Somalia: What is ENDF mandate and mission inside the Federal Republic?

BREAKING: Hundreds of Ethiopian troops and vehicles have crossed the border of Somalia into the town of Dolow in Gedo. These troops will open bases in Dolow and Beledhawo to support the Gedo Regional Administration” (The Daily Jubba, 06.08.2022).

Yesterday it was reported that the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) entered and deployed itself in the Gedo region of the Jubaland State. There been no announcement or memorandums officially published from either party. There has been official communication from the Federal Member State (FMS) of Jubaland. Neither has Villa Somalia or any of the Federal Government of Somalia spoken out on it either. Lastly, it has been silent from the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia or the ENDF as well.

This is just troubling as the neighbour here is practically “invading” and occupying parts of border territories of Somalia without any concern. Especially, when we cannot know the mandate, mission or the goals of the operation. This is interfering and not respecting the territorial integrity. The Ethiopian government would have gone to war if the Sudanese Armed Forces went out of the contested areas around the border and did similar acts in the Tigray region. Therefore, this is questionable at best.

We know the Al-Shabab and the conflict with them has spiralled out lately. There been skirmishes on the border and the ENDF has defended it’s territories in the Ogaden (Somali) Region. That has been established and known about. As yet another conflict the ENDF has to deal with and use it’s capacity to take control over.

Some has stated and wondered why the new Somali President hasn’t visited Addis Ababa and such. He has been elsewhere in the Horn of Africa and visited allies. However, he never went to Ethiopia and visited Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. There been talks and rumours speculating that there been a fallout after Abiy lost his ally Farmaajo. Therefore, the recent act seems possibly like a revenge or a retaliation. Also, as the Al-Shabaab suddenly attacked Ethiopia too. It is all coincidently happening as the new Somali President is being in-charge.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has to both look into the leadership in Jubaland State and the Gedo region. If they allowed this with or without prior consent from the regional leadership. Secondly, the Villa Somalia needs to diplomatically establish why Ethiopian forces did enter and such. This is a clear indication that Mogadishu and Addis Ababa has lot of trouble brewing between them.

Abiy has possibly started another proxy-war and does so possibly by being allowed by regional leadership to enter. That is showing a lack of coordination and clear-cut policies of the Villa Somalia. They are showing weakness instead of strength. The neighbour is taking advantage of fragile and porous borders. In such a manner, that the integrity and the sovereignty doesn’t matter to it.

The next few days will be interesting. Especially to see how the new administration in Mogadishu takes it and acts. Because, this is happening on their turf and on their territory. The ENDF is the outsider and certainly has a questionable task to explain why they are there…

This will be monitored and followed. Since the signs are worrying and the air-silence isn’t making things any better. Peace.

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Keemstar’s Motion to Dismiss the Def Noodles Lawsuit is “exposing” him…

The subject Tweet makes no accusation of acts of a sexual nature. There is no accusation of specific criminal conduct. The context is that the subject Tweet is a “mock” of prior fake stories and in response (in kind) to posts made over the three preceding days by the Def Noodles character, in which it repeatedly used “allegedly” to frame the comments about Keem” (Motion, 05.08.2022).

That Dennis Feitosa aka Def Noodles and Daniel M. Keem aka Keemstar has gone through a lot online isn’t anything new at this point. It was on the 19th May 2022 that Def Noodles filed his motion to sue and go after Keemstar for damages over a tweet from 2021. Now after all the recent controversy. The motion from the attorney of Keemstar is out and it has aspects, which digs much deeper than what Def Noodles had in first piece of litigation. Certainly, this is showing things that Def Noodles don’t want to undress in the Courts, but because of the Court case he has to address.

The motion itself shows how they both as YouTubers and Social Media influencers has operated on Twitter. It is really shattering seeing how the document shows the hypocrisy of Def Noodles in comparison to the Tweet that is the reason for this lawsuit. Because, he shows that plenty of Tweets from Def Noodles are much more direct and worse with the content. That is the obvious case here.

One of the best part of the Motion was this one:

Here, the alleged defamatory statement, on its face and as pleaded in the complaint, is not “of and concerning” plaintiff Dennis Feitosa, as a matter of fact or law. Indeed, the subject Tweet does not mention him at all. Rather, the subject Tweet is of and concerning a fictitious internet cat character, “Def Noodles,” which exists solely as a comedic instrument for generating jokes and satirical commentary. (Smith Decl., Exs. 1 and 2, and 12-15). “Def Noodles” is not synonymous with Feitosa, as Feitosa has repeatedly admitted, disclaimed, and emphasized. Def Noodles is a separate, outlandish, comedic character developed to satirically criticize, mock, and otherwise attack other social media personalities –and to be mocked and attacked in response. In his own description of this created character, Plaintiff has written that Def Noodles is “a satirical take in Internet news commentary hosted by a cat in a Minecraft house.” (Motion, 05.08.2022).

This here is so detrimental to the case, as it goes to the aspect of the character versus the person. That’s really poignant point, which is far beyond the reasoning in the original lawsuit from Def Noodles.

