Opinion: Ramaphosa is ensuring the slow death of the ANC

After days of speculation, SABC News has reliably learnt that the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have finally reached a deal to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) together with the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) (SABC News, 14.06.2024).

Today’s so-called coalition called “Government of National Unity” is formed in South Africa. It is the main parties of the ANC and the DA. When the ANC decides to work with and being allies with the DA. It is signing of it’s history and it’s remaining principles on the altar of power.

The ANC needed allies and get enough mandate to be able to govern. The ANC alone wouldn’t be sufficient and would be a minority government who would need support and votes from others to be able to govern in the National Assembly. Now the ANC has chosen the “easy” way out and making a majority coalition with DA.

The PA and IFP is just to broaden the spectrum, but these parties will be mere supporting agents in regard to the ANC/DA. They are just there to make it seem like a broader government than it is. The DA will bully and play around with the ANC. The IFP and PA should disregard it and just quit. They are used as tools and will be regretting even taking part in it.

The ANC will be the loser here, as the legacy of the party and the will of the ANC has been lost. It sold out and will be even weaker in the next up-coming election. For now it is still a governing party, but only on the mercy of the DA. That’s not a good look for Ramaphosa.

Cyril Ramaphosa might be a President for another term. He gets to stay in office and be blessed with the perks of his office. However, his party and the ANC will be dethroned and be bestowed with a slow destruction. The DA will eat the party from the inside and make a mockery out of it. They can use the spite and use their leverage to counter-act the ANC.

That’s why the ANC will loose here. The IFP and PA is lucky just to have a Minister and be part of the Big-Boy’s in the Administration. They are lucky buffoons who also shielded the DA and their usage of seats in the National Assembly.

It is just amazing how damaging this will be… as it will be a silent storm and there will no helpers to save them. The ANC is now selling out completely and they will regret it. The DA will win on this and be seen as “wise”. They have gotten everything for cheap and the ANC had to accept, because it still wanted to rule.

This is a mode of self-destruction and the ANC will be in harms way. They will make it much worse and have to dance to the tune of DA to able to govern. Especially, when the deal says they have to have consensus before pushing through things. Meaning the ANC cannot do anything without acceptance of the DA. That’s securing mechanisms, which isn’t a measures on the size of the party, but of who has the final say. Therefore, the ANC is now in the mercy of the DA.

The IFP and PA will be useful “broad-based” parties to incite more popularity. However, they should know the ANC and DA is only having them to look nice on the paper.

This here is a bad look… and the ANC should have known better. Peace.

Burkina Faso: Is Captain Ibrahim Traoré… under massive pressure or what?

General Célestin Simporé, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, issued a note of alert this Thursday, June 13, calling on all soldiers to return to their respective detachments to prepare for any eventuality. This measure aims to strengthen the country’s defense system, in particular by integrating soldiers into the volunteers for the defense of the homeland and by maintaining a rapid intervention force to respond to potential attacks. This alert came in a context of growing concern linked to the internal situation, amplified by the events of Wednesday afternoon on public television. Despite injuries and extensive damage to several vehicles, the incident is being called an “incident” by authorities, who are trying to calm concerns” (Al Ain – ‘Burkina Faso: Tension after shelling, soldiers called to return to their barracks’ 14.06.2024).

When you read about coup attempts, you think the authorities and the junta would release statements. As if there was some sort of problem or knowledge of issues within the military. There is talks of tensions and even mutiny. However, there is no proof of it or anything solid at this very moment.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré are questioned and his silence. Some says his in hiding and the army is dealing with it on his behalf. As the latest release of information from the government is the Council of Ministers from the 12th June 2024. The rest is mulled and silenced.

The incidents in Ouagadougou will be questioned and within reason. As long as something suspicious happens. The intentions of the intent will be assessed and questioned. Not that I have the answers. I don’t have answers, but you can wonder why people are crying havoc and coup.

Not that there is other ways of ending the reign of Captain Ibrahim Traoré. That will only happen through a Coup d’etat. He won’t go down easily and he has taken power by the guns too. Therefore, we know the drill of this one and we can just await longer time for a civilian government in Burkina Faso.

There talk of rebellion and discontent in the army. That there are hundreds of soldiers who has deserted and disobeyed orders. As the Captain has ensured the most deaths of soldiers of late. His reign has been bloody and there is a lack of trust between him and the soldiers on the ground. However, there is little proof of it and we cannot know right now. There is little to no sources and much hearsay.

We can now wonder what is next and what the Captain will do. The junta has decide and make a way. It needs to re-establish confidence and stability. Instability and insecurity will only cause more harm. Be danger to both the ruler and it’s government. As the days goes by and the lack of resolute wordings. There will be more rumours and speculations. That is just natural.

The silence isn’t helping. It just causes more distress and lack of information makes things worse. Especially, when this sort of actions has lead into fall of others. It could also be the fall of the Captain. Regardless of his will for a better Republic and being a Sovereign on its own. Alas, he still needs resolve and solutions to the problems at hand. Peace.

