August 2023 – Page 5

Nigeria: Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHCRC) – Kogi at 31, and it’s challenges of development (23.08.2023)

Ethiopia: Caucus of Opposition Parties – Press Release (21.08.2023)

Neither force nor a command post will bring a lasting solution; for peaceful solution the importance of a comprehensive dialogue among political forces cannot be overstated.

The current state of our nation, in terms of politics, economics, and society, indicates that we are experiencing a significant amount of chaos, stress, loss, and destruction not just sporadically but on a daily basis. As a result, the public is demanding the Government to live up to its promises and duties, saying ‹‹ Walk Your Talk››. In relation to this matter, during its evaluation of the contemporary state of our nation on the 18th of August 18, 2023, our caucus, cognizant of the fact that our country and its populace are in a phase where they require prompt measures for a viable resolution, has adopted a stance and put forth a solution.

At present, conflicts, instability and public demands for good governance in all regions of our country are accompanied by people’s dissatisfaction and despair; and it can be said that the relationship between the government and the people in all regions has gone beyond mere questioning to total lack of trust. In addition, the relationship, cooperation and trust between the federal government and regional governments, as well as among the regional governments themselves, have fallen into question.

Therefore, it is utterly imperative to take urgent and permanent action to reverse the current situation so that our country is not subjected to even more security crises, and our people to even worse pain and suffering.

Although the situation in all four directions and regions of our country is very serious, in the past mainly in Tigray, then in Oromia, and recently in the Amhara region, there have been clashes between the government defense forces and the armed forces; in previous conflicts and problems, and in connection with these conflicts, the government tried to bring a solution through forceful measures by issuing a state of emergency at different times, but it did not bring a lasting solution except to expand and worsen the political instability and tension, economic loss and destruction, loss of life and social crisis. Instead, in the first Tigray case, the pain and suffering ended as the conflict was resolved through reconciliation and negotiation. Although there is a fear that the problem will recur due to the delay in the implementation of the agreement or the failure to implement it according to the agreement, we have actually seen that the disaster, the massacre and the crisis were not stopped by force or the declaration of the state emergency, but by discussion, negotiation and agreement. Although the dialogue that started to resolve the security crisis in the Oromia region was not open and inclusive, and the fact that it was started and ended has darkened the hope of the people for a short time, it was an indicator of peoples trust in dialogue and negotiation.

Henceforth, we advocate for a departure from the conceit and implementation of political machinations and stratagems as markers of astuteness and erudition, which has become the reflexive response during the short-lived tenure of the prosperity party. Instead, we strongly advocate for prompt and meaningful dialogue aimed at fostering tranquility among all political factions, for an enduring and comprehensive resolution.

Therefore, we call on the ruling party to respond positively to this call to save the country so that the political thinking and experience of our country can improve and grow, and leave a positive mark on our political history building on the past learning experience;

We implore media institutions and all relevant stakeholders of the nation to refrain from portraying the present state of affairs as if it is a conflict among the people, as such a portrayal may impede the attainment of a durable political resolution and inadvertently extend the life of the existing system;

We call on religious leaders and elders to assume their rightful place among the populace and diligently carry out their social obligations.

Caucus of Opposition Parties.

August 21/2023, Addis Ababa.

Opinion: OO’s maverick response to the World Bank…

“With 530 MPs, 82 ministers, and thousands of other personnel on public payroll but whose real contributions to the country’ progress cannot be measured, many areas of duplication, wastefulness, and pervasive corruption, yet plenty of resources, Uganda probably deserves neither pity nor World Bank (WB) loans. There are faint-hearted quislings who falsely believe that foreign aid and loans are indispensable, yet it is possible to do without, but only if we enforced better planning and prioritization, frugality, transparency, strict accountability, effective implementation and supervision of plans and projects to the desired results” (OO, 19.08.2023).

Today I was seeing the article of Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo. The man who is the head of the Uganda Media Centre and is a defender of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). That man has dropped a very unique article on the UMC pages. This is titled: “WITH 530 MPS, 82 MINISTERS; UGANDA DESERVES NEITHER PITY NOR WORLD BANK LOANS” and it was published on the 19^th August 2023. So, I lost a few days, but “oh” what a gem of a piece this is.

I did not expect him to use reasoning of the opposition and the defiant members of the Republic. Because, the manner of how he was introducing the piece. That could have been written by any sincere opposition leader and who would have talked down upon the NRM. OO is using talking points that is opposition based on the first paragraph of his piece. This has been addressed and been a key component in the drive for good governance. However, the President and his “yes-men” are in it and they want plum-jobs, which His Excellency is providing.

