Sudan: Joint Statement by the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change on the Formulation of Transitional Civil Government (18.04.2019)

The Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change have arrived at a final conceptual framework for the structural functions of the Transitional Civil Authority. The process was a product of an integrated vision developed in accordance with the Freedom and Change Declaration as endorsed by the popular masses and their active revolutionary forces.

A delegation from the Freedom and Change Declaration Forces has since informed the leadership of the Armed Forces of a summary of this envisaged framework as well as the intended steps to be taken in the following days to commence the handover to a transitional civil authority.

The Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces’ governance vision was summarized at three levels of the Transitional Civil Authority, in accordance with the Interim Constitution, already drafted by the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces, below is an overview of the prescribed structure:

First, a Presidential Council entrusted with carrying out the sovereign functions of the State.

Second, a small council of ministers composed of national competent cadres with the relevant professional experience, integrity and fast-steadiness. Those are tasked with the day to day executive roles as well as the implementation of an emergency governance program for the transitional period.

Third, a transitional civil statutory council to carry out the transitional legislative tasks, in which women represent no less than 40%. The council’s will assimilate within its structure the youth and women coalitions from the revolutionary forces. Due consideration of the ethnic, religious and cultural diverse makeup of Sudanese society will be taken into account to ensure fair representation.

These institutions are tasked with the implementation of the Freedom and Change Declaration as endorsed by the people.

The constituent figures of the transitional civilian authority structures will be announced in the next few days, following the completion of an extensive consultation process, which will ensure a fair and balanced representation of all the Sudanese revolutionary forces. The process will prioritize means of linking a civil transfer of power to the issue of ending conflict and the building of a comprehensive and sustainable peace through dialogue with the armed movements who are already represented within the Freedom and Change Declaration Forces. We call on those who have not signed the Declaration to join its ranks now in unification with the essence of the revolution in order to achieve a peaceful and comprehensive civil transition that addresses the issues of the country without fragmentation and in line with an ordered prioritization of issues.

Our country is at a pivotal juncture, one that requires a unified stance to combat the counterforces working effortlessly to abort the revolution through the spread of rumours and suspicious questioning of the components of the Declaration, despite it having emanated from the demands of the popular revolution and its evolvement with its changing requirements, yet to achieve its end goal.

Our people’s ongoing strikes and protests represent the guarantor for carrying out the revolution’s aims. We intend to hold on to them and organise within its ranks until the Transitional Civil Authority takes over the reins of governance in country. We trust that victory for our people is imminent and we reiterate that no force will preclude us from realising its goals.

Freedom, Peace and Justice…. Revolution is a people’s prerogative

Signatories to the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change
18 April 2019

Niger: Region de Niamey – Ville de Niamey – Communique (19.04.2019)

More than 3,400 classrooms damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, says UN Children’s Fund (19.04.2019)

More than 305,000 children in Mozambique are losing out on lessons at school since the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Idai, which struck southeast Africa just over a month ago.

NEW YORK, United States of America, April 19, 2019 –  The latest assessment by UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, indicates that around 3,400 classrooms have either been destroyed or damaged, with 2,713 out of action in the Sofala area alone.

In some of the areas affected, schools will need extensive repair and rehabilitation after being converted into makeshift emergency shelters for children and families displaced by the huge storm, which barreled inland off the coast of Mozambique on 14 April, also causing damage and flooding across large areas of Zimbabwe and Malawi.

UNICEF is urging authorities to reconstruct schools in a more robust way, so they can withstand natural disasters in the future, and they are urging humanitarian partners involved in the mammoth recovery effort, to “continue working together to implement solutions” – such as establishing temporary learning centres – to get children back in school as quickly as possible.

“Any prolonged interruption in access to learning could have devastating consequences for children over both the short and long term”, said the agency. “Education is essential for helping children return to a sense of normalcy following a traumatic event, like a major cyclone, and for their long-term development and prospects.” 

UNICEF is also concerned that the disruption will compound what were already low rates of school enrolment and “learning achievement” in Mozambique. iwith less than 20 per cent of secondary-school aged children currently enrolled.

Dropout rates could increase if families whose property or livelihoods have been negatively affected by the cyclone are forced to send their children to work to make ends meet.

Teachers have also suffered because of the cyclone, the agency notes, proposing short-term financial support for educators affected by the disaster to help them re-build their lives.

