Opinion: The Northern MPs can boycott the speaker elections, but the NRM CEC nominee will be winner…

Members of Parliament from Acholi, West Nile, and Lango sub-regions have threatened to boycott the elections of the Speaker of Parliament if the Central Executive Committee of the NRM fails to nominate the candidates they endorsed for Speakership. The group wants the Speaker’s position ring-fenced in relation to the region’s contribution in last year’s general polls” (NBS Television, 22.03.2022).

The Acholi Parliamentary Group has already endorsed Hilary Onek, as the Minister and MP for Speaker. While the recent reports and the NRM Electoral Commission had a list of 13 MPs wanting to be the Speaker. Onek wasn’t on the list published by Dr. Tanga Odoi today. Meaning he has not shown interest or in time for the NRM EC to be eligible for the election.

By the list of NRM EC the ones who fits this description is Jackson Atima of Arua, Denis Hamson Obua of Abletong, Felix Okot Ogong of Dokolo, Jane Ruth Aceng of Lira and John Amos Okot of Agago.

So, out of the 13 MPs seeking to be Speaker … 5 of these are from the Greater North or the region of which they ring-fencing the Speakership of the Parliament. This is making it tribal and using the Acholi or North as a reason for someone to get elected. It is not saying they have the best person or the one who is fit to be the speaker.

We know that the Northern MPs and Acholi Parliamentary Group can petition all they want and say they want it again. Because, late Jacob Oulanyah came from the region. That all makes sense, but there is no ownership of the office of speaker. Just like there is no ring-fencing of the Presidency or anything else. There is no unwritten rules either. At least not by the Constitution or anywhere else.

This is just sentiments to ensure the Acholi and Greater North has a say. That all makes sense. However, the ideals will all depend on if any of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) will put this into consideration or implement it. Because it all depends on this body and than later in the election the NRM follow this decision. That is how things goes and this will be no different.

If the Greater Northern MPs thinks so. They have to prove it, but they shouldn’t count on it. The NRM can use the tribalism and these grounds to not accept it. Since, they can speak of merit and qualifications. Nevertheless, the NRM has a hard choice and a region wants answers. This will not be easy…

The NRM CEC isn’t fileld with Northerners either. The NRM have an issue of appointing Westerns to the highest offices and become prominent within the party. So, if they want to give the Republic another picture. They can prove that very easily. Nevertheless, it is hard to count on it.

The nomination is up for grabs and everything is just speculations. The truth will be out tomorrow and the NRM CEC has a die to cast. No matter what eyes they get. It will have ramification and one favoured MP will become the next Speaker of the 11th Parliament. Peace.

Opinion: Since the SPLM/A-(IO) withdraws from R-JMEC – Is this the end of the R-ARCSS as we know it?

Today on the 22nd March 2022 the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (In-Opposition) – (SPLM-(IO)) has today written to the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) who has the oversight and ensure the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement known as the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

We already knew that the R-ARCSS was slowly implemented and there was lacking will to finalize the implementation of it. It has been delayed and terribly slow. While things have not moved forward.

The Rome Declaration of 2020 brokered an agreement, which secured a peace agreement with several opposition groups, which included SSOMA, SPLM-IO and NDM. However, since then there has been little to nothing to show for it.

We don’t know if this is the aftermath of the agreements made between the rebels of SPLM/A(IO), which signed an agreement with SPLM-IG in January 2022. This was Khartoum Peace Agreement between the SPLM-IG with the Agwelek Forces and the SPLM/A-(IO) Kit-Gwang. These was signed on the same day and ensured that the R-TGoNU and SPLM-IG had more former rebels in agreement with them. Meaning the SPLM-IG had participated and taken in the ones who was directly defying First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.

Now today only about two months later the SPLM/A-IO main body and second biggest party in the R-ARCSS is suspending it’s participation the 2018 peace agreement. That is a worrying sign. There has already been skirmishes and targeted attacks. If this isn’t handled with care and with dialogue. It could soon easily turn bloody.

The SPLM-IG and President Salva Kiir Mayardit has been here before and so has Dr. Riek Machar. These has fought before and now there are even more possible hurdles as well. South Sudan has still other rebels and outfits, which causes conflict in respective states. However, these two can wage war and that’s what they have done and made their careers doing.

While we should hope for and possibly see these gentlemen talk. We have in the past seen when a stalemate and deadlock. These gentlemen order the guns and tanks onto the streets. The last civil war which lasted between 2013-2018 killed 382,000 and unknown amount of refugees. There is still ramifications from this one felt on the ground and unresolved suffering from the ones who caught in the cross-fire. Therefore, the Republic don’t need another war or a civil-war for that matter.

