Somalia: Joint Press Statement – Somalia in the midst of disaster as devastating rains and floods spread (30.11.2023)

Tchad: N’Djamena is enriching itself on the loot of Sudan…

“Car prices in Chad have become dirt cheap after the Chadian market was flooded with cars stolen from Sudan. At this time last year, the value of the Land Cruiser in 2020 was about 50 million CFA francs, equivalent to 76 thousand dollars. Today, it is sold in N’Djamena for approximately 39 thousand dollars. A government committee must be formed to control the smuggling operations that take place of the Sudanese people’s property to Chad. Land prices have risen astronomically in the middle neighborhoods of the capital, N’Djamena. It has become difficult to obtain houses for sale because people plunder from the east and bring their money to Chad to buy strategic areas. Car sales outlets in Chad are very traditional. When used cars arrive in Chad, the government imposes an appraisal value on them, and then the process of issuing a customs license and a car form takes place. The seller usually carries out these procedures after he buys them from traditional sales outlets distributed in the center of the Chadian capital, N’Djamena” (Seid 22 Abkar, 30.11.2023).

There been connections and certainly rumours of N’Djamena’s involvement in the conflict. Been reports of arms trade and securing weaponry to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) or the Janjaweed through airports and from Tchadian territories. Therefore, today’s news aren’t surprising and there is also known knowledge that the RSF has Tchadian mercenaries and soldiers working it.

When you know all that and read the revelation of what is happening in N’Djamena. You just know the game that is played. The RSF and Gen. Hemeti is looting Sudan, so they can sell the spoils of war in Tchad. They are enriching themselves on the plights of Sudanese to live prosperous in N’Djamena. That’s the gist of this.

The fall in the prices of Toyota Land Cruisers only shows that the RSF and their allies are smuggling in stolen vehicles at a fast rate from Sudan. They are taking part of the conflict and selling goods, which is contraband.

The government of Tchad should be aware and should read the signs. They are now a culprit in it and a profiteer of the war in Sudan. That makes them an accomplice to actions done in Sudan. These are not things to be proud of and the humanitarian catastrophe happening across the border is now a profitable business enterprise in N’Djamena. Which are implicating the economy and the various sectors of civilian life. That’s why housing is becoming expensive and Land Cruisers are becoming cheaper. It is the loot of the war that makes the market fluctuate.

We now know that Tchadian members of the RSF militia are taking with them goods home and ensuring themselves wealth. They are now also becoming wealthy and has fortunes enough to buy houses in the middle of capital. This is showing how powerful and vast the riches of the militia is at this point. The ones fighting and serving in the RSF from Tchad can becoming respected men and live a decent life N’Djamena. It all comes down to the bloody conflict of Sudan and the implications it has on the nation.

Gen. Kaka know this is happening. All of his Generals must know that it is happening in broad daylight and for everyone to see. This change hasn’t been over night and all of sudden. It has been a shift because of the conflict and the ties to the RSF. Gen. Hemeti must know about this too and be giddy, as he see his people are getting a pay-off for serving him. They are all eating of the plate of others and having a feast. While the citizens and the ones caught in cross-fire is starving in misery.

This isn’t shocking news… but a tale of the spoils of war. The loot and destruction. RSF have a black-market and a place to sell contraband. That gives them leverage and possible outlet to get foreign exchange and an ability to trade for more arms. It is just so sinister and dark. While the Transitional Government of N’Djamena looks idly by and accepts that it is playing with the fires of Sudan. Peace.

Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) – Statement Ahead of the AU Meeting of the Parties to the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (30.11.2023)

Opinion: Kissinger should have answered for his actions at the Hague…

Henry Kissinger is now late and dead at the age of 100. There are plenty who will call Kissinger a diplomat and a statesman. That is whitewashing his legacy and his actions. His a warlord and a war-hawk. As a man of the Republican Presidents he stood by their side and ensured their warfare overseas.

Kissinger has to answer for the massive amounts of deaths in Vietnam, Cambodia and Chile to just mention a few. Kissinger has involved himself in conflicts and directly ordered mass-bombing of regions. That has been done to serve interests of himself or ensure “American interests” during the Cold War.

Whatever you think you U.S. Policy and U.S. Foreign Affairs, Kissinger is the epitome of what is wrong with it. The U.S. Empire and Imperial behaviour, as it values only “strategic” assets, but not value lives. Ensure the U.S. has puppet Presidents and people who would adhere to the “interests” of Washington instead of listening to the citizens of the nation. That’s the sort of act that Kissinger would work upon and be his craft.

The bombings of Cambodia and Vietnam, the thousands of dead and destruction will be the legacy he leaves behind. The bloody conflict of the 1970s are what we should remember him for. I don’t care that he got a Nobel Peace Prize.

Kissinger is the face of the forever wars and the American imperialists worldwide. They will try to make him look good and fair. However, the lives and generations that followed him abroad has been touched. Families scorned, villages burned and people who suffered because he decided to carpet bomb them. That’s why I cannot give him credit or anything for something positive. He decided to issue war, order bullets and bombs….

