Uganda: FEWS NET projected food security levels as stressed in the Greater Northern Region and a crisis in Karamoja

Staple food prices have continued to increase in recent months and are higher than prices recorded last year and five-year average levels across most of Uganda. Prices of staple sorghum and maize are now significantly above average in several key reference markets across the country. In Karamoja, terms of trade for sorghum against firewood, charcoal, and goats are below average and worse than last year, significantly restricting food access for poor households. After the first season bimodal harvest in June/July, food prices are expected to decline but are now expected to remain above average given expectations for below-average production, increased net exports, and impacts of the war in Ukraine on global supply chains and prices” (FEWS NET, 06.05.2022).

The Cassava Republic is getting hit hard by not only the rising commodity prices, but the weather. The agricultural production will be slowed down and that will hurt the farmers of the regions in the Northern Uganda and in the Karamoja sub-region. That is very evident and FEWS NET together with the World Food Programme is clearly having an oversight here. This here should worry the state, as it has targeted and had a military operation in Karamoja. Which is not mentioned here, but the burning region of Karamoja isn’t having a better times ahead of it. To the contrary things are only getting worse.

The Cassava Republic is also hit with an impactful war, which is not only hitting the exports of wheat, but in general. That’s why prices of commodities will go up and has gone up over the last year. Things are not getting better there either. Just read the quote below, which is a continuation of the first quote from FEWS NET on the matter.

In general, prices of food and non-food commodities have increased notably since late 2021. The main driving factors include rising transportation costs due to increasing fuel prices, seasonally declining market stocks, and reduced production prospects from the upcoming first season harvest following below average rainfall. More recently, impacts of the Russia-Ukraine crisis have driven further fuel price increases and increased the rate of general inflation of food and non-food commodities, further reducing household purchasing power. In March, retail prices of maize grain and sorghum increased farther above five-year average levels. Retail prices of beans and cassava generally remained below average in March, though prices of beans increased by 9-20 percent across monitored markets from February to March” (FEWS NET, 06.05.2022).

Here is the worrying statement:

However, rising food prices will likely result in some higher selling prices for famers, increasing access to income for those with near average production. For pastoralist households, pasture and water availability is expected to improve in May given the forecast of above-average rainfall. Overall, most households in bimodal areas are expected to access sufficient food and income to meet their essential food and non-food needs, with Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes expected to persist at the area level throughout the projection period. However, given revised expectations for a third consecutive below-average production season as well as rising prices of food and non-food commodities including fuel, Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are now expected to persist throughout much of northern Uganda for the majority of the projection period. In Karamoja, availability of food and income is expected to remain seasonally limited as the lean season progresses. Given delays in the agricultural season, the lean season is now expected to last through July, longer than usual by about three weeks. During this time, insecurity is likely to continue constraining limiting income-earning, including from livestock production and sales. When schools reopen for the new term in early May, households will likely experience some improved food consumption due to WFP’s food and nutrition programming for school children, including school meals, take-home rations, and supplementary food for households with malnourished children. However, food prices are expected to continue increasing through around June until the harvest from bimodal areas begins to boost market supplies, with an increasing number of poor households likely to face consumption gaps and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes during this time. Though some seasonal price declines are expected following this, prices are expected to remain above average. For many poor Karamoja households, below-average purchasing power will continue constraining access to food from market purchases. Around August/September, the start of harvesting in Karamoja is expected to support improved access to food from own consumption and income from crop sales and reduce the number of households facing consumption gaps, though Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected to persist at the area level even during the post-harvest period. Overall, widespread Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are now expected to persist through at least September, with worst-affected households facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes” (FEWS NET, 06.04.2022).

We are seeing changes and the next coming months will be impactful to say the least. As the farmers and everyone else will struggle. There will be lack of food and a distress in some parts of the Republic, but it can become really dire in Karamoja. The Karamoja where the army has attacked, burned villages and gone after the citizens. That’s where things are getting worse and where they will have a terrible food insecurity to the levels of crisis. They can possibly get into Emergency, which should worry anyone. This just really speaks of how the state is failing its citizens and things are not getting any better.

