Burkina Faso: Communique de l’Intersyndicale des magistrats relatif aux requistions ciblees de magistrats aux fins de “participer aux operations de securisation du terroire aupres du Groupement du Froces du Securisation du Nord (GFSN) a Kaya” (15.08.2024)

South Sudan: R-MJEC – “Nothing” is prepared on time for the December 2024 elections…

7. In terms of preparations for the conduct of elections as scheduled, since our last meeting, I am informed that the National Elections Commission (NEC) has conducted an induction of its newly reconstituted States High Committees. However, some concerns were raised regarding the process by which the list of the members of the High Committees was derived, and a lack of adherence to the 35% minimum threshold of women’s representation. 8. According to the R-ARCSS, the NEC was expected to complete and publish the voter register within six months prior to the holding of elections, a deadline that has already passed. I await an update from the Chair of the NEC. 9. I would like to underscore the importance of proper preparations and funding of the Political Parties Council (PPC) and the National Elections Commission (NEC), so that they can discharge their mandates” (…) “In conclusion, with barely five months left before elections as scheduled in the Roadmap, the lack of adequate elections preparedness and the lack of progress in the unification of forces is causing anxiety among the population of South Sudan, which is already under pressure from the current difficult economic situation. It is important, therefore, that the Principals of the Parties to the Agreement meet, consider the report of the High Level Standing Committee, and provide clarity on the way forward” (R-JMEC – ‘STATEMENT BY H.E. AMB. MAJ GEN (rtd) CHARLES TAI GITUAI CBS INTERIM CHAIRPERSON – RJMEC TO THE 37TH RJMEC MONTHLY MEETING THURSDAY, 8 AUGUST 2024 JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN’ 08.08.2024).

The latest statement from the Interim Chairperson Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai yesterday is coming with quotes that speaks volume of the lack of implementation and preparation for the scheduled elections on the 22nd December 2024. This is the date set for the first elections since independence.

These elections seems like a charade and we should rather see a prolonged transitional period. Since the current TNLA and R-TGoNU aren’t able to facilitate and secure the organizational tools to run a legitimate election. The current stakeholders and the ones in office seems like recklessly avoiding to fulfil the stipulations in the R-ARCSS. Which also is parts of the agreement to ensure a peaceful and legitimate election.

At this moment, the leaders of Juba and in South Sudan isn’t willing or isn’t considering it as a vital thing to do. Neither is there any will or rush to fix these things either. They are without words saying the elections won’t happen and there will be an extension of the transitional period.

The transitional period has to be extended and the ones in J-1 and elsewhere is given more time to fix the lacking implementation. There is soon no excuses and no reasons to continue it. It is more a charade and a way of keeping the current leaders in office. They came to power with guns and they aren’t willing to risk it with the ballot. Therefore, it is easier to not work or try to enforce the R-ARCSS. Than actually risk losing the office and losing power, which you currently has as an achievement with accordance to the same agreement.

That’s how it is looking from afar. That the leaders are willing to continue to stay in power and in office without an official mandate. Only prolong the agony and the transitional period, indefinitely. Because, that is easier than building a functional state or even institutionalize as such. If the state is properly institutionalized, than the President cannot decree his rule or appoint without merit people. That will takeaway power and instruments, which has given J-1 an advantage over everyone else.

This is why we know Kiir won’t risk holding an election, as long as he fears losing all of that. He has too cling on to power and his the sort of leader that will die in office. Peace.

DRC: Leaders associated with AFC/M23 is handed a death sentence…

A military court in Kinshasa has handed down the death penalty to former electoral commission boss Corneille Nangaa and more than two dozen other members of the rebel group, Alliance Fleuve Congo or Congo River Alliance (AFC).The Congolese court adopted a rarely used weapon to tame a group associated with the M23 rebels, who were declared a terrorist organisation. Leaders of the M23, Sultani Makenga and Bertrand Bisimwa and their spokesmen Willy Ngoma and Lawrence Kanyuka, are in the same boat” (Capital FM Uganda, 09.08.2024).

When a power becomes afraid, it is because it sees its fall coming. And its fall is this parody of a trial, followed by obsequious condemnations. It is the expression of the fear of a regime at bay, and which sees its decline coming. These sentences only bind and concern those who pronounced them. They will be obliged, after release, to return to them and ask for forgiveness for having carried out a manifestly illegal order, intended to please a autocrate crook, sick and charlatan to boot” (Corneille Nangaa, 08.08.2024).

