Burkina Faso: A new army commander on the throne

“Soldiers announce removal of Burkina junta leader from office. Burkina Faso army rebels announce closure of borders and suspension of institutions. Burkina Faso army Captain Ibrahim Traore has ousted military leader Paul-Henri Damiba and dissolved the government and suspended the constitution and transitional charter, he said in a statement read on national television Friday evening” (CGTN Africa, 30.09.2022).

In Ouagadougou there been reports of a possible coup d’etat since earlier in the day. As the army and supposed “COBRAS” was in the streets. Where they shot in the Presidential Palace and sealed off the Prime Ministers house. They did also stop the National TV Channels broadcast and made people aware of the troops movement in the city.

Now it’s apparent that a new army commander, Captain Ibrahim Traoré is taking over. Earlier in the day it was speculated that the former failed coup-maker Col. Zoungrana would do it. Nevertheless, that has now been dismissed and like in January. The new Head of State announced the downfall of the predecessor for anyone to see.

Right now things are murky and uncertain. Everything will just be speculations, but this is the second coup d’etat in the same year. Captain Ibrahim Traoré is said to come from the Forces Spéciales (FS), which was only created by former President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré on the 2nd June 2021. It is not like this unit was created long ago either and it was supposed to serve a purpose for the former President.

Now the same unit and possible army commanders has again decided to topple another head. This time it was Col. Paul-Henri Damiba who did a similar coup d’etat in January 2022. Its really compelling really and we can wonder how the new Head of State will defend their actions. Because, the previous one made his assessment and transitional period. Now that will stopped and another will come along.

One thing is for sure. It is one junta government to another one. One military head of state to another one. Burkina Faso isn’t seeing an elected government or a civilian one for that matter. No, it is just another self-anointed man on the top. Peace.

Burkina: Front Patriotique – Declaration du Front Patriotique du 30 Septembre 2022 (30.09.2022)

Opinion: Truss and Kwarteng’s self-inflicted crisis…

“Government policy has nothing to do with common sense” – Sir Humphrey Appleby (Yes, Minister).

I wrote earlier in the year that Truss could be the albatross, which the Collins Dictionary describes like this: “If you describe something or someone as an albatross around your neck, you mean that they cause you great problems from which you cannot escape, or they prevent you from doing what you want to do” (Collins Dictionary – ‘Albatross’). In the months time I wouldn’t consider to be proven right, but especially not in this way.

Liz Truss and her appointed Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has just within a weeks time announcing their biscotti mini-budget been able to destroy the value of the Pound Stirling, making mortgages expensive, getting the Bank of England to save pensions and gilts. The whole financial market turned into distress and uncertainty, which haven’t been at these levels in forever. Not even the COVID-19 Pandemic or the downturn of Brexit was as dire. Not like the United Kingdom or City of London was running smooth now. However, the latest moves of the Tories and the tax-cuts are hurting the economy. In such a manner, that the Prime Minister and Chancellor are doing this to themselves.

These two could do better, but they are pursuing it. They seemed not very concerned with the fall of value of the Pound Stirling, neither the actions of the Bank of England. The distress and uncertainties creating are being put on the consumer and the citizens. Their mortgages and pensions are in jeopardy. The rising payments in addition to the more cost of living, rising inflation and now destruction of the financial market is a horrific cocktail created by the Tories. It is all culminating because of the biscotti mini-budget.

That’s why this little treat is self-destructive. The Tories and the ones in-charge is clearly not caring or acting in accordances to the harm they are creating. They are the albatross and they don’t mind being so. Truss and Kwarteng is doing it, but willing playing along. Thinking this will boil over and it will make sense in November. However, the public will pay the price on the mortgages and the Bank of England is bailing out the government.

Truss and Kwarteng can gamble everything on the biscotti. They are willing to go on the limb and die on the hill of the rich. These two are willing to risk the financial markets so the rich gets more wealthy. Those two are now willing to risk the companies carrying the pensions, creating a possible housing crisis and that in addition to the inflation or affects created by the Brexit itself. There is already a downturn with austerity for 12 years, but not forgetting the financial market reaction to the Brexit too. Therefore, these two knew things wasn’t perfect or running smoothly. Even knowing that… they still are pushing tax-cuts for the rich and cutting benefits for the poor. They are doing the opposite of Robin Hood and hopes for glory. It is just disgusting… and should be called out for.

