As the days has gone by, the violence, bullet-wounds, road-blocks, arrests, abductions, torture and killings have appeared. The state has finally come out with their truth.

Not that it is really truth, we all know by now. That the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) have orders from above and the soldiers are following them to the T or to the letter, as it was intended. As the public are living in fear, are struggling to get by and is worried. Because the soldiers can harm people, the activists who is not in hiding. Can be taken away or charged on knock-up charges and son on.

That why today’s Press Conference, shows the ills of society, as they are blaming a bunch of thieves for stealing or deserters, the ones putting forward this display must think the world is running mad. Or in-particularly stupid, because there cannot be that many of them. The targeted victims, the arrests and the steady stories of harm coming the populations way. This cannot be anything else, than staged military intervention with a purpose. As they are using the demonstrations as a reason to blatantly take away any rights of the civilians. Something, that has been done during the last few day with deliberate actions.

Just read the nonsense:

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services have noted with grave concern an increase in cases of people committing crime particularly robberies whilst clad in military/police regalia” (…) “Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu. A case in point is a recent arrest of five armed robbers in Epworth; Harare on 14 .January 2019, who were using police and military regalia to commit armed robberies, after hiring vehicles from car rental companies. We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave (AWOL) from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. All those who do not comply with this directive will be flushed out by already deployed members of the security services. We are also appealing to members of the public who have information on such people who are not serving members and are abusing military/police regalia to report to the police” (ZimEye – ‘FULL TEXT: Military And Police Press Statement’ 19.01.2019).

They are maybe able to get the hard-liners within the ZANU-PF, then ZANU-PF Youth League for that matter or the ZANU-PF Woman’s League to buy into this stick and get a fancy editorial in the Herald, but the world knows that this a farce. This the ZDF and ZRP playing ball and not very good at it. They are trying to forge the play, to say there are some unknown Villains coming to the townships, the cities and in the neighbourhoods. They are coming like the Wolf was taking Little Red Riding Hood.

The authorities can lie to the people. That is expected of government that they do now and then, but doing it like this. At this stage and with whatever reasons they have. They are trying to cover-up their acts and make them look into minor imperfections. When in reality, they seem so deliberate.

The ZANU-PF might be able to fool the ignorant, the ones who are looking to the other side. However, they cannot fool me. It is not believable. Even as the information is hard to verify, the ones that is. Is striking and the information that does come out. Is utter sinister, sadness the state of affairs. That is just saddening to even read about. The scope of hurt, the wounds and the killings, done on orders from above high.

This Joint Press Conference didn’t do any good. Only show how they play. Just like they did with the 1st August 2018 Post-Election Violence Inquiry and Report. Where they made the opposition the problem and cleaned the hands of the authorities. Therefore, this state is trying to do it again. As there violence and harmful activity continues.

The ones doing the hurt. Is doing it on behalf of the state, they are not random Bond Villains picked from a John Grisham novel. They are the real and the weapons are too. Peace.

Brexit: Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn response letter to Prime Minister Theresa May (18.01.2019)