Opinion: Bebe Cool thinks liquid courage can beat the pandemic…

Musician and political operative for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Moses Ssali alias Bebe Cool is at it again. He has is own little drive to end up here. He just have to end up in headlines for all sorts of reason.

Bebe Cool is proving not be a scientist and the smartest cookie, even if his trying to prove point:

The possibility of getting COVID-19 in a bar is less than the possibility of getting COVID in a Church, sanitizers are made from alcohol. In bars, people are drinking alcohol. Where does COVID attack someone from?” (Bebe Cool, 10.11.2020).

The alcoholics and the ones on steady liquid courage would be secure not to get COVID-19 or the Coronavirus if his statement was true. However, alcohol affects the body negatively to an extent and inhabits its strengths. Therefore, you should avoiding drinking to much. Because, that would weaken your immune system for diseases.

This is why Bebe Cool is the flirt in the bar and not the doctor hooking up with girls. So, the reality here is that Bebe Cool doesn’t know what’s his talking about. Maybe all those bottles thrown on stage has damaged his calm. Maybe his drinking has spawned some mysterious insights to the world, which we don’t get.

The alcohol in sanitizers isn’t the same as the ones you drinking. The industrial alcohol isn’t the same as the beverage. It should be stated that its dangerous to drink and could destroy body-parts. Just like it was dangerous to play around with bleach like Donald Trump said a few months back.

Bebe Cool should get enlighten before he talks. Though I know I am expecting to much. He will be his own self to his grave. This man will dance and drink every time he has a chance. This man won’t open a book and study. That would reflect bad on his judgement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states the ordinary spread of COVID-19 is this:

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe heavily. These liquid particles are different sizes, ranging from larger ‘respiratory droplets’ to smaller ‘aerosols’. Other people can catch COVID-19 when the virus gets into their mouth, nose or eyes, which is more likely to happen when people are in direct or close contact (less than 1 metre apart) with an infected person” (WHO – ‘Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How is it transmitted?’ 09.07.2020).

So, if people are close in a bar, church or anywhere else where the droplets or such are in the air. Then the ones who has it can easily transmit it to others. This means that people should avoid those places and social distance. If that means not going to the service or the happy hour at the bar. Both places are dangerous, unless people are as far as one meter from each other. That is the Math here.

Therefore, because of Bebe Cool. I have debunked two things at the time, which is needed. Because, COVID-19 isn’t a joke, but a serious hazard and a pandemic that causes a lot of pain. Until, the Vaccine is out and been implemented to stop the spread. We have to adjust our lives and secure ourselves.

This means stopping some social gatherings for a time. To ensure that the spread of the virus doesn’t persist.

So wash your hands, don’t touch your face, socially distance and stay safe. That is what we got to do these days. Also, not listen to people like Bebe Cool. That will only continue the spread of this virus. Peace.

Mali: Communique du Gouvernement de Transition (10.11.2020)

Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigrai Scholars (GSTS) – Urgent Call to Prevent a Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Tigrai Region, Ethiopia (11.11.2020)

The Museveni Paradox: If a miracle happens, then we might see a peaceful transfer of power

The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni promised a fundamental change. It wasn’t a mere change of guards, but a new government built on other ideals and ethos. Which was supposed to be in vast contrast to previous rulers of the Republic. Alas, the President should start a new era on the 26th January 1986.

However, there has been plenty of water under the bridge since late January 1986. There been so many opportunities to make a difference and changes within the Republic. However, the NRM and the President has squandered that. The President could have become a legend, he could have been seen as a liberator and someone who would always ring in a positive light. Nevertheless, that isn’t the case anymore.

The reasons for his bush-war and for his liberation in the 1980s is the same systemic issues lingering with his reign. The electoral rigging and the hectic gerrymandering. The elite from one tribe and the military leadership, which is most of the ethnic group that the President trust and from the same region. All these issues was reasons for the bush-war and he has done the same.

