South Africa: Defend Our Democracy – Murder of whistleblower Pamela Mabini condemned (13.03.2025)

Kawempe North By-Election: The authorities create a warzone during the polls

“”I was talking to people who had not voted when UPDF soldiers arrived in two patrol vehicles and started arresting some people. When some of the security operatives saw the camera, they came and attacked me, beating me with sticks and even damaging my camera. I ran into a nearby building but since they had already identified me, I removed my press jacket and scarf and ran into a toilet for safety.”- one of NMG-U journalists, Hasifah Nanvuma” (Daily Monitor, 13.03.2025).

“Two opposition MPs and journalists are among several people who have been arrested in the ongoing Kawempe North MP by-election on yet to be known charges amid heavy military deployment and brutality from security operatives” (Daily Monitor, 13.03.2025).

“UPDF soldiers and cane-wielding men believed to be security operatives in plain clothes filmed arresting journalists covering Kawempe North MP by-election in Kazo Angola on March 13, 2025” (Daily Monitor, 13.03.2025).

“UPDF officers have assaulted journalists and confiscated their cameras while covering the Kawempe North MP by-election. This blatant attack on press freedom is unacceptable! Authorities must hold those responsible accountable and ensure journalists can work without fear” (HRNJ-Uganda, 13.03.2025).

If you believe the Kawempe North By-Election would be free and fair. The campaigns proved how bleak it would be. The signs were everywhere… and now it is official as the polls are happening.

Journalists are now vacating the By-Election, as they are targeted and gone after from the authorities. That is happening as the last few hours of voting is going on. Mere hours left of the polls and voting. They are going back to its headquarters or leaving Kawempe North as a whole. Because their gear is confiscated, harassed, hurt or even arrested. This means the eyes and ears are taken away. The public loses the vision of the journalists and means they cannot analyse the acts of the state.

It is really outrageous that the National Army, the UPDF are manhandling people and that the authorities are arresting the ones who are broadcasting the acts of the state. They are taking away the eyes on the By-Elections because they want it silenced or in the dark. The state doesn’t want the truth and their actions known to the public. That’s why the journalists are in the aim, and these are nuisance for them.

We know the NRM is busy having their organizers and people pre-ticking ballots to ensure the flagbearer is elected. That’s why they don’t videos or proof of it. The state doesn’t want their the truth out or their rigging known. Even if everyone knows and it is just business as usual. That’s why the Electoral Commission would work in coordination and with helpful manners to ensure the state wins. Regardless of the will of the people or what they want to achieve. This is why… NRM leaders and appointed leadership are participating in pre-ticking of ballots. So, expect the results to be reflected like that.

The electorate itself didn’t use violence or use any sort of force, but the state did. The state came with orders and with significant use of brutality against unarmed civilians. Therefore, we know the reason and it is evident what it wants to achieve. It wants to be able to rig the election in its favour without eyes on it. That’s why the media is in the spotlight and feeling the heat. Peace.

Ethiopia: TPLF-D calls the actions of TPLF-G as treason

“Let it be, the army or the administration is not blocked or fired by one individual’s permission but rather it is a people’s force that gives its front for the national interest and survival of our people. This is not the one that makes any individual to fight for their own will. Therefore, the letter written by the former president of Tigray provisional administration to block and expel four senior leaders of the army is responsible. It should be known clearly that what is done outside is not going to be implemented. The letters written outside of power are very dangerous so we will fight for it. At this time where regional, national and current situations are very complicated, it is a dangerous task that is done intentionally to expose our people to danger of survival by leaving the army without leadership in a irresponsible way The people and the army need to realize this. TPLF and the Tigrian army are the main owners of the Pretoria peace agreement and the divine administration. The work of enforcing law and order started in Tigray will not destroy the interim administration and the Pretoria peace treaty, but it will strengthen the implementation of the peace agreement, that will respect the Tigray constitutional system, that will ensure the rule of law and accountability, that will establish lasting peace and tranquility in Tigray and to protect our national interests. It is possible. But the irresponsible group of treacherous groups continue to strengthen their irresponsible work and accusing TPLF and Tigrian army by stating that “there might be an out of control situation in Tigray” and is calling for a third party to enter Tigray” (Tigray People’s Liberation Front – “The continued treason of nationalism must be stopped!”, 13.03.2025).

