RDC: ACAJ – Communique de Presse – “Le Gouvernement dolt mettre fin aux arrestions arbiraires de l’ex DEMIAP” (23.01.2019)

RDC: Declaration de la LUCHA relative aux elections du 30 decembre 2018 (23.01.2019)

RDC: CIME – Declaration des Chefs des Confessions Religieuses en Rapport avec la Publication des Resultats definitifs de l’Election Presidentielle (22.01.2019)

ZHRC Statement on the Deteriorating Socio-Economic and Security Situation in Zimbabwe (22.01.2019)

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC/Commission) has noted with concern the fast deteriorating socio economic and security situation in Zimbabwe triggered by an assortment of government policy statements and decisions. These have had far reaching effects on the household economy causing losses in incomes and savings thereby worsening poverty levels in the country.

The ZHRC fully understands the dire macroeconomic situation in the country and the need to make radical decisions to remedy the situation. Whilst such austerity measures meant to transform the performance of the economy may be commendable, due care and diligence must be exercised to protect the rights and well-being of especially the vulnerable members of society. In particular, it is important to develop pro poor policies including the setting up of effective social safety nets to ensure access to basic goods and services by all. Section 13 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe implores the State and all institutions of Government to ensure equitable development. Further, Section 13 (2) requires Government to involve the people in the formulation and implementation of development plans and programmes that affect them.

It is the view of the Commission that most of the austerity measures and decisions are being made with little or no consultation of the relevant stakeholders and citizens and in many instances sound and appear as almost arbitrary. As a result there is no buy in or support for these new policies leading to implementation challenges with some key players and citizens resisting the changes. Related to this, there are no structured policy review mechanisms in place to assess and understand both intended and unintended impact of government decisions and policies on citizens and the economy. All policies, no matter how well – meant, can have a negative impact that disproportionately affect the disadvantaged members of society. Such members of society need State support to cushion them so that they cope with the consequent hardships. It is now increasingly difficult for poor families to put food on the table, access medical services, send children to school or enjoy any other socio economic rights enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The Government of Zimbabwe, outside pronouncing a number of austerity measures, has not provided a clear road map to economic recovery and prosperity. Key determinants of economic growth are not being dealt with decisively. For example, the present currency confusion is leading to much speculation and rent-seeking behaviour by most economic agents. Section 317 of the Constitution is very clear and gives the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe the mandate to: regulate the monetary system; protect the currency of Zimbabwe in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth; and, formulate and implement monetary policy. It is the ZHRC’s considered view that the country will not attract much investment or realise economic development before decisively dealing with the currency confusion.

The ZHRC therefore calls upon Government to take the lead in convening a platform for national dialogue with partners in all sectors including captains of industry, labour unions, independent commissions, civil society, the opposition and ordinary citizens in order to find lasting solutions to the prevailing economic challenges to ensure respect and observance of human rights and promote peace and security in the country. We urge the Government to be a listening and caring administration, not worried about perceptions of weakness or climb-down because of accommodating various sectors and viewpoints in addressing the national crisis that Zimbabwe finds itself in.

The Commission has also noted the decision by a number of organisations and individual members of society to demonstrate and petition as a way of communicating their frustrations and demanding answers from the Government of Zimbabwe as a duty bearer. The frustrations are understandable, and the right to demonstrate is provided for and protected under section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The ZHRC takes this opportunity to emphasize that this provision protects the right but also gives the responsibility to the demonstrators to respect the right of others by demonstrating peacefully. The Commission calls upon all organisers of and participants in demonstrations to take this responsibility seriously by having concrete measures to ensure peace. Experience has taught us that criminal and rogue elements of society will always take advantage of public demonstrations and protests and proceed to loot, destroy property and even cause bodily harm to innocent bystanders. The Commission therefore does not condone the violence that has characterised previous and current demonstrations. Organisers of demonstrations must therefore take full responsibility for their decisions and actions so that the enjoyment of their rights is not in violation of the rights of others. Equally worrying is the abuse of social media platforms by demonstrators and other faceless characters to threaten and intimidate people as well as distort facts to achieve their ulterior motives, in the process causing alarm and despondency amongst the citizens. The ZHRC calls upon all stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold peace and at the same time urges the Government not to violate citizens’ rights to information by blocking social media and internet services.

In addition, the Commission urges law enforcement agents to protect people and property in line with their constitutional mandate and not to cause harm and loss of life to the protesting citizens. In this regard, the Commission has noted with concern the reports of loss of life and limp during the current demonstrations, attributed mainly to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The Commission has also received reports of the security sector badging into people’s homes during the dead of the night on Monday 14th January 2019 and early morning on Tuesday 15th January 2019, beating up people and forcing them to clear barricaded roads. As the Commission, we are of the view that such heavy-handedness on the part of the security sector does not solve our national problems but only helps to create resentment and anger amongst the citizens which in turn breeds the violence that we are currently experiencing.

