Ethiopia: Joint Press Release by Tigray Opposition Political Parties (23.04.2021)

Once again, the Ethiopian government has proven its sham law enforcement campaign in Tigray, is actually a genocidal mission against the people of Tigray, by adding more Tigrian opposition political parties to the crowded detention centers in the military base.
We have learned that Ato Alula Hailu, Deputy Chairperson of Salsay Weyane Tigray and member of Tigray Nationalist Political Parties Forum Management Team; and Ato Kahsay Hailu Salsay Weyane Tigray party high ranking member and Finance Head have been detained on 22/04/2021 in Mekelle by military personnels.
Although we never had any expectations that the Ethiopian regime will spare any Tigrian national in its persecution, let alone members of Tigrian opposition political parties, the act is another clear message that the regime considers every Tigrian national as a crimnal and rule of law is poured down the drainage.
Moreover, this is another substantial evidence that there would be no room for any peaceful political discourse to solve the challenges we face as a nation.
How ever in our part, declaring our unwavering commitment to a peaceful struggle once again, Tigrian Political Parties Forum will not tolerate such blatant abuse and we demand the immediate and unconditional release of our members.
Tigray will prevail
Regards,
Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT)
National Congress of Great Tigray (the Congress)
Tigray Independence Party (TIP)
April 23 / 2021,
Mekelle Tigray

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Ethiopia: Statement by the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence within the Tigray region of Ethiopia (23.04.2021)

Mali: Coordination des Mouvements Associations et Sympathisants de l’Imam Mahmoud DICKO (C.M.A.S) – Communique No. 008 (22.04.2021)

Republique Centrafricaine: Ministere de l’Interieur Charge de la Securite Publique – Communique Officiel (20.04.2021)

Burma: Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) – ASEAN: Last Chance to prove it can save Myanmar from disaster (23.04.2021)

Somalia: Puntland Government Position on the Election Situation in Somalia (22.04.2021)

Ethiopia: Permanent Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Nations – Statement on the Press Statement of the United Nations Security Council on the Situation in Ethiopia (22.04.2021)

African Union (AU): Peace and Security Council 993rd Meeting on Somalia – Communique (24.04.2021)

Opinion: Bobi Wine – Only two things in life is certain – Death and Taxes…

The Uganda Revenue Authority has ordered former Presidential candidate, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi to pay an extra UGX 337,698,776 in taxes before he can get back his armored car” (NBS Television, 22.04.2021).

In life there is always to certainties. There will either be death or taxes. Nothing else really certain. Well, except for impunity and excessive use of law towards dissidents and opposition in dictatorships.

This here is yet another one those… where the authorities was shocked that the opposition leader and National Unity Platform Presidential Contender Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine could muzzle together and get enough support for a bulletproof car. The remittance and support was so strong that they made it possible to purchase it for him.

Apparently, that gesture and ability to file the paperwork and get it concealed to the opposition was hurting the pride of the authorities. They had to retaliate and send a message. That is why after a long time of speculation and supposed works. They have now fined Bobi Wine and he has to pay a small fortune to get the car released. Surely, if he seeks relief in courts, they will dismiss it or not let it play.

Bobi Wine was destined to loose this one. Especially knowing how obsessed the President is with cars. The President nearly believes cars works as PPE against COVID-19. That is what he asked donors and companies to give to his government during the first lockdown. That’s why he was bugging at one address, that the companies hadn’t donated enough cars. So for the old man seeing the pictures of Bobi Wine flexing with a car must have hurt his pride. Bobi Wine got his pimped up ride and Museveni still drive his old Toyota Land Cruiser.

Well, this here is just a muster and a proof of a rigged system. This wouldn’t happen to a crony or an associate of the President. No, they would get cars for free and part of their office. The President would ensure that and they would also allowances on top of that. So, this is just retribution and trying to hurt the upstart.

The government have already gone after his friends, tried to purge his big-name comrades and taken away the freedom of plenty of others associated with Bobi Wine. So, taking his car is practically nothing in comparison to the drones, the abductions and political prisoners the state is keeping in their prisons.

Bobi Wine deserves better, but to expect that in 2021 is too much to ask. The Yellow Bus can only ride over its citizens, and only the compromised can take it for a ride. The rest is unlucky bystanders and walking citizens hit or knocked by the bus on the side-walk. That is just the way it is.

The Bulletproof car is only a proof of the vile and foolish reign of this President. The mismanagement and oppression. It is just the proof of the problems and the systemic maladministration. The NRM cannot offer anything better, because this is all they know and they are awaiting orders from the “high above”. That is why things ends up like this.

It is nothing new. It is a car today. Yesterday was the beret, the colour, the clothing, the party and the campaign itself. Everything Bobi Wine is illegal or have to be questioned. Since his existence by law is by definition “unlawful”. That is evident and until proven otherwise. That is what I believe. Peace.