A look into the UN Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Burundi

 

“The civic space is characterized by, inter alia, a de facto CNDD-FDD monopoly on the conduct of public affairs, surveillance of all sectors of political and administrative life, undue interference with the functioning of the main opposition party, forced recruitment into CNDD-FDD, threats and repression against political opponents and arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists and human rights defenders. The Special Rapporteur also noted attempts to control the narrative of articles published in the media14 and the instrumentalization of the law for political ends, in particular to obtain harsher court decisions in cases involving journalists” (UN Report, July 2024).

This report that the regime in Bujumbura and Gitega have worked against. The CNDD-FDD haven’t been coordinating or been working together with. As the CNDD-FDD isn’t willing to work with the United Nations organizations or the Special Rapporteur. That is a sign of distraught and not wanting the reality to be shown.

If the CNDD-FDD has nothing to hide. They would have open arms to the UN and the Special Rapporteur. However, it is the total opposite and the current acts of the government is vile. It is worrying how bad things are and how the government is operating. The tyranny and monopoly on power is being used to target the ones that speaks out or even act in dissent towards the state. Therefore, the ones who dares or used their voices against it. They are in danger and can easily be stopped.

Just read these quotes from the “Situation of human rights in Burundi – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi” which was published in July 2024, but released yesterday on Reliefweb. It is really a compelling read and a sad thing to see. How far the government is taking it and how the practices are just continuing.

The henchmen of Nkurunziza continues under Évariste Ndayishimiye. The CNDD-FDD is using the authorities, the militias and everyone else to destroy anyone who opposes their reign. It doesn’t matter who they are and what they say. The government targets you and could easily get rid of you.

Just read it here…

“Arbitrary arrests continued, mostly for political or rebellion-related reasons, given the prevailing security situation in Burundi. The arrests were made by the police, with the support of the Imbonerakure” (…) “The Special Rapporteur notes that, in the period covered by this report, it was difficult to corroborate certain cases of enforced disappearance brought to his attention because of the modus operandi in these cases. Analyses show, however, that enforced disappearance has been used to exert pressure on dissident voices, in particular political opponents, persons close to them and civil society organizations. In a number of documented cases, witnesses saw the victims get into a police vehicle or leave with officials of the National Intelligence Service. Many disappearances have also been reported by civil society organizations. Some victims were found dead a few days after their disappearance, with injuries indicating that they had been executed” (UN Report, July 2024).

“The Special Rapporteur stresses the need to protect journalists, whistle-blowers and dissident voices. In the period covered by this report, the Special Rapporteur noted numerous signs of repression against media professionals, including threats, arrests, arbitrary detentions and attempted abductions. This climate has led several journalists to censor themselves for fear of reprisals” (UN Report, July 2024).

These words and statements from the Special Rapporteur just shows the sinister side of the authorities and government of Burundi. That’s how it is operating and acting towards against citizens. The citizens who dares to challenge and speak up is easily in danger. That’s what the report is telling.

The people of Burundi deserves better and the government is acting with impunity. This is a total tyranny and a full fledged dictatorship with the iron fist. The President and his allies are allowing this to happen. They are prospering in this environment. The CNDD-FDD is elevated and keeping themselves in power by the usage of force against dissidents. That’s what it does…

The UN Special Rapporteur is only acknowledging what local NGOs or CSOs has been stating about the human rights violations within the Republic. It is only putting a outside perspective and also shows the total misuse of power.

The CNDD-FDD is showing who they are and it’s despicable. Peace.

Guinée: Union des Forces Democratiques de Guinee (UFDG) – Denonciation de fraude sur la decision numero 027 portant radition de responsables de l’UFDG (14.08.2024)

South Africa: Nyiko Floyd Shivambu – Resignation letter from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – (14.08.2024)

Opinion: Kampala and the KCCA is Museveni’s domain…

“You ‘Kampalanians’ might not know all this because you are here in Kampala with your NGOs” – President Yoweri Kaguta Musveni (12.012.2015).

