Mali: International condemnation of the coup d’état…

Just as scheduled the African Union, ECOWAS and by all means the government itself. The coup d’état been cheered on the streets of Bamako. While the government officials are arrested and the ones running it is taking control of the republic.

These statements speak for themselves. Just read them and see how these international and regional bodies are reacting to the coup d’état. It is really showing their true colours.

Mali Government Statement before arrests:

The Government of the Republic of Mali has been following with great attention the events which have been taking place since this morning in our country, particularly at the level of two military camps in the city of Bamako. The mood swings observed reflect a certain frustration which may have legitimate causes. The Government of Mali calls on the perpetrators of these acts to pull themselves together. There are no reasons above our dear Mali that are worth acts whose uncertain outcome can lead to acts harmful to the entire Nation. The Government calls for reason and a patriotic sense and asks for the arms to be silenced. There is no problem the solution of which cannot be found in dialogue. The Government calls for appeasement and makes itself available from the moment of this press release to engage in fraternal dialogue in order to dispel any misunderstandings” (Dr Boubou Cissé, Primature du Mali, 18.08.2020).

ECOWAS Statement:

The main opposition group, M5, he said, continued to insist on the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a position not acceptable to ECOWAS, which insisted only on democratic process in change of power within its jurisdiction. “We told them that no international organization, including the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), and others, would agree with their position. We continued to emphasize the need for dialogue,” former President Jonathan stressed” (ECOWAS, 18.08.2020).

African Union Statement:

18 August 2020, Addis Ababa: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat strongly condemns the forced detention of President of Mali Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the Prime Minister and other members Malian government and calls for their immediate release.

The Chairperson strongly rejects any attempt at the unconstitutional change of government in Mali and calls on the mutineers to cease all recourse to violence, and calls for the respect of the country’s institutions” (African Union, 18.08.2020).

We could really expect the statement from the Prime Minister Cisse he don’t want to loose his job and his appointment. That was to be anticipated. Who would think a man with the guns aimed at him would ask for them to silence them.

What ECOWAS says is very clear, but they are accepting that a President overstays and not resigning after public demand. The ECOWAS is supporting a President over the will of the people. That says a lot.

Also, the African Union does the same. They are rather keep a puppet of France in Mali, than have someone who the people want. Both ECOWAS and AU wants a illegitimate regime in power. The AU would accept a rigged election … but not a coup d’état. Because that is tool, which only accepted if it causes stability.

Instead of understanding the grievances of the people and the reason for the cheering on of the coup d’état. It is a reason why they toppled the Mali government. They didn’t do this today … for fun, but for a reason.

Keita’s time was up. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s stern warning against careerism [is hypocrisy…]

Finally, the NRM needs to expunge the politics of careerism and re-instate the politics of mission-led leadership. It is not just the: “who”. It is, first and foremost, the: “what”? What is to be done for Uganda’s salvation, for Africa’s salvation? Once you remind yourself that the “what” in the case of NRM, means the 4 ideological principles: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, social-economic transformation and democracy, then, it is easier for you to decide on the “who”.Who is it that seems to understand and adhere to the three principles? Do not intimidate, do not assault, do not insult, do not bribe, but persuade by explaining and exhibiting good conduct” (Museveni, 18.08.2020).

At this point of time in August 2020. A man who has ruled the Republic since 1986. The administration, the government, the Members of Parliament and civil servants are all a reflection of the President. All of the creations of institutions, policies and directives has been made by him or for him. It is not like the system isn’t in the vision of the President.

With this in mind. His speech of “who” and “what”. Goes back long in the lingo of the President. Museveni asked late 1980s and early 1990s. Then he even dropped a book with speeches “What’s Africa’s Problem?”. Therefore, this is following a pattern of this man.

The President have used this argument before to defend his overstaying and lingering in office. That it’s about the causes, the development and wealth creation’s instead of being about him personally. Even if that goes against everything he said and did in early years in office.

