Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF): Press Statement on Deafening Silence by the “Usual” critics on emerging Global Issues (16.01.2021)

Kenya: National Nurses Association of Kenya & Kenya Clinal Officers Association – Joint Statement – Press Statement Release (19.01.2021)

Opinion: Muntu and Tumukundu, what’s your next move?

This 14th January 2021 must have been devastating for the bush-war legends and long serving individuals of Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde. Muntu had created his “New Formation” aka Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). The grand builder of parties and such. While Tumukunde just made himself a sole independent candidate under the “A Renewed Uganda” which also failed to achieve anything.

Both Muntu and Tumukunde did even worse than Amama Mbabazi in the 2016 elections combined. At least the Go Forward and The Democratic Alliance (TDA) got some MPs into the 10th Parliament. That is a proof some skills and a bigger message than themselves.

Muntu has been all “Country before Self” and been the silent burner. Right now the charcoal isn’t even sizzling anymore. It is like the elites and the moderates are totally ditched. They are all swirling around and headless. Muntu should have upper-echeloned Norbert Mao and made strides. However, that is all in the wind.

It is like these two was unfortunate to run against Bobi Wine and the Patrick Oboi Amuriat. They were not able to run against bulletproof vests and barefoot villager. No, these two was running a mediocre campaign and they ran into very little trouble. The state didn’t block them much or even challenge the authorities. No, these was gentle giants who was more fluffy than teddy-bears.

That is maybe why people rebuked them and didn’t by into their campaigns. Muntu had more for him. Still, his motivation and slow-building paradigm is non-satisfactory for plenty. Since with his method it would take forever to get a peaceful transition. Secondly, nobody fears a diplomatic and a pragmatic fella like Muntu. No, his just getting credit where its due and his tab wasn’t that big in the first place, apparently.

Tumukunde only ran for now. It seems like an enterprise to get headlines and hope for a new appointment post elections. It is not like he undermined or even tried to challenge Museveni. Yes, he was blocked in a few districts. However, not like the Police Force did arrest him or his team. No, he got scotched free… and they knew he was a useful pawn. That is why the state didn’t touch him.

I wonder. Will Muntu continue in the same manner. When he see how other performs and make a difference. Will he still be the soft-spoken man? Or will he re-think strategy and make himself relevant?

I doubt the man will do so. Because if he does. He will start on the path of Defiance and such. Which he has distanced himself from for years. Muntu will most likely be more on NBS Frontline and become another Mao in the public spotlight. Nevertheless, his party will be more a political gig until the next election. Since, unless he changes ways he will not gain the traction or be viable. It is just another moderate non-starter and cannot offer a possible change. Unless, you give him two more decades and hope by then Museveni have stopped breathing.

Tumukunde on the other hand. The Diet-Mbabazi will try to return into the NRM fold. Tumukunde wants a plumb-job. He wants to be a ambassador or getting into the NRM CEC. He wants to return like Bukenya did after 2016. That is what he wants and that is his job ahead. Not like Tumukunde wants to create something in the wilderness. No, he wants the envelopes and titles. That is what he wants.

Do you agree? I don’t see it going down any other way. Peace.

Day 6: No dignity in the House Arrest of Bobi Wine

Day Six under house arrest and we’re still stuck with an 18 months old baby who had paid a visit to her auntie (my wife ) be4 we were raided & besieged. The Dad has been denied access to her. We have run out of food and milk. No one is allowed to leave or come into our compound” (Bobi Wine, 19.01.2021)

There are laws for the Republic of Uganda to adhere too. However, the justification of the prolonged house-arrest will always be “inciting to violence” or “fear of riots”. This has been done before and is the simplification of a loser directly arresting the victor of the polls on the 14th January 2021. If President Museveni won. He wouldn’t need to arrest and detain his opposition. Alas, that is the case and it shows his targeted injustice and impunity against his own civilians.