Lastly, as Zimbabweans, let us all remember that this is our country together, and we must all work to ensure a Zimbabwean society where everyone enjoys their rights and where citizens can thrive and prosper whilst building a better country for future generations.

Ethiopia: ONLF Press Release (23.01.2019)

The Somali people in the Somali regional state(Ogaden) have a legal right to manage their political affairs and full self-rule upheld both by the Ethiopian constitution and international law. The most fundamental tenet of these entitlements is the right to choose their own leaders. Furthermore, Premier Abiy has promised to all peoples in Ethiopia to respect their democratic rights and open the political space.

ONLF calls for both the ruling party and the federal government to respect the wishes and dignity of the Somali people and desist from any acts that could jeopardise the stability and the wellbeing of the Somali regional state and the people.

Any political differences shall be resolved in a transparent manners where all stakeholders are consulted.

ONLF is committed to peace and democratic governance in the Somali state and Ethiopia in general and calls upon all stakeholders to adhere to the same principles.

Finally, ONLF calls upon the ruling party in the Somali state to resolve any difference internally in an amicable and transparent manner.

ONLF

23/01/2019

My Letter to President Mnangagwa: Make it Stop!

Dear Sir, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa!

I am writing you today because of everything that has happen since the 12th January 2019. This has now been in t0 days of violence, killings and detaining the opposition, activists and also intimidate innocent civilians. Because of your state own actions and internet blockade, but also the Social Media Blockade, which has ensured the lack of verified accounts on all the state sponsored activity done with your blessing.

Mr. President, the tale of what is happening is well-known for you. You know what the soldiers are doing. You know what the Police Officers are doing and what the Judges are charging several of activists, union-leaders and opposition leaders too. Therefore, you know what is happening and the actions done by your authorities towards the citizens.

That is why its insulting reading your statement. Like your trying to look like a reformer and someone who is changing society. When your really using the fuel crisis and Shutdown to silence the ones who has a voice against you.

So when you wrote this today, were you in a serious state:

Likewise, violence or misconduct by our security forces is unacceptable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe. Chaos and insubordination will not be tolerated. Misconduct will be investigated. If required, heads will roll. I invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together. What unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us. Let’s begin a national dialogue. Let’s put the economy first. Let’s put the people first. Likewise, violence or misconduct by our security forces is unacceptable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe. Chaos and insubordination will not be tolerated. Misconduct will be investigated. If required, heads will roll. I invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together” (Emmerson Mnangagwa, 22.01.2019).

Why I don’t trust your words? Because, we all saw how you acted when it came to the 1st August 2018 Post-Election Violence and Inquiry, which was a salute to blame the opposition, but not take anyone who ordered the guns on the protesters in the streets of Harare. That wasn’t important than, and isn’t important now. We know that by your previous actions. Only your image and the possibilities it is supposed to bring.

However, Mr. President, your not acting like a man who cares about the toil, the tears and the grieve. You act like a President who has no issues using the force of the army and authorities to silence them. You have no trouble putting treason charges on anyone who stand-up to the ZANU-PF rule.

Mr. President, you have not created a NEW ZIMBABWE. This is the same old Zimbabwe. Your actions and words doesn’t fit to the reports. As the intimidations continues, the sorrows are still trickling out. While hard to verify, still their voices are vital to get a feedback on the state of the Republic.

Mr. President if you really did care, you wouldn’t talk like this and act like this. Travel away for so, as the fire are getting worse. No one really planning to put it out and find way to rebuild. Instead you stayed away, until rumours of your demise happen. Then you couldn’t hang out with the wealthy at Davos. Therefore, Mr. President you are far from creating a New Zimbabwe.

You are delivering a sinister, evil resemblance of the one of the past. Mr. President, you are not changing the Republic. You are not showing the world a New Zimbabwe. You are not opening up Zimbabwe for business, but your actions are closing it. There is no transparency, there is no proof something sustainable and trustworthy. The only thing you trust is using the army and using force, not building things and talking about the issues. You are just using the AK’s and hoping they will settle the score.

They might make one more person stop, but the idea is still lingering on. The idea of freedom, liberty and principals of rule of law, which is all equal to all.

Mr. President, if you believe in any of the words your are writing. As long as the weapons are pointing at innocent civilians, who just happens to be near the soldiers. You are in the wrong side of history, you are at the wrong side of barrel; Mr. President you are the one that is in-charge and should make it stop. Not make the voices showing discomfort and discontent against you and your party, STOP.

With sincerely sad disbelief that you though a PR Stunt would change the narrative

Writer of MinBane

Zimbabwe: ZELA Press Statement – ARDA TRANSAU Leader Intimidated over a Pending Relocation Court Case (22.01.2019)

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is saddened by the reports of events that occurred at around 22:00hrs on the 21st January in ARDA Transau. ZELA received disturbing reports that on the said night, a group of men who identified themselves as members of the security forces intimidated and threatened the Chairperson of the ARDA Transau Relocation Development Trust, Mr. Donald Masvaure, at his place of residence with unspecified action should he continue to mobilize the community to seek legal redress in a pending court case.