SPLM-IG should call and invite the leadership of SPLM/A-(IO) to talks. Just to de-escalate things and find common ground for solutions ahead. Since, this is only making things more fragile and paining the R-ARCSS. Which is already a long and prolonged process with a lot of interim and temporary mechanisms. The state needs to institutionalize itself. So, that these sorts of issues cannot risk the whole process and re-start conflict.

That’s why there is a need for sit-down and talks. Since the signal of this letter can cause real ramifications and even as slow as the R-ARCSS implementation has been going. Many of us was waiting for a letter or asking a delay or prolonging it. Because, most of us as outsiders saw it impossible to finish the time-line of R-ARCSS on time.

However, the latest move by SPLM/A-(IO) is only making the situation more dire and should be seen as a warning. The TGoNU and other R-ARCSS signatories should call this out and ensure things back to “normal” and into formal procedural terms. As this is set a precedence and worrying times ahead. We don’t know what sort of reaction SPLM-IG will have, but they should consider their next step. This is a slap in the face and an official dismissal by Dr. Riek Machar towards President Salva Kiir.

These two who knows each other and who has a long history. They should talk and iron the issues out. The time for bloodshed and war should be over. The R-ARCSS kept the peace for about 4 years. Yes, with lots of breaches and with irregular use of arms. While that is bad and caused more hurt than it should. We know the civil war will be much worse and the consequences even higher. Therefore, instead of burying the R-ARCSS and all the interim bodies, which is moving forward. There is time to reflect, talk and find solutions. Not go back to the arms and guns, which resolved things in the past.

That’s why I am firm on talks and dialogue. This is what is needed, because the guns and war only take you so far. Which in the end… only get you to have more pain and suffering on third parties. More civilians will die and more people flee into neighbouring countries. It will not generate a sustainable peace, but instead only create more hostilities. These two leaders should know that perfectly well and better than most.

Therefore, with the letter of suspending and not participating in the R-JMEC from SPLM/A-(IO) should be the sign for Kiir to talk and find ways to mend the difference. In such a manner, which ceases the uncertainty and gives relief for both parties. That is better than letting this one slide and unknowingly destroy 4 years of work and possibilities of peace. This will be all on them and they would again create war on their terms, instead of serving the population who wants and deserves peace. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM CEC will decide who is the chosen one [2nd Speaker race in the 11th Parliament]

Today there are 13 National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs who has decided to stand as a candidate and field interests in becoming the next speaker in the 11th Parliament after Jacob Oulanyah died in Seattle, United States of America. Because of the unfortunate death of Oulanyah, by law and after Constitutional Law the Parliament had to focus on an election of a Speaker before transacting any business in Parliament. Meaning it couldn’t function or have plenary sessions without a speaker.

This is why the acts of NRM Electoral Commission and the Parliament itself to schedule a new election of speaker has come so quickly. Since, the Parliament would loose a lot of time and the term, if it awaited a long mourning period or whatnot. Sadly, things has to move-on, even when the biggest men or the highest ranking official dies. The Republic continues while the families are holding the memory of deceased near their hearts.

The NRM Central Executive Committee must be happy that so many stepped forward and was willing. Because, some of these 13 candidates are risking their current positions or offices to get another one. They have faith that the NRM and the President see them fit. Because, the will of NRM CEC and the NRM Caucus is usually final.

The opposition can field a candidate or candidates, but doesn’t stand a chance. They are fish out of water. Not because they are not eligible or have possible characters that could fit the description of speaker or deputy speaker for that matter. For one simple reason: The opposition don’t have the numbers or the majority on their side. The NRM tends to support their own and most likely will vote for own candidate.

What is striking is that current Deputy Speaker Anita Among is throwing her weight into it. As she is currently the deputy and thinks she is the right fit to become the current one. Yes, she has held most of the plenary sessions since the 11th Parliament started, because Oulanyah only had like 3 plenary sessions. So, she has had to some time and proven herself. There are even a letter circulating proving that she did resign. Nevertheless, it is all up to the NRM CEC and their choices tomorrow.

The NRM CEC can know about the support and the possible alliances, which are everything from the ones who are supported by the Acholi Parliamentary Group to the ones going on TV and going to the NRM EC in favour of Among. There is all sorts of interests at play. Clearly, some are eyeing a possible upgrade or a promotion. Others are hoping to galvanize support or get recognition. Since, some of these MPs aren’t all that.