The needs in Mozambique remain massive, with 1 million children in need of assistance. UNICEF has launched an appeal for US$122 million to support its humanitarian response for children and families affected by the storm and its aftermath, in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi over the next nine months.

In immediate response to the storm, more than 14 countries, including five from Africa, deployed more than 100 assets to support the aid effort, said UN humanitarian coordination office, OCHA, including $14 million released from the Central Emergency Response Fund by humanitarian affairs chief, Mark Lowcock.

Food has been distributed from the first day of the disaster response, and more than one million people have been reached so far. More than 800,000 have been vaccinated against cholera, and more than 117,000 have received emergency shelter.

RDC: Declaration des Deputes Nationaux de l’Opposition Politique (18.04.2019)

The Sound of Silence: The continued disruption of Besigye On-Air!

Why does it have to be like this? Where is the justification to always target the radio broadcasts where the former Presidential Candidate and leader within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Dr. Kizza Besigye attend.

It doesn’t matter in which town, city or parts of Uganda, where the FDC leader is speaking on-air. No matter where, as they have to inform and give indication of their arrival as per request of the Public Order Management Act, the Police Force and the other authorities knows of the movement of the FDC Leader. Therefore, when he goes to Mbale, Jinja or Kabale. The authorities are ready to arrest and take away the signal of the set-radio station.

That is just what happens again and again. It is reoccurring like a smear campaign against the man. Not only assaulting his rights as a human being and political figure, but also the rights of the radio stations to pick who they are broadcasting and interviewing. Because, if it was any of the entitled gentlemen in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or associates of the President. They would never have arrested them on-air or sealed of the stations because of their presence.

The authorities and the regime cannot be proud of these acts, as they are just devious. They are not clever. It is more of the same and showing the mediocre signs of oppression. The sort of behaviour, which is not democratic. As the democracy is only skin deep, because every decision and every move have to be sanctioned from the Okello House or the State House. Therefore, expect Besigye and the fellow FDC leadership to be under more pressure. Since, the election of 2021 is already gearing up for. Even as we are only in the middle of 2019. Still, the pretext for that is evident. As the NRM has picked their sole candidate and the DP Block is established.

We just have to wait and see where the final destination leads us. What we do know is that the authorities and the state apparatus will continue to assault the opposition. They will persist with this behaviour and do it relentlessly like it is no tomorrow. This is deliberate acts of a coward government, who knows their lack of popularity and has to rule by fear. If they were so great and grandeur. They wouldn’t need to fear the speeches or interviews of Besigye. However, they are and does it, again and again. Peace.

The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) condemns violent confrontations in Kalma internally displaced person (IDP) camp in South Darfur (19.04.2019)

These confrontations reportedly resulted in the killing of 16 people including a humanitarian field worker, with 17 injured and a significant number of IDPs displaced.

ZALINGEI, Sudan, April 19, 2019 –  The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) strongly condemns recent violent confrontations between two rival youth groups in Kalma Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Darfur state, which occurred on 13 April 2019. These confrontations reportedly resulted in the killing of 16 people including a humanitarian field worker, with 17 injured and a significant number of IDPs displaced.

In response to these violent confrontations, UNAMID immediately deployed its Police who created a buffer between the two rival groups thereby diffusing this situation and preventing further harm to civilians. UNAMID Police also provided First Aid assistance to the injured and increased its patrols in the area. The Mission will soon dispatch an Integrated Team to the area to further engage with traditional leaders in the IDP Camp and local authorities to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents in the future.

The Mission reminds all protagonists involved that IDP camps are considered humanitarian space which should be free of weapons, where displaced people must not be subjected to threats, harassment, attacks or harm. Such actions could constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

Any internally displaced person found carrying a weapon and using it, is no longer viewed as a civilian but is seen as a combatant and as such loses humanitarian protection provided to civilians.

The Mission calls upon all IDPs to respect humanitarian principles and not to engage in violent acts. “While the prime responsibility of protecting civilians rests with the Government of Sudan, UNAMID shall continue to collaborate with the relevant IDP leaders and Government authorities on protecting civilians and engage with them regarding this matter at all levels. The Mission urges tribal and local community leaders to encourage their community members to solve their differences in a peaceful and cooperative manner,” said Jeremiah Mamabolo, UNAMID Joint Special Representative.