The threats and intimidation came at a time when the Trustees of the ARDA Transau Relocation Development Trust, led by Mr. Masvaure were planning on convening a meeting to update the community on the progress of their case set down for hearing at the Mutare High Court on the 24th January 2019 before Justice Mwayera. The residents are being represented by lawyers who have been instructed by ZELA. In the said case, the Trust is seeking an order compelling the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to furnish it with the records and all documents pertaining to the relocation of the residents of ARDA Transau from Chiadzwa. It also seeks an order compelling the same Minister to furnish information relating to the tenure system to be given to the relocated residents.

The Trust and the residents as a whole have a constitutional right to access the requested information guaranteed by the section 62 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Accordingly, the court will be persuaded on the 24th of January to make a finding that the Attorney General neglected his duties and obligation to promote, protect and uphold the Constitution and defend the public as provided for in section 114(4) of the Constitution by failing to advise the Minister of Local Government and Public Works and National Housing.

ZELA categorically condemns these unlawfully actions aimed at stopping or discouraging communities to assert their rights through the courts. It is worth noting that the residents as represented by the Trust have the right to access the courts in Zimbabwe as enshrined in section 69(3) of the Constitution. The realisation of this right should not be discouraged through unlawful and forceful means. The threats and intimidation have no place in a constitutional democracy like Zimbabwe. ZELA calls upon the Zimbabwe Republic Police to investigate the incident, identify the culprits and bring them to book in line with their constitutional mandate as provided for in section 219 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, ZELA is concerned about the security and safety of the residents of ARDA Transau and is appealing to all the relevant authorities to give all the necessary support and protection in order to ensure that justice prevails.

“Environmental justice through sustainable and equitable utilization of natural resources and environmental protection”

IGAD JTC MVM: Investigations into Violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Nassir, Upper Nile State (23.01.2015)

Opinion: CS Matiang’i is Kenyatta’s new Super-CS!

Clearly, today’s gazetted news are saying that Kenyatta have the new powers, the new mandate and only answers to President Uhuru Kenyatta directly. That means, by default CS Fred Matiang’i, the CS for the Interior by the new roles in Government. He has the mission and mandate to supervise the government until the President doesn’t see it fit. In that picture, the Deputy President William Ruto is a ship lost at sea with less rudder to steer in the midst of ocean.

Kenyatta has directed by Executive Order, that CS Matiang’i is in charge of the National Development Implementation and also the Coordination of the Government Ministries. So, that the CS will in this role focus on “The Big Four Agenda”. This is directly ensuring the control of the ministries and the resources, so that the new CS has oversight to another level than before. This is really surpassing the DP and securing the loyalty amongst the ones dealing directly with the Handshake.

They are clearly sidestepping Ruto here. They are manoeuvring and toying around him, as the President is offering excessive power and initially delivering him the powers of a Prime Minister. Therefore, making Ruto the token figurehead, but powerless. Sort of like the Vice-President in Uganda, Edward Ssekandi, who only attends funerals and exhibits. Not really governing or running government, but a figurehead and breathing person on behest of the government needed be.

After the handshake, the role of Raila Odinga has already been put in question with the Building Bridges Initiative and how he configures in the shadow of the government. The difference here, is that CS Matiang’i is directly mandated and has a supervision role. Which by default gives him massive powers. That in the end, also makes Ruto less viable. The loser today is Ruto and his people.

We can wonder if Matiang’i has more power than the Building Bridges Initiative. As the Taskforce are put in place, we can wonder how that will be put in play with the new Communication Cabinet Commission (CCC). Therefore, the BBI versus CCC might be a thing, who knows right?

But at this point, Kenyatta and Odinga is best-buddies showing up at functions like they have been friends from day-one. However, the play of changes today can really show that Kenyatta are showing his force towards the Hustler. That Kenyatta trust someone else more and wants him to reign in the Cabinet. Also get the Cabinet more functioning in his regard. That is what you can get out of this move.

We now have Super-CS, a Special, Limited Edition Cabinet Secretary with Ultimate Extended Mandate, which looks like super-seed the Deputy President. Kenyatta has served by the newly minted gazette. CS Matang’i really has laid the golden goose. He gotten a big plate and should be ready eat. While Ruto has to configure how he should manoeuvrer and find his way.

The President should really soon explain his DP how this goes. While I wonder, how Odinga are playing into this too? Kenyatta are really playing them both and I am starting to wonder if this is a prequel to draft for the upcoming elections. Peace.

Zimbabwe: Public Statement by President Chamisa – The Way Ahead – The Correct Path (22.01.2019)