Just as Getachew Reda of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) leader is calling out the Tigray People’s Liberation Front – Debretsion Gebremichael (TPLF-D) at the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa. There were reports that Reda had fled the Tigray region yesterday, but with meeting the press at the hotel in Addis Ababa its say that it is true.

Reda said this at the Presser today: “This group believes that if there is peace, stability, and formal governance in Tigray, they would be held accountable for what they did” (…) “Another war in Tigray, will attract other foreign interests, and it will destabilize Ethiopia” (The Reporter Ethiopia, 13.03.2025).

Now they are both claiming the other group is creating instability and acting against the best interests of the Tigray region. We know this sort of internal conflict and use of violence is possibly in breach of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement or of the Pretoria Accord. They are all complicit in creating this situation and making matters worse.

This is a battle and a conflict of interests between Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda, as they are claiming legitimacy and who has the instruments of power. That is about who has the ability to order and control the Tigray region. This is all a power struggle and who has the mandate. That’s all it is about and we can all see it. They are willing to what they need to succeed.

Now Debretsion who has mobilized the Tigray Defence Forces earlier in the year has now started the usage of the regional forces to combat the TIRA. Meanwhile, Reda believed he had the overall control and that he could order the TDF around. Alas, therein is the problem and the reason why Reda is in Addis Ababa and not in Mekelle. As Reda knows his in trouble and Debretsion Gebremichael has the loyalty of the army commanders and the militants of the TPLF. That’s why TIRA is losing here and the TDF is able to torch the TIRA rather quickly. What is making things worse are reports of possible mechanical divisions moving in the Afar region possibly on the way towards the Tigray region. That means the calls of Reda for outside support is coming their way.

The internal conflict is getting support of the ENDF and the Prosperity Party. The Prime Minister is now invested in Reda and wants him in office. They are possibly willing to wage war again against the TDF. That means Debretsion Gebremichael wage conflict for him to be the ruler of Tigray. His willing to cause another war just for him to be the self-imposed leader. That is the reality here… meanwhile, he will say Reda is betraying Tigray. However, it was TPLF-D who mobilized and started to use the Army Commanders to take over the region over the temporary leaders in Reda.

That’s the gist here and the story for now. It is tragic, but here we are. Peace.

South Sudan: Naath White Army letter to the SSPDF – Urgent Request for the Removal of SSPDF from Lou Nuer Land (11.03.2025)

Opinion: Is the UPDF Act even “active” or is it just “guidance”

40. Agreement relating to deployment of troops outside Uganda

Where troops are to be deployed outside Uganda under a multilateral or bilateral arrangement with other countries, the Minister shall enter into an agreement, in this section referred to as a Status of Forces Agreement with the host country or organisation” (UPDF Act, 2005).

The UPDF acted decisively on the request of the government of South Sudan to avert a dangerously developing situation and deployed forces accordingly. This action is also in the interest of regional security. The Hon Minister of Defence is never involved in the operational matters of UPDF. His job is simply to represent us in Parliament” (…) “The Hon. Minister will in due course be brought up to speed with the relevant details of our role in the fast unfolding security situation of our crucial ally and northern neighbor. It was important for the UPDF to act with expediency to contain the situation” (Col. Chris Magezi, 12.03.2025).

There is a need for clarification and a need for enlightenment in regards to the Uganda People’s Defence Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Force Act of 2005. As the UPDF Act, which we know seems to be long lost file. An ancient scroll and a relief of the past. Why do I say that in 2025?

Well, no one adheres to it and abides by it. The texts and the laws that is coded in the UPDF Act is meaningless and pointless. The Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is living beyond its merits and we know others are toying around with it to. Now ones of their own is saying the Minister of Defence is just a puppet and a face of the UPDF. Not that he has any sort of role or oversight. Meanwhile, the Article 40 of the UPDF Act says he does has power and influence over the army itself. Therefore, something got to give.

