Ukraine: President Zelensky’s important speech on the 17th Day of the Russian invasion

Dear Ukrainians!

Our heroes!

The world has always loved those who fight against evil.

It was our resistance, the courage of all our people that inspired the world. Millions of people in different countries. Who 17 days ago might not have felt what they all have in common. We all have. And now it’s obvious. Peace. Freedom. And love for our children. The children we are fighting for. For them to have a future” (Volodymyr Zelensky, 13.03.2022).

On the 17th Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky releases a powerful speech. Where he address key things after over 2 weeks of fighting the Russian and Belorussian armies. As well, as other allies of the Russian who has participated on their side of the war. What he was saying today was significant and therefore needs to be addressed. It has to be spread and show the courage of the Ukrainians who are battling a superior power on their homeland.

He starts with:

The 17th day of the war is over. War for the right to be free. For the right to live on our land the way we, Ukrainians, want it. Not the way someone came up with for us. And against us. Against our nature. Against our character. The Russian invaders cannot conquer us. They do not have such strength. They do not have such spirit. They are holding only on violence. Only on terror. Only on weapons, which they have a lot. But the invaders have no natural basis for normal life. So that people can feel happy and dream. They are organically incapable of making life normal! Wherever Russia has come to a foreign land, dreams are impossible. Only a very hard struggle for survival. As a result of the attack on our land, on Ukraine, the Russian leadership is actually turning its state into an analogue of the so-called “DPR” and “LPR”. Into a large area isolated from the rest of the world. Where poverty will reign. Where everything will be determined only by violence. And where people will flee. In any manner they can and whoever can” (Volodymyr Zelensky, 13.03.2022).

This is the words of a man in the midsts of war saying this. As knows what is going on and the bravery of his soldiers and nation. They are striving to keep it up and using all means on the battlefield. While telling what will happen if they fall. How the Russian will not be merciful or give any incentive for a hostile takeover. It will only become a vassal state and annex territory under the bondage of Moscow. That’s why the fight for survival and for independence is so important.

He speaks of the betrayal in the city of Kherson:

The invaders in the Kherson region are trying to repeat the notorious experience of the formation of pseudo-republics. Blackmail local leaders, put pressure on deputies. Look for someone to bribe. They’re trying to organize the so-called “KPR”. Stillborn as “DPR” and “LPR”. To organize some “committees” against the legitimate government on our land. And against the will of the people who go out to protest every day. And who want Ukraine. I am grateful to them. I want to tell some figures who lacked the disgust to refuse to talk to the invaders… I want to say – if some of them were suddenly tempted by proposals from the invaders… You sign your sentence. The sentence is to follow more than 12,000 invaders who failed to understand in time why Ukraine should not be encroached upon. An emergency meeting of the Kherson Regional Council took place. 44 deputies decided that the Kherson region is Ukraine, and no pseudo-republics have a place there” (Volodymyr Zelensky, 13.03.2022).

This shouldn’t surprise anyone, as this is a well-known tactic of Moscow and using the “newly” formed “people’s republic’s” to gain control of a territory. In such a manner, that the area and its administrative power gets under the wings of Kremlin. That isn’t shocking anyone and the President is righteous in his assessment that anyone working with the Russians at this time is betraying their nation. They are signing of their fate and becoming wartime collaborationism and should be shunned. The ones signing off and becoming stooges of Russian and directly acting in treason of Ukraine. Therefore, Zelensky is right in saying they have given themselves a sentence, as they have stopped working for the liberty and freedom of Ukraine, but has chosen to be under the control of Kremlin. That is tragic, but the reality of this and the members who did it. Should be worried about what happens when the war is over. Their names will be tainted like the treasonous and war collaborators who cooperated with Nazi-Germany in the 1940s.

