Republique Centrafricaine: Mouvement de Liberation du Peuple Centrafricain (MLPC) – Communique de Presse (24.03.2022)

Mali: Le Collectif des Avocats de l’Etat du Mali – Communique (24.03.2022)

Opinion: CJ Dollo showed his tribalist ways …

But your ethnic leader, you who were demonstrating, was transported in a presidential jet on public funds he was not entitled. You did not demonstrate. Is it because Oulanyah is an Acholi? Is it because Oulanyah does not speak your language? Only a wicked person, can fight a person fighting for his life. Only a super wicked person can fight the dead. Actually for us it is an abomination which has no named” – Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo (23.03.2022).

It seems to always be fitting to target and speak of ill of the “Central Region” or Buganda. These sentiments are clearly in the back-head of many people. As they are speaking with a tone and manner, which doesn’t seem fitting.

It is now done by the Court Justice Dollo… who can easily go after the Kabaka and the Baganda Kingdom. As he took an KLM flight to Germany for treatment. While he forgets that the state paid for the special flight of Oulanyah to Seattle. Again, the hospitalization abroad isn’t the issue, but the tribe. That is tragic… as in both instances… the lacking health care and medical facilities to treat this people are worrying. When VIPs has to go abroad to get help and the expenses are on the state. Alas, CJ Dollo isn’t smart here, but playing along tribal lines.

What is striking is how easily the loyal cadres and people in the inner-circle of power can use tribalism. When the President is often quoted to speak up against preaching sectarianism. However, the first moment when the iron get hot. The people come out of the woodwork and does just that.

CJ Dollo is no exception to the rule, as his just doing this in regard to the Muganda and their cultural leader. If this had been towards the Bunyoro or the Busoga it would have been wrong. Heck, no one should do this to the Langi or the Acholi either. It just shows how things are backwards, instead of moving forward.

What his saying is lingering on hate speech and should be condemned. This is coming after the Acholi and Greater North MPs wanted to “ring-fence” the position in Parliament. However, we know that is not happening and the Deputy is getting a promotion. That shows the National Resistance Movement wasn’t following the pleas and the petitions to follow ethnic lines for a role in government.

Nevertheless, we know the NRM has a problem with this and not because Among is from the East. No, the NRM has a problem that they have favoured Westerner and Ankoli for a long time. They have a click and a power-base, which has been steady since the bush-war. Therefore, the ethnic and tribal accusations can easily be pinned on the NRM. That is a reaction to the NRA historicals and the manner of which the President has governed.

So, CJ Dollo is just going after the Baganda and the Muganda. A kingdom and a region, which has dared to vote against the NRM and pick opposition leaders. That is just showing how staged this is. The opposition run demonstrations wasn’t directly at Oulanyah in Seattle, but a reaction to the medical tourism and wastage of government spending. This was the reason and Oulanyah was just the latest high ranking official to do so. It wasn’t long ago since former minister Lokodo was abroad for treatment before his death too. Therefore, this is a lingering problem and not an Acholi or anything else problem. It is a system default which is bad for the whole society. Since the hospitals and the health centres cannot cater and deliver the needed health care treatment in the Republic.

However, this sort of speech does nobody any good and the CJ should be better. Nevertheless, the death and demise of Oulanyah exposed his true character, I suppose. Peace.

Tonga: Legislative Assembly of Tonga – Press Release (24.03.2022)

Burma: Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) – RSO welcomes the determination of United States on Myanmar atrocities against Rohingya (22.03.2022)

Mali: Ministere de la Defense et des Anciens Combattants – DIRPA – Communique No. 023 de l’Etat-Major General des Armees (23.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Advocacy Organizations Urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to Pass the Ethiopia Peace and Democracy Promotion Act (23.03.2022)

Opinion: Will Jamaica follow Barbados example?

There are issues here which as you know are unresolved but your presence gives us an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, to be out front and centre and to be addressed as best we can…But Jamaica is, as you would see, a country that is proud of its history and very proud of what we have achieved. And we’re moving on and we intend to…fulfil our true ambitions and destiny to become an independent and prosperous country” – Prime Minister Andrew Holness while speaking to Prince William and Duchess Kate (23.03.2022).

In December 2021 the Caribbean Island Barbados became a Republic and with that change removed the British Monarch as the Head of State. Since then this sentiment has grown stronger in and around Barbados. Just the British Royalty is visiting Caribbean and destined to show themselves in the former colonies. They are now not only met with graces and praise, but instead also demonstrations and letter of discontent.

The British Monarchy and the old order of having the Head of State in London is dying. These states has been independent for years and can run on their own. They don’t need to notify or be part of the United Kingdom. That’s why the population wants to be truly independent and not hold on to relics of the past. For many the British Monarchy only represents the slavery, colonization and oppression of which the British Empire did do towards their ancestors.