The state should act upon this and think of safeguards. Nevertheless, don’t think they will. They rather send more soldiers and have more birthday bashes for Muhoozi. Than being concerned with the lack of food or ability to plough their fields. No, the state is more busy scheming and enterprising for their own. That’s why this sort of news needs to be spread. Because, the citizens of Karamoja and the Greater North will be hurt by this. That is the message from FEWS NET and it should be heard. Peace.

Tchad: Front pour l’Aternance et la Concorde au Tchad (FACT) – Communique de Presse No. 011 (07.05.2022)

Philippines: Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) & Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – Joint Statement of Support to the Candidacies of VP Leni Robredo as President and Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio as Vice President (07.05.2022)

United Kingdom: The possible ramifications of the recent election results

Not only has the Tories lost in Wales, Scotland and England. They have lost foothold in plenty of councils and lost enormous amount of councillors. This is also showing the growing sentiment both in Northern Ireland and in Scotland. That the affair of Brexit, the scandals and the poor governing skills of London is catching up with the rest of United Kingdom.

First of the election results in Northern Ireland, if Sinn Fein gets a mandate and if neutral Alliance Party supports it. The the “Ulster Province” could easily become a part of a United Ireland. The Northern Ireland as we know it could be swallowed and join the Irish Republic. Instead of being a sore thumb on the island and a relic of the colonial part of London there. The aims and mandates of Stormont may easily change after this one.

That would jeopardize the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol of Brexit. However, the sentiments are there and the Northern Irish would have it easier with trade, co-existence and be a part of the European Union. As Dublin and the Republic is already a Member State in the EU. Therefore, there is lots of benefits, which the United Kingdom is loosing out of and is failing upon it’s quest to sufficiently honour the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Second the results of Scotland can open up another can worms for London. The Scottish could easily with the rising power of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Tories falling third. This is shattering and showing what sort of leadership the Scots are aiming for. The Tories failing here is making them less viable and they are not a choice there.

Because of the 2021 election to Holyrod, the SNP has already 46% of the Scottish Parliament and has a huge advantage. They are winning more councils and getting more councillors together with other opposition parties. That can clearly make the SNP more harden stance of ushering in a second Independence Referendum. This shouldn’t shock anyone, as the Scots did vote in the Brexit Referendum for “Remain”. Therefore, the fallout could be happening.

As well, as the Scots and their export industries has already been hit hard by the Brexit. They are seeing it harder possibly to stay united and especially when the Tories in London are such a contrast to the EU. With that in mind, it only makes sense that the Scots wants to try again to leave London, in such a way that they could get closer to Brussels and the Common Market.

On a side-note though, the Welsh has cemented itself as a Labour stronghold. The Tories has nothing there both in the Assembly and even lesser extent in the Local Councils. That is just furthering the outcome of a party that isn’t a for the British isles, but only for England. The Tories is soon only in England and ousted elsewhere. That got to sting, as the Scots, Welsh and only the English is still voting for them. They never had a party organization in Northern Ireland, but they have allies there. However, they are losing too now.

This is the possible ramifications of the elections. The people could ask for this and with the recent votes, the Assemblies in the States makes it possible. The First Ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland would all differ from London. That would strike a bitter tone and a distasteful chant in the way of the Tories. It won’t be smooth sailing for the Downing Street No. 10. His party is trailing and losing ground….

Prime Minister Johnson and his reign has eradicated the party from all around. The arrogance and entitlement is catching up. Now, the possible costs of Brexit might come closer to home too. As Sin Fein and SNP might table motions of referendums… which you know will be a blow to the Her Majesties Government in London. Whitehall and all the greatness of the fallen empire will be displeased. While we cannot foresee an outcome of those elections today. It wouldn’t be shocking, if they chose to leave or flee for independence from London. Both nations has all to gain and possibly also a closer connection to the EU. That something more worthwhile then holding the Union of the United Kingdom afloat these days. Since, it gives little, only more stagnation and lack of progress. The austerities and lack of progression is very evident.

