Burkina Faso – Mali – Niger: Communique Final – Rencontre Ministerielle de Validation des Specifications Techniques Harmonisees des Documents de Voyage et d’Identite de la Confederation des Etats du Sahel (AES) – (22.11.2024)

South Sudan: Updates on the second day of the “battle” between Gen. Kiir and Gen. Akol

South Sudan’s former National Security Service (NSS) chief, General Akol Koor Kuc, has avoided arrest following a tense standoff, though three of his bodyguards were wounded in the incident. Akol remains at his residence in the Thongpiny neighborhood of Juba, according to close security sources” (Sudans Post, 22.11.2024).

Calm has returned to Juba after an urgent security meeting chaired by President Kiir resolved to provide maximum protection to the former Spy Chief Gen. Akol Koor Kuc and his family. This decision was reached amidst last night’s heavy gunshots that have caused panic and fear among the public. The standoff between security forces and former Spy’s loyalists led to some unconfirmed casualties and injuries” (Tonj Trinity Media, 22.11.2024).

Arm Chief Gen. Santino Deng Wol Evacuates Former Spy Chief From Thongpiny to Jebel Suk

With eyed evidence, Gen. Santino Deng Wol has been seen collecting ex-spy boss Gen. Akol Koor Kuc and his wife plus his 5 bodyguards from Thongpiny residential area to Jebel Suk where ex- spy chief has another house there. The evacuation of former spy chief came about when the heavy gunfire exchange took place last night at Thongpiny between Tiger division and ex-spy chief allies. Nonetheless, the fight was ceased shortly after 30 minutes. Currently, Thongpiny is 100% percent safe and there is no single soldier you see loitering around. All heavy armed vehicles have left immediately after they have seen Akol Kuc is complied to go with Gen.Dengdit” (Aweilda Number One, 22.11.2024).

In Juba things are going back to normal, though reports of tensions and such are still there. Things aren’t just sealed and back to business. There is now signs of how fickle things are and how the Generals are fighting for power.

Yesterday, some reports was wrong, as they said he was arrested and guarded away from Juba. That wasn’t true. He has been in house-arrest and been under circumstances that has kept him in-house. Therefore, the authorities, the army and the state agencies knew where he was. That’s why they thought they could seal the deal quickly.

Nevertheless, General Kiir and his minions didn’t consider the bodyguards and the supporters surrounding General Akol Koor. That’s why they couldn’t just take him and detain him on the spot. He wouldn’t budge and there was lack of protocol. As there are now reports that the state didn’t have warrants or paperwork diligently showing the reason for an arrest. Therefore, the former spy chief had enough leverage to be kept at bay.

Alas, now there is further escalation and after the last 24 hours. The state needs to arraign him. As the injured, the violence and lethal usage of force. There reports of possible two bodyguards of General Akol Koor has died after yesterday’s action. So, this shows how things are and how easily life are taken over the continuation of power.

We know things aren’t all as it seems, some reports says his taken in today and others are saying this: “There is a tense calm in Juba following a heavy exchange of gunfire last night at the residence of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, former Director General of the Internal Bureau of the National Security Service. Security checkpoints are in place, and movement is restricted in certain areas. The army and police are currently assessing the situation and will provide further updates. As of now, the whereabouts of Gen. Akol Koor remain unclear” (Radio Miraya – JUBA SITUATION UPDATE, 22.11.2024).

The Radio Miraya update is posted hours apart from the ones saying his arrested. So, hard to know. However, the reports yesterday said the same thing too and those wasn’t true. He was supposed to be on the way to Bilpam, which wasn’t true at all. In the midst of the gun-smoke and gun-fire the rumours, speculation and everything went haywire. That’s why there is more subtly today.

We will know more as the hours goes by and if the authorities also drops intelligence or even shows the General Akol Koor alive somewhere. That’s what is needed, because this will just further the speculations and uncertainty. The big-men is fighting, the one who used to have power and the one who is still in power. Peace.

South Sudan: A violent stand-off between General Kiir and General Akol in Juba

The South Sudan army is reporting that the heavy shooting heard in Juba is coming from the residence of the former Director General of the National Security Services (NSS) Internal Security Bureau – General Akol Koor Kuc. Army’s spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai confirmed this to Radio Miraya and is asking the general public to remain calm” (Sudan News, 21.11.2024).

South Sudan’s former spy chief, General Akol Koor Kuc has been arrested and transported to Bilpam, the headquarters of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), following clashes with security forces” (Sudans Post, 21.11.2024).

Today was the sky flaring up with gun-shuts, as the sky was lit with it. The leaked videos from it showed what was going down in Juba, South Sudan. Yet again, as it was in 2013. The armed forces went into go mode and settled the grievances by the guns. This time around another former ally and entrusted fellow army commander was caught. A man who just a mere month ago was sacked as the Spy Chief and demoted to a gubernatorial office.

This just shows how fickle things are, as the General Akol has already in the recent month been blocked from leaving Juba. He has stopped on the airport in Juba. In addition to be held in captivity in his own home under house arrest. Today things got even further and now his reportedly arrested.