OO continues: “The fickle reason advanced by the WB, and others to halt future loan and grant considerations to Uganda over the recently enacted anti-LGBTQ+ law, should, in fact be a silver-lining below the dark cloud and compel government into fiscal consolidation and discipline. It’s fickle because the enactment of the law and before, there hasn’t been any reported case of harassment or discrimination of LGBTQ+ persons in Uganda. And well, WB has previously frozen lending to Uganda over myriad of issues, some very flimsy. It’s possible it’s under pressure from LGBTG+ groups hence issuing a hasty statement not supported by any evidence over an abhorrent lifestyle that is still contested including in western countries” (19.08.2023).

Here the true character and nonsense of OO begins. When he goes into defence mode and defending the regime. This is him trying to clean the facade and make everything shiny. However, there is known oppression and targeting of the LGBTQ+ before the law. There been extra judicial killings and blocking of events. NGOs and CSOs has been in the firing line too for their involvement or participation in it. Therefore, OO must think we are fools… Yes, there are Western nations and others who has targeted the same minority. Still, with that in mind… two wrongs doesn’t make one wrong right. Just to be straight about it.

In the end of the piece he writes this: “President Museveni in particular, has been and continues to mobilize Ugandans, and Africa to stop exporting raw materials because it denies us true value, employment, revenues, skills and technology transfer, while making us completely dependent on outsiders. With such a stance, Museveni becomes a target for blackmail. President Museveni has stopped the export of raw minerals especially gold, iron ore, uranium, oil and petroleum among others, and as well unprocessed agricultural produce like milk, beef, cocoa and coffee which may all soon require enactment of laws and the west isn’t amused. All these, if well coordinated and implemented as should be throughout Africa, and the global South the main producers and suppliers of cheap raw goods will certainly disadvantage, if not ruin the prevailing Western dominated World order. And surely the West will seek to withdraw the little support they currently offer, and impose sanctions as well. Therefore, the WB strike at Uganda must be seen from a broader perspective, and not just LGBTQ+ disputes” (OO, 19.08.2023).

He comes with the idea that the World Bank and the West is collectively stopping industrialization or progress on the continent. While the World Bank itself in reports has stated the lack of domestic revenue and boosting the economy from within. The loans, grants or aide wouldn’t deliver the needs or even be able to keep up the upkeep as it was. This is why the government spokesperson pins the blame on outsiders, but the regime took the money and the strings attached to it. They accepted the terms and condition. While they ate the funds and didn’t deliver on the promise either. Therefore, it is high and mighty to blame “the West” and say they created this “world order”.

OO needs to get his arguments straight and also reasoning behind it. As he started the piece by blaming the Republic and the Government he represent himself. However, in the end of the piece. It is the West and their “world order”. While we know the NRM and Museveni has accepted and signed off on the financial instruments of the West. He accepted the mechanisms and the expectations of the fiscal funds disbursed to Uganda. Therefore, it is really special to blame them for everything after the fact.

The government spokesperson should look into own records and own achievements. As they where tied to the funding from World Bank and other similar entities. They invested and promoted Museveni as a “new breed” of leadership. Alas, he knows this and now wants to use the LGBTQ+ as a shield as well. While the World Bank isn’t in the right in the slightest of suspending the loans over the Anti-Homosexuality Act. They should have ceased funds over the impunity, the injustice and the oppressive behaviour of the state towards dissidents. That should have been the red flag and it should have acted accordingly. However, they only did it for one minority and their lifestyle. That’s why the NRM and OO has ammunition. As they feel the hypocrisy and it’s so obvious…

He ends with: “The west, aided by local poodles have run a global web of lies and manipulation which presented Chinese as insidious spies, Russians as evil mobsters, Muslims as terrorists, and Africans as murders and dictators. They present themselves as world heroes fighting for justice to save humanity. To survive and triumph, Africa collectively must strengthen and coordinate internal resistance” (OO, 19.08.2023).

In true Nollywood or Hollywood fashion, OO ends up with the utmost clichés. His speaking like everyone does this and believes these things. It is like he has found the villains in movies and thought this was facts. While fiction is fiction. Yes, there are political realignment and new diplomatic responses. There are undermining factors and a bigger picture at play. We know OO wants to defend dictatorship and his Boss Museveni. That’s his life work at this point and his livelihood. So, I cannot blame OO for trying.

While that was being said… his defence is weak. Only smearing the West but coming with hollow words… and sounding like he has read Hollywood scripts for action movies. Yes, the West has struggled with “white man’s burden” and that’s a legit thing to question. Especially, the real motives or ambition behind the funds or the aide in general. There is a need for broader conversation about that and what’s the purpose in the end. As there has been lacking results, but a huge payout of currency from the West to the African continent over the years.

That OO asks for resistance is brave. If the Africans was resist and do as he asks. That would mean the public would rise up and create revolutions. Revolutions that would target NRM and overthrow it. That’s the resistance that can end the addiction of foreign aide, grants or loans. This is the only way the measures or mechanisms of World Bank can loose it’s relevance… and OO doesn’t want to poke at that dragon. The “walk to work” proved that the NRM or Museveni couldn’t carry it forever, if people obeyed or tried to push them out. However, they where able to keep afloat and get by. That’s why OO has a job still and the NRM is in power to this day.

