Ethiopia: Ezema disowns the PM’s pardoning of some political prisoners

The effects of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is clearly backfiring in some circles. As the Vision Ethiopia Press Release dismissed him and hit back at him. That is the ones representing many of his Amhara region allies. Today, the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) dropped a statement and it’s obvious what they feel about the release of Oromo leaders and other political prisoners who has been behind bars for about 18 months or longer.

So, it is interesting what is said here. I have used two types of translation of the statement and changed the ones to make sense. So, it is badly translated, but better with a little translation from Amharic than nothing. The message is still very clear.

To ensure the coexistence of Ethiopians, it is important to bring together the areas of our country that are the first victims of this war and to make national peace. However, the people around the area are carrying fresh corpses, the bloodshed, the raped mothers, sisters and children have not recovered from their suffering and displaced people are not returned to their homes, suspected of crimes and war. It is a very sad and painful truth to drop charges and pardon people under the shadow of the law. The government should not only refrain from this action but also apologize publicly” (Ezema, 09.01.2022).

Here Ezema is blaming the political prisoners for all of the crimes, violence and extra judicial killings. They are also pinning the Prime Minister here, which is very evident. The party is blaming the ones who comes from prison who was political prisoners of conscience. That is so outrageous, as it is damning them and still pursuit of their cases. While the state didn’t make a due process or sentence them. They kept them in prison and charged them, but never properly produced or conducted cases. These political leaders was behind bars for the simple reason of being dissident and in opposition of the current regime. That has been clear from the start.

As Ezema continues:

Dear Ethiopians gathered under your mother’s flag, we must never forget that you are not discouraged by your mother. From strengthening your country; Do not hold back from supporting the victims. We are in a dilemma because of various wrong political decisions. Despite the relentless suffering of our poor people, decisions that will prolong the suffering will be made here and there. The struggle is bitter and the journey is exhausting. After all of this we need to get out of this mess, we need to make radical changes. On the one hand, we call on all parties to be vigilant and correct their erroneous decisions, and on the other hand, we call on all parties to do their part so that the process of national consultation is not diverted by a few forces and does not lead to political turmoil. With less sacrifice, we can achieve a huge victory and keep our eyes on the ball” (Ezema, 09.01.2022).

It is really striking that the Ezema is going all out here. Saying the ones freed will cause more harm and be a decision for the government. They are saying this is spiteful to the ones suffering and the ones who has become victims of the current state. That is really the message and these aren’t opposition leaders, but arch-criminals and dangers to society. This is the only message I am getting out of this.

What is not to forget, not long ago of Ezema was the illegal party of Ginbot 7, was seen as a militia and a terrorist group before allowed return in 2018. Now years later, the same party and members are saying others are causing harm and destruction. That is really showing how quickly things changes in power and with influence. As Ezema is with the table of the Prime Minister and been an ally in war.

Now, they are displeased and unhappy with the recent events, which is surprising and shocking. Ezema has been an ally of the Prime Minister. Just like all the Amhara counterparts and Eritrean supporters of the war as well. These are now unhappy and showing their disdain.

This sort of text only shows how far things have come and Nega shouldn’t sleep to well at night. As things turns fast. The PP and PM has shown force before and suddenly relieved people of power. That can easily come his way too. This is why these sorts of statement, which undermines the Prime Minister and his policies. Will not help him in the long run, unless he thinks he can sway the PM and change his ways. Peace.

Malawi: The Attorney General – Press Release on Termination of Contracts involving Zuneith Sattar’s Business Entities and Debarment from Public Procurement (09.01.2022)

Sudan: Sudanese Professionals Association – Press Statement (09.01.2022)

