Opinion: The Speakers have become a Wasteland for Public Expenditure…

“Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, her Deputy Thomas Tayebwa get Shs 2.8billion cars. Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi, the Rubanda District Woman MP, also a parliamentary commissioner, confirmed the procurement of the two luxurious vehicles” (91.2 Crooze FM, 07.06.2022).

“The decision was endorsed by the parliamentary commissioners and money to purchase the Shs2.8billion cars [for the speaker and her Deputy] was approved,” Hon. Prossy Akampurira, the Rubanda District MP, also a parliamentary commissioner” (91.2 Crooze FM, 07.06.2022).

“Parliament has concluded plans to procure official residences for the speaker and the deputy speaker. Inside sources say funds have already been made available for the procurement, though the figures have not been disclosed” (NTV Uganda, 07.06.2022).

The newly elected Speakers of the 11th Parliament has no scruples spending from the state coffers. They are getting new cars, housing and they already has a vast money-pit of allowances, salaries, and perks in office. These two are already high earners but expect to get more for their services or contribution to the state.

You would think these two was running the nation and was the vocal point of it all. Since, they are so well paid off and has such funds to build houses for them as well. They had already cars as MPs and big-big salaries as part of the Parliament. So, it wasn’t like they weren’t well off already. These two had it all and now they want more.

This is what greed looks like and they are doing this amid rising inflation, lacking funds, and showing their ignorance of the plights of the people. The people they represent and works for as speakers to begin with.

These was two ceremonial vehicles and additional housing. When we know they have all the high-end salary, allowances, and other stipulated payments, which makes them rich in office. It is not like these would starve at any minute or be worried about dried out bank-accounts. No, these two would have a pay-day and would be well-off.

This is privilege and the burden of that is on the state coffers. The state covers the expenses and all the costs of the matter. These are luxuries and can only been seen as such. Since, the speakers has a pay and could afford to get a humble abode in Kampala. However, they are now living like royalties and expects to live as such.

That’s why they had to have new ceremonial cars, as the cars bought to fit Oulanyah and Kadaga wasn’t good enough. Now, they are also getting houses paid. It just shows how they can be reckless and spend like it is no tomorrow. It is their turn to eat and it’s evident that they think that way. Because it is like they fear that this opportunity is too good not to get well off from. Peace.

Sudan: UN Chief Calls for ‘Good Faith’ Effort by All, Ahead of Direct Talks (06.06.2022)

The UN chief has called for military authorities in Sudan and civilian representatives and political leaders, to enter direct talks over the future of the country in “good faith”, following continued unrest.

NEW YORK, United States of America, June 6, 2022 – A military coup in October, led to the suspension of a power sharing between civilian representatives and senior officers, which had been established since the overthrow of former ruler, Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

More protests

Political protests took place in several parts of the capital on Monday, according to news reports, which met with a heavy response from security forces, including the use of tear gas. Since the coup, a violent crackdown has seen nearly 100 civilians killed, according to UN figures.

Adama Dieng, the UN Designated Expert on the human rights situation in Sudan, said in a statement issued at the weekend that he was shocked by the killing of a young man in a protest on Friday, reportedly shot in the chest by security forces.

“There can be no justification for firing live ammunition at unarmed protestors…This is a tragedy – each of these deaths is a tragedy for Sudan – another young man whose family are in mourning today. His killing must be investigated immediately, and the perpetrator prosecuted.”

Trilateral approach

Envoys of the trilateral mechanism facilitating intra-Sudan talks – the United Nations, the African Union and regional body, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) – have stressed that it is up to the Sudanese, particularly the authorities, to create an environment conducive to the success of any negotiations.

Briefing the Security Council in May, the UN Special Representative for Sudan, Volker Perthes, warned that time was short to reach a solution to the protracted political crisis in Sudan.

Last week, the military leadership reportedly lifted a state of emergency in place since the October coup, designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, in advance of a return to a democratic transition.

Facilitators

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Secretary-General António Guterres, welcomed the efforts of the trilateral mechanism, “to facilitate a solution”.

“As Sudanese stakeholders prepare to engage in direct talks, he encourages them to participate in good faith and to continue to work towards establishing a conducive environment for a constructive dialogue in the interest of the Sudanese people.

“The Secretary-General condemns all calls for violence and reiterates the importance of a peaceful atmosphere for the talks to be successful”, the statement continued.

Hate speech fuelling violence

“He is also concerned about attempts to undermine the efforts of the trilateral mechanism and its envoys.”

Mr. Guterres stressed that “all forms of hate speech represent an attack on tolerance, undermine social cohesion and can lay the foundation for violence, setting back the cause of peace.”