The U.S. cannot run away from this fact and what it has done. The ills of the foreign policies have been destructive, instead of building nations or ensure the future for the next generation. The mass killings and destruction only furthered the volatile situations. That’s all done out of power-play from afar, but that doesn’t absolve anyone for doing so.

I haven’t even mentioned his support of Death Squads in Latin America or partake in civil wars in Southern Africa. There is just nowhere he wouldn’t order death. That’s why in his afterlife, hopefully the deity would judge him, because we as humanity let him off the hook.

Just like warlords from the bushes are put forward in The Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC) should have investigated, charged and sentenced Kissinger. His one of them that should answer for his crimes. Just like others has… there are thousands of lives that was taken on his accord. The orders of Kissinger was the demise of unknown amount of people.

We will remember him as a bloodthirsty man and that’s fair. If he had lived as a man of peace and harmony. We would have written that, but the truth is much more sinister. Peace.

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) – Update du 30 Novembre 2023 (30.11.2023)

Sudan: Continued violence in Sudan is having catastrophic health consequences on displaced people, warns International Rescue Committee (IRC) – (29.11.2023)

Following continued and escalating conflict across Sudan, poor hygiene conditions and limited access to healthcare services for displaced people has led to a sharp increase in cholera.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, November 29, 2023 – Close to 3,000 suspected cases of Cholera have been recorded across Sudan since September 26th; At least 95 fatalities from Cholera have been recorded in Sudan in the same period; About 201,500 children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were admitted and received treatment in Sudan between 1 January and 31 September 2023; IRC has recorded a 31.65% increase in malnutrition cases in five IRC supported clinics in Al Jazirah state from September to October 2023; More than 24 million people in Sudan are already facing hunger; Since the conflict started, more than 12,000 people have been killed.

Following continued and escalating conflict across Sudan, poor hygiene conditions and limited access to healthcare services for displaced people has led to a sharp increase in cholera and severe malnutrition cases recorded at a number of localities within Al Jazirah state.

The IRC is calling for an end to hostilities and the lifting of all barriers preventing populations from accessing humanitarian aid, as well as additional support from donors to strengthen the ongoing response efforts in Al Jazirah State and across Sudan, with a focus on tackling the unfolding health and malnutrition crisis.

Mohammed Mahdi, Deputy Director Programs in IRC Sudan said,

“We have observed a disturbing increase in severe malnutrition cases in Wad Medani, East Medani, and Al Kamleen localities in Al Jazirah State. IRC-supported health facilities in Al Jazirah State have reported a 31.65% surge in cases from September to October, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. The surge is attributed to lack of access to adequate food supplies for both IDPs and the host population, compounded by the general health crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict. Extreme violence in various regions of Sudan have disrupted agricultural activities, displaced communities and hindered food production and distribution. Inadequate infrastructure, including roads and storage facilities, makes it difficult to transport and store food, and nutrition supplies leading to supply chain disruptions. Lack of nutrition centres across Al Jazirah State state has strained the capacity of existing facilities, particularly in Madani town, where the nutrition centre’s bed capacity of 314 is insufficient to meet the growing demand.”

Since Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in Gedaref state on 26 September, close to 3,000 suspected cases of cholera and 95 associated deaths have been reported across Gedaref, South Kordofan, Kassala, Khartoum, Al Jazirah and Sennar states and more than 3.1 million people are estimated to be at risk. As more than 24 million people in Sudan face hunger, the IRC urges all parties to the conflict to uphold their recent commitments to facilitate increased and unhindered humanitarian assistance. The world is witnessing extreme brutality in Sudan, particularly in Darfur and Khartoum; all parties to the conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

In response to this crisis, the IRC is actively supporting five primary health care facilities in Al Jazirah State — with plans underway to support four more by the end of the year — through training of medical staff on the detection, treatment, and improved surveillance of diseases and infection prevention and control measures, distribution of hygiene kits to communities and awareness raising on best hygiene practices. The IRC is in the process of establishing a medical mobile unit which will allow IRC to expand its operations to Al Managel locality, and will play a pivotal role in supporting the cholera response and providing primary health care services. Additionally, the IRC is distributing cash to 9,400 displaced people and is preparing for additional distribution to 19,493 IDPs n in Al Jazirah, Blue Nile, White Nile and Khartoum states to support them in meeting their needs including the purchase of food and personal hygiene items.

Mali: Cour d’Appel de Bamako – Cabinet du Procureur General pres la Cour d’Appel de Bamako – Communique de Presse (28.11.2023)

Opinion: The heroes of North Korea (DPRK) [are the ones who dared to vote the opposition]

“Reporting on the results of Sunday’s election for deputies to regional people’s assemblies, the North’s state media said 0.09 percent and 0.13 percent voted against the selected candidates for the provincial and city councils, respectively. “Among the voters who took part in the ballot-casting, 99.91 percent voted for the candidates for deputies to provincial people’s assemblies…. (and) 99.87 percent voted for candidates for deputies to city and county people’s assemblies,” state news agency KCNA said. The North’s parliament and regional councils serve as a rubber stamp to the ruling Workers’ Party, with their elections usually registering over 99% voter turnout” (Jumada Al-Ula – ‘North Korea Cites Rare Dissent in Elections Even as 99% Back Candidates’ 28.11.2023, Asharq Al-Awsat).