The solution statement is to overthrow the power of the military council and snatch the power of the entire civil people.
We have heard the statement of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General and the President of the United Nations Mission Mr. Perthes Volker, who announced what he called discussions for political dialogue and operation between Sudanese stakeholders, and we emphasize our total rejection of this call to pay back normalization with pain criminals Revolutionary military session and their fascist power, our fatherly people announce it clearly That the way to solve the Sudan crisis begins by completely overthrowing the coup military council, and presenting its membership to the successful justice on what they have proposed to by massacres and massacres for the right of the peaceful Sudanese people in private courts.
Mr. Volker’s movements for a while remained controversial and controversial for the tasks assigned to the mission he is leading, he previously sought to establish and crowd support for the revolutionary slavery agreement between the thugs of Burhan and Dr. Abdullah Hamdouk, which ended his efforts with the rapid failure of our rebellious people, the agreement and action as an attempt For Sharia and the establishment of a coup on October 25, 2021. Mr. Volker’s practices violate the foundations and the organization’s message in supporting the people’s aspirations for freedom, peace and generous living, and now freeing him to listen carefully to the goals of our Abbi people and the revolutionary strength of the complete civil national rule and another defeat of the inclusive barrier.
The gathering of Sudanese professionals confirms its core with the liturgy declared by the living revolutionary forces, (no negotiation, no partnership, no legitimacy), and its cut-off development of the diverse tools known by our people in peaceful resistance until the power of the pure civil people is seized and founded on legitimacy A revolution, which allows the hard work to disintegrate inclusive and parasites control the resources of our country Richness, promoting democratic civil transformation and building Sudan freedom, peace and justice.
January 9, 2022

Opinion: One law for Andrew and another for the brothers of Robert

Through his official Twitter account Kainerugaba, who is also the first son, said that Mwenda is part of the Army’s fan base, which is ‘just an excited’ lot. “My bro Mwenda is part of the massive fan base that UPDF has because of the great work we do. They want to wear our uniforms, hold our guns and even pretend to fly our aircrafts. It means nothing. They are just excited beings. A victorious army like ours is used to such adoration,” he tweeted. Early this week, videos of Mwenda, a media personality and founder of the Independent Magazine, circulated on social media, attracting criticism from the Ugandans online, who quickly pointed out that his actions are criminal and punishable under the Army Law” (Betty Amamukirori – ‘Muhoozi defends Andrew Mwenda on military attire’ 09.01.2022, New Vision).

It is now clear that there is a distinction between the ones who are part of the elite and who is serving the state, which Andrew Mwenda now clearly is. As of last year and since Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine went into the political landscape. He has galvanized youth and used a red beret, which has “illegal” and people have served time in prison for wearing.

That’s why it’s special and unique to see a civilian like Mwenda. The Editor and journalist at The Independent Magazine. Getting all out in military fatigue and being praised by First Son for doing so. The Commander of Land Forces in the UPDF is accepting this and letting him do it. However, we know his same army and state wouldn’t have allowed anyone else do this in the opposition.

We know already that the National Resistance Movement MPs and High Ranking Officials are all in military fatigue when they have lectures and seminars at Kyankwanzi every year. We have seen them gallivanting around with the fatigue. All from Jennifer Full Figure to the former Secretary General Lumumba-Kasule. We have seen it all and it’s not news, but we are seeing the hypocrisy and the use of law applied to one part of society, and easily dismissed in others.

Just read this passage here:

164. Unauthorised sale or wearing of uniforms, etc.

(1)

Any person who, without authority—

(c) wears or uses any decoration supplied to or authorised for use by any member of the Defence Forces or any decoration so nearly resembling that decoration as to be likely to deceive,

commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any uniform or decoration for the purposes of any bona fide stage, film or television production or military representation.

(3) Any person who by act, words, conduct or otherwise, falsely represents himself or herself to be a person who is or has been entitled to wear or use any uniform or decoration referred to in subsection (1), commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years” (Uganda People’s Defence Force Act 2005).

We know Mwenda was sitting in the helicopter and being proud-cock of participating with the UPDF. Where he was showing it off to the whole social media as well. He was in military fatigue and wearing the whole uniform for anyone to see. I doubt it was a film-production, television clip or indirectly a military representation. No, it was just a display that his in the anointed elite and “one-of-them”.

I’m looking forward to the display of a movie role or the next UPDF promotion clip with Mwenda acting out his military dream. Where he displays his inner Terminator or Rambo. Because, surely something has to come out of this. It is very clear that the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been violated here. If the ones in the inner-circle can do it, but the ones opposing the government cannot. Then the interpretation of law isn’t justified. Since why should one brother be allowed and another not? The law and the text is the same. The UPDF Act haven’t changed or says, if you are affiliated to government or associated with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), then you are justified wearing military outfits, uniforms and fatigues. No, it states that only UPDF actives are supposed to wear it, unless your doing specific movie or television productions. Therefore, Mwenda should be held under contempt just like the NUP activists, members and leaders who has faced the law for wearing a red beret. That is just fair, if there still is any resemblance of rule of law in the Republic.