He reaffirmed his strong support for the work of the UN assistance mission, UNITAMS, “as it continues to support the Sudanese aspirations for democracy, peace and prosperity.”

In his statement, Mr. Dieng encouraged all Sudanese “to contribute to efforts towards a political settlement and resumption of the important legal and institutional reforms started by the transitional government.”

Nigeria: Southern Governors’ Forum – Abdullahi Adamu on a Frolic of his Own (06.06.2022)

United Kingdom: Operation Save the Big Dog Part II was “successful”

Today the 1922 Committee of the Conservative Party launched the “No Confidence” vote in the Prime Minister. What is very clear is that the public and plenty of citizens are tired of his term. They have seen how inept, dishonest and disingenuous, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is. There is nothing honest, up to the codes of conduct or sincere about the man. His only a man who bashes in arrogance and deceptions.

There has already been one round of saving the Saving the Big Dog. Today can be the second one. This was Part II of Operation “Save the Big Dog”. That is very clear as 211 MPs voted for him and only 148 MPs voted against him. This means that the PM gets to stay in office for another year. Unless, he see himself fit to order a snap election. Nevertheless, it is a victory, but not a lasting one.

The Prime Minister has no levels of real genuine trust. Neither does the PM have any worthy leverage. He has only disasters awaiting and he got nothing to offer. What he has done is self-serving and disinterested in actually governing. That’s why the donors of the Tories are happy with austerity and the current manner of politics. Which is favouring the wealthy, but not the lower classes of society. As that is hurting in the post-pandemic, Brexit ramifications and what else the Tories has to “offer”.

The Prime Minister was saved tonight, but not for long. The knives are out and there might be a cabinet reshuffle. Not only from the people who has resigned, but within the midst of the PM. As he knows there are people who aims to get rid of him. He will ensure the ones who did that will be touched by him. The ones who was loyal will get plum-jobs and nice titles. Just like he always does and let them all of the hook.

It is really amazing that a dishonest bloke like Boris Johnson could survive this. The amounts of people dying, needlessly during the pandemic and the parties hold during lockdown… should all be easy reasons for either resigning or “no confidence”. However, there is accountability or codes, which these MPs cares for. No, they are just thinking of keeping power and won’t challenge with internal battle for the office.

This will force it to happen at a later date. It is not like the public or the citizens has any trust in them. The Tories MPs sounded like algorithm prepared speeches to salvage the PM. Like people don’t know he wined-and-dined, while people couldn’t attend funerals. Heck, student lost scholarship and ability to study because of a party. Which was destroying that’s persons future, but if the student had been the PM. He would have enjoyed the perks of the office and been living large to this day without any consequences. That’s how unfair this is and his only gotten a few fines. Lied about being sorry and said “he would do it all again”. That’s the sort of PM he is.

Boris doesn’t care. Boris don’t mind the pushback. No, Boris only wants to live, breathe and be the big dog. He don’t care how he does it and with what cost. As long as he get to be the man and the man who is at the top. That’s who he is and the fellow MPs are vouching for it.

That he won today isn’t surprising. However, this inept and conniving man won’t make things better. It will only get worse. The associates and allies will proclaim victory. Nevertheless, a lame-duck PM and a dead-man walking he is. If he don’t know it… sooner or later someone close by will tell him.

Now, that the MPs will not do the job. Maybe the public can rebuke these people and get other people into power. Because, these people are not representing the public will anymore. They are not listening to them or caring about their say. No, they are just in it for their pockets. Peace.

Ethiopia: The OPM is lying about the humanitarian assistance into Tigray

Today’s release of information from the Office of the Prime in Addis Ababa isn’t sincere about the realities on the ground. These sorts of statements make it believe that the war-torn region is getting relief and direct help that matters. It does, but to a such an extent of non-existence. That’s why the Federal Government is trying to jade the waters and make itself sound reasonable.

Even when everyone knows that the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has spoken ill of “wheat-aid” and has thought they had “other missions” with it too. The Prosperity Party and allies are thinking the aid agencies are helping directly the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and their Tigray Defence Force (TDF). That’s what we have heard in the past and been a “valid” reason for the blockade and blocking humanitarian assistance from entering the region.

Here is today’s statement. Then underneath the true reality of the matter.