UNAMID continues to monitor the situation and is taking appropriate measures, in line with its protection of civilians’ responsibilities as mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

Opinion: The Mueller Report is damning for President Trump

After reading the 2 released volumes of 11. There is clear intent and actions made by the Trump Campaign Team, the Trump Transition Team and when the Trump Administration got into power. There are clear signs, even if the report doesn’t state it directly, as the was so many connections. So many meetings and such a variety of gathering between Russian operatives and the Trump associates. It is like they coordinated and ensured they had meeting point. That they could come together and get things done.

To say otherwise is naive. The levels of this is special, from the Trump Tower Moscow, the Miss Universe and beyond. The central meetings, which the Trump Team have earlier denied and later said was “much ado about nothing” but must have been something since your covering it up.

The same, all the times in volume two, where the Special Counsel describes the intent and acts to interfere and obstruct justice from the President. Where the President even states that an unrecused Attorney General could shield the President from the ongoing Russian investigation. Maybe, why he got rid of Jeff Sessions and had an acting AG, before ending up with favourable AG Barr. Seems so by the looks of it.

Just like with Michael Cohen, the President discouraged his previously personal attorney to testify and cooperate with the Department of Justice and the Special Counsel, as this could hurt the President. Therefore, he was tampering with the investigation, by trying to stop Cohen from talking and giving evidence to the law officials. Secondly, he tried to do the same thing with Michael Flynn. That is why, this Presidency has deliberately tried to obstruct, by silencing the ones in association and the ones close to it.

The President trusted Manafort and knew that he wouldn’t cooperate, even as he was convicted of crimes. His associate and partner Richard Gates offered the needed information and got a plea agreement. Meaning, that the business of Manafort and his companies would be covered by the scope of the investigation, even if Manafort didn’t plea guilty.

This report of volume two of the Mueller Report specifies that the President obstructed with intent and had motives of doing so, but it was unsuccessful, because the persons around him didn’t follow his direct orders. That is damning evidence of acts against justice and rule of law. By the man that is the Executive branch and the man of the highest office of the Republic. That he was personally interested in closing the investigation and making it harder for the officials to investigate the matters.

After reading the report, I wonder what is written in the volumes that is not public and not released. What is so important that it was redacted and not official yet. Because, this is the first report and not the whole. Because then the public would have all the volumes, not just the first two ones. This is deliberate from the Attorney General and Department of Justice.

We know there are casing going against Roger Stone, Internet Research Agency and others in the parameter of the Trump Campaign. As well, as more Grand Jury inquires and possible subpoenas to come. Also, the launches of more investigation from the Committees on Capitol Hill. This Russian Investigation isn’t over, even if the Report is unleashed. Since, this is telling a lot, but still not the whole picture. Though a deeper dive into the material. Much, which is already unleashed by reporting over two years. Where the realities of the communications, the meetings and the intelligence of Russian agencies where involved.

We just have to see where this leads us, but this report is really damning. It is setting everything in perspective and shows how much contact the Trump Campaign had with Russians. Which was like they were close and knew each other. Because, this much activity is weird. Especially, if your not supposed to have any foreign interference in the elections. Peace.

Not Breaking News: The Supreme Court Validated the Age Limit Amendment today!

If you ever thought the Supreme Court would allow the appeal on the Age Limit or the abolishment of the Article 102(b) your wrong. The 1995 Constitution is a document that is to change, as the President see fit or as he is in need.

The ones that believed that the Supreme Court would dismiss it. The result 4 Judges to dismiss versus 3 to appeal. Seems more like trying to make it balanced, than it really is. Because, the judges could have just made it 7 to dismiss or even 6, maybe even 5. Since, the result is practically the same. Close, but no cigar.

There are nothing that is changed, only that all legal remedy before the General Election 2021 is gone. The road for the sole candidate of the National Resistance Movement. Nothing will stop him, yet again. Like it is child’s play, which it is. Because, everyone around him plays to his tune. The ones who doesn’t end behind bars for silly reasons like Besigye. That is just life in the republic.

Again, and again, all the remedy, all the legal and Parliamentary steps is taken to secure the Self-Styled dictatorship of the President. In the vision and way of Museveni. If you think it is brilliant. It is not, it is just misuse of state institutions and ensuring one man get everything.

