Statement by the Spokesperson on the recent violent clashes in Ethiopia (10.08.2016)

Omoro Protest 06.08.2016

BRUSSELS, Belgium, August 10, 2016 –  “Violence in the Oromia and Amhara regions of Ethiopia, including reports of killings of protesters as well as of members of the security forces, is deeply worrying. We express our condolences to all those affected. Everyone must refrain from the use of force as further violence can only be an obstacle to peaceful solutions.

The Federal Ethiopian constitution offers mechanisms which should be used by all sides to address the grievances behind the recent protests through constructive dialogue and engagement, without delay.”

Joint Statement on the Roadmap Agreement for Sudan (09.08.2016)

AUHIP Roadmap

KHARTOUM, Sudan, August 9, 2016 –  The representatives of the Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States), Germany and the European Union welcome the signing of the Roadmap Agreement by the Justice and Equality Movement, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Minni Minnawi, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), and the National Umma Party. In signing the Roadmap Agreement, these groups have demonstrated a laudable commitment to ending the conflicts in Sudan and moving towards a process of dialogue as a basis for lasting peace in their country. We welcome the support of the Roadmap by other members of the Sudan Call.

We also commend the Government of Sudan for signing the Roadmap Agreement on 16 March 2016, and subsequently clarifying its commitments regarding the inclusion of other relevant stakeholders in the National Dialogue and to continue to uphold any decisions reached between the opposition signatories and the 7+7 Mechanism.

We recognise that the opposition had expressed valid concerns which have been noted by the African Union High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP). We believe these would constitute legitimate agenda items for any preparatory meetings.

The Roadmap Agreement constitutes a valuable step towards ending the wars in Sudan. We urge the signatories to lose no further time in agreeing a cessation of hostilities and modalities for humanitarian access in Darfur and the Two Areas.

In parallel, we encourage opposition parties in Sudan to seize this opportunity to come together inside a process of dialogue to achieve a political settlement addressing the challenges that continue to face their people. And we appeal to the Government of Sudan to take all necessary steps to ensure a conducive environment for this process to succeed.

We wish to underscore the significant efforts of the AUHIP in helping to achieve this Roadmap Agreement, and we call on the signatories to engage constructively and sincerely to build on the Roadmap in order to realise a peaceful and stable Sudan.

Amb Lominsuk ‘South Sudan rejects Foreign Troops’ (Youtube-Clip)

“South Sudan’s ambassador to Uganda Samuel Luate Lominsuk has castigated media reports that President Salva Kiir finally accepted extra foreign troops into his country. This comes in following the IGAD summit that was held over the weekend in Ethiopia’s capital Adis Ababa. Amb. Lominsuk exclusively tells WBS TV that there were three requests that were put forward by IGAD including protection of humanitarian and relief on top of the military corridors by the UN. WBS’ Jocylynne Nakibuule had a one – on – one with the ambassador and now reports” (WBS TV Uganda, 2016).

US Election: The Statement on Trump from former Republican National Security Officials

Trump Security Letter August 2016 P1Trump Security Letter August 2016 P2Trump Security Letter August 2016 P3Trump Security Letter August 2016 P4Trump Security Letter August 2016 P5Trump Security Letter August 2016 P6Trump Security Letter August 2016 P7Trump Security Letter August 2016 P8

Tonight with Tim Modise | Pastor Evan Mawarire talks #ThisFlag movement & Zimbabwe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJDEAw9t4xs

UPDF ready to be part of IGAD standby force for South Sudan (Youtube-Clip)

“The government says the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces is ready to deploy in South Sudan .The confirmation comes days after the East African regional bloc, IGAD announced that S.Sudan’s President Salva Kiir had agreed to having a regional force stationed in Juba to help quell the upsurge in fighting in the world’s youngest nation.
Meanwhile , the US government has proposed that the UN Security Council approves the deployment of 4000 strong force in the country” (NTV Uganda, 2016)

Opinion: VP Mphoko has lost the ‘plot’ and Mugabe is in the biblical Psalms!

MPEKEZELA-MPHOKO

As the Zimbabwean economy is in shambles, the ATMs are pushing out South African Rand’s instead of US Dollars, the Zimbabwean state are letting this flag demonstrators go to jail, letting students protesting at a Cricket match go to jail. The Government are busy shedding and putting cyber-crime to the forefront of the agenda, together with escalation of the computer prices. As the Mugabe government are hostile to War Veterans, Lawyers, Pastors and everybody else than the Zanu-PF elite.

It was already earlier in the last month, claimed that Mugabe was biblical. I wrote my piece on it, but the leadership and honourable Vice President of Zimbabwe we’re more direct yesterday, actually saying the bible was directly quoting the proof of the unjust and authoritarian regime under President Mugabe. First take the words of VP Mphoko. Before we look into the bible-verse Mugabe apparently is written into!

VP Mphoko wise words yesterday:

“I hear that there are people who are fasting for 40 days, praying to God for the President to die. What these people don’t know is that President Mugabe was chosen by God before he was appointed by the people” (…) “I’m wondering what kind of churches and what kind of people would kneel down and pray for someone’s death. The President was created by God in your absence but you have the nerve to ask God to destroy that person yet God has a purpose for him. What has gotten into us?” (…) “President Mugabe was born on the 2tst and if you read the psalms 21 it says I’ll give you a crown of leadership and long life. That’s President Mugabe’s prophecy from God. Those who are against the prophecy are wasting their time by fasting and praying for his death” (Vambe, 2016).

niv2_1431552515

Psalms 21:

“1The king rejoices in your strength, Lord.