Today we are getting the news that Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and Mouvement du Mars 23 (M23) leaders have been sentenced to death by a military court in Kinshasa. Their armed rebellion and usage of militia activities within the Republic have caused this. They are parts of armed rebellion against the state and is directly challenging the Republic’s own army in parts of the Republic. Which is reasonable to target and sanction, to give the leaders a punitive action and act within the rule of law. Therefore, this sort of sentencing on them isn’t shocking, but is a sign of the will of the state.

A state that hasn’t had the will or the power to do so. Now they are addressing the insurgency and the militias within the Republic. It is targeting the M23/AFC or the AFC/M23 which seems inter-connected. They seem like an entity and the leadership there can be questioned. As they are targeting a region and province of the DRC.

M23 are a threat in the Nord-Kivu Province. That is common knowledge and AFC is a vehicle of just that. The fall of Nangaa is clear too, as he was a respected fellow and a man who had the authority of the electoral commission of the DRC. He was the man that announced the victory of President Felix Tshisekedi in 2019. Now, his sentenced by the court to death. That is significant and shows what is possible in the DRC.

Nangaa has to answer for his choices and why he took part of the AFC. The avenues was maybe closed and he knew he wouldn’t have any favours with the allies of Tshisekedi, as he was a man that had entrusted this role by former President Joseph Kabila. Therefore, he was a relic and a man of the wrong administration.

Still, it is risky to associate yourself with an armed rebellion and militia’s within a Republic. That could easily be seen as treason and be seen as a criminal act against the state. This isn’t anything new for the M23, but for the AFC it is. Others has been here before and won’t be last, as long as there are mineral resources to loot and lacking structures to control the territories. Which gives breading ground for rebellion and armed militias to control mineral rich regions. That’s where these comes in and make a business out of it. Since the army isn’t capable or have the manpower to enforce rule of law. Therefore, in the vacuum of the state, these militias and armed rebellions comes in and takeover from the state.

That isn’t done without a risk and they are only allowed to do so. If they serve the interests of the current leadership and President. If the militias or armed groups has association with the government. They could get away with their crimes and profiteering on the extraction of minerals within their zones or occupied areas.

That’s why we know this will not stop the M23 or the AFC from operating. They are now seen as illegal entities and are a danger to society. This it should have been seen from the onset and from how they have used lethal force to have a say. Not only for the association with foreign entities and logistical support as such. Which has been reported and been known, especially for the M23. We shouldn’t be shocked if the AFC are the same or in the same boat. They are working for the same thing and trying to evolve the same beast. Therefore, the state is within it’s rights to address it.

The Military Court has only reacted within its realm and within its mandate. The ones charged and getting on trial should answer for it. It is only righteous… and for a greater cause. Some might say this is to consolidate or control more power in the eyes of the President. Well, the M23 and AFC isn’t Sunday School Choirs or Bible Salesmen, but an armed opposition against the state. That’s why the state is within it’s right to sanction it. Peace.

Republique Centrafricaine: Parti de l’Unite et de la Reconstruction (P.U.R) – Communique de Presse du Parti de l’Unite et de la Reconstruction (PUR) relatif a la Levee Totale de l’Embargo des Armes a Destination de la RCA (08.08.2024)

Ukraine: Zelensky – “Russia brought the war to our land, and it should feel what it has done”

I am grateful to each warrior, each soldier and commander who ensures the defense of our Ukrainian positions and the fulfillment of our defensive tasks. Ukrainians know how to achieve their goals. And achieving the goals at war was not our choice. Russia brought the war to our land, and it should feel what it has done. We strive to achieve our goals as soon as possible in peacetime – under just peace conditions. And it will happen” – President Volodymyr Zelensky (08.08.2024)

Today we can say that Russian Federation are feeling the war at home. In the Kursk Oblast the invasion and the Ukrainian advances are pushing through. Russian civilians are fleeing and the region is under “state of emergency”. There is talk of various strategic targets for the Ukrainian army to hit as well. Therefore, things are moving along. The last 48 hours has been different for the Russians and it shows.