This is why there been a revealing letter of the Advocates Network and also demonstrations in Jamaica. While there are also reactions from The Bahamas National Reparations Committee’s visit to The Bahamas as well. That is all happening in the year after Barbados removed the Monarchy and became an independent republic.

The Prime Minister Holness must know about these growing sentiments and acknowledge the will of the population. They wants the United Kingdom to pay for reparations and damages for what it did during the colonial era. However, those sorts of arrangements are yet to be seen or collected for that matter.

Certainly, the current leadership and Prime Minister of United Kingdom would be hostile to this idea. He would not accept it and stifle it. Neither do I think the United Kingdom or the parties in the Parliament would even care about it. Unless, it would give them some points in the next election or prospects for a majority in house.

That’s why the former Caribbean colonies can remove the British Monarchy and take a stance. They could also leave the Commonwealth and be part of other more relevant bodies of our time. Instead of clinging on to bodies of which the British Royalty is still associated with and have a huge part in. Therefore, as Barbados did the brave thing and the right one as well. Which they deemed fit as a final salute of 400 years of connection with London.

The same can now happen in Kingston and Nassau. If not in other former colonies and protectorates. Certainly, the Jamaican Prime Minister should follow the Barbados example and start to review their constitution and hold a referendum. Which in the end, if the citizens wants it. They can all say goodbye to the relics of the past and start a fresh. That only makes sense…

Jamaica should be independent and truly independent from London. What does Jamaicans get from the United Kingdom these days and what sort of ancient relations is this? This is just continuing a legacy and a past form of government, which isn’t relevant in 2022.

The sun has set on the British Empire a long time ago. It is time to leave the skulls, the remains and the relics of it in history books. Not repeat it and hold on traditions, which was set by the forefathers and the present ones is only reminded about what they did to them.

So, the sun should rise and the population should work for a day. Where they are not beholden or are connected in ways, which are not representing them. They have a head of state far away in Europe. Someone they only see on TV and is lucky to even visit there during their life. This is why it’s time to have the Head of State in Kingston and not in London. That only makes sense.

While time will tell if Prime Minister Holness will be the one to make the changes and set things in motion. Because, he has the option and the opportunity to do so. The PM could become historical and be the first President of the Republic of Jamaica. However, that is all up to him and his close associates. They have to put in the work and finalize it. So it is possible both in legislation, in an electoral sense and mark the end of all the years directly connected to London. If he does all that, than the nation and the Caribbean Island is truly independent. Peace.

Sudan: World Food Programme – Worsening Food Crisis Looming in Sudan Amid Economic Downturn, Displacement, and Ruined Crops (23.03.2022)

The situation looks grim for millions as the conflict in Ukraine is causing further spikes in food costs.

KHARTOUM, Sudan, March 23, 2022 – The combined effects of conflict, economic crisis, and poor harvests are significantly affecting people’s access to food and will likely double the number of people facing acute hunger in Sudan to more than 18 million people by September 2022, warns the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

“There are already worrying signs that access, affordability, and the availability of food is shrinking for most people in Sudan, which is pushing more people deeper into poverty and hunger,” said Eddie Rowe, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sudan.

In recent months, there has been a surge in the numbers of people displaced due to conflict in parts of Darfur and the Kordofan region. This insecurity has eroded livelihoods, damaged farms, and triggered widespread unemployment.

The depreciation of the Sudanese Pound (SDG) in addition to rising food and transportation costs are making it harder for families to put food on the table. A lack of access to hard currencies is likely to result in the SDG further depreciating.

TheCrop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report by FAO and WFP indicates that the domestic cereal production from the 2021/22 agricultural season is expected to produce 5.1 million metric tons. This will only cover the needs of less than two thirds of the population, leaving many reliant on humanitarian food assistance and dependant on imports of essential grains at prices beyond the reach of most people.

“Rising food prices and scarcity of essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seeds mean that farmers have no other option than to abandon food production if they do not receive immediate support. This will likely have grave consequences not only for their food security but also on food availability in Sudan and may ultimately lead to more conflict and displacement,” said Babagana Ahmadu, FAO Representative in Sudan.

The situation looks grim for millions as the conflict in Ukraine is causing further spikes in food costs, as Sudan is dependent on wheat imports from the Black Sea region. Interruption to the flow of grain into Sudan will increase prices and make it more difficult to import wheat. Currently, local prices of wheat are at over US$ 550 per ton – an increase of 180 percent compared to the same period in 2021.