The state action and prolonged pre-emptive house-arrests was to be anticipated, as the state has done the same to Besigye in both 2011 and 2016 after the General Elections. Therefore, the National Unity Platform Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi would get into legal trouble. The state and the NRM is following the same formula.

As they are keeping him as a prisoner in his own home. They are breaching own laws. Not only the laws of Human Rights Violations and possible International Laws in association with the detention of Bobi Wine. No, they are actually breaching their own created law for their own dominion.

In the Prisons Act of 2006 Article 57(a): “a prisoner shall be treated with the respect due to his/her inherent dignity and value as a human being” (Prisons Act, 2006).

This here is very easy to assess. When someone cannot eat and not given food. The state is no dignifying and showing Bobi Wine the value as a human being. When his house is blocked from having lawyers visiting him. They are not allowed to collect food stuffs in their gardens to be able to eat. That is breaching the article 57(a).

In the same law the article 57 (1) it states: “No person shall be received or admitted into prison custody without a valid commitment or a remand warrant, order of detention, warrant of conviction or committal signed with a court seal or authenticated by a person authorised to sign or authenticate such warrant or order under the provision of any law” (Prisons Act, 2006).

We know that Kyagulanyi isn’t directly charged with anything. After 48 hours he didn’t get noted or taken to a court. No, his just been house-arrested on the grounds that he challenged the President and that is a cardinal sin in the Republic. Bobi Wine have no official warrant or charges on him. Only been house-arrested and blocked from the world by the army, law enforcement and everyone else supposed to keep law and order. However, here its neither law or order. Only injustice.

The state should ensure the prisoner is getting fed. The prisoner in this case and his fellow cell-mates in his home should get water and food by the authorities. As they are keeping him captive and behind closed doors. It is a familiar place and not a detention room in a torture chamber or bare prison-cell. Still, it is being a prisoner without the direct mandate of Prison Services.

That is why its the duty of the state to keep them alive and secure their rations. This is just common sense. However, that hasn’t been taken care off or they don’t care. Still, that should be the first priority. Secure the prisoners food and water. So, that they can sustain living and be healthy. Especially, since its by state orders he is closed off from the world.

The ones bitching about him sending his kids abroad earlier in the campaign. Should understand why he did it. Because, this injustice and torment on them would be damaging. To see the pain and suffer with the parents. Since, Bobi Wine made a decision to take a stand and challenge Museveni. This is the price of doing so. However, the state is no dignifying his imprisonment. They should man up and tool-up. Peace.

Ethiopia: Ministry of Peace – Humaniatarian response in Tigray Region is underway (19.01.2021)

Ethiopia: UNCHR reports – Only One Food Distribution by WFP to Tigray since conflict started

In a conflict there is usually some innocent civilians who is the casualties between the battling parties. There is no difference in the region of Tigray in Ethiopia. Where refugees and civilians are caught in crossfire. The parties are hit by the blocked roads and warfare. Also, the direct control of the National Army, Eritrean Army and Amhara Paramilitary Group “Fano”. All of these factors get’s into play. As much as the state wants to control the Law Enforcement Operation, which have been into play since 3rd November 2020.

We are now in middle or later January 2021. That is near to three months of conflict. A conflict where the United Nations Organizations and aid organizations haven’t been able to access or allowed to get to the ones in need.

UNHCR on the 19th January 2021:

The assessment, which concluded last week, found help is urgently needed for the tens of thousands of Eritrean refugees in northern Ethiopia. Refugees were cut off from any supplies and services for more than two months. Wells were not functional without fuel for the pumps – leaving refugees to use water from a nearby creek for washing, cooking and drinking, resulting in diarrhea like illnesses. The only assistance refugees received since the start of the conflict was a one-time food distribution conducted by the World Food Programme (WFP) almost a month ago. Plans are underway for a second distribution” (UNHCR – ‘UNHCR finds dire need in Eritrean refugee camps cut off in Tigray conflict’ 19.01.2021).