Civilians in Kursk is pleading their government for help. They are having outcries as they are fleeing their homes without document and shelter. These people are now living under the same conditions as the Ukrainian ones has been going through for two years. It is hard to feel sympathy, especially when the same people are saying they have supported the troops in Ukraine and tried to aide them. Therefore, these knew what was going on in Ukraine and now they have retaliated.

The invasion is furthering its territories and that’s making the civilians more fearful. As the Russians aren’t able to stagnate or stop the advances of the Ukrainian forces. That is a defeated Russian army, which wasn’t prepared for invasion. Which is a rare instance of counter-offensive that is going forward.

The continued push and advances only beg to question how far and what sort of planning is behind it. Because this is bold and they are really seeing a Russian army in disarray in disbelief of what is going on. They are lacking protocol and reinforcements. As they are to busy elsewhere and wasn’t prepared for any sort of invasion. Therefore, the choices of Ukraine will be important. Especially how far they are stretching the front-lines and how they logistically is preparing for reinforcements themselves. Because, the longer they get into the territory. The more they need support and a backdrop of equipment, soldiers and air-support. Which is harder to get by, unless they have already captured vital transport hubs like railways that can transport this quickly to the front-lines. Alas, that is maybe in the scope and in the plans of the Ukrainian forces.

Kursk oblast is getting a taste of the war. The civilians there is now getting the same pressure and feeling the pain, which their Ukrainian counterparts has for years. These are now seeing their homes, villages and towns becoming a battlefield. The war-zone is now in their midst and the government has to act.

It will be really telling with the response and what sort of action the Kremlin has to this. Except for the 10,000 rubles and appointing an interim governor of Kursk oblast. That man is a sorry soul and a king without kingdom. His in the midst of war and the advances takes away his domain. Certainly, that must be a tough day at the office. Seeing civilians flee and no answers to give them.

The latest most striking news is that the Russians built two expensive fortifications in the Kursk oblast, in case of an counter-offensive, but these was breached within a day and Military Z bloggers on the Russian side is mad at this. Because this shows how the Russian Federation misused funds and didn’t prepare. It didn’t consider the implications or didn’t believe that they would ever use it. These fortifications that used billions of rubels on was taken in a heartbeat and that hurt the pride of the Russians. Showing the finesse and the strategical moves of the Ukrainian forces.

They are moving further into the Kursk Oblast in several directions. Must be hard for the FSB and the Kremlin to hear about it. As it is damaging the pride and they have to move forces from elsewhere to combat it. That takes time and they cannot just swiftly change front-lines either. Therefore, this is a shocker and also an eye-opener. As the Russian Federation can be touched and the Ukrainian forces can return a “favour”.

The Russians are now tasting their own medicine. They are now getting the war home and not just an insurgency of volunteers or former soldiers collectively attacking Russia like happened in Belogorod last year. Things are happening and fast… Peace.

Russia: Kursk Oblast invaded…

The Special Military Operation in Ukraine is backfiring. This isn’t the first time in two years that there been military operations on Russian soil. In the past we have seen so in Belogrod oblast, which only lasted a few days. Now this is even bigger and not only smaller pockets of armed groups, but Ukrainian defence force which is attacking inside the Russian Federation.

The attack that started on the 6th August 2024 is only being prolonged. It is like they are planning to stretch the frontlines within the Kursk oblast. Take over strategic areas and ensure to ensnare soldiers within the region. Therefore, there is already captured Russian soldiers and their communication is lacking.

The Ukrainian forces can advance and make sure the Russian defence is failing. That’s why they are moving in several directions. You can wonder why they are doing it, as they are combatting in defence war in Donetsk and elsewhere in Donbas. Which has been in a stalemate and prolonged agony for two years.

This attack and advance on Russian soil are maybe showing the weakness of the operations and how the Russian army is operating within Ukraine. As this can weaken their ability to send new troops and stop lines of supplies to the frontlines. That could be the goal and it could also to destroy valuable industrial parts of Russia.

Kursk oblast and the invasion from Ukraine right now is showing how the annexation and the waged war against Ukraine is backfiring. The Russians aren’t able to contain and stop foreign troops from entering the Federation. They are weakened as a army and lack the structure to easily combat the invasion. That’s a sign of weakness, as after 48 hours and the Ukrainian forces are still able to advance. Towns and villages have become emptied, people are fleeing the frontlines and the regional government have issued “state of emergency”. It just shows the weakening stature of the government, the army and everyone in office. When the Ukrainian defence can do so and after being in war for so long time.