We know the outcry and the reasons of the lack of good governance in Kampala. It is self-serving and a created structure to benefit the President. The President knows that he cannot get the majority or have his party in the elected offices of the capital. That’s why he has chosen to build structures above the elected officials.

This happens to be the Ministry of Kampala, the Presidential Advisor to Kampala and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The KCCA is created to ensure the Lord Mayor and others are ceremonial leaders with no real say and no real power. They are just mere galleon figures and there for the charade of “democracy”.

While the KCCA and the Ministry is there to govern. The KCCA and the appointed Council are there to overturn and control the elected leaders. If they are division councillors or division mayors. They are all bound by the governing principles of the KCCA. These aren’t independent and the one who has the power is the ones leading the KCCA.

The Lord Mayor can only show up and be visible, but the one with all power and has the real mandate is the Executive Director of the KCCA. The Deputy as well, has more say than the Lord Mayor. That’s because the appointed leadership means more than the elected ones.

That’s why everything wrong with the KCCA comes from the President. It is the authority created by the President and for the President. This is to ensure his loyal subordinates works there and further his interests on his behalf. They are there to serve Museveni and not the Citizens of Kampala. That’s why they have a job and a title. It is to serve the President and his will.

This is why the KCCA Act was created in 2010 and later amended too. It has been done to secure the President and whatever whims he has. President Museveni is in-charge and make the final decisions. He directs the Executive Director and whoever he has appointed within the KCCA. They are all awaiting the letter or decree to do so. Therefore, if the KCCA doesn’t act or doesn’t appear visible. It is all on the mercy of the President.

So, when something isn’t adding up in the capital. Know that the High Above is behind it all. It is his men and his appointees that are in-charge. They awaiting directives and the final word before acting. The KCCA is a authority and an instrument to undermine the will of the people. It is a way of taking away the power of the ballot and of the citizens as a whole. This overbuilding and institution is there to overshadow and break the will of the people. That’s why its there, because they dare to vote for the Opposition and for the likes of a Erias Lukwago.

That’s why the President appoints the Executive Directors and other members of the KCCA. That’s why he appoints a Minister and a Presidential Advisor. It is all for a reason and that’s to secure his will and his say. Not for the betterment of the capital or the city. No, this is done for selfish reasons and for one man only. The sole reason for the demise of people and lack of good governance. Just so Museveni can have control and micro-manage the Capital as he deems fit. Peace.

Opinion: Mirundi will be remembered [and maybe not the way he envisioned]

The motor-machine mouth and political commentator Tamale Mirundi died this week. He died after getting treatment for disease. So, it was announced by the hospital that he was “late” and wouldn’t live another day.

A man that you can be conflicted about, as he isn’t a saint or a hero. He took the side of the President. Even if the man was sacked by the State House with internal conflict created during his time. There were rumours that the First Lady wanted him gone and that’s why he was fired from being the Presidential Spokesperson.

After over a decade in the State House. He went to the television and radio. There he was a guest, a paid contributor and a vocal commentator. You could always know that he would speak out and not hold back. Though you knew it would be in favour of the President and his causes.

Mirundi was a man of the President. Even if the President had discarded him and didn’t need his services directly anymore. He wasn’t as favoured and lost way quickly. Mirundi got hired by NBS Television, but later fired there too.

He was part of radios based in the Central Regions, which isn’t mourning him or doing it publicly. That’s compelling…

We know that Mirundi wouldn’t mourn opposition leaders or opposition activists dying. He would call them names and spread venom. That would be in favour of the President and his National Resistance Movement ((NRM).

It is a reason why he wore the Yellow Beret and downplayed the National Unity Platform or the People Power Movement for that matter. He would easily have mocked and made attempts to defend the demise of other. Mirundi could have danced on their graves and made a fool out of them. We have seen that, time and time again.