London is falling, the City is falling and no one is in-charge is ensuring a safe landing. It is really disgraceful the attitude and the acts of the Prime Minister and Chancellor. They are just showing arrogance and ignorance of the plights of the people. When they are ensuring more wealth for the wealthy and planning to cut more for the poorest. That is just how despicable these leaders are. While the prices are souring, inflation is growing and the pound is losing value making all imports more expensive.

Truss and Kwarteng are two albatrosses now. They are a problem and they are allowing themselves to be it too. That’s the role they are playing and they are not letting go. Peace.

Opinion: Putin’s deranged speech

“I want the Kyiv authorities and their real masters in the West to hear me, so that everyone remembers this: people living in Lugansk and Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporozhye become our citizens forever. We call on the Kyiv regime to immediately cease fire, all hostilities, the war that it unleashed back in 2014, and return to the negotiating table. We are ready for this, it has been said more than once. But we will not discuss the choice of the people in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye and Kherson, it has been made, Russia will not betray it. And today’s Kyiv authorities should treat this free will of the people with respect, and nothing else. This is the only way to peace” – President Vladimir Putin (30.09.2022).

Today was a supposed day of glory and greatness, but everyone know what it really is. The Russian President and his “Yes-Men” held a ceremony to takeover 4 oblasts from Ukraine, which they are not even able to occupy or annex with conventional force. That’s why Russian army is mobilizing at home, but plenty of people in the right age has fled to former USSR republics or even to other Russian friendly nations to avoid the call-up for arms and be part of the invasion of Ukraine.

President Putin who was supposed to be over the “Special Operation” months ago. A man who is seeing his armies being destroyed, depleted and loosing moral. A President who is trying to galvanize his troops and supporters. However, everyone must know that these “referendums” and “annexation” of oblasts are only to legitimizing escalation of war in Ukraine. Not like the Ukrainian people will see a difference, but the Russian population will. Because, his saying the people of the 4 oblasts belongs to Kremlin, Duma and the Russian Federation now!

Later Putin said this: “I want to emphasize once again that it is precisely in greed, in the intention to maintain its unlimited power, that there are the real reasons for the hybrid war that the “collective West” is waging against Russia. They do not wish us freedom, but they want to see us as a colony. They do not want equal cooperation, but robbery. They want to see us not as a free society, but as a crowd of soulless slaves. For them, a direct threat is our thought and philosophy, and therefore they encroach on our philosophers. Our culture and art are a danger to them, so they are trying to ban them. Our development and prosperity is also a threat to them – competition is growing. They don’t need Russia at all, we need it” (Putin, 30.09.2022).

It is really interesting that Putin blames the West. When it’s Putin and his nation that is waging war. Putin has ordered the invasion of Ukraine and blames the West over it. Calling everyone in the West soulless slaves, but he don’t want any dissent at home. Neither is there any sense of self-reflection into how his regime is running Russia. Therefore, it’s projecting on others, but we cannot forget that Putin wanted to annihilate Ukraine and erase it from history. His own words earlier in the war. So, Putin should reconsider his stance, but we know he wants all glory himself and doesn’t accept any push-backs. Because, how can he speak of freedom or liberty for that matter when people are arrested for protesting the war and some of them will be enlisted in army for doing so. The freedom of Russia is clearly not worth it.

He continues: “What I want to emphasize, emphasize: there is every reason to believe that the Western elites are not going to look for constructive ways out of the global food and energy crisis, which arose through their fault, precisely through their fault, as a result of their many years of policy long before our special military operation in Ukraine, in Donbass. They do not intend to solve the problems of injustice and inequality. There is a fear that they are ready to use other, familiar to them, recipes” (Putin, 30.09.2022).

It is really something else when he blames the West for everything. When his the one issuing the war and he wanted to use the energy as a bargain chip towards Europe. He is calling them liars, when Russia has been selling gas and petroleum to the West for so long now. That the European Nations are shifting suppliers and places to get that. Is by all means in the long run hurting Kremlin and Russia, as they cannot find as easy and accessible market for it. That’s why he has to blame the West over it. He is even pinning the food shortage and wheat exports of Ukraine on them, as if he haven’t blocked the ports, the seas and done what he could to stop it. That just shows what sort of imperialism he clings on to. He speaks of injustice and inequality, Putin should look into his regime and actions against his own citizens, but also the acts of brutality and crimes of war committed in Ukraine. It’s not like he can run away from the damage, the hurt and the pain he has put people through there.