OO really stunned with this one. His trying two things at once. Trying to sound reasonable and be aggressive towards outsiders. His only partly reasonable and that’s when he used opposition talking point. When he was aggressive was when he grievances and addressed the World Bank or the West. Nevertheless, I didn’t buy it and he isn’t cutting it. Surely the NRM will be happy about this piece. Though it is a slap in their face, as the government spokesperson spoke ill of their gerrymandering ways or duplicated government organizations created by his Master, Museveni. Peace.

Philippines: Joint Statement – The Philippines: Human Rights Organisations Condemn Renewed Judicial Harassment Against Human Rights Defenders in the Philippines (22.08.2023)

Togo: Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzo (DM) – Communique de Presse de la Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzro (DMK) relatif a l’Arrestion et a la Detention Arbitraires de Monsieur Charles Kodjo Baraka (20.08.2023)

Mali: Mouvement du 5 Juin – Rassemblement des Forces Patriotiques (M5-RFP) – Relatif a la situation securitaire dans la region de Bandiagara courant aut 2023 (21.08.2023)

Zimbabwe: The game is rigged…

“The Security Forces are aware of machinations by some political leaders who are encouraging their supporters to picket around polling stations in the name of “defending their vote”. We also know that some political parties are currently recruiting youths from urban areas, for deployment in some rural areas where they would co-ordinate these so-called “defend the vote” antics. We are, however, aware that these are machinations aimed at inciting violence. This conduct violates Section 90 of the Electoral Act and Sections 8 and 10 of the Maintenance of Order and Peace Act, which prohibit gathering around Polling Stations and any unauthorized congregations, respectively. This mischief must stop. The Security Forces are ready to descend on any persons who will be caught on the wrong side of the law.” – Hon Minister Kazembe Kazembe (21.08.2023)

It is now 48 hours to the polls and the harmonised elections of 23^rd August 2023. The ones believing this will be any different than previous elections in Zimbabwe. Well, someone has to say and it could just be me. The incumbent will be (s)elected and he will have a massive majority in the Parliament and within local government. There will be no wave or fanfare. No, there will be delay of final results and they will ensure another term of ZANU-PF at the helm.

There is no signs on the horizon for anything different. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and everyone in the security apparatus is ready. The fear and intimidation. The intense feeling all across the board. While most of the game is pre-fixed and altered to ensure a safe journey of the President and his men.

The ZANU-PF of today wouldn’t risk anything else. It is a formality. The empty promises, the small gifts at the rallies and the buses of voter tourism. Expect more that on voting day and some shady polling stations even. There will be weird tabulations and even anomalies that makes no sense. In the past there been several of dead people voting on Robert Mugabe. So, I expect nothing less to happen in regard to Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The ones believing that he will reform or change anything is oblivious to his reign. Things aren’t getting better and nothing has been done that is substantial. There been some grand corruption scandals and such, but nothing delivered or policy wise that is significant for the citizens. ZANU-PF has the one-party control of the state and uses proxies to look “open” or “sincere”. Which is why this election will make no difference or be a vindication for the citizens.

No, the citizens are just pawns. The rallies and whatnot is nice for a token and looks like an election. However, the ballots and the announced results will be in favour of ZANU-PF. President Mnangagwa will be re-elected and there will be no mercy on the CCC. The MDC-Alliance and whatever else will have no real shot either. The other candidates will just swim out of water and struggle to breathe. That is done with intention by the ones in power. They don’t intend to let other in and if so… they are there as pawns and to play their part like Douglas Mwonzora.

Nelson Chamisa might be a wise man, might be a good leader and the hope of Zimbabwe. Him and his team of the CCC is maybe the future. Regardless of that is the case… ZANU-PF will not let them takeover or get the ability to govern. The ZANU-PF Politburo or other councils will not let that happen. No, Mnangagwa will not risk another exile without a Plan B or a way of returning to prominence. His to old to that and wouldn’t take away the prestige that his finally getting.

We who has followed know that Mnangagwa will be proclaimed and prepared to be sworn-in again. Harare will be tense and there will be open lethal brutality against anyone who defies or resist the announced results. The ones who questions or dares to protest does so with their lives at stake. The authorities and the government will not let go easily. This government has easily killed before and can do so again. The leaders and the ones in office have no scruples to end some civilians lives. As long as they profit and get political capital out of it. That’s what they do and if not… they let activists and opposition leaders go missing. They target the ones who voices of dissent and they don’t mind the ability to silence them forever. While no one will know what happened to them or how their final hours was. That’s what ZANU-PF does and that’s why I have no faith in these elections.

It is just procedure and with dire consequences. Lives will be taken and people will be scorned for life. There will be use of lethal force and use of brutal intimidation of the ones who dares to oppose it. That’s why you know the game is rigged and Mnangagwa will see another day. Peace.