Opinion: Is Mzee making the Buganda clan leaders into his beggars?

The meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Buganda Clan leaders over last weekend that was reported about mid-week. So, days after it was transpired and as the Budget Speech was announced and about to erupt. The news hit the papers and online sphere.

There was knowledge of pledges and promises. The President wanting to give land, cultural heritage site and an entertainment facility of some kind. That’s what the President has promised the Clan leaders of the Buganda.

The Kabaka and Katikkiro should feel dismayed. The Mengo is losing power and the Head of State is meddling directly in their affairs. His involving himself before the Lukiko and the leadership of Mengo gets a say. The President is offering his tokens and certainly wants something in return. He gets loyal clan leaders by giving mere shillings, which isn’t his anyway.

Museveni is getting these clan leaders for cheap. Just like he gets the loyalty of religious leaders by donating SUVs and charitable donations to church coffers. The same is being done here and the Prime Minister and King of the Kingdom has no say. They are just onlookers while their hierarchy is aligning itself with the government outside.

The President is getting it easy and only has to hold small functions at the State House. Only give them a little courtesy… and pledges. From there they have to be loyal and spread the message he wants from them. Because he knows they want this from him and he can fix it. Therefore, a simple ask to get the bargain.

The President undermines the authority of Mengo. The Kabaka and Katikkiro is underlings who are supposed to be heads of the clan leaders. The clan leaders are supposed to summoned and obey the King. Alas, the President has now jumped the line and towed it too. They are now awaiting the blessings of the President and not the King.

That’s why this meeting is a betrayal of the Mengo. The Clan Leaders are getting anointed and getting in good favours by acting in the manner of which President wants. However, they are undermining the leadership above them within the Kingdom. That’s a bad look…

The Mengo, Kabaka and Katikkiro should think about the implications of this, as they are weakened and their clan leaders are made into beggars of the state. Instead of honourable leaders within the Kingdom. They are coming for a handout to the Head of State, instead of awaiting their turn with the King and the Lukiko. Therefore, this is a political play where the President gets everything and Mengo is outplayed. Peace.

South Africa: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – EFF Statement on Coalition Talks and Government of National Unity Press Briefing (13.06.2024)

Ethiopia: A new law will be a nice “tool” to silence critics…

The House of Peoples’ Representatives is reviewing a bill that could grant investigators the power to intercept communications without judicial approval in cases related to counterfeiting and terrorism financing. This proposed law aims to replace the current Criminal Proceeds of Crime and Terrorism Financing Prevention and Control Act, introducing emergency interception measures with the chief prosecutor’s consent. Aside from communication interception, the bill suggests using various investigative methods, such as monitoring bank accounts, identifying computer systems, and conducting undercover operations” (Addis Standard, 12.06.2024).

The Prosperity Party isn’t known for being subtle or concerned about the dissidents or political opposition. The FDRE under the rule of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has shown it’s despotic means and that’s why people are lingering in jail. Only a few prominent leaders has been released after being arrested in the first place.

Political prisoners are common. People who are vocal and who are participating in politics on the outside of the Prosperity Party. They could easily get into danger and the law could come their way. That is being mentioned and shown from all sorts of opposition parties. Their leaders, activists and mobilizers could easily become targets by a law like this.

The parties which isn’t in the good graces of the government. They would be aimed at with this law. The ones that is on the sideline and isn’t anointed. They will feel this law and so would anyone else speaking ill or communicating in a manner, which the government deems unfit.

This is a dictatorial dream to have a law like this. They can intercept and use digital communications without court orders to “investigate” and “implicate” individuals. That is just saying the state can apprehend and go after someone who they think is violating the law or being a prospect of violating it. Therefore, the “free speech” or “liberty” is just hearsay with this sort of law.

They will use “terrorism” as a concealment because we have seen that been done before. Just like the political act of making the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) as an terrorist organization at one point. That’s what the PP does and we are seeing it again. The House of Federation is only making Abiy more powerful and giving him tools to silence his critics.

This law will be a tool and be a deceptive way of taking advantage of legalities to get “rid off” and “silence” the “troublemakers” and “noisemakers” of the state. That’s what the Prime Minister and his government gets out of this. The ones that is naïve will think this will serve its purpose, but we know how the state already operates and take people into custody.

The rise of political prisoners will rise. The usage of this law will be detrimental, and the results will be shown. It is just bound to have result like that. Peace.

Opinion: Aya and the Pearl of Africa Hotel is a sign of everything wrong with the nation

“There were old government buildings for the Ministry of Information here but Uganda was not earning anything; instead, it was spending money to maintain them” (…) “Then these people said the spot was underutilised and that it could bring in more money. If a woman is barren, you don’t chase her away, but you devise ways to get one who produces” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (March 2013).

The Aya brothers, the Aya Investments Limited and their Pearl of Africa Hotel is only causing headaches. The supposed magnificent hotel at Nakasero hill on the old Uganda Broadcasting Company (UBC) building. Certainly, is a sign of the times and how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have built up foreign investments in the Republic.

