Sudan: Sudanese Congress Party – Statement on the systematic targeting of the Rapid Support Forces by artillery shelling of civilian sites (01.02.2025)

The Rapid Support Forces continued their systematic crimes by shelling civilian areas crowded with unarmed civilians in Omdurman, El Fasher, Wad Madani, and other locations, which led to dozens of martyrs and wounded amid catastrophic humanitarian conditions, as these areas suffer from a shortage of medical supplies and the absence of health facilities that have become a target for these forces, such as the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, which was bombed a few days ago. Hours ago, the neighborhoods of Omdurman witnessed intense artillery shelling, which caused a real humanitarian disaster.

In another dangerous development, villages in the western countryside of El Fasher, such as Golo, Shagra and the surrounding areas, have been experiencing extremely dire humanitarian conditions since last week, after the Rapid Support Forces invaded the area, where they looted and robbed shops and homes, committed serious violations against the residents, and forced the residents to be forcibly displaced. Large numbers of displaced people have arrived in Zamzam and southern Zamzam, specifically the village of Saluma.

We, in the Sudanese Congress Party, condemn these horrific crimes committed systematically by the Rapid Support Forces, and we affirm that they are full-fledged war crimes according to local, regional and international laws, and their perpetrators will not escape justice. We demand that the leadership of these forces immediately stop targeting civilian sites and neighborhoods, and we pray for the souls of the innocent victims, and express our sincere condolences to their honorable families.

We reiterate our firm position on the necessity of stopping this absurd war that has destroyed the country and decimated its people, and working to end it through peaceful negotiated solutions.

Our people lived safe, free and victorious.

Media Secretariat

February 1, 2025

Sudan: The Coordination-Body of The Democratic & Civil Forces (Tagadom) – Press Release (01.02.2025)

During the past 72 hours, the series of ongoing violations against civilians since the outbreak of war on April 15 by both parties to the war in Sudan has continued. The area south of the belt in Khartoum has witnessed continued aerial bombardment and raids by the armed forces’ warplanes, causing civilian casualties, martyrs and wounded.

After the army and its fighting groups recaptured the city of Umm Rawaba in North Kordofan State, a number of civilians were liquidated, some of them by slaughter, including the late teacher, Al-Tayeb Abdullah, Director of the Education Department in Umm Rawaba countryside and a leader in the National Umma Party, and others. Other areas in Khartoum Bahri, after they were recaptured by the army, witnessed similar crimes against civilians, including slaughter or shooting.

Residential neighborhoods in the Al-Thawarat area and Sabreen Market in Omdurman were subjected to artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces today, Saturday, February 1, which resulted in the martyrdom of more than one hundred civilians at the time of preparing this statement, and nearly two hundred wounded, some of whom are in critical condition.

The Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces “Taqaddom” mourns all civilian martyrs, offers its condolences to their families, and wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded and injured. It condemns these heinous crimes and violations against civilians, describing them as a flagrant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. It calls on both parties to the war to immediately stop targeting civilians and fulfill their obligations under the Jeddah Declaration to protect civilians.

“Progress” stresses the need for the international community to respond now and immediately to the recommendation of the Fact-Finding Mission formed by the Human Rights Council to expand the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court to include all crimes committed in the current war in Sudan as of April 15, 2023, and to bring all perpetrators to justice and trial.

The continuation of this bloody war has led to catastrophic consequences for civilians and exacerbated their daily suffering, which requires its immediate cessation. We affirm that the only solution to stop these repeated violations is to end the war completely, stop all military operations targeting innocent civilians, and restore the path of civil democratic transformation to block the efforts of the enemies of the revolution and democracy, and work to build a state that respects human rights and preserves the dignity of its citizens.

Abdul Karim Saleh

Official Spokesperson for the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Progress)

Saturday, February 1, 2025 AD.