I will end with this part of the speech:

On every occasion, I constantly repeat to our friends and partners abroad that they should do more for Ukraine, for Ukrainians. Because it is not only for Ukraine. This is for everyone in Europe. Evil that purposefully bombs peaceful cities… Evil that fires even at ambulances and blows up hospitals will not be able to stop at one country. If it has the strength to go further. I said this at a very important rally in support of our people, which was organized in Europe. More than a hundred thousand people in the squares of Italy and other countries of the continent gathered for a rally in support of Ukraine and against Russian aggression. Millions of people heard my appeal later thanks to broadcasts and recordings. We now enjoy the greatest support in the history of Ukraine for our aspirations and our independence. You can take a public opinion poll in any country and you will see that Ukraine is among the leaders of those who are sympathized with and supported. And Russia is not just among enemies. It is even a bigger enemy, bigger evil than North Korea. That’s what Americans think, for example. Ordinary people in all states. As well as ordinary people in all European countries. And I am grateful to them for this extraordinary support. Grateful for understanding our struggle. Because we are united by one dream – to live freely on our land. And we have the right to what everyone has in the free world. To a safe sky, as well as to our own land” (Volodymyr Zelensky, 13.03.2022).

He has pleaded and been a voice of reason in the midst of the war. The Ukrainian President has pleaded for fighter jets and a “no-fly-zone”, which no one is giving him. Yes, the Polish Government wanted too, but NATO and United States blocked it. When the Warsaw could come to the aide of Ukraine it did, but the others stopped it. That shows that the allies and Europe is hesitant to really help. They are doing more than symbolism, but in comparison to the reality in Kyiv it seems lacking and they are righteous about it.

When your nation is bombed, the enemy sending missiles and killing on the regular. Destroying towns and suburbs with artillery. As the Russian are flatting areas like it did in Chechnya. Now the same is happening Ukraine by the same armies and also participation of forces from Chechnya. That’s the sort of military attacks and mission the Russian are on. Since they are searching for a total surrender and destruction. There is no humanity or care for the victims or the ones who is invaded. These are just supposed to be peasants who bound by law to be part of Russia and the Federation. This is the disgusting brutality and the atrocities, which Zelensky wants to stop in 2022.

We need to support Ukraine and give it what it needs before it’s too late. The one winning is Russia and they can assault Ukraine until their objective is met. The Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t care about the casualties or the losses, as long as Kyiv is in his hand. That is all he wants and don’t the deaths. It is just fair game to a guy like him. As long as he doesn’t lose power or lose prestige in Kremlin. That what matters to him. He don’t care and he wants to be an Imperial overlord and have control of the former USSR. That is really it and expect that if he takes Ukraine. He will go further and the war will get another shore than the Black Sea. Peace.

Sudan: Professional Pharmacists Association – Sudan – Press statement about Continuous Violations in West Darfur (12.03.2022)

Sudan: Sudan Central Doctors Committee – Field Report – On the Marches of March 12, 2022 (13.03.2022)

The total number of injuries was (18) cases, as follows:

– (1) A case of being run over by a vehicle belonging to the regular forces

– (1) A case of rubber bullet injury

– (1) A case of a stun grenade hit

– (1) Case of a stun grenade hit

– (2) A case of head injury with a hard object

– (5) Cases of sporadic injuries to the body from tear gas canisters

– (6) Sporadic cases of superficial injury to the body as a result of stone throwing and stampede

– (1) A case of asphyxiation by tear gas

Your committee will provide you with every update it receives in continuous field reports to expose the council military coup.

– We note the following:

* There are injuries in the field that were treated by field aid teams and are not included in the list.

The details of the aforementioned injured until the moment of the issuance of this report are confined to us to ensure their rights, and not sharing them is at the core of the professional obligation to respect their privacy.

Glory and eternity to our brave martyrs.

Urgent recovery to our wounded heroes..

And victory for our mighty people over the forces of labor and livelihood..

March 13, 2022

Mali-Mauritanie: Communique Conjoint (12.03.2022)

Tanzania: President Hassan appoints a Task-Force to guide public rallies for political parties…

““The task force which consists of 24 members, which is directly answerable to the President, presented the resolutions at the State House in Dodoma. The resolutions are divided into three implementation timelines,” reads the statement said. The statement said the short-term resolution was the drafting of regulations that would guide how to conduct public rallies for political parties. “Some of the med-term resolutions include corruption and ethics during elections, subsidies, civic education, while issues pertaining to the new constitution are in the long-term plan.”” (The Citizen – ‘New Regulations now to guide political rallies’ 12.03.2022).

The Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) are the majority party and the laws that has been passed and implemented. During the years of the late President Joseph Magufuli the laws for the media, political parties and others was severely changed to block and monitor them. The state are now allowed to monitor most of the political parties and their every move. They cannot issue certain political material, conferences or even gatherings without the consent of the authorities.

That’s why today’s statement and announcement of a Task-Force to look into this is significant. It is a right step into the possible positive direction. While we all know what the CCM is capable of and there will be loyalist of the cause in the Task-Force. There are also opposition members and members from the Law Societies of Tanzania. Therefore, it is a huge deal.

I reckon this as a positive step though I am taking it with a grain of salt. As there are opportunities and ways to make the changes stall. Heck, there might be made aware of technicalities or hurdles, which states it impossible to change things. We know the laws amended in the previous term and by joint legislations. That was how several of laws made more hostile and impossible for the political parties to operate.

That Samia Suhulu Hassan does this could bring changes, which is needed. Especially, if she is willing and the CCM to make it a level playing-field for all the political parties. As of today, the CCM has massive powers and can use the authorities to strangle the other parties. They can stipulate and block the other political parties from operating. Since, their actions can be deemed illegal or a “danger” to society. Therefore, the CCM can change this, but then it’s up the Parliament and President to make it happen.

This Task-Force can deliver reports and amendments, which can be implemented. However, that is up to the majority rule and the President. I don’t know… if that will happen or if this is a publicity stunt. That’s how it can look from the outside, but we can be hopeful that something substantial will happen now.

The CCM can do the right thing here. President Hassan is on the right path here, but that is living on hope. A Task-Force can deliver a product and it can easily be dismissed or never implemented. There are several reports and such planned legislation that can easily be buried by the Head of State. Therefore… the President has a final say and CCM has now an opportunity to make a difference. Where they are actually … make it possible and open the space for the political parties in the United Republic. That’s what we can hope for and now we have to wait and see. Peace.

RDC: Atelier de Comprehension sur le Programme de Desarmement Demobilastion, Relevement Communautaire et Stabilisation en Faveur des Groupes Armes des Territoires d’Uvira, Fizi et Mwenga, Tenu a Uvira du 10 au 12 Mars 2022 (12.03.2022)

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Uganda Law Society’s Position on the Directive Banning Land Evictions without the Consent of the Respective District Security Committees (11.03.2022)

Tchad: Front pour l’Aternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT) – Communique de Presse No. 006 (12.03.2022)

Ukraine: Russia will target all convoys entering into Ukraine

Russia will target all convoys entering Ukraine loaded with arms. Proposals on security guarantees that Russia had sent to the US and NATO before Russian forces entered Ukraine last month were no longer valid as the situation had now changed completely”– Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov (12.03.2022).

The Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine, which is today on the 17th Day. The warfare is continuing and the plights of Ukraine is rising. The invader is blocking convoys and cease-fires to make it possible for internally displaced persons to move out of conflict zones. As the Russians and their allies are shelling, sending missiles and bombing urban areas.

What is striking is that the Deputy Foreign Minister Ryahkov clearly doesn’t care about the Geneva Convention or the articles the parties of war are supposed to adhere too. One of them is Article 55, which I will refer to underneath. As that sets the stage and what any party of a conflict is supposed to do. In the case of the Russian Federation… they plan not to follow that guideline.

Rule 55. The parties to the conflict must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, which is impartial in character and conducted without any adverse distinction, subject to their right of control” (Geneva Convention – ‘Rule 55. Access for Humanitarian Relief to Civilians in Need).

It also states:

The Fourth Geneva Convention requires States to “allow the free passage of all consignments of medical and hospital stores” intended only for civilians and “the free passage of all consignments of essential foodstuffs, clothing and tonics intended for children under fifteen, expectant mothers and maternity cases”.[1] Additional Protocol I broadens this obligation to cover “rapid and unimpeded passage of all relief consignments, equipment and personnel”.[2] This broadening is generally accepted, including by States not, or not at the time, party to Additional Protocol I.[3]” (Geneva Convention – ‘Rule 55. Access for Humanitarian Relief to Civilians in Need).