We can wonder, if the Ministers in the race has resigned from their offices, this in concern of Jane Ruth Aceng, Sarah Opendi, Jackson Kafuuzi, Jacob Oboth-Oboth or Denis Hamson Obua. I am saying that… because by law and the articles of the Speaker they cannot be both Speaker and a Minister at the same time. Meaning they are possibly risking their offices and has to resign as well.

The likes of Deputy Attorney General Kafuuzi is awaiting recognition from the NRM CEC tomorrow before resigning. Therefore, his awaiting the outcome of tomorrow before going all in. This shows that he has thought ahead, but it is a risk…. Since this signals to the President and the State House, that there are many who wants to get prestigious appointment and get higher up the ladder.

We know that the President don’t approve of naked ambition, but he cannot deny the swaying power of it either. That’s why he creates so many offices and possible state organizations to appoint his loyal cadres. Therefore, he shouldn’t be shocked about it.

The only thing we can do is now to await the results of tomorrows meeting. We have to see who has a shot and such. Since we know the Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa will get everyone or most of the MPs in line to vote in the direction the NRM CEC commands them to do. This is will be the final straw and the end of the matter. The election and the polls in Parliament will only be formalities after the NRM CEC decisions been made. The results are sort of made when the President and his council has decided.

The NRM MPs will follow that and this the end-game. Peace.

Burma: 5 CSOs Joint Communique – Time for UN to pursue justice – Hold the Myanmar military accountable for grave crimes (22.03.2022)

South Sudan: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/SPLA (IO)) letter to R-JMEC – Suspension of our Participation in the Security Mechanisms meetings, including RJMEC Meetings (22.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Fano is warning and preparing for another invasion of the TDF

On March 20th in Gondar, Fano held a meeting under the banner of “Fano Unity in Gondar”. The Press Release from that meeting is very clear about it’s objectives, but also reading of history. Which means the Amhara supremacy is very evident and the Amhara nationalist belief is the key asset of the Amhara Para-Military Group or Militia “Fano”. An armed group, which has been part of the tripartite alliance who invaded, conquered and massacred people in the Tigray region since November 2020.

So, in the Press Release, early on it states this: “The history of our country proves that Fano patriotism protects the dignity and freedom of our country and people by crushing the arrogant arms of foreign and domestic invaders and enemies in our country, Ethiopia. It is clear that Fano’s patriotic struggle and the demand for the rights of the youth have played a major role in reversing the tyranny of the tyrannical apartheid regime that has seized power in the country for the past 30 years. In recent months, the dictatorial regime, which has been ousted from power by the central government, has organized itself to invade the country” (A press release from Amhara Fano unity in Gondar!, 20.03.2022).

When you read a text like and with it’s pretext, it is objectively taking away the other ethnic groups and importance of those in the building of Ethiopia. As the Fano is more unique and important. That is not all of it.

The Fano is preparing even more, not only prefixing itself to the centre of history. However, it is preparing for furthering pain and suffering on Tigrayans. They are even claiming that the Tigray Defence Force (TDF) is aiming to invade again. Alas, at this very moment, the TDF is within Tigray and Afar region. They are not elsewhere. So, this can be seen as a warning from Fano. A militia and a para-military group, which was a part of “Operation Law Enforcement” and “Survival Campaign” of the state. Which is still helping to besiege and keep the Tigray under siege to this very day.

Just read this chilling text right here:

We would like to express that we are ready to work in partnership with anyone who works sincerely for the unity of Amhara Fano in Gondar for the sovereignty and security of the people, justice, respect for the interest of the country and the people, and respect of identity and title rights. Amhara Fano Unity expresses its deepest condolences to those who lost their lives, property, bodies and victims of the atrocities committed by the invading terrorists and their subordinate terrorists in Gondar. We assure you that we will fight to liberate our people who are still under the rule of enemy terrorist groups. Realizing that the enemy is preparing for another invasion, we inform you that the people and the government of our country should be ready to defeat the enemy for the last time and the Amhara Fano unity will line up with Gondar in a better position” (A press release from Amhara Fano unity in Gondar!, 20.03.2022).

This text is written by one the parties who inflicted harm, violence and genocidal affairs within Tigray region. They are calling the Tigrayan terrorists … and doing it so viciously. While they are not even an official part of the army or entity of which anybody should acknowledge. However, they are still a part of the government and the tripartite alliance. Because, both head of state’s wanted more participation in the war against Tigray. That is evident.