The same is the elitist eating of the public coffers and misuse of grand corruption. Where a small infringed group can access all perks and allowances. While the general public is only getting scraps. The state is all in the vision of the President and his closest allies. This system isn’t for the grand public, but for the chosen ones.

This is why the lingering problems that caused the bush-war is now in effect. Where there is one law for the ruling regime and another one for the opposition. The NRM is the ones who get can away with murder, while the opposition struggles to gather and hold public meetings. This is the reality within the republic.

When someone has this amassed power and can micro-manage from his State House. When he got lodges, farms and estates across the Republic. It is like we know he cannot live the wealth and the accounts behind. The President has so many schemes and therefore, he just needs to stay in power a while longer. Just to ensure he gets to profit from the office a while longer.

The President and his allies has changed the Constitution several of times just to ensure he can run. Abolishing term limits and the age limit. The state has made laws, which favours him and his fellow comrades. This is all the ideal patronage around the Presidency and it just continues to push it to the world.

This is why the President cannot transfer power. He will loose everything, his family will not have a foothold and the possible investigations into his reign might issue some time and even cost his achievements. The President could possibly be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and answer for War-Crimes elsewhere like in the Democratic Republic of Congo or in Rwanda for that matter. This President have been connected and implicated in shady deals elsewhere.

So, with the knowledge of all of this. I have a hard time seeing him stepping down in 2021. It is more likely of another rigged election with fierce use of armed forces and media blackout. Where all opposition is behind bars and his inaugurated with fellow dictator buddies. Because, that is what is awaiting 2021. There will be no fanfare of opposition victory. If 2016 wasn’t a sign of that. Then nothing is…

Museveni will not transfer power. Yoweri has no reason or profits himself to do so. He will lose everything and he cannot afford doing that. No matter how he has destroyed his legacy and how he lied to get to power.

He promised liberation and promised to step down before. However, his still here and has no intention of leaving. If he can he will rule until his last breath. It is not a just act of the old man, but that is all he has. Also, if the public doesn’t love him. He doesn’t care as long as the army, security organizations and the police is obeying his command. As long as he have the guns on his side. The President knows you cannot do anything about it.

The “High Above” and the Self-Styled President for Life will linger-on. It would be revolutionary for him to transfer power. However, I doubt it will ever happen. The only way he will transfer power, if his soul has moved on and gone into second life. Because, at this present moment and as long as his breathing. I don’t see any play that suggest him resigning or give way. Unless, there is a military coup that topples him. Nevertheless, that isn’t a peaceful transfer of power, but continuing the long line of successors coming to power by the gun.

So, you see? Museveni will not leave. He will be there forever, unless a miracle happens, which is no where in sight. That is why its called a miracle too. Since there is no prewarning to those sort of events. Until then, there is no one who has a chance to see peaceful transfer of power. Peace.

Tchad: Field Marshal Déby for life

In N’Djamena, the capital of Tchad the President since 2nd December 1990 is now known as the Field Marshal (maréchal) of Tchad, Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic, the head of state (chef d’État).

This is Idriss Déby Itno who today on the 10th November 2020 proclaimed that his standing for yet another term in April 2021. This is another term in office after being the head of state for 31 years. Tchad is clearly lacking manpower and people with skills. Since they need the same man for so long.

Déby helped a coup in the 1982, but years later himself fled to Sudan in exile because of another foiled coup in 1989, but achieved his goals in 1990. Since then he has reigned supreme in the Republic. Where he has changed the laws and ensured his reign.

Officially in 2016 he won his “fifth” term, but then you are erasing the first term, which was his coup d’etat. The International Media will state his running for the 6th Term. However, that is not reflecting the timeline and years, which he wasn’t elected.

For the simple reason, Déby won the first post-independent election in 1996. Alas, he had a term in office before being elected. The Chadian President is officially on his 5th Term, but then again we are erasing his first years. This is why this is his 6th Term and his running for 7th term and because of constitutional changes he can run again for his 8th Term in 2027. As the terms of Presidency has gone from 5 to 6 years as well.