The same president that keeps the same entourage and cronies in close association. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is filled with old relics, people who are having careers at ages when other are forced to retire. The NRM and the Cabinet is filled with old people and meal-ticket politicians. That is all like that, because of how corporate and cash-filled politics has become under his Presidency.

He knows “whose” the problem, but he will not go after himself. That would be out of character. He would never resigned or give way for succession. That will only happen … when he either stops breathing or internal coup d’etat against the man.

Therefore, his final ending and warning to politicians. The type of politicians he has created and awarded. If there wasn’t an incentive to be like that. They would operate like that. They would act differently, because they follow the leader and be examples for the Republic. However, he has made them like this.

He will never take the blame or the responsibility. He is the “who” and the man who never fixed “what”. The man could have appointed “who” and made it possible to fix “what”. Still, there was never a real interest to do so. If so, he wouldn’t need the grants, loans and multi-national organization to cover his tracks. The man knows this and blames for the ways the politicians have become.

President Museveni is the “who” is never solving the “what”. That is why his indispensable and have to continue… and the cycle repeats itself. Peace.

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Uganda: Two Presidential Candidates arrested recently…

The National Resistance Movement failure and at the same time legend, Henry Tumukunde have been arrested at least twice recently. While also, the outspoken critic and former journalist Joseph Kabuleta have gotten arrested too. This is just the steady progress of the NRM.

Like today reported that: “Gen Henry Tumukunde has been arrested and is being held at Njeru Police station. The Presidential hopeful that recently launched a political pressure group was allegedly picked from Royale Paradise Hotel on Kayunga Road, Njeru Division” (NTV Uganda, 18.08.2020).

Also, on the 14th August in Hoima, that Kabuleta was holding rallies and meeting the public. The police arrested the Presidential Candidate there.

This here is just typical of the state. They are now using the COVID-19 guidelines as means to arrest and silence the opposition. These two are arrested as they are gearing up their campaings. Both as individuals.

Tumukunde with his pressure group Renewed Uganda and Kabuleta with Reclaiming our Country and Kin (ROCK).

Both are running for the Presidency. Neither with much fanfare or big following. These men have names and is known. Because of what they both did in their past. Tumukunde is a fellow who has bounced in and out of government. Appointed and faltered. This time he tries the route of Mbabazi in hopes of recognition and jobs after the election.

Kabuleta is a outspoken pastor, former journalist who does whatever he feels. Needless to say his not as much of big deal, as he thinks himself. He will end up as a lucky loser and will have waisted all of the time.

Tumukunde will land someone government or NRM appointment after all this. After he bows his knees and pleads allegiance to the President. Kabuleta will not be able to that. He has only used his platform and ensured a spring-board away from his divine enterprise.

These two are just the run-of-the-mill Bwanika and Biraaro running for the Presidency. The lone soldiers trying to find enough lost souls to gather a brigade. These two will revolutionize or have the ability to gain much traction. These doesn’t even have alliances with others to help them to up their game.

It is wrong to arrest them and do so on spite. The only thing it does. Is giving these gentlemen some headlines. However, they are lost causes. We just don’t know by what margins or stretch before the polls starts… Peace.

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Mali: A coup d’état against the government..

There is reports of a coup d’état in Bamako, Mali. Where armed soldiers are forming a mutiny against the government. This after arrests and such of several soldiers.

The ones behind it is reported to be Colonel Diaw, General Cheick Fanta Mady Dembélé, and Colonel Mama Sekou Lelenta.

They have arrested the President of the National Assembly Moussa Timbiné, the Foreign Minister Tiébilé Dramé and Chief of Staff of the National Guard Gen. Mahamane Touré, Minister of Economy and Finance Abdoulaye Daffe, Finance Minister Boubou Cissé and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamissa Camara. Also, the arrest of the son of the President, Karim Keita.

There been reports of gunshots in and around a military base in Kati outside Bamako. Also, possible besieging of broadcasters, like TV-Stations and Radios too.