Here is his statement as he was demoted to become Governor:

I am surprised at the rumours stating I have declined the offer by my President to serve my country at the state level. Declining for what reason? I am a government civil servant who worked years ago in Warrap State as the Commissioner of Tonj North County. I am happy to serve again at the gubernatorial level” – General Akol Koor Kuc (Voice of Juba, 05.10.2024).

General Akol served the President and republic as a Spy Chief for over a decade. He knows the tricks to the trade and was sort of an enigma. That has given him a lot of support and there was even talks of him being a possible successor to the current President. Alas, that doesn’t seem likely now.

Especially, not after the fallout and usage of force in Juba. This is the sort of aftermath that seals the deal and stops all sorts of movement between the former allies. There are now settlements and need for a sit-down. However, we know that isn’t coming fast as one General are behind bars and the other is busy keeping up the status quo.

Others aligned with Gen Akol Koor has been apprehended too:

According to sources closed to Gen. Marshall, the order for complete arrest and isolation of Gen. Akol Koor came from President Salva Kiir today. The general further revealed that if Gen. Akol Koor resists, the army is ready to use force to restrain and relocate him.

According to relatives, there is no written order from the President as it was done in the past when the army came to disarm the bodyguards of Gen. Akol Koor from the house which the general accepted and released all his bodyguards back to their units. They were replaced by soldiers from the tiger division.

This evening, the news of arrest and isolation was conveyed by number of senior generals from SSPDF and Internal Security Bureau of NSS.

1. Gen. Marshall Stephen Babenan- SSPDF CMI

2. Gen. Paul Nang Majok -SSPDF

3. Gen. Gum Makuac- SSPDF Tiger commander

4. Gen. Charles Ciec Mayor- ISB/ NSS” (Thømæs Nati, 21.11.2024).

This here is a power-struggle… and even if the guns are silenced tonight. It is telling how easily this went down and how they decided this was their way to square off. Tonight General Akol is resting with the Military Intelligence, as his arrested and an outlaw. That’s the game he played and he has supporters who fought by his side. We don’t know the ramifications of the shoot-out and the skirmishes in the capital.

One has to be careful in the coming days. Even if the gun-smoke is off for tonight. The General might be detained in the coming days, but there are hungry and restless soldiers, who are aligned with the former spy-chief and others who wants to eat. So, these might cause more harm in Juba soon. However, that is just speculations for now.

We will know more with time. Juba has seen yet again more violence and usage of lethal weapons. Peace.

RDC: Collectif des Mouvements pour le Changement (CMC) – Forces de Defense du Peuple (FDP) – (CMC/FDP) – Communique de Presse No. 024 (21.11.2024)

Mali: Col. Goïta have no plans to stop the “transition”

“The president of the Malian Transition, Army General Assimi Goïta, dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Maiga and dissolved the government, according to a presidential decree read on national television on Wednesday. Maiga, who strongly criticized the management of the transition on Saturday, was appointed on June 7, 2021” (…) “”The duties of the prime minister and the members of the government are terminated,” Mali’s military leader Col. Assimi Goita declares in a decree sacking PM Choguel Kokalla Maiga” (TRT Afrika Francais, 21.11.2024).

The ones in Bamako that thinks or reconsider their stance on Colonel Assimi Goïta now. This man haven’t showed another sign or any signal of change anytime soon. He has already allowed himself and his rule to be supreme until 2027. That will be about 7 years of transition, which he had two coups to ensure himself is in office. This being in 2020 and 2021.

Now in 2024, as it is FOUR years of Transitional Period under his rule. He cannot have an appointee and a civilian questioning his timeline or even will to have a civilian government in power of the Republic.

That shows that the Colonel intends to consolidate power further. He won’t allow questions or open dissent to his reign. I wrote back in May 2024 that with the last extension of power that Col. Goïta is sealing his steps for Life Presidency. It is just the first mere steps to ensure longevity and legitimacy to stay in office. That’s what his doing…

The ones believing he has a plan or trying to forge a way for a civilian or elected government. Those are wrong, as he is looking for puppets and people who is willing to be in fine offices, but in the end, they are token soldiers loyal to him. That’s who the Colonel are looking for and these are the ones who will serve in his administration.

The ones thinking Goïta has any ideals or quest for the will of the people. They have to see his actions and how he operates. As he now silences an appointed government official and sacks him. Just because his critical about the manner of which the transition is going. There is a need to gain more knowledge and publicly lay the roadmap for a civilian government. However, if the colonel does that. His signalling his own downfall and the making of his resignation. Which is implying that his becoming a army commander again…

That would be an act of patriotism and of the betterment of the Republic. Nevertheless, a man who has had two coups to consolidate and secure power. He won’t back down easily and he wants to stay in office. The others have to see that, and this junta won’t go in silence. No, this will go out with a bang and blazing guns. There won’t be a peaceful transition, because that would mean the Colonel would give up his titles, instruments of power and whatnot. I cannot see that one coming. He enjoys the perks of the Presidency, and he won’t give those to others. Peace.