Humanitarian Assistance in Northern Ethiopia:

As it pertains to humanitarian assistance in the N. Ethiopia, through the GoE’s declaration of an indefinite humanitarian truce, the supply of humanitarian assistance continues to show progress. As of June 3, 2022 data from NDRMC:

GoE has continued to expedite the supply of food & other humanitarian supplies to reach Tigray region. The misconception that the GoE obstructs humanitarian assistance continues unabated. In fact, the Gov’t has redoubled its efforts to expedite assistance to all in need. The international community is encouraged to intensify its effort to meet the humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, including for the Tigray Region. TPLF appears to prepare for another offence during the coming farming season. Food & non-food items are not reaching the needy. TPLF continues to forcefully conscript people into its forces. Its atrocities will disrupt agricultural activities & further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Tigray region. Any offence by the TPLF would undermine GoE’s effort to avoid another round of conflict” (Office of the Prime Minister, 06.06.2022).

It sounds rosy right? Sounds in some way legit? Well, it isn’t like this and they are blaming TPLF and pointing at them for possibly conscripting soldiers. When the “humanitarian truce” is reported to be a possible break or cease-fire to ensure the ENDF and allies are prepared for another offensive. Which has been the method of the regime in the past. So, maybe the PP and loyalist around Abiy should reconsider their approach. Open all doors and show compassion. However, that is to much to ask from warlords and people with vengeance in their hearts.

Just read here what is really going on!

At checkpoints in Afar, authorities turned back trucks containing high energy biscuits and teff seeds. Why are these not allowed to enter Tigray? Why are restrictions on humanitarian aid not acted upon? Why are crimes against humanity given impunity?” (Tim Vanden Bempt, 06.06.2022).

OCHA reported this:

The situation in northern Ethiopia remains calm but unpredictable. Several areas remain hard to reach to humanitarian partners including some areas in Wag Hamra and North Gonder zones in Amhara along the border with Tigray, some areas in Zone 2 in Afar, and the extreme northern parts of Tigray and Western Zone. Hostilities were reported in the northern parts of Tigray. During the reporting week, two convoys of 320 trucks carrying humanitarian essential supplies of food, nutrition, and non-food items arrived Tigray via the Semera-Abala-Mekelle road. In total, since the resumption of convoy movement on 1 April and following an interruption of more than three months, 1,176 trucks (45,152 MT) including 15 fuel tankers (644,483 liters) arrived in Mekelle through thirteen humanitarian convoys. In parallel, approximately 15.5 MT of supplies have been airlifted to Mekelle during the reporting period that included health supplies (9 MT), emergency shelter and non-food items (ES/NFIs) (6.5 MT). Since 15 December 2021, partners have airlifted 750.6 MT to Tigray, equivalent to 18 trucks. This included nutrition supplies (409.3MT) health supplies (211.1 MT) 106.4 MT ES/NFIs, and 23.8 MT of Agriculture and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) items. Although humanitarian partners were able to bring some fuel for humanitarian operations to Tigray in the last two months, the amount brought is still insufficient and the fuel reserve is at low levels, severely hindering humanitarian operations. Nutrition partners, for instance, need about 24,000 liters of fuel to dispatch available nutrition supplies, including lifesaving therapeutic milk and ready to use therapeutic and supplementary foods, to about 240 health facilities across the region. Ayder hospital in Mekelle, the biggest referral hospital in the region, serving more than 300,000 patients, announced that it has stopped pediatric and intensive care unit services effective 29 May due to lack of fuel to run the generator. Seeds and fertilizers to farmers in Tigray are urgently needed as the Meher planting season (from May to early August) Seeds and fertilizers to farmers in Tigray are urgently needed as the Meher planting season (from May to early July) has already started. Crop production and livestock production in the region accounts for 70 percent and 30 percent (respectively) of the livelihood. Without both improved seeds and fertilizers, farmers will likely experience a considerable drop in production compared to last year, further exacerbating levels of food insecurity” (OCHA, 03.06.2022).

So, when the Prosperity Party and Office of the Prime Minister comes with such a brass statement of humanitarian assistance. The UN Organization of OCHA who has been following and gathering reports through the conflict isn’t mincing its words. They are showing the truth and the true reality. Which is grim. It is dark. A man-made famine, starvation and lack of basic necessities. That has been the goal and the targets are met for the rulers of Addis Ababa.

Abiy and his fellow leaders must be so proud that they are starving and slowly killing Tigray region. If they are not dying now of hunger. They might easily die of lack of food or nutrition after the next harvest season. Which is destroyed, because the lack of fuel and seeds… the lack of time to prepare the fields and ensure the farms of the region. That’s what the tyrant and the “Medemer Terror” has brought upon the Tigray region.

The Government of Ethiopia is only undermining and blocking any sort of meaningful help, which it has done for months upon months now. They are not willing or really wanting to help the Northern Ethiopia. No, they are collectively punishing everyone. Because, the Prime Minister didn’t get his will when he consolidated power. Peace.

