Tchad: Union des Forces Democratiques du Tchad (UFDT) – Communique de presse No. 01 (13.03.2022)

Tonga: Plan International supports children, young people and communities of Tonga volcanic erruption (15.03.2022)

Opinion: The Legend of Sipapa [and 10 years of unknown wealth]

Police say they are hunting for city socialite Charles Olim commonly known as Sipapa. Sipapa has been trending on social media, with many accusing him and his entourage of flouting traffic rules and hitting other motorists’ cars while others claim he is untouchable” (NBS Television, 14.03.2022).

There are several people working in the NRM, why is it only me being given money? And there is no problem even if I am funded. My mother was a rich lady, Wherever she might have passed, you never know I might be the president’s son and you just don’t know. Why are people so concerned to know our private matters? – Sipapa” (Josh Ruby – ‘What if I’m the president’s son? – Sipapa’ 14.03.2022).

Nobody knows where his from or how he got here. Some calls the man a tycoon, other a music promoter and others a socialite. His birth name is Charles Olim alias Sipapa. Who has a dozens of fancy cars and motorcycles. Said to flash money and visible for the elites of Kampala.

When Canary Mugume, the NBS Television journalist calls him “untouchable” you know something is up. This is just the newly minted edition of Brian White. The money, the cars and the privilege.

““They say my money is for Tax Payers, but which tax payer can pay 800 Million, this car is 800 Mllion but i hear people shouting at me, I even never went to school…”– Sipapa brags” (Khina Murah – ‘Sipapa mocks People Power Supporters with Brand New Mercedes Benz Worth 800M’ 09.12.2020, CelebPatrol.com).

Sipapa is nothing special. His tales will not go down in history or become a folk tale. His just another of the typical men who burns the candle at both ends. That’s why his ending up in car crashes, driving vehicles without license plate and proving himself as a big man in front of the People Power supporters and on the premises of Fred Nyanzi in Kamwokya in Kampala in 2020. So, it is not like these days are the first of controversy.

His the sort of fella who has often gotten into trouble, because of how reckless he drives and his mountain of arrogance. That’s why he can call himself a “son” of the President and a son of a rich “blesser”. We don’t know if his just a boy-toy or a flamboyant business-man. He just suddenly had wealth and was in the public eye.

““If you want me to apologize for calling you a broke thug. I will do it. But you have to prove your wealth to me by gifting KAYZ with a brand new VITZ. Hand it over to him with all its logbooks and everything in his names.” pastor Mondo asked” (Joyce Mollan – ‘Pastor Mondo Dares Sipapa to Buy Lord Kayz a Vitz to Prove his Wealth’ 04.10.2020, TimesUg.com).

We don’t know if this man is a knock-off Balaam or is a fraudster. He can be whatever he claims to be or just another short-term expenditure for some hot-shot in the NRM party. Since he has violated people with his car in the past, but never been punished for it. Therefore, the investigations into it by the Kampala Metropolitan Police has gone nowhere and it’s not shocking at all.

He surely had drama like in 2018, when he was caught in between his own artist and lover Zani Brown. As Sipapa was also sharing relations Brown Shuga, as this was reported by entertainment media at the time. So, this man is a mess no matter where he goes.

Sipapa has flaunted his wealth online since at least 2018. This is four years of controversy, but he has made a name of himself since 2012, which Kampala Sun reports like this:

Upon arrival in Kampala, Sipapa established his base in Makindye and for a while worked as a music promoter. He at one time hired top musicians, including Bobi Wine. In 2012, Sipapa engaged some ‘noisy’ media personalities, who thrust him in the faces of the unsuspecting public. Whether money exchanged hands in this engagement will not be debated here, but the lithe-bodied man got the fame he craved for. Media personalities were often with him in hangouts, were part of his money throwing parties, and word was that he gave some cars and expensive gadgets. To the public, he still remained a mystery” (Paul Waiswa – ‘Sipapa: Young, rich and dangerous?’ 11.11.2021, The Kampala Sun).

So, yes, he is busy with music and opting in friendly relations with his female artists. That is recorded and published. The rest of the story of the socialite and his supposed wealth is a myth. Just like his story and whatever he did. Yes, he came to Kampala from Tororo and made a name for himself.