You can ask… should we do better? Yes, we should do better. We should be better and acknowledge our fault. That’s something Mirundi never would do. When he has been wrong, he has come with swords and guns. That’s what he has done to send a message and get what was his. People forget that, but those dramatic moments was created by and for his benefit.

Mirundi will be remembered as a man for the President. A man who used his intellect and words to defend and spin the news for Museveni. That’s who Mirundi was, and the President could never be wrong. The President could have done whatever and Mirundi would make up reasons for why it went down. That’s who Mirundi was, and he didn’t mind.

We know how Joseph Tamale Mirundi has contributed to the public discourse. He has used his platform and his voice for the betterment of his life. Just to fight for and be a vocal supporter of the President. A man of the tyrant and dictator… Mirundi never see any fault in Museveni and that was who he was. Anyone around Museveni could fail or have bad judgment, but the President he was a Demigod and the High Above for a reason.

Time will always be a lesson. The acts of Mirundi will be remembered. Just like his words and decisions made in public. He decided to be this man and that’s why some of us remember him just like this. Not like it changes anything, but its still part of the contemporary history.

Mirundi can now rest. He won’t need to speak or defend anyone else. He has done his duty and now he can live his afterlife. Where he must defend his legacy and his actions to the high and mighty. Just like the rest of us, when our time comes. Peace.

Opinion: Corrupt MP vindicated in Court [Mpuuga MP saved by the bell]

“The Court in its powers decided that some right thinking Ugandans and those who have been following the discussion that any MP that doesn’t understand the processes of Parliament is just a burden to taxpayers. The Court’s ruling is what we said from the start that all these matters were handled legally. Individually, this issue has been capitalized on by many people to disrespect me, but I want to thank all Ugandans who stood with me” (…) “With the court ruling, I will be informing Ugandans my next step especially all the things that have been done by individuals that have been trying to soil my image and reputation by hiding other such issue and it is a pity that some of these individuals claim they are educated, but I will leave that to God. Whatever the Court has given us, we shall move with that maybe, the people God gave heads that have mouths, ears, eyes and brains, the ruling of court could help them to know that they should never use their mouth alone, but they should use all the parts on their head” (…) “All those people that have been backstabbing me, I wait to see what they are going to tell the nation about me, but in all this, I will continue fulfilling my responsibility and I won’t waste my efforts on people that have been wasting my time. They have harmed me for the past 8months focusing all their energy on me as an individual but that is how things are now, I will be informing the nation of my next step” – Mathias Mpuuga MP (13.08.2024)

There is nothing new under the sun. The authorities and the system is safeguarding their own. There is nothing new in this and this has happened before. The Courts has ensured that the ones who is high ranking officials and with connections gets off the hook. They are getting a little touch of the law and later released. In this regard, the ones getting the “service award” is off the hook completely.

It is like the state is allowing the Presidential Handshakes and the Service Awards. No matter how they pin-point it. They are allowed to eat and doesn’t have to be accountable for their actions. Since they are within the realm of power and is in the August House. That’s why they can eat and enjoy the perks of their office.

Mpuuga MP forgets certain aspects of this. The legalisation of the Service Award isn’t saving his career or popular support. Neither is it vindicating him from his party or his former allies. No, it just shows that the authorities have decided to defend him and find reasons to support his cause. Which is a bad reflection on an opposition MP.

He is maybe momentarily saved from punitive actions. His maybe off the hook for now. The state doesn’t go after him or the other Parliamentary Commissioners. However, that doesn’t stop the public outcry or the dissent against the action in itself.

The illicit funds and misuse of office is still obvious. That a man without much or any merit gets a monetary award like this. That is questionable whether the laws are applicable or not. The MP is a representative of the people and a part of the Parliament. When his there and serving the public. His not there to eat and enrich himself, but is there to enlarge and help to make life better for the ones his representing. Alas, that is what he has forgotten and doesn’t care about.