The best counter argument towards Def Noodles and damages is using his own Twitter history against Keemstar: “The statement parrots the cautionary language “allegedly” – which is a known signature disclaimer of Def Noodles and how the Def Noodles character couched each of its demeaning tweets about Keem in the three consecutive days (May 18th, May 19th, and May 20th) immediately preceding the May 21st responsive subject Tweet.4 The subject Tweet also mimics the “reached out for comment” line that the Def Noodles character has admitted to using falsely in the past. (Smith Decl., Ex. 2). The reference to “Big YouTuber Source” further highlights that Keem is poking fun, in kind, at the Def Noodles character and consistent with the joking/mocking environment in which they are operating – not stating serious facts” (Motion, 05.08.2022).

Here the arguments are showing that the comedian are struggling to comprehend and understand the satirical aspects of it. What is striking in the counter motion is showing how Def Noodles went after Keemstar on Twitter. That is clearly how he operates and does his work. We have seen that with other content creators how Def Noodles has gone after Papa Gut lately. Keemstar’s lawyers has really done him a service and showing how Def Noodles has acting in the same sphere.

The motion is clearly outlining why this isn’t libel or defamation, but instead play online between two content creators. Again, showing that Def Noodles cannot comprehend jokes made by others.

One vital part of which the attorney of Def Noodles failed to do or produce facts was the damages done by the Tweet in question. Which is sort of foolish in consideration of everything he has produced against others and proved in the court document by Keemstar’s attorney’s.

The part of defamation and the burden of loss or consequences to the Tweet. The reason why Keemstar should pay any damages to the one suing. That seems to beyond reach and explained in fine print: “Indeed, Feitosa does not allege any loss of income or other economic harm, nor does he allege a loss of YouTube subscribers or social media followers. Accordingly, this Court can dismiss the Complaint under Rule 12(b)(1) for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. See id. (“[I]in the event the complaint does not allege, on its face, facts plausibly suggesting that the amount in controversy exceeds the jurisdictional minimum, the court need not presume that the general allegation that the amount in controversy exceeds the jurisdictional minimum constitutes a good faith representation of the actual amount in controversy.”)” (Motion, 05.08.2022).

This I discussed in the piece “The Def Noodles Lawsuit is here… and the “comedian” cannot take a joke…”. As Libel and Defamation cases needs proof of loss of revenue or credibility. In such a way that the other party can sue or ask for damages. This just shows how Def Noodles or Dennis failed in this instance. Because, he has no proof of that or any evidence to prove it. If he had… he should have proven it. This is the most powerful statement in the whole legal drama.

The defence of Keemstar is really solid and shows both characters, their work and how they both as acted online. It wasn’t a one-time thing and certainly Def Noodles needs to come with proper evidence to let this one fly. Because, he has a mountain climb and prove that he should “win” and get the damages. Especially, when he tweeted similar things ahead of the Tweet that caused the lawsuit. Just proving how he wants one law for him and another for others. Which isn’t striking and the best part of all.

The defence of Keemstar is using the Def Noodles “comedian” and “satirical” character against him. In such a way… that he now has to either switch up or say it all is “serious”. Which will counter the “lore” of Def Noodles.

Time will tell, but this case isn’t over yet, but as Motion goes. This was a good one. Peace.

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Eswatini: No mercy from the King

I therefore advise you that as you go about your very important duties, you go out in full alert and in readiness to respond effectively and decisively against any criminal elements and you must meet them eye for an eye” – King Mswati III (05.08.2022).

The absolute monarch King Mswati III was on Friday again showing his sinister and vicious side. The ones that been following the current affairs in Eswatini shouldn’t be shocked by this. The authorities and the state has retaliated and ensured the ones who has defied his reign got to pay. That’s happened to students, activists and others who demonstrated. The authorities has swiftly and violently stopped demonstrations against his tyranny. However, the King resides on the throne and won’t relent, as he as absolute power and there is no representative democracy in the Kingdom.

So, that the King tells the Police Officers of the Kingdom to answer with an “eye for an eye”. Just show how vengeful the King is. Also, with that in mind he wants the authorities to act with retribution. That is very clear here and no one should be surprised.

We know the Sibaya’s that been held only been to buy “peace” and give the King time. As it sets a tone and the international pressure cease when he holds a peaceful display. Nevertheless, that is just buying him time to strike back at the parties and there organizers behind the demonstrations. There are plenty of peoples who wants elected representatives. Because, at the moment everyone with an office or a ministry is hand-picked by him. They are all there on the blessing of him and not because the public wanted them there.

It is a merciless man and a leader who only see himself. A monarch should see his whole kingdom and be a character that is unifying the kingdom. Instead his a monarch that sparks conflict and attacks his opponents. If King Mswati III had listened and opened up for a representative democracy. He could have been beloved and been respected.

However, he chose the path of total tyranny and using violence to stay in power. The most despicable way of clinging on to power. He can order the army and the police force whenever he deems fit. The King can take lives and even do that in rituals if he wants. That’s the sort of man he is and he thrives in it.

King Mswati isn’t a noble man or a just ruler. No, he will brutalize and ensure the demise of the ones who stands in his way. That’s why people has lost their lives, their careers and such under his reign.

So that the King says the Police Officers should answer the public with an “eye for an eye”. Is just showing his understanding and how the King operates. This is the sort of system and how he keeps his power alive.

A tyrant needs to enforce the tyranny and that’s obvious in Eswatini. Peace.

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