Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the latest developments in Somalia (14.03.2020)

The latest incidents on the Kenya-Somalia border and the recent build-up of security forces in the Gedo region have created instability and resulted in casualties and large-scale displacement of civilians. This has had a severe humanitarian impact notably on vulnerable women and children. The fighting in Galmudug at the end of February has also fuelled tensions. Overall, these situations are extremely serious. Furthermore, they divert assets and attention away from military operations against al-Shabaab in Lower and Middle Shabelle and jeopardize hard won stability in Somalia. They are also detrimental to Somalia’s relationships with its neighbours and partners. Urgent steps must be taken to de-escalate.

Full cooperation is needed between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States as well as amongst regional partners. Lasting solutions must be found to safeguard the ongoing efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, to build-up integrated Somali security forces and to create a secure and enabling environment for state building and development.

All parties involved should do everything necessary to reduce tensions, exercise restraint, respect the integrity of sovereign borders and seek peaceful resolution of differences between one another.

The European Union underlines the importance of stability and good cooperation among Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia in their common border area where they have shared interests. The engagement and outreach from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, (IGAD) is welcomed in this regard, as well as the recent communication between the Presidents of Somalia and Kenya on 5 March. An anticipated summit between the heads of state and government of Somalia and its neighbours is urgent. It should consider incorporating steps to verify and monitor the situation on the ground as a confidence building measure.

The European Union has always been a strong supporter of Somali state building, notably in the economic and security areas. Recently this commitment was translated into a firm support to Somalia’s debt relief process. The current military situation also calls for an urgent discussion on the state of implementation of agreed joint priorities in the political and security sphere.

This discussion is an important element to continue to strengthen the effective cooperation between Somalia and its international partners in the spirit of mutual accountability and partnership.

Opinion: The “Zaake Parliamentary Report” reads like a hit-job

After reading the bleak 23 pages report on the “misconduct” of Hon. Francis Zaake during a meeting of the Committee on Educations and Sports, as they were investigating into the violence, the army presence and the raising intuition at Makerere University. This report was made in January 2020, but was published now recently.

What is striking is that everything is pointed at Zaake from the get-go. There is no denying in it. You can read that this was pre-programmed. Even if there was questions into the manner and ways Professor Nawangwe as well. Still, his all of the hook, no questions into his lacking will to answer or even say what really was going on there.

This was at the heights of it all with all the massive reports, speculations and even the horror viral videos of what was happening at the halls of Makerere University. While the Professor didn’t want to answer to this. That is why the Parliamentary Report on the actions done is toothless too. Just like the Professor said the MPs where. They are spineless and won’t have the ability shift the power, which is from “high above”. That evident with this report too.

Because, it points to Zaake. Not the reason behind it all, the stress of an MP who is in direct connection with the youths and students of Makerere. A man who cares and who isn’t ruthless. This is how it all seems now.

Zaake is the fall-guy. The guy to pin blame on for shouting, interrupting and questioning the Professor. As he was supposed to be accountable and transparent.

It is funny that the recommendations speaks of the integrity, decorum and manner of which a committee should work. They are pinning blame on Zaake without any consideration. Even when there are other allegations put on him with no evidence and not even captured on CCTV cameras. This all seems more like they had a pre-disposal and planned effort. That Zaake was a bad boy and need to punished.

While they can so easily do this to him, they didn’t do anything and haven’t pushed for the Recommendations in the Parliamentary Reports on the strikes and violence at Makerere University. These are just briefcase reports, but when it hits an opposition character like Zaake. Than, he will be muted and silenced by some manner. Because, protocol and decorum matters in the likes of him, but expect that a NRM MP can scream and shout. Expect a Cabinet member being allowed to go all “gung-ho” and “an-march”.

Yes, there’s is a need in a meeting for protocol, respect and manner. This is well-known, but that is from both parties. And the other MPs should know the invested interest for Zaake in this matter. It is not like his a total outsider and activists he knew was in trouble there. That is why, the army acting out and speculations into the vile activity would make anyone spark at a leader of the institution deflecting the questions.

Zaake might be wrong, but at the same time. He has done it with a purpose, which the report never states. Neither does the Vice-Chancellor or Professor deserve to let of the hook. Because of his reluctance to answer the committee and the allegations against him. What is striking is that the other members didn’t address that, but asked for human treatment. Meaning they are really weak and not bothering about gathering evidence towards Makerere. When they are just addressing Zaake and not even considering the actions that triggered him.

That is why this Report is a hit-job. It was meant from the get-go. There was no other meaning of this one. To censor or to give Zaake a message. That he got to relax, be more chill and just watch Netflix. Peace.

Statement on the situation in Tanzania: “Rule of law and the freedom of political activity in Tanzania must be guaranteed” (13.03.2020)

RDC: Mot de Circonstance du President Moise Katumbi a l’Occasion des Funerailles de l’Honorable Apalata, Chef du Groupe Parlementaire MS-G7 (13.03.2020)

RDC: Collectif Sauvons l’UDPS (13.03.2020)

RDC: Compte-Rendu de la Rencontre entre les deux Hautes Personnalittes de la Coalition CACH – FCC a Savoir, le President de la Republique, Son Excellence Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo et l’Ancien President de la Republique, Son Excellence Monsieur Joseph Kabila Kabange (12.03.2020)

Kenya: Civil Society Organizations Seek for Opennes in Debt Management Strategy Paper and EPS Review (13.03.2020)

IGAD Executive Secretary Congratulates South Sudan Leaderss over Announcement of New Government (13.03.2020)

Kenya: Ministry of Foreign Affairs cleared meeting between President Kenyatta and President Farmaajo on the 16th March 2020 (12.03.2020)

Security Council Press Statement on Sudan (12.03.2020)

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Wu Haitao (China):

Members of the Council condemned in the strongest possible terms the attack on Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s convoy in Khartoum on 9 March 2020.  Members of the Council stressed that such attacks are unacceptable and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

Members of the Council reiterated their full support to Prime Minister Hamdok in his endeavours to see Sudan through a successful transition in a manner that achieves the hopes and aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous future.

Members of the Council expressed their solidarity with the people of Sudan and affirmed their readiness to support Sudan during the transition period, and reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Sudan.