A career politician and a money hungry one. A man who is eligible to eat and find measures to secure his livelihood. That’s what his busy doing and this award advance the cause of creating his own wealth. The wealth itself is coming of the agony and lack of service delivery from the government. A government that he is speaking ill about and wants to change. Nevertheless, the same man has no trouble eating of their plate and taking advantage of his office. That is what he did and we all will remember that.

He isn’t saved in the eye of the public. The elite and the authorities have cleaned his hand, but his vision is jaded. If he thinks this gives him a second life. His very wrong, it is only giving him relief for now. It isn’t changing the reasons and questions raised by the court judgement. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee cannot be controlled…

Museveni buying shoes in Wandegeya, 02.06.2017.

“We can’t plan for it (Presidential Donations) because I don’t know whom he (President Museveni) is donating to. So there is no way I can say, let us plan for Shs500Bn because I don’t know, whom he is going to donate to. But we capture according to urgency and the capacity of the budget. It isn’t that we discriminate. But I think we can curb it via the political side, like now if I happen to go to Cabinet everyone is sending me a chit, I don’t know what to do because the budget can’t satisfy. I don’t know how I can advise on that because I can’t stop the President from donating” – Jane Barekye, State House Controller (13.08.2024).

Who knew that State House and the Government couldn’t have control or have an oversight of whatever whims or ideas the President has. That is what the State House Controller said yesterday in the Plenary Session in Parliament. Yes, this is in one instance, but it is compelling.

It is saying they cannot know what President Yoweri Kagtua Museveni donates too and who he has pledged funds for. Neither is there enough within the budgets or in the accounts to transfer the donations or gifts to whomever the President deemed fit. That just shows there is no plans for this and only done on a whim.

This is the problem of personalization of the state. When the state is all surrounded and being built around a person. This is dangerous individualism, which reflects badly on the government as a whole. Because the state doesn’t deliver and doesn’t do its duty. It promises funds and pledges, but cannot follow up on them. That’s because they are just empty words and rhetoric, but not something that necessarily implemented. Therefore, this shows what sort of structure and institution that is surrounding the President.

President Museveni can promise Peter, but he needs Paul to pay Peter. That’s how this looks like and he promises without any sort of idea what is budgeted or what is in the accounts. This shows the lack of good governance and even protocol for the matter. There is a lack of structure and mechanisms to ensure things get done. A lack of oversight and a lack of instruments, which should have been there.

The President shouldn’t be able or have the capacity to just do so. Especially, when there is no liquidity or financial backbone to do so. When the State House and the entities that is supposed to pay it out doesn’t have it. Then the President shouldn’t be allowed to speak or even promise anything. He should be silent and await the time the State House and the Office of the President has the money.

This isn’t a functioning government, but a one-man charade. A one man show that destroy the confidence and trust in the government. Because his pledges and supposed donations becomes pointless. When the Presidency and the State House cannot deliver or even ensure the words matters. That’s the endgame here and its obvious.

President Museveni shouldn’t be able to do this. His destroying himself and the state while doing so. Only creating more burden and more expenses without having the domestic revenue. The President isn’t fiscally responsible and neither does he think of the consequences of his actions. That’s for others to fix and pay the amends. Peace.

Opinion: Odinga is trying to hoodwink the nation…

“When the country was burning, former Pres. Kenyatta called me and asked me to reach out to Pres. Ruto to find a solution to the issues being raised by Gen Zs. We talked and I told him my thoughts and how to deal with the situation” (…) “I am not in government. We never agreed with Ruto that we should have a coalition government. He requested me to help him identify people from my side to serve in his administration. I did exactly that. I am confident we shall move forward as a nation” (…) “I have shown interest in the AUC chairperson’s job, but I will not be settled down there in Adis Ababa when my home country is in turmoil. It is my responsibility to help stabilize the country for posterity” – Raila Odinga (13.08.2024)

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader is trying to forge a narrative and make him seem likable after assessing the situation and finding a way to have more prominence. We knew that risk was there and evident when he started to apply for the AUC Chairperson role. Because the old man needs support from the government to even be able or be eligible to apply for the role itself.