As it stands now… there is one law for Andrew and another law for Robert. Peace.

Botswana: Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation – His Honour Mr. Slumber Tsogwane, Acting President to Participate at the Extraordinary SADC Summit (09.01.2021)

Ethiopia: Vision Ethiopia – Statement on the Amnesty Granted to Terrorist and Extremist Leaders by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia (07.01.2022)

Sudan: Joint Statement from 7 Health Workers Unions (08.01.2022)

Tomorrow will be the anniversary of the processions of January 9, 2019, the processions that constituted a milestone in the history of the revolution, and whose boldness was its most prominent feature.

On that day, Omdurman lost its most valuable possessions as a result of being hit by the ousted security weapon, the weapon that continues to harvest in us massacre after massacre. January 9 also marks the anniversary of the storming of Omdurman Hospital by the deposed forces and their use of various types of weapons inside the hospital premises, which led to intimidation of patients and harassment of medical staff who were seriously seeking to treat the injured.

The incident of storming Omdurman Hospital was a badly mentioned precedent in our modern history. Until today, storming has become a habit for the coup forces to practice during or after every procession, otherwise violence will become in its custom incomplete.

Sudan’s hospitals will remain steadfast despite the inequity of the insolvency, and medical personnel will continue to provide services to their people under all circumstances, and here they are announcing two protest vigils tomorrow at Al-Jawda Hospital in Khartoum.

In Omdurman Hospital, Al-Jawda Hospital will be followed by a procession going to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the buildings to deliver a memorandum containing the assaults by the coup forces on hospitals and appealing to him to play a role that helps stop these forces from harming hospitals to ensure that health services are provided to the injured with their weapons and clubs.

We appeal to all medical personnel to participate in these two stops as well as in the procession, and it is preferable that we wear the white coat that distinguishes us.

Sudan Central Committee of Physicians

Sudan Medical Syndicate

Committee of Consultants and Specialists

Sudan Central Pharmacists Committee

Sudanese Dental Specialists Association

The Central Committee of Medical Laboratories

Central Committee of Health Officers

January 8, 2022

Sudan: Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) – On the statement of the Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of UNITAMS Sudan on the Declaration of Talks on the Political Transition in Sudan Volker Perthes (08.01.2022)

Today we have seen the statement issued by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Sudan. In which he initiated the call for preliminary consultations on a political process between the Sudanese parties, to be facilitated by the United Nations. The Executive Office of the Freedom and Change Alliance discussed this statement and concluded the following:

1- The forces of freedom and change renew their declared and irreversible position, which is to continue peaceful mass action to defeat the October 25 coup and establish a complete civil authority that will lead the transition that completes the tasks of the glorious December revolution, and leads to free and fair elections at the end of the transitional period.

2- Sudan is a member state of the United Nations, and UNITAMS has a mandate under Security Council Resolution 2524 (2020) to support the civil democratic transition in Sudan. This transition was wracked by the October 25 coup, and therefore the mission’s handling of the current situation must comply with Security Council resolutions, which provided for supporting the transition process and progress towards democratic governance and peace and the protection and promotion of human rights.

3- Since the start of our people’s revolution against the October 25 coup in its first hour, official and popular international reactions have followed in support of the Sudanese men and women’s demands for freedom, peace and justice.

In this context, we in the Forces of Freedom and Change deal positively with any international effort that helps achieve the goals of the Sudanese people in combating the coup and establishing a civil and democratic state.

4- The Forces for Freedom and Change have not yet received any details about the UN mission’s initiative on Sudan, and confirm that they will study it if officially received and will announce their position to public opinion in a timely manner.

Executive Office of the Forces of Freedom and Change

January 8, 2022 AD

Kenya: Press Statement by His Excellency Governor Francis Kimemia EGH, EBS on Reckless Utterances by Meru Senator Mithika Linturi (08.01.2022)

DPP Noordin Letter to IGP Mutyambai – “Re: investigation into Utterance of ethnic contempt (08.01.2022)