Djibouti: RADDE – Communique de Presse (01.02.2025)

Djibouti: Djiboutian League for Human Rights (LDDH) – Press Release (31.01.2025)

Ethiopia: American Afar Diaspora (AAD) – Condemnation of the Brutal Drone Attack on Civilians at the Djibouti-Ethiopia Border (01.02.2025)

A look into Mzee’s Statement on the General Court Martial Judgement of Yesterday

However, on getting back to Kampala, I was sorry to hear of the wrong decision by the Supreme Court in the matter of the fire-arms armed civilians being tried by the Military Court Martial. This is a method which we the freedom fighters support because it reinforces the Civilian Judicial System to defend the lives of our People against Criminals armed with guns. If you are not a soldier, why do you arm yourself with guns and, moreover, for criminal purposes and illegally, that are a monopoly of the Armed Forces? If you voluntarily acquire these guns, why should you complain when you are tried in a forum that deals with those matters when soldiers are involved?” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (01.02.2025).

The old man with the hat had to way in and in his military spirit. The Head of State has profited of the usage of the General Military Courts (GMC). The GMC is serving the interests of the President and his inner-circle.

The ones believing or hoping the Supreme Court judgement would change things. I hate to be bearer of bad news. The Executive and the Commander-in-Chief has no mercy. The President has plans to sufficiently make it legal and ensure the usage of the GMC this way. Therefore, the ones believing the civilians will be freed or released. They are wrong. Expect the NRM MPs start singing and come with Private Motions to sing the psalms of the President. That will happen after a NRM Caucus and a NRM CEC meeting guiding them all. Why do I say that…

Well… the old man said it himself, but in other words: “Anyway, the country is not governed by the Judges. It is governed by the People –all of us Ugandans, that are old enough to vote. In the matter of the Constitution and other legislations, we govern ourselves by having Referenda or Constitutional amendments or amendments of the laws by Parliament” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

We are just seeing how he moves and what he will do. The President has the final say and whatever he thinks goes. This is the way he operates and everyone is at his whim. That’s why his words is the law. The Constitution can be pigeon-holed and become a wrecked document. Just so it serve any interest or ideal that the President has. Not for the betterment of the Republic, but to serve his needs and whatever he deems fit.

He really thinks his own army courts can deal with everything: “Back to some of our Judges, the rape, corruption, etc., cases are tried in Military Courts to protect the institution of the Army. The guns armed illegal operators should be tried, initially, in Military Courts to protect the Society” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

It just shows his mindset and pattern of behaviour. The ones who is in shock or awe. They haven’t followed the militarism and the junta government acts of Museveni. This is just who he is and what he has become. The army is the nation and the nation is at the mercy of the army. The President don’t need the people or the civilians, but he does need the army. That’s why he entrust the army to deal with any civilian manner anyway. Therefore, he just wants the absolute power and control any decision made.

President Museveni is just showing his true face here. There is no middle-ground on this. He just says what everyone knows and proves where his mentality is at. The man who lives by the gun. Will die by the gun. A man who took power by the gun. Will leave power by the gun too. That’s who he is and he intends to use it. Nevertheless, the ones defending this impunity and infamy is foolish. They could get caught in the same web the moment they fall out of favour or is useless to the General on top. Peace.

Opinion: Hon. Kabaziguruka deserves his flowers

The former Member of Parliament, Michael Kabaziguruka deserves credit and accolades for what went down at the Supreme Court today. That he stood tall and persevered through the adversity. A man who has faced legal jeopardy and trouble.

The newly elected MP was facing charges of Treason and was supposed to behind a scheme to assassinate the Head of State, General and President Yoweri Kaguta Musevei. That’s why the authorities and the state tried this case at the General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks. Just like others has been since then.

Hon. Kabaziguruka pushed for it and has waited for. A man who could have given up and given way. No one would have judged him after all these years. Yes, his vindicated today, but the hurt must be alive for the man. As he knows the acts of the state at first hand and tasted the brutality of it. Not like he was walking off easily or even without a touch from it.