The Field Marshal, the Head of State and President of Tchad hasn’t any plans to step down. Expect the elections to be fixed and rigged in his favour. The opposition will be in trouble and he will control everything. There will be jammed phone-lines, social media blackout and internet blockage. The state will be under lockdown after the polls. That is what these sort of folks do. While playing like they are legitimate leaders.

Déby will do this. It is the nature of these things. He will run for his 7th Term, even if media and elsewhere will state it’s his 6th Term. That is because of lack of counting the first six years in office. This is something happens elsewhere as well. It is like the first coup years of an administration is erased after they have held an election. An unwritten rule of sorts, which just happens to occur everywhere.

Déby usually serves the same fate as others in his stead. The ones who took power this way isn’t leaving office, but lingering for life. That is what he does, but also boosting more titles to make himself look grandeur. He needs to look big and have certainly a huge ego. Therefore, he cannot leave office.

An office he has had since 1990. It seems like forever and plenty of the citizens in his republic doesn’t remember other Presidents than him. That isn’t strange, but reflects more on Déby himself. This is what he has made and it all falls down on him.

Déby is yet another one of those self-styled President for life. Who will use all legal means to stay in office and leaves no plan of any successor. Idriss will be remembered for this. The up-coming election is only a charade, because we know the results already. The books are written and headlines are predetermined. It is only a a waiting game, where we know the results even before it starts. Peace.

Tanzania: UN rights chief disturbed by harassment of opposition following Tanzania elections (10.11.2020)

GENEVA (10 November 2020) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday said she was disturbed by reports of continued intimidation and harassment against opposition leaders and members in Tanzania in the aftermath of the general elections. She called on the authorities to ensure people are able to express their grievances without fear of reprisals.

Reports indicate that at least 150 opposition leaders and members have been arrested since 27 October in mainland Tanzania and in Zanzibar. While most have been subsequently released, at least 18 reportedly remain in custody.

Police officials have stated that the individuals arrested were planning violent protests. Police officials warned publicly on 31 October 2020 that they would not allow protests to go ahead, citing alleged plans to cause chaos, and they threatened to use force and detain anyone taking part in demonstrations.

“The tense situation in the country will not be defused by silencing those who challenge the outcome of the elections, but rather through a participatory dialogue,” Bachelet said. “I urge the Tanzanian authorities to respect and facilitate exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly.”

The High Commissioner called for the immediate release of those detained for exercising their human rights. She called on the Government of Tanzania to ensure that security forces and law enforcement officials act according to the rule of law and human rights norms and standards.

Under international law, there is a presumption in favour of considering assemblies to be peaceful, the High Commissioner stressed.*

These developments follow reported pre-election intimidation and harassment of civil society organisations and journalists, as well as allegations of police brutality against opposition members and supporters on the day of the election. Bachelet called for prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of human rights violations before, during and after the polls – particularly into the killing of at least 10 people and the injuries sustained by over 50 others in Zanzibar on 26 October.

The High Commissioner also expressed concern at Internet restrictions, including the blocking of many social media and messaging platforms, and the censoring of election-related content.

“Free flow of information is critical to any democratic society, and especially so in an electoral context,” the High Commissioner said, adding that any restrictions on information and communication technology must be in line with international human rights laws and standards.

ENDS

Opinion: Kanye could have ended up like Nader

I know the Year of 2020 is full of surprises. Kanye Omari West, the rapper, entrepreneur, music mogul and fashion designer could have caused havoc. Kanye could as an independent presidential candidate caused similar results to what Ralph Nader did in Florida in the 2000s.

I know this sound bonkers and weird, as the Flordia 2000 Presidential Election was contested and close. There was technical glitches and possible helpful hand by the Governor of the time, Jeb Bush. To push his family member and Presidential Candidate George W. Bush to victory. Alas, the game is different in 2020.

However, my key point here is that he could have ended up as the Green Party Presidential Candidate Nader. Nader was able to gain enough votes and ballots in such a manner, which in the end gave an edge to the incumbent president.