This isn’t validating a constitution or rule of law. This is validating the Presidency and his cronies. There is nothing noble or justification of it. Except keeping the status quo and the misuse of the power, which the NRM and the ones around the President already does.

If you think the verdict of 18th April 2019 is splendid and worth celebrating. Than celebrate the arrests of opposition members, the assaults on civil society organizations, political rallies ambushed, concerts blocked, journalists silenced, radios losing their licenses and everything else that is used to stop the opposition from organizing. It will only get worse, before it gets better.

For one reason, there is less and less reasons for Museveni to play around. He has everything and all laws is in hands. All the security organizations is following his memos and the Parliament is doing as directed. There is no one questioning or stopping him from doing what he says. Even if it failure and foolish.

Don’t anticipate this verdict to make things better. It won’t, it will just give the President all the reasons to continue his run. To continue his persistence of stealing, dealing and killing everyone else seeking office. Ensuring overpower and control. Giving no way. Just being him. There is no other way to look at it.

This is again, giving all the powers to the same man, that has run the republic since 26th January 1986. We could joke, may even say Bosco is out of his mind. But he isn’t, his just using the Supreme Court, like he has used everything else for 3 decades.

He just got the final nudge, the final nail in the coffin. He has abolished the term limits, now he officiated the destruction of the age limit. Who knows what is next, but this man will do whatever it takes to be in power. To think otherwise, is a lie or you haven’t gotten the whole picture. If not you are naive and thinks this is a good. Which is not.

This is validating the corruption, the arrest of democracy and also the ability of others to compete. As it is yet another fixture ready for the victory of Team Museveni. Peace.

President Museveni letter to Speaker Kadaga: Appointment of a Chairperson and Members of the Uganda Land Board (08.04.2019)

Opinion: AG Barr proves his deficiencies in his latest presser!

Attorney General William Barr, the third Attorney General under President Donald J. Trump, whose been under investigation by the Special Counsel Robert Mueller for over 2 years. Today, was the day, that the public might see the report. However, before the redacted report get released. Even as the Congress and various of committee have been asking it for weeks. The Department of Justice and other in the administration. Have done whatever they can to spin the report.

Today is nothing different. Instead of letting people decide for themselves and look into the verdict of the Mueller Investigation. We get for the second time a spin from the Attorney General. Who previously only written a letter, which didn’t say much. All of the time playing the tune the President wants to hear. Surely, if he don’t, there will be a new acting Attorney General soon.

We know that the investigation isn’t winding down, we know there are still people under legal scrutiny, whose in close proximity to the President. While his former Campaign Manager, his aides and his former personal lawyer are all either felons or becoming state property soon. Therefore, it is not like the state have not found illegal or breaches of the law within the parameter of the President. It is just mere luck, that they haven’t found more or able to find more. As the Congress Committees are subpoena the people around the president and also the Trump Organization.

Therefore, the investigation is still ongoing and weird that the AG and the President are in public exonerating themselves. Even when there been so many people indicted and also put charges on. From Michael Cohen, Michael Flynn, Alexander Van Der Zwaan, Paul Manafort, George Papadopolous, Richard Gates and Roger Stone to mention a few. Whose all been in Court or indicted for breaking the laws.

That is why its rich for the Attorney General to say nothing was found and he was totally guilty. When so many was found guilty around him. The group and people around him has been taken into custody and had to answer to the rule of law. They have all been charged and even given plea deals to feed the investigation. The Special Counsel wouldn’t do that, if he didn’t believe he could build a case. That is why, it is rare and unique, that an investigation seeking this deals with several of close allies of the President. Couldn’t find a single thing on the President and further more people around him.

That sounds like spinning the report to me. I want to read that report, to see what Mueller found and what he asses. What sort of possible breaches and explanation to the erratic and hasty acts of the Trump Administration. This doesn’t sound like a true statement from them. Especially considering the reports of close communications ahead of the Presser. Where the White House and DOJ have communicated, meet and negotiated the Press Conference. This is a clear memo, that the law is directed from the Executive and not independently after the legal status, the DOJ is supposed to abide too. Just think about that and then, see if you find something wrong.

We don’t know what the report says, it hasn’t been released, only the mere biased opinion of the third AG under Trump. Peace.