He got there because he won over a favoured candidate. The man became an MP and conquered one of the anointed men, Fred Ruhindi. That’s why he faced doom and was in dungeons of the SIU Kireka at one point. As the state schemed on how to prolong the pain and suffering. Making up charges and fabricating allegations to make sure he wouldn’t be released. That’s why he ended up it the General Court Martial. Just so the civilian courts couldn’t touch him or have him under their jurisdiction. That way they could keep him detained and make him a poster-child of the unfortunate who was more popular than the state’s own candidate.

Today’s verdict is a vital one and an important one. Nevertheless, this is just one stepping stone. Hon. Kabaziguruka took us here. Now others has to lead on to take it further. He has taken this journey and allowed for this door to open. Now others have to follow suit and challenge the other discrepancies and misuse of power, which is rampant within the authorities and the law enforcement of the Republic.

That’s why we should cheer for the outcome, because of the significance of it. However, I am not hopeful for the civilians tried in the General Military Courts. No, these are still in legal limbo and will face a continued pursuit of justice and freedom in civilian courts. These people won’t be freed on a whim and the state will make cases for continuing the persecution elsewhere. So, don’t think the political prisoners will be freed because of this verdict. No, if it is adhered too… the state only have to move dockets and chambers, but the game plan will be the same. The game is rigged and Hon. Kabaziguruka knows that well too.

This is why today is a good day, but not the end of the matter. It is just one step. One important step, but not the end. There is a lot more to give. Hon. Kabaziguruka did his part and now others got to step up to clear the courts, yet again. That to stop other practices that is unlawful and breaching with the codes or articles of the constitution. It is about time to end these actions and make them obsolete. However, that won’t happen over night and neither will the political prisoners be released without remedy or justification, which gives the state leverage to do so. These will not be free or at liberty tomorrow. No, they will linger in jeopardy and within the realm of the law. As long as they are in custody. They are endangered and the state can just find new allegations or criminal conspiracy to pin on the victims. That’s what it does… and we have seen that movie before. Peace.

Opinion: The General Court Martial is deemed unfit – but I won’t celebrate to early…

There is breadcrumbs and certainly if the authorities and the state was to abide by the Supreme Court, the civilians on remand and awaiting a proper trial at the General Court Martial. These are now celebrated and expected to get justice. The justice being released and getting their freedom again. However, I wouldn’t run that fast and be jolly.

The Supreme Court did the right thing, but it doesn’t let the buck stop. These cases will be moved civilian courts and the authorities will apprehend and re-arrest the ones that is pending judgment or sentence at the GCM. The ones believing in anything is naive.

The regime isn’t imposing these instruments of power and chambers for fun. They are using any aspect of the law and legalities to ensure the demise of its dissidents. That’s why I have little to no faith in the system. This system is rigged against the individuals caught in it. This is why they will not get justice or the freedom they are supposed to have. They have already lost their liberties and possibly the privileges that an ordinary citizen has. Because they have dared to question, act within the space of opposition politics and been public in their dissent. That’s why they are behind bars and awaiting trial and sentencing at the GCM.

We haven’t seen people being released or civilians being issued paperwork to get off from these cases. No, the state and the authorities will find technicalities and measures to continue the prosecution and persecution for the foreseeable future. They are now under the mercy of authorities and they aren’t forgiving. No, they will use all means and find all tricks of the book, which they will use to throw at these fellow peers.

The ones believing the National Unity Platform activists or supporters behind bars will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. The ones believing Dr. Kizza Besigye or fellow associates of him will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. These are there for a reason and to tell a story to the citizens of who is king. That’s why they are there in the first place and their master won’t release them just like that.

Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe is now famous for his operation at the General Court Martial of Makindye. He is now infamous and will forever be known for his actions within his chambers. The tribunal that acted like a prestigious court…

If I assess things in order. The civilians which are currently in custody. They might possibly get a release, but quickly will be picked up by drone or “Panda Gari” which later schedules them for another civilian court and will prolong the agony. They will either be there within the 48 hours or will be put into safe houses. Only the high profile cases will be put under jurisdiction of well known courts and be on public display. Meanwhile, they will be kept in prison and be under remand. As these “investigations” and such will prolong the agony of the ones who are state property.

That’s why I am not celebrating today’s verdict in the Supreme Court. There is no time for that. The state will use it and find ways of keeping these political prisoners, regardless of the verdict. That is bound what the Supreme Court even said today. It is just moved from entity to another. This is buying the state time and reasons to keep them detained. That’s why I am subtle and clear.

The ones that wants people freed from this torment. They have to target the tormentors and find ways of weakening it. Because right now they can install fear and use the rules of law as a weapon against the ones who dares to challenge its authority. That’s why they are in the slammer to begin with. Peace.

The Silent War: Are the next targets of M23 – Bukavu and Beni?

The takeover of the Mouvement of March 23 (M23) and Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) of the city of Goma is telling. The manner of which the regime of Kigali is playing this one out. As they are trying to be a victim in all of it. Meanwhile, the M23 is continuing its operation and trying to forge the narrative as the saviour of the region. That’s what the Kigali and the ones running this proxy militia is doing.

The M23/AFC aren’t there to save the South Kivu or North Kivu Province. The ones believing this haven’t seen them before. It isn’t the first time M23 has taken over Goma or the last time a Rwandan supported militia has annexed territories in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They are just operational with a military wing and a political wing. Which is showing they are well prepared and knows the weaknesses of the FARDC and the Wazalendo allies.

The ones in Kigali has support from the likes of General James Kararebe. We shouldn’t be shocked if the ones in Kampala isn’t busy scheming as well. Since we are seeing Andrew Mwenda becoming a spokesperson and a “pan-african” journalist all of sudden. His speaking in tongue and speaking of the blessings of this conflict. Alas, that is disingenuous and we know his The Independent Magazine has been bailed out by Kigali in the past too.

So with that all in mind. There is a bigger play here. That’s why Kigali speaks of dissolving the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR), but M23 are playing another game now. They are targeting and consolidating power. Even like in the past, the CNDP even stated the will of invading and conquering Kinshasa. Now M23 are on the same lingo and mojo.

This is a game of getting in control and power. This is a proxy-militia taunting and haunting the government. It is used as a tool ensure the routes of cobalt and other minerals to enter into the Republic of Rwanda. They need those and this is easiest way of access. As the porous borders and lack of morals and operational army are able to destroy the FARDC. That’s what the M23 and their backers are seeing. This is why it has momentum and continuing their warpath.

If the M23 was there to end FDLR. They would have done it in a different way and the leaders of Kigali wouldn’t have played it this way. It isn’t believable that the Kigali are there to save the Kivu provinces. Not like they have come as saviours before and only gone their to pillage and loot in the past.

We should hear sooner or later that the M23 are knocking on the door of Bukavu and days later at Beni. This is where they are going in both directions. That’s to take over and be the leaders of the provinces. That would be a huge victory of the M23 and their insurgency. Just like they were able to take over Goma. It is just to prove to Kinshasa that its powerless in this side of the Republic.

The FARDC and Wazalendo are in trouble and been for some time. Neither are their allies helping them out either. They aren’t capable of containing and stopping the advances of the M23. That’s why we should see M23 within rage of Bukavu. Later we will see Beni…

This is just telling and we should be worried. Everyone is calling for Kinshasa to talk of dialogue, but Kigali and Kampala has to play their part too. They are also involved and kept ex-militants on their territories until they allowed them to cross the borders. That was done when they thought of a positive window for re-engagement and that is showing now. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Supreme Court Ruling on Civilian Trials in Military Courts: A Victory for Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law (31.01.2025)