However, if this will last or not … that is something we cannot know. His useful for someone right now. If hadn’t or had a use… he would linger in jail and wouldn’t be that confident. We all saw how hard Brian White fell and Sipapa can easily be the next. Especially, when his that flamboyant and when his no longer useful …. he will dropped quickly.

Right now for some reason he might have some suction or sort of connection with high ranking officials. Since he feels untouchable. Nevertheless, Sipapa will follow Balaam, Brian White, Abdullah Kitatta or Ashburg Katto.

One minute, your a hot commodity and the next second a used condom. Peace.

RDC: President National du Parti du Peuple pour la Reconstruction et la Democratie (PPRD) – Communique Officiel (14.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) – OLLAA calls for justice and independent investigation after video shows civilians being burned alive in Benishangul-Gumuz (14.03.2022)

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZPR): ZPR Clarity on Security and Holding of Political Rallies in the Country (14.03.2022)

Sudan: Sudan Central Doctors Committee – Urgent (14.03.2022)

Processions of millions of detainees in the three cities of Khartoum state are subjected to excessive repression with live bullets, birdshot and tear gas, in addition to sound and rubber bombs.

In the meantime, state hospitals are receiving dozens of injuries with live bullets and shotguns in the head and chest, some of them are critical and their condition may require hypnosis in intensive care rooms or urgent surgical intervention.

The coup forces of all kinds do not hesitate to export violence to our people in this deadly way in order to protect tyrants whose first concern is to steal the people’s wealth and impose on them a state of restricting freedoms and pensions.

We warn the coup authority against continuing this hostile approach against the masses of our people, and we promise that we will unite with our partners in the forces of the revolution to bring down this coup by all means of peaceful and tested resistance.

March 14 2022

Opinion: Kalonzo finally bowed down to Baba

Third time the charm? Eh?

Don’t think so? Neither does I.

Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) and the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) did as expected during the weekend and aligned himself with the Azimio La Umoja coalition.

However, it is not the expected outcome or grandeur as he anticipated. For someone who has come out so hard and with such fierce words against Odinga. You would think he would blink twice and consider his composure now. That’s clearly to much to ask for the man that is willing to trade of any sort of honourable stance for a plum-job down the line.

Kalonzo is ready to eat and surely the whole OKA wanted to join the grand coalition of Baba anyway. That was inevitable, as he has distanced himself from Deputy President William Ruto and former allies in the Kwanza Kenya Alliance (KKA). Everyone with a marble could acknowledge that was bound to go down.

The leader of OKA aand WDM had to back off his stances and negotiate. Nevertheless, he was maybe short-sighted and didn’t do his due diligence. Certainly, he will not the be Presidential Flag-Bearer and his lucky if the his the nominated DP in Azimio. Most likely one of the fellows who joins the travels and watches Arsenal in London, United Kingdom is the lucky side-kick to Baba. Not the degenerate left behind in Kenya who wasn’t smart enough to play his cards right.

Kalonzo has done this all backwards and instead coming in with strength to boost his chances. He has instead stalled the proceedings and come with pre-conditions, which was dead from the on-set. As a seasoned politician… you would think he was brighter and more calculated. However, it just make him look a fool now.

We all knew this was coming. The earthquake of Ruto unravelled the value of OKA. That Mudavadi and Wetangula left the coalition. Made it less viable or sensible to be own coalition ahead of the polls. He would be a joke and a one-man band of brash candidacy without the hubris to carry it. Azimio or Kwanza would bury his chances with the first opportunity and KANU wouldn’t be there to save his soul either.

That’s why the signing of agreement with Azimio was on the horizon. It has been in the works for months it seems. Nevertheless, it seems like Kalonzo isn’t thinking for the long-con, but the short-con. As he haven’t even salvaged his role or what stakes he has to carry in the coalition. No, he just walked into a prepared agreement and now he has to follow it. While for the third time being the principal or a co-principal who has to play to the tune of Odinga. That must sting his pride and show that his political capital is close to worthless.

The only reason he had some sort of favour or ability in 2022 was because of the supposed strength of OKA. Since he had KANU and NARC on the table as well. Not only his own smug face and the barrels of Wiper Democratic Movement into the mix. He himself is just a man coordinating for the best outcome. That’s why he ditch important moments, but tries to find ways to get appointed by others in the next minute.