Now his just carrying the water and trying to be independent. While his party is in direct association and working with the government. A coalition partner by default and his allies are appointed into the cabinet as Cabinet Secretaries. That’s not just a random squad of people, but leaders and representatives he trusts. People who have rose through the ranks of his party and has been elected by his party too. Therefore, he is thinking people are blind and not understanding the ideals here.

Odinga can pin and put blame on Kenyatta. That Kenyatta was the reason for the CS’s of ODM becoming a part of government. Nevertheless, they have all egos and agency to act on their own. Kenyatta can ask and petition someone, but that doesn’t make way for others. It jus shows Kenyatta’s importance in the Azimio coalition. As Odinga is using Kenyatta’s presence as a reason to act or even participate in government. Which is narrowminded, as Odinga could do it all on his own and didn’t need Kenyatta’s blessing.

It just shows that the three leaders all know each other and dances when needed. This is no Building Bridges, but it is a “broad based” government. Alas, it is giving leverage to Ruto and at the same time power to Odinga. It is just in the open and everyone can see the motives. This isn’t helping the causes of the Gen Z but feeding a political elite and giving Ruto a little more legitimacy.

This is Odinga giving way and taking part of a regime for his personal gain. Just like the handshake. Now its now process of a BBI, but there is a golden carrot in the end of the AUC chairperson role, which gives him a reason to participate and join hands with the Kenya Kwanza. That is benefiting Ruto and gives Odinga excuses to clean the hands of the President. Instead of actually trying to listen to the Gen Z and their grievances. His instead incorporating himself and his party within the realm of power. That’s not an action of a opposition or a minority. No, that’s a governing party and a direct ally of the government that does. This is why Odinga is insincere and trying to play both sides at the same time, which isn’t possible.

Odinga is trying to pull at trick and get of the hook. While his now part of the government by default and association. Also, his this friendly because it benefits him. It gives him acceptance and ability to seek office within the AU. Which gives him all the perspective and reason to betray any cause. Just so he can eat and get into prominence, yet again. Peace.

Opinion: The TPLF is playing a game it cannot win…

Today there is a Congress of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in Mekelle, Tigray. That is happening as the NEBE has blocked the re-issue and re-establishment of the party. Which is done in stark contrast to the Pretoria Agreement. Alas, there is trouble ahead and the Prosperity Party (PP) can just follow the moves.

The ones in charge have to take responsibility. The different fractions of the party are becoming dire too. As people are saying not to hold the Congress and they will not participate. It is like the Pretoria Agreement has split the party and the ones powerful powerhouse in Tigray region.

Now we are seeing to fractions lead by one Getachew Reda and Debretsion Gebremichael. They have become friendemies. These are people who has worked together for years, but now seemingly struggle to cope with the new surroundings.

Some are saying Reda is playing parley with the government and is their puppet. He is saying Gebremichael and the ones participating in the Congress is going into the trap of the government. They are being played and will be “null and void”. As they held Congress without prior notification and agreement with NEBE. Which makes the whole act redundant. And makes the kingmakers of the Congress totally powerless.

The ones running it will dismiss Reda and say his Abiy’s lapdog. He is playing to the ideals of the state and isn’t there for his party. That Reda has sold his soul and isn’t willing to budge, because he has a title and official role in the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA). That’s why he won’t lose that or the lose the access to these temporary power structures, which has been put in place after the Pretoria Agreement.

It seems like the Prosperity Party and Prime Minister Abiy got a bargain with the Pretoria Agreement. It is destroying and making the TPLF weakened by the day. The agreement and the way the power plays are tarnishing the party. The TPLF doesn’t have the power or the ability to move as it pleases. That is disturbing, but also the reality it is living in.