London is calling, but the PM is ditching the calls. He knows what is coming. The aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic is here. He has nowhere to hide and the people are turning on his quickly. Peace.

Tchad: Coalition des Actions Citoyennes – Wakit Tamma – Point de Presse du 06 mai 2022 (06.05.2022)

Mali: Ministere de la Defense et des Anciens Combattants – DIRPA – Communique No. 039 de l’Etat-Major General des Armees (06.05.2022)

Opinion: The Tories are the losers of these elections

The Conservative Party losing across the board. There is no victories to see and those who see any. Well, you are an anomaly and not according to the numbers. If the numbers of Wales, Scotland or England are telling. The Tories has lost vastly to the others. Some might say Labour didn’t do a landslide, but they together with the opposition won these elections. They took the councillors in Scotland, Wales and England. While the Unionists are losing in the Northern Ireland too.

If your are thinking this is salvageable numbers or polls for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. No, these sorts of results should send him packing. As this is a sign of the tiredness and the smug brat in Downing Street 10. His now a “walking dead” or a man with no trust in the people.

The Tories have no ground to stand on. Maybe they have the North of England. Where the blue-belt still remains. Nevertheless, they are losing elsewhere and it’s not looking any good. The Scottish National Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens are doing well. In Northern Ireland Sinn Fein and Alliance Party are on the rise too. So, there is possibly less friends in Belfast over the weekend too.

So, in Edinburgh and Cardiff, you have SNP and Labour who runs things. While in Belfast you could possibly have Sin Fein. There is no where to be found of friendly faces and allies of the Tories. The local councils has lost mandates and the majorities of the blue. The blue wave has vanished and left leaning politicians has gotten into office. That got to sting and hurt the pride of the Tories.

However, we know they will downplay this. The loss is huge and will have an impact. The MPs of the ruling party should be worried. Their seats are possibly up for grabs and the electorate is signalling them. The lack of proper governing, the handling of the pandemic and the costs of Brexit is now obvious. The spin-doctors cannot salvage this… there is no way of spinning this that makes any sort of sense.

London should be calling, but I doubt at this moment that the PM will care. His people are dodging and they know their party is bleeding. There is no good news on the horizon. The costs of Brexit and the fatigue of the scandals doesn’t make things better. The PM is a sleaze and someone who has acted above the rules and the codes of others. He cannot run away from that fact and think petty fines will let him off the hook. When the families, loved-ones and others wasn’t able to say their final goodbye’s during the pandemic. The drinking and the partying has backfired…

The polls and the results shows it. Not only is London turning red. Other parts are joining the Lib-Dems and the Greens. There is no real safe-haven, unless he wants to settle down in Sunderland. While the Tories should be worried. These results are a sign that the Tories cannot trade lies and deceit for much longer.

Boris Johnson ensured this loss. It isn’t even only in England, but it’s everywhere. Not looking decent anywhere really. Northern Ireland is even getting closer to Dublin. That got to hurt. While Edinburgh isn’t looking shiny either. There is no where to go and he cannot hide.

Boris has lost this one and by a landslide. The coalition and strategic voting has by all means countered the Tories. They couldn’t overcome this and it’s a major blow. The Tories have to wonder how much longer they can stick by this leadership and party line. Since, it is going backwards. They are losing and there is little to show for it. The constituents aren’t buying it and the spin isn’t working.

Some might say that the Labour didn’t do that well. Alas, Labour at least won seats, Liberal-Democrats and Greens are the major victors together with the SNP in Scotland. No denying that in that, but the ultimate loser of the Local Councillors Elections are the Tories. Peace.