In Pyongyang and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) or known as North Korea. The Workers Party held an election over the weekend. Not that it was a big deal or a shocker. It was more of the same and a fanfare for President Kim Jong Un. The third generation dictator and supreme leader of the Nation.

It was settled like it normally does with no dissent and no actual concern of a loss. The Workers Party was bound to win and everything was secured that way. The polls and everything is monitored…

This is why the little defiance and people showing dissent is out of the norm. There was actual citizens who dared to vote outside of the ruling party. In a state where everything is controlled and sanctioned by the state. They say what you need to do and orders people around. This is why its bold to even imagine the sacrifice of voting the opposition. The ones standing as the opposition should also be worried. If these people can get into exile. They should do it quickly, because this was a risky move.

I doubt the Workers Party will be unforgiving. They didn’t get 100% and the perfect score, though it was as close as it could get. The President didn’t get all his votes, but the party will have sole control anyway. However, that doesn’t mean these people aren’t in danger.

I just can’t phantom the ordeal and the state retaliation towards the ones who dared to vote the opposition. This slim and tiny minority will face the law. They will be under scrutiny and these people will be ratted out. The state has most likely already acknowledged what they did and they could be in trouble very quick.

These citizens are heroes, even if they are punished and criminalized for their behaviour. They dared to do it in a society and under the 3^rd Generation of Kim’s who rules like demigods. These people took a ballot and voted in disregard of the living God of Pyongyang. That’s what they did and we should salute them.

They did what many of us never would have dared to do. Because, we know we would loose our job, our social score and reputation. The family will suffer as a cause of this and there is no return back to life. The state will be brutal and the demise is eminent. Just because you voted against his President and his party. That’s it…

This is why we need to remember them and what they did. Others will mock the elections and talk ill of it. It was a process and done to perfection, just so the dictator has legitimacy. However, he isn’t key player here. The ones that matters are the ones that dared to challenge him and pick the oppositional ballot. Peace.

Opinion: The Presidential Guards (SFC) has launched the “Operation Potholes”

There is a joke here, but I know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the Muhoozi Kainerubaga Movement “The Bridge” won’t take that kindly. The Presidential Guards or the Special Forces Command (SFC) have gotten a two billion shilling deal to fix potholes in Kampala.

That the SFC is getting two billions shillings in itself is questionable… because where there a tendering process and was all stakeholders partaking in the process? I doubt that ever happened and it was the “high above” that decided this.

The Mission of the SFC is this: “To develop and operate a powerful and versatile special operations force that is situated within the unique Ugandan way of war and is responsive to the requirements of the UPDF and the nation.”

I wonder how they can play this one out, because this is a versatile operation, but not in clever warfare. If this is to show the leadership of Muhoozi and his brand of standby generator vibes. Well, he will loose and not win this one. First off, the government have given him a budget, which practically won’t fix much. It is hackwork and patchwork that we all can say won’t last long. There are too many players getting paid and getting a cut before the bitumen is procured. Therefore, the SFC is bound to fail like KCCA and UNRA already is doing.

They are all pinning the Lord Mayor, but the General won’t fair any better. Even if he has the ears of his father and all the powers within his midst. Muhoozi is a making a mockery of the state and how things operate. When a specialized unit like the SFC is suddenly building or maintaining roads. That’s not a military operation, but a case of mismanagement.

It is just a sign of militarized the economy is, but no one is surprised as the UPDF has been used in plenty of private sectors in the recent years. Now they are signing of for the unit of Muhoozi. That’s why he shows up, even as his only Senior Presidential Advisor and an Army Commander. He shouldn’t be partaking in this, but because of the prestige. That’s why his there and wants to look like his doing something.

This is the launch of “Operation Potholes” and we can wonder why the golden boy, the golden child and the Prince of the City gets the bid. They are trying to forge a narrative and make it believe that Muhoozi and his army strategies works in civilian terms. Surely, he should do this fast and efficiently. Since his capable of invading Nairobi within 3 days. Therefore, he should be the guy to salvage the plights and stop the suffering of potholes in a heartbeat.

However, we know that won’t be the case and this is a money-grab. It is guaranteed to not be sufficient or be enough. This is put up in haste and to make the General look good. In a manner that continues his process to the Presidency. Even if he has no idea what his doing and the SFC isn’t burning down a Royal Palace in Kasese, but suddenly fixing roads in Kampala.

It is just amazing how this is done. Some people are saying whatever that works, they don’t mind. However, this is undermining the KCCA and UNRA. The MoWT should also feel disregarded, as the General are taking their spot. Just like the UPDF Engineering Brigade started to fix the Stadium in the City too. The army is becoming a unique brand of builders and engineers. They are not soldiers or army commanders fighting terrorism or insurgency. No, they are becoming honest men digging in the dirt.

Who knew? But let’s see how “Operation Potholes” will unfold. Peace.

Maldives: Civil Society Organizations Renew Calls to end Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in hte Maldives (28.11.2023)