Somalia: International Partners Urge Resolution of Electoral Impasse (12.01.2021)

Mogadishu – Somalia’s international partners* are deeply concerned about the continuing impasse in implementing the electoral model agreed on 17 September by President Mohammed Abdullahi Farmajo and Federal Member State leaders.

We urge Somalia’s top political stakeholders to demonstrate leadership in the interest of the nation and to quickly resolve outstanding issues of implementation through dialogue and compromise, so that a credible electoral process can proceed as soon as possible.

The partners appreciate recent initiatives. In particular, they welcome the visit of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble to Galmudug and Puntland; the discussions among a wide range of senior Somali leaders hosted in Garowe by Puntland President Said Deni; and the outreach by Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Karie ‘Qor Qor,’ who conveyed proposals from Garowe to Federal Government of Somalia leaders and other political figures.

The partners note that the 17 September Agreement was endorsed by the Federal Government, all Federal Member States and both houses of Parliament, and was also welcomed by many Presidential aspirants. Notwithstanding the disappointment of the partners and many Somalis that this model falls far short of ‘one-person, one-vote’ elections, the 17 September Agreement remains the sole acceptable basis for the 2021 elections. There can be no re-opening of the 17 September Agreement or the creation of an alternative or parallel process. Broadly inclusive understandings on its implementation are needed to ensure the credibility of this process. This would be in line with the agreed commitment from the Somali Partnership Forum. Partners would welcome an accelerated effort to resolve, as a matter of urgency, remaining issues and conclude such understandings in the coming days, so that elections could begin later this month.

The partners urge Somalia’s leaders to respect and fully implement the 30 per cent women’s quota in parliament, as they committed to in the 17 September Agreement.

The international partners reiterate that any threat or use of violence is not acceptable. They also emphasize the importance of free and open political space in which candidates are able to express their views peacefully and the media are able to operate without restriction.

The spirit of dialogue and compromise which led to the signing of the 17 September Agreement must be sustained to move the electoral process forward.

  • African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Italy, Ireland, Norway, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and the United Nations.

USA: Vice President Mike Pence letter to Speaker of the House of Representative Nancy Pelosi (12.01.2021)

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): EFF Calls for Peaceful, Free and Fair Elections in Uganda (13.01.2021)

Malawi Human Rights Commission: Commencement of Investigation into the shooting and death of Blessings Nyondo (12.01.2021)

USA: The Joint Chiefs of Staff – Memorandum for the Joint Force – Subject: Message to the Joint Force (12.01.2021)

Mali: Communique de la Mission d’Evalution de la CEDEAO par Rapport a la Transition en cours au Mali (12.01.2021)

Gen. Museveni is wearing fatigue warning the public of cheating in elections [while his army is deployed all across the Republic]

We fought so many wars for the right to vote, nobody should interfere with it. Do not waste our time by trying to cheat, let the people of Uganda elect the way they feel”Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (12.01.2021)

Today is yet another Presidential Address of the President since 1986. Who the international press says is seeking his 6th term, which is faulty by default. As this President suspended elections for a decade and therefore with that move its not officially his eight term. Nevertheless, I would say his moving from 7th term into 8th term. In an violent election and oppressive one. Where opposition activists, candidates and team members are taken away, arrested and even found dead. That is the election of 2021. That is the the state of which this President is delivering these words on today.

I will not dwell deep into his speech, as there are reports of Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) aka the Army in the streets. There is report that they are deployed into ten major cities or towns. That includes Kampala, where the footage of the clips of the newly bought army vans drove passed. Just to prove the Turkish imports to Uganda. Just to show force.

It is really sad this way. That he went into war-mode… as the polls are happening within 48 hours. The Self-Styled President for Life intends to install himself in for a 8th term.

Here some inspiring quotes ahead of the polls:

Some groups have made it a habit to cheat in elections. I want to tell you, that cheating is treason. When you use violence to intimidate to be voted for, you are committing treason. If you plan to cheat or alter results so that you win even when the majority didn’t vote for you, it means you won’t go back to solve the issues of the people because you will cheat in the next election. This renders democracy null and void. I am warning everyone, don’t try to cheat” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (12.01.2021)

There is no threat we cannot defeat. Do not fear to vote, we shall defend you. There is no part of Uganda we cannot reach, if not foot then by air” (Museveni, 12.01.2021)

When you use violence to intimidate so that you are elected, you will have committed treason because if you win you will not have won with the support of the people” (Museveni, 12.01.2021).

That is why he comes with these ideas now. To again come with the idea that the Opposition will cheat and rig the election. However, that will be nearly impossible as the state runs the show. The President have appointed the Electoral Commission, the Judiciary and the Commanders of the Law Enforcement. It is all prepared for the elections to go in his favour and legitimize his rule.