If this isn’t telling and in comparison to what the Russian are willing to do. That shouldn’t shock us, as they target anything and blows it up in their way. It isn’t like they are using smart-bombs or only targeting the ones who is fighting them. The Russian armies haven’t only gone after military bases and front-lines of the Ukrainian forces. No, it has directly gone after civilian targets and areas, which makes non-combatants as targets in this war.

This is just furthering it and escalating it. They are now going after the ones who is coming with humanitarian aide and need. The Russians are willing to target the humanitarian assistance convoys, which is entering into Ukraine. If you thought the Russians came with good intentions in Ukraine. This proves there is nothing good in this war. Only death and destruction…

We are seeing and the Russians are proud to breach the Geneva Convention. They cannot even help the citizens in need and the ones who wants to help the suffering in Ukraine. That is tragic and insane. However, that is what Kremlin and Russia is willing to do. This will also hurt foreigners and nations, which isn’t directly involved in the conflict. The targeting of the convoys will possible involve other citizens of neutral nations. Therefore, this might trigger reactions from parties and nations that nothing to do with the war. Needing-less to say… this is horrific and shows how sinister the ideals of Moscow is at the moment. That they are willing to do this and warns that they will go through with it.

I will not be shocked to read that Humanitarian workers are found dead or killed by Russian soldiers now. Because of what the Deputy Minister said. I expect it and they will casualties of war. Just because they tried to feed, nurture and get vital basic necessities into a war-zone. Peace.

Somalia: UNHCR ramps up aid to thousands displaced by Somalia drought (11.03.2022)

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Boris Cheshirkov – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 11, 2022 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is scaling up assistance to thousands of people displaced by severe drought in Somalia following three consecutive failed rainy seasons that have decimated crops and livestock.

People’s coping mechanisms have been eroded, forcing thousands to flee their homes in search of humanitarian assistance including food, shelter, and safe drinking water.

In the first week of March alone, more than 17,000 people in the country’s southern Bay region were internally displaced by the drought, joining tens of thousands of people similarly displaced across the country between January and February this year.

If the current trend holds, UNHCR estimates that in 2022 alone half a million Somalis will likely be displaced before the end of March.

The majority are reported to be children, older people, and pregnant and lactating mothers. Families are arriving to urban centres or existing settlements for internally displaced people, where living conditions are often difficult and there are few resources to cover the additional needs of the new arrivals.

Many children have dropped out of school to help their families earn a daily income and search for water and pasture. This has made them particularly vulnerable to risks such as forced marriage, family separation, and sexual violence and abuse. Women and girls, who make up half of the displaced population, are at heightened risk.

UNHCR is working closely with humanitarian partners to deliver much-needed assistance. So far, shelter materials, hygiene items, and other necessities have been delivered to 36,000 drought-affected people in the country, including 24,000 people in Galmudug and Puntland regions where the situation is most dire. Separated and unaccompanied children are being provided with medical assistance, psychosocial support, and counselling as well as safe spaces to protect them against forced child recruitment.

Families at risk of being evicted from their homes due to loss of income are also receiving legal assistance. In the coming weeks, at least 200 entrepreneurs will receive grants to help revive their businesses.

Globally, the climate crisis is accelerating, and the consequences of inaction are mounting. Many ecosystems are at a tipping point, and we are already seeing devastating effects on human health and life. Vulnerable communities are being hit the hardest, among them refugees, displaced, and stateless people. Over 80 per cent of refugees and internally displaced people come from the most climate vulnerable countries worldwide.

A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change last week highlighted the uneven impacts of the climate crisis on communities that have less capacity to adapt. Vulnerabilities are being amplified where people are already facing poverty, limited access to basic services and resources, conflict, and climate-dependent livelihoods.

Urgent investments are needed to build up strong adaptive capacities where they are most needed. Without them, we will witness greater suffering, loss of life, and increasing displacement.

In 2022, UNHCR requires US$157.5 million to deliver critical aid and protection to approximately 2.9 million internally displaced people in Somalia, 40,000 refugee returnees, some 31,000 refugees and asylum seekers, and up to 15,000 new arrivals from Ethiopia and other countries. As of 1 March 2022, only 5 per cent of that amount had been received.