The TPLF when it signed the Pretoria Agreement it entrusted itself in the Federal Government and the will to implement the articles of it. Alas, we are seeing that isn’t happening. The TPLF is outplayed and outsmarted by the cunning Abiy. They accepted the folly and now have to humiliate itself. Even if it means losing valuable assets or old properties for that matter. The TPLF has to either become a new entity or become history.

That’s the choice of the Pretoria Agreeement. The Agreement that gives Abiy and the PP leverage. The one that gives him allies and people who are willing to trade off the old relics of the region. TPLF isn’t all powerful and has the leverage it needs. That’s why NEBE is blocking it’s re-registration and return as a legal entity. This is done deliberately and it’s not Reda’s fault. It is the whole party and everyone who accepted the Pretoria Agreement.

That agreement made it possible and gave way to Abiy. Abiy can toy around the TPLF and that what he does. Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda is all in the mercy of the Prime Minister. We are just seeing Abiy tricking them and they accepted this fate.

It is just astonishing and such, that the leaders of the TPLF trusted a man who wanted them annihilated and silence them completely. Abiy wanted to get rid of them and stop them in their tracks. He wanted them to bend the knee and kiss the ring. Now one of them has too. Especially, if they ever want to see the TPLF – to live another day. As long as this continues. The NEBE and the PP will just dismiss it, and the ones in power of the party will look like a fool. They woere played and they didn’t think a few steps ahead. They trusted a liar and a warlord. They trusted that he would give them life and allow them to exist. That’s a stupid idea, but that what they did. Peace.

Tanzania: The Freedom of Assembly is still assaulted in the United Republic

“We will continue to strengthen security to prevent any attempts by CHADEMA’s supporters to copy Kenya” – Commissioner of Police Awadh Juma (13.08.2024)

“The leaders of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema have been released on bail, a party spokesperson said on Tuesday, after they were detained ahead of a youth day rally. In a post on X, John Mrema said Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe and his deputy Tundu Lissu- both former presidential candidates, -“have been returned to Dar es Salaam by police and have bailed themselves out”. However, the spokesperson said that “there are reports of some leaders of Bavicha continuing to be held by the Mbeya Police Force”, without giving further details” (Mwanzo TV, 13.08.2024).

The regime of Chama Cha Mapundzi (CCM) continues to rampage and assault the liberties of the people. It continues to take the people for granted and go after the dissidents. It wants to intimidate and silence the ones who is in opposition to itself. The current leadership uses the authority and the instruments of the state to silence and threaten their existence. Therefore, they are violating their rights to assemble, gather and run as a political organization.

It is just showing the prowess of the state, when they keeping political opponents in jail like this. Detain them and try to preventive arrest them ahead of scheduled rally. That what the state did and the CCM is behind all of it. This is what they want to be known for and how they operate.

They are stopping CHADEMA and BAVICHA from operating as a party. They are claiming them to be flaming protests and riots like the Gen Z in Kenya. That’s a deliberate act and usage of fear. The state is fearing for a response and reaction from its citizens. This is why the leaders was crackdown on and taken into custody.

The CCM won’t be friendly or righteous. It only shows swift force and what matters to them. The CCM is fighting to cling on to power and use the authorities to undermine the others. That’s why CHADEMA and BAVICHA is getting this treatment from the state. They are targeted and being criminalized for doing their duty as an opposition party. That’s what is happening and it’s a brutal reckoning.

The state doesn’t tolerate or accept a view of a dissident. Even their rallies or assembly. They are blocking the youth-wing of CHADEMA and their rights to participate as individual citizens. That’s what went down and how the CCM will be remembered after this. It is how you radicalize and ensures more discontent from the next generation. As they are not allowed to think or gather as they see fit. That should worry the CCM, but they are high and mighty right now. So, they don’t consider the implications of doing so…

In the long run. This will only make things worse and make things go underground. The routes to freedom and liberty will only become more hostile. There will be less or no faith I the government. Because they are already blocking the peaceful avenues to express themselves. That’s the danger here and the CCM should consider just that. However, we know that isn’t the case and for them its just another day. Peace.