This here all steams over the “Silent Guardian” Operation in South Sudan that came into force earlier this week. That was never announced or was informed. Neither was there any revelation or any sort of publication. Seemingly, the Minister of Defence got the news as the General tweeted about the matter the other day. Just like the rest of us. Meanwhile, we know his supposed to go into an agreement with the respective nation. Alas, that never happened and the CDF or the High Command did so without his knowledge. That shows the institutions and personification of state is the most valuable assets of Republic.

The Minister of Defence is bound by law to have a say in an Operation of the UPDF. The deployment is supposed to go by him and an agreement shall be entered by him. So, this Colonel clearly haven’t read the UPDF Act or think it is a worthless document. We know the General thinks so and he is spitting on it on a regular basis. Now the UPDF just shows lawfulness and righteousness is beneath the army.

The National Army has other structures and command, which are more supreme than the UPDF Act. That’s why the Minister is just a mere representative and not a head of sorts. No, the civilian in the Parliament aren’t supposed to dictate or any word in it. However, the UPDF act says he “shall enter into an agreement”. That’s where the problem is and where the UPDF is failing at its core. They are just showing how they disregard code and protocol, by jumping over the Minister and mocking his role.

We are all seeing it and the display isn’t even that wise about it either. It is a forewarning about the consolidation of power and what a few heads are allowed to do. As they are not following print or procedure. They only acts on whims and instinct. These people cannot even address the matters or adhere to laws binding them. That’s why people should be worried. When the army is acting above it all and thinks it is justified to be so. That’s memo here.

The gist isn’t any good, but a compelling one regardless, as we all see what they do. The UPDF Act is history and it has been made irrelevant in front of our eyes. Peace.

South Sudan: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – In Opposition (SPLM-IO) – Update on the Ongoing Arrest of Senior SPLM/SPLA(IO) Members by the SSPDF and National Security Forces (12.03.2025)

Kawempe North By-Election: A memo on the run-up to the polls tomorrow

The ones believing in a free and fair by-election they are in for a reckoning tomorrow. The authorities and the law enforcement is in high alert. Tomorrow is D-DAY and that will be inevitable clear. There is no subtle message or sincere acts of the government in this regard. That’s why they defend the indefensible and accepts the brutality against civilians. This is just who the government is and how it operates.

This By-Election is a sign of how botched and brutal the up-coming elections will be in 2026. The ones believing things will be better in the campaign period or during the elections road-map are false. There will only be more hurt, pain and suffering. The ones who dares to take up the banners, flag-bearers and activists on the grounds. Those are the ones who will be touched and will feel the pinch. That’s the bleak reality and Kawempe North By-Election only shows it and spells it out.

This by-election is marred with election interference, intimidation, voter buying and usage of brutal force to stifle the opposition. The opposition and the ones who dared to be in the public eye. Those got a taste of the violence and what the law enforcement does in the name of “rule of law” or the “correct way”.

This is just who the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is in 2026. It is just what the NRA fought for and how it wants to kids of 1986s Generation to get elected. The NRM shows its ugly face and how it runs government. The Electoral Commission, the Police Force and even Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) is all at play in this. They are all doing the bidding of the NRM and are there on behalf of them. Not to be security, but to work for the will of the President and his appointed cronies. They all danced, went door-to-door and even gave bank-notes to possible voters. That’s just what the NRM does in election season.

We can act like this By-Election is different than all the others, but it is mere reflection of all the previous ones too. It is just what this sort of ordeals has become. The NRM has created these games and mockery of “democratic values” while arresting, detaining and tear-gassing the opposition. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister says the voters has to vote “NRM” to have a “direct line to the President”. Because that you only get through a NRM MP. I am sure plenty of districts or counties with NRM MPs feels left behind or never gotten a pledge through Parliament or even fulfilled by Presidential Donations for that matter. So, we know the PM lies on stage while she pushed a kid of Mr. Update to get sympathy and use the legacy of the man the state killed incarceration. That’s how cold these cronies of the President is and willing to do to further the cause of the state. Nothing is holy and nothing is to far for them.

We know there will be pre-ticked ballots, polling agents arrested and possibly a “black-out” of sorts. We know the army will be on the streets and the law enforcement will go harshly out tomorrow. There will be nothing good really… they want a low turnout, as that will be beneficial for the NRM. As this is a stronghold for the opposition. Though don’t expect anything positive to come out. Expect house-arrests and leaders of the opposition in trouble tomorrow. That’s what is coming. There would be road-blocks and other technical precautions too. They will make Kampala a war-zone and we have seen it before too.