He also says: “Dear friends! Today we are fighting for a just and free path, first of all for ourselves, for Russia, for diktat, despotism to remain forever in the past. I am convinced that countries and peoples understand that a policy based on the exclusivity of anyone, on the suppression of other cultures and peoples, is inherently criminal, that we must turn this shameful page. The collapse of Western hegemony that has begun is irreversible. And I repeat again: it will not be the same as before” (Putin, 30.09.2022).

Certainly, the prospects of what Putin is speaking off is untrue. The invasion of Ukraine has solidified the NATO and the European Union (EU). Yes, there are nations which isn’t totally in line like Hungary and Turkey, but most are in accord with the line of support of Ukraine. That’s why I don’t know what Putin is seeing in Moscow, but Brussels are most of time on the same page about this. The EU isn’t suppressing cultures, not like the Russian Federation planned to do to Ukraine. Therefore, the multi-cultural hegemony of the EU isn’t like the CSTO or Russian Federation itself. Who wants to annex and let the people forget the roots. Like what the Russians plans to do in the annexed regions of Ukraine. So, I don’t know where he got this nonsense from…

He ends with: “Behind us is the truth, behind us is Russia!” (Putin, 30.09.2022). As if this is a powerful statement. Surely the thousands of dead soldiers in Ukraine must wonder what the truth was and if Russia was behind them. Putin can speak like this, but the brutality of his war doesn’t change it. Russian Army should question who is behind it and what truth that it’s operating under. Because the reasoning for the conflict and war has changed. Now it’s all about the West and such, but not denazification. Neither is about taking over Kyiv in a short sweep, but that has all backfired. Certainly it is easier to pin others than being accountable and honest about the “Special Operation” itself.

Nevertheless, this just shows what sort of man Putin is. This is what his saying now and wanted to bash in glory for annexing Ukrainian territories, which he doesn’t even have control over. The occupation force is struggling and Russian people are fleeing the Federation itself. Not like this war has won many hearts, but it has shattered more.

Putin is trying to stand by his actions and make it seem more grand than it is. However, no one should believe him. If he was so great and the war was justified. Why are people fleeing his mobilization to take part in it? Your guess is as good as mine. Nevertheless, Putin will blame that on Brussels, Paris or Washington D.C. because that what he does now. Peace.

Ethiopia: Afar Revolutionary Party (UGUUGUMO) – A Statement about the current situation in the Afar Region (29.09.2022)

Burkina Faso: Uncertainty looms and is there a new coup d’etat?

“Burkina: change of mood according to the presidency of Faso “Talks are underway to restore calm and serenity. The enemy attacking our country only wants division between Burkinabè to accomplish its destabilization action.” (Paul Henri-Damiba)” (Ouaganews, 30.09.2022).

Today there is rumours and speculations that one unit or part of the army is having a putsch or coup d’etat against the current Head of State and President. This is happening, as the current President did the same on the 24^th January 2022. While the man who is behind the reported coup today tried this once before on the 10^th January 2022. So, both parties has done this, but Col. Paul Henri-Damiba was able to pull it off two weeks later than Col. Emmanuel Zoungrana.

Now, it’s several of reports, but nothing is clear. That’s why it’s hard to say “yes” or “no”. The actions in Ouagadougou is putting things in question. We know that Col. Damiba trying to say on Facebook that everything is calm and in talks. While his not addressed the public on National TV, which was earlier in the stopped their broadcast. Therefore, the uncertainty is far from over and this time it might work for Col. Zoungrana. However, it is early to know.

There has also been reports of a possible arrest of Col. Damiba, but that is yet to be verified. While there are videos of the army releasing Col. Zoungrana from prison. The reports are also saying a COBRA’s group that is behind it all, but that’s only speculation right now.

“Some soldiers have attempted to stage a military coup in Burkina Faso today ( 30th September). An hour ago there was heavy gunfire from some disgruntled members of the military. There was also a huge blast near the presidential Palace. The atmosphere is very tense in the streets of Ouagadougou. They want to overthrow a government that came via a military led by Col Damiba.

Meanwhile, unverified local reports say Col. Emmanuel Zoungrana has been announced as the new military junta leader after Burkina Faso’s Coup minutes ago” (Africa World Reports, 30.09.2022).