There also been reports of people going to the streets cheering on the coup d’état, they all seem tired of the reign of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. There is also unverified reports, that the soldiers have entered the Presidential Palace. It is reported that the armed forces has taken control of the Bamako International Airport. There is also speculation that the President would be taken to the UN Headquarters of MINUSMA. It is also reported that he has gotten an ultimatum for Keita to leave the Republic into exile before 2PM this evening.

In Bamako, there is also reports of road-blocks and soldiers guarding the streets.

All other public service is also stopped today. Who knows what more is happening. However,the situation is fluid. Let’s hope these armed forces listens to the M5-RFP, the ones behind the demonstrations. Who wanted both Keita gone and French interference gone too. As Keita been supported by the French, both with troops and financially.

We can hope Imam Mahmoud Dicko of M5-RFP and his allies gets a say. If not its just a change of rigged government towards a military junta government. Some speculates that its Turkish mercenaries are together with local mutineers.

There will be more to this. The armed forces are taking control, but we can wonder how this will be played out. We just can hope this has a positive outcome. It can become a junta government and the public left behind. As the armed forces are taking control and Keita loose his power. Peace.

A look into three of the Presidential Nominees from the FDC…

Wasswa Birigwa, Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Moses Byamugisha is people within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) who are vying for the highest position in the Republic. They are picking nomination forms and running for the Presidency.

Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa, the Party Chairman only turned to the FDC in 2015. So, its not like the man his been a long term ally of the party. He has been close to the President and his team. That’s why his appointed and had roles in the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It is not like the man has a been there long to show his credentials as a man for the FDC.

Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA) has been the Party President since late 2017. Before that been the MP between 2001 to 2016. Been the part of the National Campaign Team in 2016 and believed in the Defiance campaign. A man of loyalty to Besigye and the cause of FDC.

Moses Byamugisha have been a Besigye aide and youth mobilizers in the party. His been consistent with his views and perspectives. The one that aimed first of the three. The others have waited to the last minute. Moses is clear about his vision and is using his youth teams to build a campaign ahead. It seems like his thinking ahead, as he is even going after the signatures to stand as “independent”.

We can also wonder if Nathan Nandala-Mafabi would stand as well? He would also be a man for the job. The experience in Parliament and knows how to express his vision to the public. Mafabi has it in him, but wonder if the party would take a man like that.

The FDC men of these are POA, Byamugisha and Mafabi. Birigwa haven’t been there that logn and should rest with his role as a Chairman. Harold Kaija would have more of a standing in comparison to Birigwa. Therefore, for me his a non-starter and someone who isn’t it in for the cause.

POA could become the Presidential Candidate. However, that will marginalize the party. The man has wishes and outbursts, that isn’t always that candid or calculated. He knows how to gain attention, but not always in the positive manner.

Byamugisha have another sort of way. His more of a young Muntu. Still, his defiant and a man for the cause. His not a softie, but a slow builder. Very direct and knows how to push. His the man whose been on the front-line and taken care of the ones arrested. Been a voice for the youths and the activists. A man who knows the party and support party objectives. That is why his a hopeful and a man who shouldn’t be neglected.

Mafabi haven’t taken the nomination forms. He hasn’t even said he wants it. Even as there been voices for him and his candidacy. His a man of the party. Mafabi is vocal and can conduct his affairs. There is really nothing ill to say about him. However, hard to know if he can be easily a man for full front mobilization. As his a sort of moderate, but still shows his capacities with all the years in politics.

The FDC has people who has abilities and capacities to be a Presidential nominee. They have the characters and the ones who knows the cost of doing so. They have also followed on the trial of Beisgye and know how things goes. They have been in the trenches and seen the reality of the battleground ahead of the polls. These people knows this…

I rather want to see Moses than POA. Rather see Mafabi than POA. POA can gain attention, but his personality would be harsh for plenty. POA has the right mind, but his way of expressing it is so unpolished. You need some filters before speaking. That does the other fellas have. Though I don’t trust Birigwa at all. That is however how I look at it. Maybe, someone else would look differently and maybe he would even prove it too me.

Nevertheless, want to wish the all the best. A luta continua. Peac.e

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