RDC: Les représentants des communautés du Nord-Kivu – Communique de presse (06.062022)

South Africa: African National Congress (ANC) – ANC NWC Statement on President Cyril Ramaphosa “Criminal Charges” (06.06.2022)

United Kingdom: John Lamont MP – Statement on the Vote of Confidence in the Prime Minister (06.06.2022)

South Africa: Ministry of Justice confirms arrest of the Guptas (06.06.2022)

Somalia: World Food Programme (WFP) – As rains fail again, catastrophic hunger looms over Somalia (06.06.2022)

Food insecurity and malnutrition worsen across Somalia as risk of famine increases amid historic fourth failed rainy season.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 6, 2022 – A historic fourth consecutive failed rainy season, skyrocketing prices and an underfunded humanitarian response have resulted in a 160 percent increase in people facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity, starvation and disease in Somalia. With no end in sight for the devastating drought affecting the country, the risk of famine looms larger than ever. An urgent increase in support from the international community is essential to avert famine.

A new report from the Famine Early Warning Network and the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, based on a rapid assessment by multiple United Nations agencies, shows that 7.1 million Somalis (close to 50 percent of the population) now face crisis-level food insecurity or worse through at least September 2022. Of those, 213,000 people face catastrophic hunger and starvation, a drastic increase from the 81,000 forecast in April. More areas are at risk of famine, particularly in the south of the country in regions where insecurity and conflict makes humanitarian access more challenging.

These figures reflect a food security situation that is expected to deteriorate rapidly over the coming months. United Nations agencies and partners are now focusing their limited resources on famine prevention to protect the country’s most vulnerable, as meteorological organizations warn that another below-average rainy season could follow later in the year.

“We are staring at a potential calamity; failure to act now will be tragic for scores of families in Somalia,” said Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. “Somalia is in danger of entering an unprecedented fifth consecutive failed rainy season, meaning hundreds of thousands of people face the risk of famine. Famine cost the lives of 260,000 Somalis in 2010-2011.This cannot be allowed to happen again in 2022. It is urgent that more is done to avert this risk and done now,” he said.

Collectively, humanitarian agencies have reached 2.8 million people between January and April 2022 with lifesaving and livelihood assistance through drought assistance and famine prevention programmes, but the new assessment clearly indicates that the scale of assistance currently being delivered and funding from the international community is not yet sufficient to protect those most at risk.

Food prices affecting the most vulnerable

Somali families are increasingly unable to cope with soaring food prices as local food has become scarce due to consecutive seasons of poor or failed domestic production, livestock deaths, and imported food prices reaching record levels – in part because of supply chain impacts due to conflict in Ukraine. In parts of the country, food prices have risen 140 to 160 percent, leaving poor families hungry and destitute.

“We must act immediately to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. The lives of the most vulnerable are already at risk from malnutrition and hunger, and we cannot wait for a declaration of famine to act,” said El-Khidir Daloum, WFP’s Country Director in Somalia. “It’s a race against time to prevent famine and WFP is scaling up as much as possible, prioritizing our limited resources to save those most at risk. But as these new figures show, there is an urgent need for more resources to meet this escalating hunger crisis,” he said.

Around 3 million livestock have died due to the drought since mid-2021, and the decline in meat and milk production has also led to worsening malnutrition, particularly among young children in pastoral areas who are dependent on local supply. As of May 2022, an estimated 1.5 million children under the age of five years face acute malnutrition through the end of the year, including 386,400 who are likely to be severely malnourished – an increase of 55,000 compared to previous estimates.

The malnutrition crisis is likely to worsen as the nutrition situation deteriorates further in the affected areas, with children and vulnerable people the hardest hit. “This is a child crisis. It’s not only about water or nutrition, but also about children losing education, falling vulnerable to child protection issues and having poor health; all impacting their future,” said Angela Kearney, UNICEF Somalia Representative. UNICEF has supported the treatment of more than 114,000 children with severe acute malnutrition between January and April 2022. “We are treating children but now we need further funding to prevent a famine and protect the future of every Somali child,” she said.

Grim situation as humanitarian funding falls far short

The grim food security situation is unfolding as humanitarian funding from the international community has so far fallen short of coming close to what actors need to avert a famine in the country. The 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan is currently only 18% funded. “The support required has not yet fully materialized, and hundreds of thousands of Somalis are at a very real risk of starvation and death,” said Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO’s Representative in Somalia.

“It’s a tragedy to see the level of distress that rural communities in particular are experiencing, and we are being limited in what we can do to prevent this extraordinary suffering. We’re calling on the international community to act fast while we still have some hope of preventing collapse of livelihoods, further and potentially massive population displacement from rural areas to IDP camps and widespread famine in Somalia,” he said.