Northern Irleand: Sinn Féin and Alliance Party seems like the winners of the polls

Sinn Féin (SF) and Alliance Party are the projected victors of the elections in Northern Ireland. There will be changes in Stormont and this will have affect on the rest of the United Kingdom. The voters has also turned their backs on Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). That is blow for the unionist, as the neutrals of the Alliance Party and the ones who wants Northern Ireland to be part of the Republic of Ireland, SF is winning.

That says something. The Unionists and the ones for ties to London has lost seats and in general mandate in Stormont. This should worry not only the ruling party in London, but make you wonder how this will be materialized in Northern Ireland. As there are more friendly representatives of Dublin, than of London.

That’s if the numbers and the forecasts are correctly. The first results and first picks gives a vast majority and makes SF the biggest party. The losers are DUP, UUP and SDLP. While also Alliance Party and TUV have also gained momentum this time around. However. Alliance and SF will be the two parties that matters this time around.

The DUP will possible cause a wreck and chaos, as they will not accept the results and whatnot. We should expect them to this lightly. As the main competitor is having a massive win and a possible landslide. While the neutrals Alliance is also gaining grounds. This is not good look for the DUP or other Unionists. They are losing ground and it’s so obvious that things are backfiring.

Maybe this is a reaction to the Brexit and how it is impacting Northern Ireland. It would maybe be easier to just join the Republic and be part of the European Union. Instead of being the lost province and the lost territory, which the British still have influence over. That will cause friction and possible issues yet again.

A call for a referendum and possibly join the Republic is on the horizon now. Especially, if the SF and Alliance becomes the winners. That will hurt the Unionists and their causes. It wouldn’t be any sort of shocker. There is a generation who is born since the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) and only felt the results of the Brexit. Therefore, they are maybe moving towards Dublin and the European Union. Instead of being part of London and the United Kingdom. However, that is only speculation at this point.

This election isn’t only a result of Brexit and how it has played out in concern of Northern Ireland. Maybe, also many are tired of how the DUP has been politicking. They have seen how they used their majority and wants to try someone else. It is possible that the Unionists aren’t able to sell their cause and the alignment with UK any longer. Since, the UK is out of the EU and the advantages of it has gone in the wind.

When there is such vast changes between two elections. The latter can be caused by many things. Now that we are seeing the trickling in of results. It shows a change and it can have possible ramifications. That can shatter what we have seen before and we cannot turn the tide again. Nevertheless, the full results aren’t on the table and there is more counting tomorrow. The full tally will settle it all. However, SF and the Alliance is the projected winners of this election. That got to hurt plenty of parts of the Northern Ireland. It should also bring hope and inspire people as well.

It is hard to know how this plays out. While there was talks that Brexit could cause Northern Ireland to cede to Ireland. Now it is getting one step closer. Especially, if the SF gets a huge mandate and the Alliance, which is neutral and could co-sponsor a referendum. Peace.

Opinion: Was this Attorney Vic Rodriguez campaign or BBM’s?

For as long as I can remember, the Spokesperson of the Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Junior Campaign, Attorney Vic Rodriguez has been the vocal one and his the voice of the BBM Presidential Campaign. That is another sign of weakness from the Presidential Candidate.

Rodriguez is the voice, the man of reason and the man of all seasons. He has been everywhere. While the Presidential Candidate has made puff pieces, videos for social media and commercials, but also participate on stages at campaign rallies. However, one-to-one interviews, public debates or COMELEC debates he has dipped out of.

That’s why he has been less vibrant and not in people’s faces. Maybe it is for a reason why Rodriguez is more out there. He has a way with words and knows the meaning of them. While the team is manufacturing what the candidate is saying. Because, they don’t trust his charisma or character in the public.

Maybe the team was afraid that the real “Bong Bong” would be revealed. It is easier to make him look loveable and brilliant for a few moments on stage. Than making him dodge hard questions or hear some possible insults at a debate. Neither would the world be able see him in long interview by an “unfriendly” or by “hostile” media-house. He has dodged it all and seemed like he was worried about the possible questions coming his way. It is really frightening that a man like that has been a front-runner and his been running away from every stress test possible.