At this moment, opposition activists and leaders are picked up the government. They are arresting and taking away over 100s of them across the Republic. The state is working on overtime… and doing what it can to block and silence the opposition ahead of the polls.

Just to push his ideals, he comes with this excuse as well: “I am sorry for the inconvenience to those who have been using this channel (Facebook), but we cannot tolerate this arrogance of anybody coming to decide for us who is good and who is bad” (Museveni, 12.01.2021).

The other day Facebook decided to block the NRM message senders. Why would anybody do that? When I heard about that I told our people to warn them. That social channel, if it’s going to operate in Uganda, it should be used equitably by everybody” (Museveni, 12.01.2021).

Well, you are deciding what is good and bad in your domain. So, let Facebook decide who they see as good or bad in their domain. If you have trouble with Facebook. Don’t block the whole platform, but write them a letter like Uganda Communication Commission did the other day. That should be the way to protests. As this is just done stop information flow.

This just proves how he will control everything and ensure he gets his results. Where he pushed the narrative that the opposition did it, but in reality he did. That’s why there is no reason to think otherwise. This man will rig this and has planned this all along. He has to spike the levels of fear and intimidate. Just to prove what sort of big-man he is.

He now acts like a General. Just to prove something. Because, he cannot show his record, achievements or policy changes. As his self interests are more vital than the Republic itself. That’s why his warning the public and doing it like this. Just the late night ahead of the polls.

Don’t expect for the best. Expect for the worst. Nothing in this election have been fair. Nothing in this election have been justified. A lot of suffering, pain and injustice. Sadly it is more to come. We just don’t know what’s the next trick he would do. However, it will be blunt actions and the opposition will suffer. Peace.

Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda: IGP Pronouncements for beat journalists (12.01.2021)

Somalia: The Council of Presidential Candidates’ Union – Letter to the International Community regarding divisive call for partial elections in Somalia (11.01.2021)

Bobi Wine have rattled Musveni’s cage

Now two days ahead of the polls. It is so clear as day that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have been running wild, because of how Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have operated. Bobi Wine is another sort of politician, which Museveni really haven’t met in his life-time.

That is why the President is acting ghetto, hiring the Presidential Advisors from the Ghetto and fearing the voices of the youth that. This is why the state have been acting with force towards the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP). The ones wearing red have been harassed, abducted and detained by the state. This has happen to the campaign team of Bobi Wine and his associates. Even candidates are taken from their homes and not seen again. Sadly some of them are seeing their demise and suddenly appearing dead. That is the sort of state this election is.

There is nothing the state will do to be supreme. They will go after Bobi Wine and his party by any means. The state went first after the colour. Then they went after the red beret. After that they raided the headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala. Later they made up a case against the inception and change of NUP. Since then they have used all means to block the campaigns, the districts and even hotels… they have targeted Bobi Wine since his spreading a message that incite fear inside the head of Museveni. Bobi Wine and his comrades are talking of revolution and peaceful transfer of power from Museveni. That is clearly not the message or the vision Museveni himself believes in. Therefore, his machinery and state is oppressing this and doing what he can to silence this.

Bobi Wine have proven and showed how depressing and lack of fair campaigning is at this very moment. His been blocked from districts, arrested and been abducted from areas. The man has been taken to nowhere and not able to seek refugee for the night and rest. While the President have travelled across the Republic opening all sort of ceremonies and sleeping at state lodges. Therefore, there is a miss match between who has power and how is challenging it.

The injustice and impunity have been so staggering. It has been at such levels that its pointless to think the polls with be delivered fair and the counting will acknowledge the will of the people. There is no reason to trust the state and their willingness to lose power. They are willing to bury the children and grandchildren to ensure they have an office after 14th January 2021.

This is why the state is slowing down the internet, blocking social media and only the ones who has VPN is able to get through. Even there… the state who takes OTT Tax and have people paying extra taxes to have access to it. Is blocking it and stopping the opportunity to access information and also spread it. This is because the state wants a blackout and total silence. So, that the state can control the message through their channels.

Bobi Wine knew this would come and that was to be anticipated. The state have used these means in the last election and this a repetition. However, this time around they been more vicious and brutal. They have had more rampant campaign violence and been more fatalities ahead of the polls. The state has also used abductions and harassment at another level.

Therefore, the thought of peaceful days ahead is a pipe-dream. The next few days will most likely turn into a nightmare. Soldiers will be on the streets. There will be curfews and even expect jet-fighters to show force after the polls. Expect house-arrests and suddenly moving opposition leaders to prisons up-country like Moroto or the like. Because, that will be done to stem the possible riots and demonstrations against the announced results. While the President will rush the inauguration and possible only do it with a few heads of state. Just to look seemingly “legit”. As the public is tired of the old man already… and he was preparing to rig this all along. Peace.