These stories should haunt the authorities, the government and everyone in-charge. Unless, they are fine with starving civilians. Because, this is deliberate acts of injustice. This is violations of human rights and the basic needs of other human beings. Everyone needs shelter and food. That is just a mere fact.

So, when the Prosperity Party and the Law Enforcement Operation is acted out like this. The governing bodies of Addis Ababa is responsible for the disaster and humanitarian crisis in Tigray. As the UNCHR is only saying about the Eritrean refugees. However, we can imagine if the Eritrean refugees have it like this. How is the rest of the population of the populous region been held captive too? Are they also starving and blocked from food supplies?

That wouldn’t shock me, as the UNCHR doesn’t say how things are in general. Nevertheless, the ideals and the ability to cut-off these basics needs for civilians. Says a lot about what sort of play the government have towards this region. How little it care about lives and their fate. The state doesn’t care or value the needs. As they are even blocking World Food Programme and UNCHR to act upon the outcries and call for help.

Tigray region is hurting and its deliberate from the state. They are using everyone as targets and not shielding anyone from the harm of the conflict. That is the clear message of the state. Peace.

RDC: Les Congolais Debout – Communique No. 010 du 19 Janiver 2021 (19.01.2021)

Africa Elections Watch (AEW) – Massive Electoral Malpractices and Gross Human Rights Violations in Uganda: The World Must Speak Out (19.01.2021)

Maldives: Hanimaadhoo Council PPM Members and PPM/PNC Steering Committee meet with President Dr. Waheed (19.01.2021)

Hennessey Tales Part V: Sonko is bitter and ready for vengeance

Impeached Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko retaliated today on Facebook. Wrote a scathing piece about President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, at the grand scheme of things. The former Governor might be right, but is late to the party.

For a man drinking, partying and enjoying the perks of office. Sonko the socialite and high ranking official is maybe the last brother you expect writing a deep piece or even have valid points. Yes, the man could campaign and get himself elected. However, as long as you have the right allies and speaks well enough. The dynasties can take you a long. Especially, if you toy around and wants to be friendly with the cartels. The likes of Sonko would play with anyone, as long as he got some of the action.

That is why it’s inspiring that the dwell on the misgivings of Kenyatta. Not like Sonko is the Governator or the straight-forward good governance in the flesh. No, nobody would think that Mikey Mike Sonko would offer brilliance and government services in a revolutionary way. Unless, some fun stunts, flashing gold and expensive clothes. The man was more Ali G, than being an actual governor.

This is why today is epic. That his rant was a exceptional. Sonko acted holier than thou. A man who everyone has seen dance, toy around with people and play politics. Therefore, his downfall was his arrogance and lack of action in office. He could have played loyal and sucked it up. Then the Kenyatta’s and such would have most likely left him of the hook. However, he aimed at the kings and missed.

He might have some suction and some popularity. Nevertheless, the gig is up. Yes, the so called impeachment of Kenyatta would be damning and be a valid verdict of his Presidency. As there is enough scandals and misgivings. That there should be something the National Assembly could charge him and find him guilty of. However, most of them are loyal to Kenyatta and they want his blessings. So, not like they will risk losing the good while they are ahead.

This is why the idea of impeachment of Kenyatta will not happened. The ones who is supposed to do it. Will never challenge and the ones writing up on it. Is already retired or irrelevant at best. That is why the loss of the title is the reason for today’s stunt.

Sonko wish he was in good graces. He would trade this failure and loss with anyone. The utter embarrassment and brutal end will haunt Sonko. That is why he wants this pain on Kenyatta. Not that it will happen at this point. Nobody want to do that and loose all of their political capital on a fool errand. There is nothing to gain, except brownie-points and participating trophies.

Sonko better continue to drink his Hennessey and enjoy the nightlife. Later in life he can tell war-stories and political anecdotes at Universities. Right now, the bitter blow is hurting his pride. That is why his seeking vengeance. A call that nobody will answer and the ones that does. Will not have the manpower or ability to pull it off. Peace.