Opinion: The pistols of Besigye doesn’t make sense

The authorities of the Ugandan state don’t make. He took a flight to Nairobi and checked into a hotel. Meanwhile hiring a taxi driver to have another meeting at another location. Also preparing for a book launch of an opposition leader in the Kenyan capital. Therefore, it seems far-fetched.

Because why would the airline allow Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale to carry 8 rounds of bullets and have two pistols. In addition, having plans to solicit more weaponry and logistical support from Switzerland and Greece.

First and foremost, where and how where they able to get the guns? Especially, when the UPDF itself says to have a monopoly over the type of weapon. This means someone from the UPDF “sold” or “gave” it away to Besigye at one point. That must have happened before he travelled to Nairobi. Where he was alleged to solicit more of it and logistical support.

That’s why this is all hogwash. Just like the planted weaponry and ammunition that was pictured in the Hotel Room of Arua after Bobi Wine was arrested in the ruckus after the post-election melee after the Arua By-Election. It seems like the same thing all over again. It is the same sort of narrative and story, which is to malign and vilify Besigye.

They have sought similar charges of “destabilize Uganda” before and that was natural after kidnapping him, and later arraigning him in court days after. The authorities couldn’t take him for a parking violation or failing to pay a punitive fine. No, it had to be something serious and with severe ramification. That’s why they have created this case and made up these allegations.

It is just really striking that the two gentlemen were able to carry guns, take them through the airports. Get the weapons cleared and also the ammunition. Meanwhile getting a coordinated effort to capture them. Using that sort of intelligence and covert operation to detain them from Kenya. That’s really something. This is the sort of story is fun in a Hollywood production, but not in real life.

Especially when Besigye only checked into the hotel and never arrived to the Riverside apartments where we was scheduled to have meetings. Which means the state knew about this and kidnapped him before it. Now they are alleging him and his fellow traveller are co-conspirators in the same conspiracy.

The UPDF and the Government of Uganda is now making fanfiction for the Courts. Just in a way to justify the arrest, detaining and keeping them behind bars. There is no reality this makes sense. Why would two civilians have with them pistols, which is monopolized by the UPDF to Kenya? Why? For what reason and how did they arrive there?

That’s why you know this doesn’t add up… and isn’t true. The authorities and the army is foolish for thinking people will buy into this. Especially, when the state has manufactured charges against Besigye in the past and none of them has ever sticked. That’s because they are all fictional and not fact. They are allegations without proof, evidence or even witnesses who can beneath a doubt verify it. Therefore, it is just foolish and dumb… Peace.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in the General Court Martial Holden at Makindye-Kampala – Case No. 040 – Charge Sheet of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale (20.11.2024)

RDC: Consortium des Organisations Non Gouvernementales des Droits de l’Homme en RDC – La situation des Droits de l’Homme en RDC : Quid des dossiers des Generaux et autres officiers arretes en cascade apres l’adhesion de la RDC au Conseil des Droits de l’Homme des Nations Unies ? (19.11.2024)

Mali: Mouvement du 5 Juin – Rassemblement des Forces Patriotiques (M5-RFP) – Declaration No. 00-9 – Declaration du Comite Strategique sur la Tentative de Destabilisation de l’Etat de Choguel Kolalla Maiga (18.11.2024)

Sudan: Statement by the General Secretariat of the Coordination-body of The Democratic & Civil Forces ” Taqaddum” (18.11.2024)

The United Nations Security Council held a special session today, Monday, November 18, 2024, to discuss Sudan. During the session, Britain and Sierra Leone presented a draft resolution. The resolution included provisions calling for an end to the war in Sudan, condemnation of human rights violations, accountability for perpetrators, delivery of humanitarian aid, and implementation of the Jeddah Declaration. Russia exercised its veto power and voted against the resolution, while all 14 remaining council members voted in favor.

We, in the Coordination-body of The Democratic & Civil Forces “Taqaddum,” commend the efforts made by Britain and Sierra Leone in drafting the resolution. We also extend our gratitude to all 14 member states that voted in favor and urge them to continue their endeavors to help end the war, protect civilians, and deliver humanitarian aid in Sudan.

We express our resounding condemnation of Russia’s position, which serves as a cover for the continuation of massacres in Sudan, obstructs efforts to address the world’s worst humanitarian disaster, and leaves the Sudanese people grappling with hunger, disease, and poverty. Russia’s use of the veto to block a resolution endorsed by the three African representatives on the Security Council exposes the falsity of its claims of support for the causes of the Global South and its peoples.

We in “Taqadum” view the high-level attention and global consensus witnessed during today’s Security Council session—regrettably blocked by one country in the contraction of its responsibilities toward international peace and security—as a glimmer of hope for the Sudanese people. It signifies that the world is beginning to comprehend the magnitude of the catastrophe unfolding in our country and stands ready to help achieve peace in Sudan.

We affirm our unwavering determination to continue tirelessly working to alleviate the suffering of our people through all available means. We will persist in our efforts, both inside and outside Sudan, to end the war and address its consequences in a comprehensive and just manner.

General Secretariat of the Coordination-body of Democratic & Civil Forces””Taqaddum”.