Now, with that in mind… they are forewarning and can use this as an excuse to kill, murder and slaughter more Tigrayans. As they are all terrorists and invaders. That is how the Amhara Fano is looking at them. This sort of rhetoric and attempts of justification is only ensuring bloodbath on behalf of the well-wishers in the Federal Government. Which is not condemning or stopping Fano from acting this way. This means they are silently supporting it.

Just to end this dangerous press release, on the recommendations states this:

We Amhara fanos are known warriors when the country and the people are in danger and we are patriots of development during peace. Therefore, we ask for development options that we can develop while guarding the borders of the country” (A press release from Amhara Fano unity in Gondar!, 20.03.2022).

They are clearly sending a message and they claiming to do the bidding of the Regional Special Forces and National Defence Force. As they are guarding and protecting the Amhara nation. This is really showing how prominent they think of themselves. Which they are even asking to be recognized, supported and one part, which I didn’t add is where Fano asked to integrated as an institution. That means it would be a state militia and official body of the state. That is what the Fano wrote in the end of the press release.

This shows the will of the nationalist and extremists of Amhara at this point. They are using the war and the conflict to enlarge their own role and place in Ethiopia. This by using military means and genocidal rhetoric to win popularity in their own regions. Instead of combatting this… the state is silently supporting it and it’s dangerous. Peace.

Ethiopia: Afar People’s Party – APP Statement on the Situation in Afar (22.03.2022)

The tragic and devastating war in Afar engulfed by heavy artillery bombardment of civilians in the northern Afar Region by the TPLF aggressors, has heighten the humanitarian crisis is alarming and needs to be addressed. The Afar Pastoralists are subjected to War crimes and crimes against humanity everyday with impunity by the TPLF Invading forces.

It’s ironic that the Federal government of Ethiopia clearly denied the suffering of Afar Pastoralists with absolute negligence and abandonment and it’s also surprising, how the Regional government is toothless to say a word of truth about the atrocities and crimes committed against the very people it supposedly represents.

It’s also important to recall the deaf ears and blind eye of the International community on the heinous crimes and violations of basic human rights against children, women, elderly and persons with disabilities by the TPLF agression.

Since early January of this year, nearly 700,000 people have been displaced from the north Afar , some of them have died on their way to the IDPs centers, there is no any information whatsoever on whereabouts of family members, animal herds and their entire livelihoods have been totally destroyed.

The intentional distraction and Absolute Property damages including residential homes, schools, health facilities, waterways and whales, shortages of food and fuel, interruption of telecommunications, electricity and blocked of all kinds of roads leading to the northern part of Afar Regional state only shows, not single wire of human values left in the circle the invaders.

According to sources, the IDPs have forced to death by hunger and lack of water already and obviously, no one is really concerned about them including the Regional authorities due to disinformation of the state media outlets.

The Afar People’s Party is therefore calls upon all whom it may concern:

1. The local and International humanitarian agencies Must understand the sense of urgency and the dire humanitarian situation in the Afar region. It’s important to take in to consideration that the Afar people in the north are facing a situation where the mothers left their children alive on their way to IDPs centers. The acute medical condition of weaker patients, lack of food and malnutrition is higher. We call upon local and international organizations to involve in life saving humanitarian assistance immediately without any delay.

2. We urge the federal government to stop blaming the victims of Afar with regards to the humanitarian access to Tigray region through the Abala corridor , while there are more than ten entry points to Tigray other than Afar region. If the government is committed to help Tigray, it should not be at the expense of Afar in the first place. This time, It seems the government is stabbing the Afar heroes from behind to blind fold the International community.

3. We once again remind the TPLF expansionist and aggressors that they should immediately withdraw from Afar land without any conditions. TPLF should understand that winning against Afar Pastoralists yields no fruit of victory for it’s impossible to permanently defeat them.

4. The Afar people should mobilize themselves in order to host the fleeing families, defending their land and reputation and unite against all odds to cover the loopholes created by the irresponsible administration authorities who supposed to safeguard the safety and security of it’s civilian citizens. The old habits of dividing up the youth of Afar is also un acceptable.

5. It is not and has never been late for peace and reconciliation of proper manner to end the suffering of Ethiopian citizens all over the country through genuine, all inclusive, transparent and honest National dialogue, where by, if not all ,at least the major differences could be addressed and consensus would be achieved.

Afar People’s Party
Samara, Afar
March 22,2022

South Sudan: ‘hellish existence’ for women and girls, new UN report reveals (22.03.2022)

According to the UN Commission, sexual violence has been instrumentalized as a reward and entitlement for youth and men participating in conflict.