Nader was much more organized and was a political savvy guy. His in another league than Kanye. That is without a doubt. Even if Kanye is more of a celebrity and a musician. He still within a minor campaign and without to much spending was able to get 60,000 votes in 12 states where he got qualified and had ballot access.

This is why in an obnoxious way… the phenomenon of Kanye could have been the one tipping scale in favour of Trump in 2020. That is, if he had been able to hit the deadlines and be eligible to run in all the states. The states where there was less of margins between Trump and Biden. There he could have thrived just enough to tip the scale for Trump. Just like Nader did with W. Bush.

Nader got so many votes in 2000. That he in a way gave way for W. Bush. He got the moderates and the ones who could have voted for Gore and secured a Democratic Win of Electoral College in Florida. Therefore, the same story could have been told in 2020.

Where the Independent “non-starter” and “gimmick” candidate Kanye could initially be the one who caused enough stir to take valuable voters from Biden. However, Kanye came into states where he wasn’t the factor or even concerning either Biden or Trump. He just was on the ballot and the votes he got was indifferent to the results in the end. It wouldn’t alter it or make an issue.

Kanye, if he had done this more organized and had a real team behind him. Not just ad-hoc nonsense, which he did. The man could have stirred the pot and done a Nader in 2020. There was close enough races to call. That him on the ballot could have added weight to the scale. So, the lack of knowledge and timing has suffered more his campaign. Which in the end only let him be a punchline in an election. Instead of being a man with swagger and a campaign worth taking serious.

Kanye was a joke and held worrying campaign rallies. The man looked unstable and the erratic behaviour wasn’t a good sign. However, that hasn’t stopped people from voting on candidates like that.

This is all hypothetical and only mind games. Kanye could have done 2000. That would have hurt Biden. That is maybe what Democratic Operatives was worried about when he decided to run. However, he couldn’t even muster a decent game. Kanye couldn’t even drop a quality 16 bars to be a feature. Peace.

RDC: Memorandum des Jeunes de l’UPDS Grand-Kivu et Ituri adresse a son Excellence Monsieur le President de la Republique, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo a Travers la Commission Ad Hoc mise en Place par la Circulaire No. 004 (09.11.2020)

Cote d’Ivoire: Generations et Peuples Solidaires (GPS) – Communique – Tribune, Je Suis Revolte! (08.11.2020)

Ethiopia: An escalating conflict crafted over little to nothing

The information coming out from Ethiopia is concerning. The Federal Government are targeting all Tigrayan people. There is a direct purge on all of this ethnicity. The ones fleeing from the Republic right now is of this ethnic background. As civil servants, officers and others are suspended from their jobs. This is all a deliberate attack on everyone associated with the Tigray.

The Prosperity Party have issued harsh orders. They are calling it a Law Enforcement Operation. However, we all know that this is warfare and not just a cause to catch some random criminals. The state has issued orders or war and doing military operation within the regional state of Tigray. They are targeting the elected regional government of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The local government and former governing party who has defied the Prime Minister.

This is the revenge of Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy. That is the tragic reality. Because, of a man who doesn’t want to listen and have dialogue. A man who doesn’t want to negotiate, but consolidate all power. This is why his attacking TPLF and the Tigray region. It is to boost his ego and get of his last big enemy. An enemy, which he wasn’t able to play or make belief to become a subject under him.

The PM has been able to let other parties in, write deals and agreements, but later arrest and criminalize their efforts at a later moment. This is what he has done to his opposition in Oromia. Where the Oromia leadership and party leaders are behind bars. Where activists are lingering in jail too. Where the state have brutalized protests and done what it could to silence dissent.

Now, the PM is focused on destroying and silencing the Tigray leadership. He has ordered soldiers, airstrikes over cities and moves in a pincer way to block all movement of Tigray soldiers. They are even in Sudan and gotten safety there. The Federal Government soldiers are able to cross into Sudan to be safe. While the Tigray will be extradited like the ones who fled to exile in Djibouti. The PP is able by friendships abroad to ensure a helping hand for everyone who flees the conflict.