Why else would he be a Co-Principal in NASA and during the term become a Special Envoy to South Sudan…

Now he is an underling of Odinga. He might not like that, but that is the gist of it. Kalonzo traded his chips and is now directly a part of the team. His not a man calling the shots, but being directed to serve a purpose, which he has to fulfil. Clearly with the obligations and the hopes of a noble position in the next term. However, that is up to the results of the election and the outcome of his own candidacy and party.

Kalonzo isn’t that bright, but this is what is bound to happen. When you only rides for envelopes and don’t have a clear moral path, which guides you. He will bow down to anyone who promises and can possible give him an edge.

Kalonzo isn’t a man of spine or integrity. No that ship has sailed a long time ago and this further proves it. As he is willing to do anything to get ahead. Peace.

Burkina Faso: Communique de Monsieur le Gouverneur de la Region du Sahel (14.03.2022)

Opinion: Marcos Jr. Versus Robredo

The main candidates in this up-coming Presidential Election in the Philippines will be between Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. and current Vice-President Leni Robredo. That is the gist of it. The last few days are proving it even more. As they battling over having the most prominent endorsements of Bulacan. Just to prove to the public that they have the public behind it.

However, there are two very significant difference between these two candidates. Not only is Marcos Junior the son of the late dictator. He is also very lacking in achievements as a representative in higher office. The BBM team and the machinery behind wants to sell it all like hot-cakes. Nevertheless, that is still not the whole truth.

Yes, on the recent Pulse Asia poll he has gathered a grand lead on the rest of the candidates. Even if it is so, I would take it with a grand of salt. As the Presidential Candidate in a harsh political climate as the Philippines cannot stomach to participate or be part of Presidential Debates. Marcos Jr. is ditching the second one and that is showing lack of awareness.

Maybe, Marcos hopes that he can live on and thrive on the popularity of the Inday Sarah. As she can live on her political dynasty and her fathers popularity in the general public. That is how things seems, since Marcos only shows up to own rallies and isn’t a part of the conversation nationally like the rest of them.

VP Robredo is getting support of the Churches, Academics and former diplomats. It is not like Robredo is hyper popular as a candidate, but she is more down to earth in comparison to Marcos. She is at least not trying to artificially generate huger crowds and lie about the attendance.

What is striking however… is how BBM and the team trying to make him so magnificent. When he doesn’t have the courage or the balls to attend debates. It is like he knows he doesn’t have the answers or the cognitive ability to articulate his policies or plans ahead. That’s how it looks to me.

Yes, Robredo’s term in office as the VP haven’t been golden. At least she has had the character and tried. She has stood in the storm and been desecrated on a daily basis. Still with that in mind. Leni is still pushing ahead and not looking back. If she had been as soft and mellow as Marcos. Nobody in their right mind would have believed in her candidacy.

The reason why BBM is more strengthened is because of Inday Sarah. They are now a powerful ticket, because she has the dynasty of Duterte behind her. We know also the 7-Eleven “Daily Cupdates” has but him in front. It is still early, just like all the “pink-days” on social media.

We are seeing various of celebrities weighing in and being parts of the rallies. That will make a sudden impact on their fandoms, but will not change the pattern substantially. Unless, they are BTS size of fandoms or Taylor Swift fans. It is a need for a real momentum. Neither candidate has that right now. They are still canvassing and salvaging whatever advantage they can.

The way I see it. BBM should man up and grow a pair of balls. Prove that he has the ability to discuss and come with good arguments for his candidacy. Which none of us has seen. The prepared rallies and team composed speeches will not prove anything. Other than the gentleman can be composed on stage. We would expect more of a President and a Presidential Candidate.

That’s why with the record and the former roles Leni she has more to give right now. She don’t have dynasties or the machinery behind her. Robredo is a weaker candidate, as she doesn’t have the plunder or the ability to pay of a lot the hurdles. However, if it is a battle of character and proven capacity. Robredo is more worthy than Bong Bong by a landslide.

That Marcos Jr. looks good in two polls at this point of time. Shouldn’t stop the other candidates from working and proving their worth. Instead, it should galvanize them and inspire them to prove it even more. As they know BBM cannot or have no courage to be in the ring with the rest. He has to be scripted and in print by friendly media. Not like the others who are daring to be undressed and fall flat in front of the whole nation. Peace.