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 22, 2022 – Widespread sexual violence against women and girls in conflict is being fueled by systemic impunity, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said on Monday.

The Commission’s new report, based on interviews conducted with victims and witnesses over several years, describes a “hellish existence for women and girls”, with widespread rape being perpetrated by all armed groups across the country.

According to the UN Commission, sexual violence has been instrumentalized as a reward and entitlement for youth and men participating in conflict.

The goal is to inflict maximum disruption of the fabric of communities, including through their constant displacement, the report continues.

Rape is often used as “part of military tactics for which government and military leaders are responsible, either due to their failure to prevent these acts, or for their failure to punish those involved”, the Commission advanced.

Bodies reduced to ‘spoils of war’

“It is outrageous and completely unacceptable that women’s bodies are systematically used on this scale as the spoils of war,” declared Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the UN Commission.

Calling for urgent and demonstrable action by authorities, Ms. Sooka said: “South Sudanese men must stop regarding the female body as ‘territory’ to be owned, controlled and exploited.”

Sexual violence survivors have detailed “staggeringly brutal and prolonged gang rapes” perpetrated against them by multiple men, often while their husbands, parents or children have been forced to watch, helpless to intervene.

Women of all ages recounted being raped multiple times while other women were also being raped around them, and a woman raped by six men said she was even forced to tell her assailants that the rape had been “good”, threatening to rape her again if she refused.

Anyone reading the details of this horrific report can only begin to imagine what life is like for the survivors. – Andrew Clapham, member of the Commission

The resultant traumas “ensure the complete destruction of the social fabric”, the UN Commission said.

Horrific assaults

“Anyone reading the details of this horrific report can only begin to imagine what life is like for the survivors. These accounts are unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg. Everyone, inside and outside governments, should be thinking what they can do to prevent further acts of sexual violence and to provide adequate care for the survivors,” said Andrew Clapham, member of the Commission.

A woman described her friend being raped by a man in the forest who then said he wanted to continue to ‘have fun’ and further raped her with a firewood stick until she bled to death. Teenage girls described being left for dead by their rapists while bleeding heavily.

Medical personnel also report that many survivors have been raped multiple times throughout their lifetime.

Traumatised for life

The report also describes women often bearing children as a result of rape, and notes that in many cases, survivors have contracted sexually transmitted infections including being infected with HIV.

Following rape and pregnancy, women are often abandoned by husbands and families, and left destitute. Some of those raped while pregnant, have suffered miscarriages.

Husbands searching for abducted wives and daughters often spend years not knowing their fate, with some learning they were abducted by men from rival ethnic groups and forced to bear multiple children – one such man was so traumatized, he wanted to take his own life.

The Commission reported that these attacks were not random opportunistic incidents, but usually involved armed soldiers actively hunting down women and girls, with rape carried out during attacks on villages, systematic and widespread.

Accountability versus impunity

The Commission said the failure of political elites to deal with security sector reform, and to provide for the very basic needs of armed forces on all sides, continues to contribute to a permissive environment in which South Sudanese women are regarded as currency.

With near-universal impunity for rape and sexual violence, perpetrators avoid accountability.

Calling on the Government of South Sudan and its obligation to end impunity for serious crimes, the Commission noted the recent Government initiatives to address sexual violence in conflict, including establishing a special court and holding military justice proceedings.

While welcoming such measures, the Commission also said, “they remain woefully inadequate given the scale and extent of crimes”.

Gender inequality context

“It is scandalous that senior officials implicated in violence against women and girls, including cabinet ministers and governors, are not immediately removed from office and held accountable.

To address this pervasive violence in conflict and other contexts, those in positions of command and other authority must promptly and publicly adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards sexual and gender-based violence.” said Barney Afako, member of the Commission.

To grasp the full impact of conflict-related sexual violence, it is also necessary to understand the social and cultural context in which sexual violence occurs, under patriarchal systems based on domination and gender discrimination.

Half of all South Sudanese women are married off before they reach 18, and the country has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world.

Sexual and gender-based violence is also common outside of conflict, affecting women and girls amongst all segments of society.

The Commission is calling on the authorities in South Sudan to take the necessary steps to stop sexual violence against women and girls, by addressing impunity and the drivers of conflict and insecurity.

Work of the Commission

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. It was first established in March 2016.

The Commission is mandated to investigate the situation of human rights in South Sudan, and to determine and report the facts and circumstances of human rights violations and abuses, including by clarifying responsibility for violations and abuses that are crimes under national and or international law.

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