There are reports of possible 500 soldiers who has fallen. These numbers are hard to verify. As there are no internet, telephones and such. There is blockage of all food and supplies to the region. The Regional Government is using donkeys to get supplies in. Fuel is blocked as well. The Federal Government is ensuring that all things are stopping.

This will ensure that all citizens and everyone who happens to live in the region will be hit by this. There is no one who is not touched. The TPLF and PP is punishing everyone. While Amhara government and the PP is attacking the TPLF. The TPLF who represents the Tigray Regional Government. A government the House of Federation has dismissed and said is unconstitutional.

The PP is quick to use the Constitution against the TPLF. However, they are using it quickly against others, but not following it themselves. As they can easily pull the trigger, cause violence and suspend elections. That is what they have done. While misusing power and not having a official mandate themselves.

The Prime Minister have ordered and issuing warfare in the region. They are taking border towns, but with casualties. This is an act of revenge. An act of a coward who didn’t want to talk and listen, but choose instead to pull the trigger. That is why the PM has said no to Special Envoy Kalonzo Musyoka from Kenya and also interference from IGAD. Therefore, the PM is entrenched on his own agenda. Hoping he can blow and bully the TPLF away.

This here will not be a quick fix. The ramifications will linger on for years. The damage done now will be impossible to recover quick and find solutions too. The PM is creating more problems for himself and he cannot save face.

The PM is a Lord of War now. The ballad of bullets and the songs of death will be his songs. Civilians will either get caught in cross-fire or starve, as the big-men is causing this devilish havoc on them.

The Federal Government is using the rule of law and the Constitution as a shield, but that will not save it. Because, the effects and the aftermath of the war will haunt it. The deceased and the bloodshed made by it. Will be the legacy the state remains. The Prime Minister will be remembered for sending soldiers into a constitutional dispute in the midst of a global pandemic. The Prime Minister will be remembered for issuing this war and working hard to defend it. However, pointless that is, because there is no way he can make some reasonable sense of it.

It is total devastation and the costs of lives shouldn’t be this cheap. Nevertheless, the value of lives is only for the elites, while the peasants can be sacrificed on their alter of wealth. Since that is how it seems. This is why the PP and Abiy can forge stories and destroy lives to stay in power. While citizens are struggling in the midst of all of this.

The TPLF is the former oppressor and has blood on their hands. They should answer for their sins as well. However, that should be answered in Courts of Law and not on a battlefield. The TPLF isn’t saints, but this is a illegitimate war towards them. The PP knows this, the PM knows and everyone with some sense see that.

The PM want credibility and legitimacy for doing this. He wants international community to believe it, but its all game of power. This is to bury the ones who defied him. The ones who didn’t follow him and didn’t act accordingly. That is why he waged war. A constitutional dispute turned into civil war.

Where the big-men will most likely survive, but innocent civilians will die. Where soldiers ordered will go into combat and die too. On orders of the same big-men who will not be in the field, but look at stats in secure buildings. They will drink coffee and eat good, while the public will starve. There is no victor here. Only the ones who lose the least. There is nothing positive coming out of this. Only more people in the trenches and more people dying.

For one simple reason: One man’s ego to have all power within his hands.

That’s it and that’s the tragedy here. That its one man who decided to do this and he will not be touched. However, his soldiers, his citizens and everyone in the nearby areas will be bystanders who suddenly hit by it.

The amount of casualties reported only shows the tragic effects of doing this. There isn’t good to take away from this. Civil War creates nothing good, a war only creates more hopelessness and destructive actions, which in the dissolve morality. This is why some will defend this and say its alright. If you do… then there is no difference between you or the former oppressor. The TPLF should answer for sins and now the PP needs to answer for theirs. As they are creating it today… and tomorrow.

On a battlefield made by one man’s ego and not a just war. A war created over little or practically nothing, but the lives it costs is priceless and cannot be returned. Peace.