Parts of Patriotic Front Press Statement:

“Determined to preserve and strengthen democratic gains, to build a State based on the rule of law guaranteeing peace, security, justice, individual and collective freedoms, sub-regional cooperation, Pan-Africanism and the full sovereignty of our people to take their destiny into their own hands. This is why the Patriotic Front remains faithful to its call for a legitimate and sovereign political transition to get our country out of the political-security impasse” (…) “On this day, September 30, 2022, this call is one of hope because our country Burkina Faso is experiencing a torment never experienced in its national history. The Patriotic Front is part of a strong patriotic impulse that together we will find our way, that of hope and a rebirth of our Nation. The authorities of the Patriotic Front are currently in consultation to mobilize our people around a political memorandum with a view to the immediate satisfaction of the popular aspiration for a legitimate and sovereign political transition. The mobilization of the Patriotic Front remains total and fully assumed for this purpose. Let’s take the destiny of Burkina Faso into our own hands!” (Charles ILBOUDO – ‘National situation: the Patriotic Front wants “a legitimate and sovereign political transition”’ 30.09.2022, Actualite.bf).

This is what we can know right now. Unless, the authorities or the ones behind the Coup d’etat is announcing their takeover. For the very moment things are murky and uncertain. It is natural that Col. Damiba tries to save face and wants to show that he has control. However, we cannot know what is totally going on. It would also be very damaging to Col. Zoungrana to fail twice in the same year. Therefore, we just have to wait… and see. Peace.

Burkina Faso: Groupe de Renaissance – Communique de Presse d’Urgence Nationale (30.09.2022)

Kenya: Farmers Party – Farmers Party Condemns Azimio Plan to Derail the Government (30.09.2022)

RDC: OCHA – Le Coordonnateur humanitaire appelle à la mobilisation des acteurs pour apaiser les tensions et soutenir les personnes affectées par les violences dans le Kwilu et le Maï-Ndombe (30.09.2022)

Opinion: The “drones” never left

The “Drones” or the Panda Gari’s never ceased their operations. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have only reconfigured things and made it their own. The same resistance group and rebellion, that promised freedom and liberty. Alas, security for all and no fear of sudden arrests, which would happen according to law. However, with the time that has withered and its now obvious that this was a lie.

The NRM wants to rule on intimidation, fear and strike vicious vengeance towards the ones that is defying it. That’s why people are ending up missing. Cheiftancy of Military Intelligence (CMI) is known for suddenly abducting, keeping people incommunicado and some even end up dead.

It is various of authorities who does this activity, not only the CMI, even if that is the one who is most recognized for it. The army own branched Special Forces Command (SFC) has been doing and so has other agencies like Internal Security Organization (ISO). It is not like the Uganda Police Force (UPF) or Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) haven’t worked in tandem on this.

There is a reason why “safe-houses” exists and they are used for keeping people unknowingly. They are there, usually tortured and battered. The authorities using violent means, which are supposed to break the spirit and get them to tell stories. However, this is only showing the brutal side of the government. As these people are detained, tortured and in harms way without any due process. The civilian are taken there and kept without warrants or court order. They are not deemed felons or people who has breached any statute or law. These people just happens to be caught, captured and be maligned for a crime they didn’t do.

That’s the sort of activity the Parliament is condoning, but never acting upon. No, the government isn’t stopping it. The Parliament haven’t been allowed to investigate and the authorities will only give progress or cliff-notes on the few that is mentioned in Plenary Sessions. The vans are coming to a street near you and someone is going to be at the mercy of the law.

When someone is saying it’s hard to spot the difference between a bloody gang and the people running the “drones”. That is saying something about how they operate. There is the same sort of acts that goons or street thugs do. They come silently and strike powerfully. The victim can be taken brutally away from the location and be kept at unknown location indefinitely.

With the usage of these means, it is hard to separate who is criminal and who is law enforcement. It is the same sort of violent approach and it’s no difference then in Amin’s time, which Museveni has said to be different too. He is actually using the same means and intimidation. His security organizations are using similar means and they not even concealing it. That’s why the Penal Code haven’t been revised and the authorities have the same colonial laws to pin civilians in. Heck, the same government is using military court to detain and charge civilians. That is just showing how far the authorities has taken it. There is no boundaries and the state is willing to do everything to silence the ones in its way.

The drones never left. They were prevalent in the year and months in advance of the 2021 elections. They have been active since then too, but now they are targeting more people. It is happening so often and with such haste. You know the government is trying to do a point. Just like it did with the Flying Squad and the Black Mambas. Things are just coming back and we can rest assured that the LDUs will soon kick-it off too.

This sort of government don’t come in peace, but it comes in resounding viciousness and no one is left untouched. That’s the justice and liberty that the NRM serves the public. You have to be careful. One day it might be you. Just because you were associated with the wrong people at the wrong time or the CMI/SFC has grudges against people like you. Peace.