Instead, we have seen Rodriguez answering all the media houses, publishing statements and seeing him creating headlines painting BBM in a good light. Nevertheless, if we didn’t know better… it would make more sense of Rodriguez to stand as a man and be the candidate. He has answered and been questioned. Which haven’t happened to Marcos Junior at all.

That is the entitlement and arrogance of “Bong Bong” is very evident. While he thinks this is a wise move, as his dipping through the traffic jam of campaigning and debating. Marcos Junior have gotten away and not taking an interview for the job. His trying to become the Head of State and the biggest representative of the Filipino Nation.

It is really striking that BBM is either afraid or has some personal issues with the press. Since his been so reluctant to show up. That’s why we know Vic, we have seen the attorney and read his quotes. He has spoken his peace and stood in front of the press conferences. Nevertheless, Marcos Junior have not been seen. He just vanished and only popped up for a brief moment at the rallies and went away. Maybe he was part of convoys to the campaign arenas too, but not that he was there for long either.

That’s why it’s weird so close to the end. That we know the Spokesperson better than the Candidate. The man who we are supposed to know and trust. His hidden behind the spokesperson and not been selling himself. Only sold on well-prepared and parts of promotional material, but not elsewhere. Neither has opened himself and played outside his comfort-zone. That’s why we don’t know how we will act under stress or when his under fatigue. No, we know none of that… but we know what Rodriguez will say and how he will defend “Bong Bong” Marcos.

So, my question is … was this Att. Vic Rodriguez campaign or BBM’s?

We know the answer, but we can wonder. If you study headlines and whatnot. You will find Rodriguez all over it. That should have been a worry, but it has been a strategy and I can just wonder if this will backfire. Peace.

Ukraine: WFP welcomes EUR 25 million from the European Union for humanitarian multipurpose cash and food assistance in Ukraine and Moldova (06.05.2022)

LVIV – The United Nations World Food Programme welcomes a contribution of EUR 25 million from the European Union to provide humanitarian food assistance to people affected by the conflict in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. This funding contributes to the provision of multipurpose cash as well as immediate food relief to families in conflict-affected areas in Ukraine, and to displaced people from Ukraine in Moldovan transit sites and receptions centres.

As WFP continues to call on everyone to grant safe access to humanitarian relief operations in encircled and partially encircled cities in Ukraine, the generosity of WFP’s partners is enabling us to scale up our response to the conflict, with the goal of supporting six million people caught up in the world’s fastest-growing humanitarian crisis.

In Ukraine, families in conflict-affected areas are receiving food and ready-to-eat rations, while in areas where markets are functioning, multipurpose cash is being distributed so families can buy what they need most urgently. In Moldova, displaced people from Ukraine currently in transit sites and reception centres receive hot meals.

“We welcome this generous contribution from the European Union, which will help support the countless families who have had to flee for their lives and are struggling to put food on the table amid this humanitarian catastrophe,” said WFP Executive Director David Beasley. “It’s thanks to partners like the EU, who have stepped up with immediate funding, that WFP has already reached 3.4 million people in Ukraine and Moldova since the start of the war. But millions more urgently need our help.”

“The European Union has been working around the clock to ensure that life-saving aid reaches civilians in Ukraine,” said European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič. “Humanitarian partners like WFP continue to deliver urgently needed emergency assistance to the most vulnerable as we speak.”

Over 7.7 million people are displaced inside Ukraine and the pre-conflict supply chain systems for feeding the country’s population have broken down in many areas. WFP estimates almost half of the people in the country are worried about finding enough to eat.

The conflict in Ukraine is also triggering a wave of collateral hunger elsewhere in the world. Global food prices have increased sharply since the onset of the conflict and are now at an all-time high. These hikes are expected to further limit access to food for millions of people who are already under stress because of food inflation in their countries.