The three-day war to invade Kyiv has now entered the stage where Ukrainian forces are now creating the frontlines and have the ability to move the pendulum. That wasn’t on paper months ago and neither was this anticipated. This is stretching the logistics of the Ukrainian forces and makes it longer for reinforcement. However, it is also shocking the core of the Russian Federation. They can’t silence the guns and the divisions of Ukraine on its territory.

This is humiliating and shows the lack of defensive structure. The Russian army has been busy on creating own fronts. Never thinking the Ukrainian ones could go on an offensive and create diversions. That’s what is happening here. This will be short term attack on Russian soil. It is hard to believe that they will annex and keep these territories, but this sort of operation is distorting the idea of supremacy on the battlefield. As the Ukrainian forces have shown finesse by doing this and continuing to advance.

We can just wonder what the plan is and if they have strategic goals to achieve. If they are doing this to destroy certain routes, logistical hubs and other facilities to stop the warfare in Ukraine. Because that would make sense, as destroying the railways and other industrial complexes. Just to weaken the war-machine of the Russians. That would be the most beneficial.

We can wait and see, as the Kursk oblast is under attack. In a manner, which Kremlin and the FSB wasn’t prepared for. That’s why things are happening this way. The shock and sudden approach changes the stories, the narratives and also the moral on the ground. This will have affect long after the skirmishes are over. It shows that the Russians aren’t as strong or as able to defend its territories, as it think it is. If it was… the Ukrainian wouldn’t have touched Kursk, but it has instead gotten further into it. They are passing larger territories and able to strike without fear.

That’s saying something. Ukraine on the offensive within Russia. That’s not what we thought we would see, but here we are. Peace.

Tchad: Union des Journalistes Tchadiens (U.J.T) – Communique de Presse (07.08.2024)

Burkina Faso: Another failed Coup d’etat against Captain Ibrahim Traoré

This time it was people involved in the Forces de Défense et de Sécurité (FDS) that been arrested for participating in the thwarted coup attempt against Captain Ibrahim Traoré. If the rumoured attempt happened. This is like the 16th attempt since the captain took over power.

There is already speculation that this is sponsored and an elaborate scheme by Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and President Alassane Ouattara. That him together with a Francafrique forces to bring down the junta of Ouagadougou.

The only knowledge that is out a little snippet of a speech from the captain who claims part of the FDS was a part of it. It again shows how fickle things are and how within his own ranks people want him gone. A man who took power by the guns, will end by the same guns. That wouldn’t be shocking, but a continuation of an evil circle of armed transition.

Not like the captain is running a civilian government or an elected one. No, this is a transitional military government. A government that was established in September 2022 on the promise of change and possible new democratic re-start. However, there hasn’t been any movement of that sorts, but only more excuses to prolong his reign.

We can expect that the captain stays on as long as his capable of. As long as his able to thwart coup attempts and stop anyone else for putching him.

If there was no coup attempt, then this is a way of getting rid of enemies and arresting people he fears. The captain is maybe aware of clicks, groups and internal military commanders that has ambition. Those the captain fears and easier to arrest for coups. Than to be able to corrupt or compromise in office. Therefore, he could create coups to silence and get rid of the ones that could become his enemies from within. We shouldn’t be shocked if that was the case.

The captain was calculated enough to succeed in his coup d’etat and know how things are moving. So, he would easily see or use intelligence to stifle others. Also, his able to see or smell friction. Therefore, he would strike against the ones that would possibly aim for him.

Captain Ibrahim Traoré is either a hero or a man who tries to consolidate all power. Either a man who is a target or a man who creates enemies to ensure his reign. We cannot know at this very moment. Since he only come out with statements, and we don’t have much tangible information about the coup attempt.

That’s why there is lots of speculation and less of information about it. Only his words and others releasing possible rumours. This is why you can question it all and the state doesn’t drop reports or proof of conspiracy either. Not like we have seen that on plenty of the other attempts either. Therefore, we are allowed to be sceptical, but continue to see the captain in office. Peace.

Burma: Comrade of Rohingya Youth (CRY) – The Comrades of rohingya Youth Appeals Bangladesh Border Authorities, International Community for Immediate Protection of Rohingya (07.08.2024)

Tchad: Archidiocese de N’Djamena – Communique (05.08.2024)