“The ripple effects created by the bullets and bombs landing in Ukraine will be felt far and wide, including here in Sudan, as families are set to suffer even further with basic meals becoming a luxury for millions. But at the same time, WFP finds itself in the awful position of not having enough resources to meet the ever growing needs,” added Mr Rowe.

In 2021, WFP was a lifeline for nearly 9 million people in Sudan who suffered through the turmoil of political unrest and economic instability. On top of life-saving food assistance, cash and livelihood support for families helped them not only survive, but also thrive. But this year, WFP food stocks in Sudan are running dangerously low and without new funding they will begin running out by May. A funding crunch, led by a US$270 million shortfall, has already forced WFP to prioritize the most vulnerable of the vulnerable people, meaning others in need go without, and further cuts may be necessary if WFP does not receive new funds immediately.

In 2021, FAO reached nearly 1.5 million vulnerable people in Sudan with life-saving livelihoods assistance to enhance the resilience of their agriculture-based livelihoods. This year, FAO requires USD 51.4 million to support 2 million vulnerable farming and pastoral households to produce their own food, keep their livestock alive and productive, and strengthen their resilience. Urgent support is required to provide essential agriculture inputs to vulnerable farming households before the main agriculture season starts in June, so that they can produce enough food and become self-reliant.

Opinion: Among is the chosen one and the Greater North isn’t get their way

Rt. Hon Anita Among has been endorsed as Speaker of parliament by NRM CEC, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong has confirmed” (94.3 QFM LIRA, 23.03.2022).

The news are now out of the bag. The waiting game is over and the finalization of what to come is here. The current Deputy Speaker Anita Among is getting the nomination and getting vouched by the National Resistance Movement – Central Executive Committee (NRM-CEC) that was anticipated and it’s not shocking.

Though now the NRM MPs from the Greater North in Lango, Acholi and West Nile have to either stand by their words or bow to the command of the NRM CEC. Because, the NRM CEC decisions tends to be final. Just like the direction and decisions made at the NRM Caucus at the State House. These are the end-game and how things are resolved. Where the mater is up for the high above and his final word settle the score.

In this round, it’s the Deputy becoming the Speaker. Meaning there will possibly be a double election. As if she wins the race as a speaker, which she is bound too. Among has the majority of MPs behind her and there is now way the numbers game change in any shape or form to help any opposition to counter it. Therefore, the decision and endorsement is the end.

This means that the 12 other was dismissed, even as one Minister had already revoked her candidacy and with doing so… only making it 12 candidates instead of the initial 13 reported. However, her candidacy was a long-shot and it was wise just to back-out anyway.

We will see the hurt and the pain in concern to the Acholi and the North, which wanted to ring-fence this position. They wanted this office to reflect the powerhouse of the North. That is how they have spoken since Jacob Oulanyah passed away. Therefore, the NRM CEC and the President didn’t want to honour that and instead picked the most loyal cadre, which is Among.

The ones thinking this is good choice. Well, they can look into the case of Zaake and how his been treated by the Deputy Speaker. Knowingly that is how she operates as the Deputy and would most likely be more fierce as the Speaker. The 11th Parliament will be a dungeon of partisanship for the NRM and there will be no grounds or trying to make it seem any different.

Anita Among isn’t the like or concern for protocols, neither is she worried about the grand scheme of things. She seems only to be worried about her ego and her titles. That’s why she fits well with the current NRM. Who doesn’t care about the laws or the ramifications of their actions. As long as the enemies suffer and the opposition lingers in purgatory. That’s how she operates and I can only expect more of that from her. She will use any excuse or deliberation to mock, take shots and even revoke their privileges. That is how she are and now she is promoted for it too.

While the ones wanting an Acholi or a Northerner is left behind. They shouldn’t expect anything else. There is no law or a wording, which stated this or said so. It was wishful thinking, but the President and his CEC didn’t see the value in it. They rather have status quo and call it a night.

Alas, the North and Acholi might feel betrayed… but the High Ranking Officials and the roles of government isn’t ring-fenced or bound by law to one group, unless it is a cultural institution or a monarchy where family lineage matters. Therefore, this was a mission impossible for the Northerners to begin with.

Everyone can say the Westerners and the family affairs of the President makes it seems like other positions are filled with this and the North should have their say. That is true, but it wasn’t in the cards and they didn’t have a fitting character or the leverage with CEC. Because, if they had a person who had the connection, the leverage and the needed qualification of the President. That person would get endorsed. However, that didn’t happen and Teso got the golden ticket this time around.

Am not shocked, as she was one of the front-runners and naturally so. Since she was already the Deputy. This is just continuing the current affairs and nothing else. Among will just pursuit her interests and be a cog in the machinery for the NRM. That is evident by how she was running things and now she has gotten a promotion. Peace.