The President has vouched for the men behind the scheme. President Museveni has ordered and ensured the land, the funding and gave way to the Aya brothers to build a hotel on government land. While aiding the UBC to flee the premises on the prospects of a big hotel to fill in possible voids of luxury accommodation in Kampala.

The hotel is now only 11 years old and has been bankrupt since 2021. The hotel was supposed to be sold 3 years ago and again the President asks the South African investors who funded the building of the hotel to halt the sale. Since the Aya brothers or Aya Investment Limited doesn’t have the funds to cover their debt.

A state that paid off the UBC and moved the state-owned broadcaster. Gave land and ensured the funding of the hotel. Now, the state must ensure the hotel is still operational and buying time for them. A President has to interfere and defend the company. That’s a telling story of micro-management and how involved he is in minor matters of the Republic.

It is a telling story when it back dates to the needs of the state in 2006 and starts to build in 2007, but by some accounts the grand opening of the hotel was in 2017. While there are reports that they already opened for clients in 2013. Therefore, the whole enterprise is a long journey of failure and government support of the business.

We know the state has coughed up funds for the Aya brothers and for the consultants building the hotel. The state now has to re-assure the creditors and possibly pay them off as well. While the hotel isn’t a money-making machine, but another bottomless pit of misery.

The public has paid money for this hotel, and they will continue to do so. Especially, when the President is so involved and has a say in it. You know he has had a part of it and used his leverage in it. That’s why these matters to him and he had asked for the South African investors to hold on the sale. Meaning he wants his cut and wants to have his say.

The ones that believe it is out of his goodwill and good heart is foolish. Museveni wouldn’t touch this, if he didn’t get something out of it and more than the prestige of a new fancy hotel in Kampala. That’s not what Museveni needs, but surely, he needs the greatness and proof of wealth creation that comes with the building and operating a hotel of this scale. Peace.

South Sudan: Tumaini Initiative – SSOMA, Other Opposition Groups, and the PCCA – Press Statement on the Status of South Sudan Peace Process (13.06.2024)

Zimbabwe: ZANU PF Youth League – Youth League Press Statement on Mr Wicknell Chivhayo’s abuse of the name of His Excellency the President Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa (12.10.2024)

Opinion: Is Tinubu soon a medical tourist?

Today was the Democracy Day in Nigeria and there was a massive celebration with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu present. As he held his speech and celebrated 25 years of celebration. This televised public gathering has caused a scene. As the President slipped and fell during the proceedings.

Many has said you shouldn’t mock him or speak ill of him. That’s for the ones that is embedded and part of his political team. Since he would have gone haywire and spoken ill of the opposition leaders did it. If Obi or Atiku had done a slip up. The Tinubu team would have crafted a response and it would have vile. However, everyone is supposed to feel and dismayed that the old man fell.

It is just telling really. We remember how Buhari stayed forever in London and the Abuja house there. Since the former Nigerian President spent as much as 200 successive days in the United Kingdom at one point. Where he was getting medical treatment and enjoying the leisures of the British society. Therefore, couldn’t we see the same thing happening with Tinubu?

At this point, I am just awaiting a moment of silence and sudden announcement from the government that Tinubu is getting treatment abroad. That they are doing a routine check-up and ensuring that his well taken care off. If it is in Paris, London or elsewhere. He will not do this in Nigeria, but somewhere where the Health Care system is better. That’s just what men like Tinubu does and we shouldn’t be shocked. This is the privilege the state and the authorities gives them.

President Tinubu health will be in question now. If his fit enough to rule and has the character to sustain the pressure of the office. That’s what will come after this, because the fall was shown and it will capture people’s imagination.

His a man of old age, a 72 year old at that. Tinubu isn’t youthful or of the middle-aged even. No, his a man of retirement age and someone who should consider his options. The longer he stays in office. The longer he prolongs the agony and the nation will feel the pain. The fatigue and lack of bodily functions will sooner or later be a problem. That’s why the powers of the state will in the end be transferred to others or be by “word-of-mouth” to the next in line. Since he will not able or capable of running the nation.

There are other older statesmen and head of states, their respective nations should question them as well. At some point, there should be stop of office and a red-tape ensuring the head of state had to resign. That’s for the betterment of society, government services and policies. The Head of State needs clarity and cognitive reasoning to be able to make good decisions. It isn’t for the faint hearted and it’s a lot of weight on the head to wear the crown. Therefore, it isn’t for everyone to be President or the Head of State. That takes character and personality…

President Tinubu can now be questioned… and we should. His fall today is just the beginning. Now people will wonder and they should. Especially, the Nigerians should wonder if his fit or has the ability to govern. That’s what they should do. The public should know, because they deserve to know. Peace.

Israel-Palestine: Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) – The Palestine Red Crescent Society warns of the dangers posed by the use of a humanitarian aid truck as cover for military operations (10.06.2024)