The roads to Kawempe North will be hectic and hostile. That’s what is coming and it is all over a seat in Parliament. A seat that is only up for grabs for a few months before it is time for re-election. That’s the double tragedy in this, because the electorate has to go through this again and they have already been punished by the pressure and the attacks on civilians during the campaigns ahead of the polls. It just shows the character and the heart of the government, which is lacking. That is proven and we can all state that in 2025. Peace.

Ethiopia: Is this the start of violent clashes between the TPLF-G and TPLF-D?

Today the bad news from Mekelle and Tigray region is out. The revelation that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) internal conflict is now lethal. The match of supremacy between the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) under Getachew Reda and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) run by Debretsion Gebremichael. These two are the heads that are behind this and are conflicted.

It is all a power struggle between these two gentlemen. Two men who wants to rule and have the final say. Now the TPLF-D is saying it is reacting on the letters sent by Getachew Reda dismissing three army commanders within the Tigray Defence Force (TDF). Now the same TDF is used by TPLF-D to takeover and use force to take control. Therefore, the rebellion from within and the reaction is all violently against the one who is officially the head of the regional state. As his there temporarily after the Pretoria Agreement. An Agreement that the TPLF accepted with the Federal Government. Alas, therein lays the problem and the headache for all parties, as the accord or agreement is far from implemented and isn’t moving forward as we speak.

TIRA itself has stated this is in a Press Release today:

It is known that since January 15, 2017, some senior commanders of the Tigray army have been moving to carry out an open coup d’etat to satisfy the thirst for power of a narrow group.

Similarly, illegal activities led by the commanders of the Northeast and South Fronts have intensified this week. Despite an order written to the Commander-in-Chief of the Tigray Army on February 26, 2017 to curb this dangerous road and stop all illegal activities, the act of destruction has continued for hours. The situation has not been resolved and the commanders of the fronts have been banned by the government. The head of the security bureau was also relieved of his duties.

However, attacks targeting civilians continue. The acts of dismantling the government from top to bottom continue to intensify. The top commanders of the Tigray army are bringing the people of Tigray into another destruction by dissolving the government and officially violating the Pretoria Treaty in order to fulfill the wishes of the backward group” (Tigray Communication Affairs Bureau, 12.03.2025).

The TIRA and Getachew Reda is dismissing the TPLF-D at this very moment. It is severe and isn’t subtle about it either. The TPLF-D on the other hand is calling Getachew Reda a “Former President” and says his authority is illegitimate. They are also claiming his bans and such lacks the power to make decisions, which means the law enforcement operations lays in the TPLF-D. It also warns that the TPLF-D will uncover and reveal the criminal activities and the ones implicated in TIRA for any wrongdoings. Therefore, there is consequences to this and this time it is personal.

These leaders are now butting heads and they are deciding the fate with the usage of force from within. What we know for now is that Adigrat is ceased and taken control of the TPLF-D. We don’t know what else is at play or stakes, as there is speculations in the air. There is also rumours and inklings of Eritrean support of one side, but that is to early to call. Meanwhile, the TPLF-D claims TIRA has done treason to region and therefore is justified to overthrow it.

This just shows how fickle things is and what these leaders are willing to do. They are now waging war and doing so in violation of the Pretoria accord, the one accord that is giving it peace and stopped the hostilities, even if the Eritrean armies didn’t leave parts of the region and neither did Fano. However, that doesn’t stop realities from hitting the ground. This could be an excuse for Abiy to return with a new Operation Law Enforcement in Tigray. We could see that one coming and this to install Getachew Reda again. That wouldn’t surprise me… but that is how cold and calculated these things are. Peace.

Ethiopia: Statement from the Alliance of Tigrayans for National Redemption (ATNR) – Urgent Call for Address the Unlawful Power Grab and Regional Destabilization in Tigray (12.03.2025)

South Sudan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Response to Travel Advisories Issued by Some Countries in Regards to the Nasir Incident (12.03.2025)