How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2You have granted him his heart’s desire

and have not withheld the request of his lips.

3You came to greet him with rich blessings

and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—

length of days, for ever and ever.

5Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;

you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6Surely you have granted him unending blessings

and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7For the king trusts in the Lord;

through the unfailing love of the Most High

he will not be shaken.

8Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;

your right hand will seize your foes.

9When you appear for battle,

you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace.

The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,

and his fire will consume them.

10You will destroy their descendants from the earth,

their posterity from mankind.

11Though they plot evil against you

and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.

12You will make them turn their backs

when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13Be exalted in your strength, Lord;

we will sing and praise your might” (New International Version, 2011 – https://www.bible.com/no/bible/111/psa.21).

If you can find Mugabe in the Holy Scripture and the prophecy in it, then you are deluded or trying to mend the biblical times with ours. So the celebration for a victory done in King David time, all of a sudden has meaning for the current President Mugabe. Proves that the VP Mphoko have to study his bible and his words. The usage of bible and the Holy Scriptures to defend a tyrant and a dictator isn’t actually that noble or honest. He is part of the Zanu-PF cronies and proves how far he will go defend the master and breadwinner who have a luxurious lifestyle. This is something Mphoko also done with his long stay at luxurious hotel on the billings of Zimbabwean tax-payers.

Pope Jean Paul II Quote

I will quote the late Pope Jean Paul II that wrote this about the same Psalm:

“At the heart of Psalm 21[20], the Liturgy of Vespers has left out the part we have just heard and omitted another section with an imprecatory tone (cf. vv. 9-13). The remaining preserved part speaks in the past and in the present of the favours God has granted the king, while the omitted part speaks of his future victory over his enemies” (…) “The text that is the subject of our meditation (cf. vv. 2-8, 14) belongs to the category of the royal Psalms. It is therefore centred on God’s work for the Hebrew sovereign, perhaps portrayed on the solemn day of his enthronement. At the beginning (cf. v. 2) and at the end (cf. v. 14), the acclamation of the entire gathering almost seems to ring out, whereas the heart of the canticle has the tone of a thanksgiving hymn which the Psalmist addresses to God for the favours he has granted the king: “goodly blessings” (v. 4), “length of days” (v. 5), “glory” (v. 6) and “joy” (v. 7)” (…) “It is easy to perceive that this hymn, as occurred with other royal Psalms in the Psaltery, was given a new interpretation when the monarchy in Israel disappeared. In Judaism it had already become a hymn in honour to the Messiah-king, thus paving the way to the Christological interpretation which is precisely used in the liturgy” (…) “Along these lines, St Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, commenting on this Psalm, was to apply the theme of life (cf. Ps 21[20]: 5) to Christ’s Resurrection: “Why does the Psalmist say: “Life you have asked for’, since Christ was about to die? In this way, the Psalmist proclaims his Resurrection from the dead and his immortality after rising from th dead. In fact, he entered life in order to rise again, and through the space of time in eternity, so as to be incorruptible” (Esposizione della Predicazione Apostolica, 72, Milan, 1979, p. 519)” (Jean Paul II, 2004).

That isn’t saying a prophecy of the reign of Mugabe as VP Mphoko said recently. When it comes to theological questions I prefer a scholar in this and not a political experienced Zanu-PF man who claims the Mugabe place inside the Holy Scripture.

The only justified words of VP Mphoko are the praying and fasting for the death of Mugabe. Mugabe is a human and at one point stop to reign Zimbabwe. At one point the man will stop breathing like all of the rest of ordinary people. The Christians of Zimbabwe should pray for their leadership and that God should send them honorable men. Also for men of faith to run the country as the bible teaches them to do. As the proverbs and other scriptures says about honesty, truth and managing resources. Though the bible is more about mercy and salvation, but has other scriptures as well. Still, haven’t seen anywhere Mugabe been parts of the prophecy and the future knowledge of any of the prophets. That is just me though. Peace.

Reference:

Vambe, Lex – ‘Mugabe’s Death : VÅ Mphoko shocked and angered by prayer requests’ (08.08.2016) link: http://www.thezimbabwenewslive.com/politics-24052-mugabes-death-vp-mphoko-shocked-angered-prayer-requests.html

Jean Paul II – ‘General Audience’ (17.03.2004) link: http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/audiences/2004/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_20040317.html

Statement by the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa on #OromoProtest

Ethiopia Addis Demo outside US Embassy

Addis Ababa, August 8, 2016:  The U.S. Embassy is deeply concerned with the extensive violence that occurred during protests across Ethiopia this weekend in the Oromia and Amhara regions. We have noted reports that protestors and security officials have been injured or killed, although confirmed numbers are not available.

The U.S. Embassy expresses its deep condolences to those who suffered as a result of the violence and regrets the damage to livelihoods, economic development, and the social fabric that such violence brings.  We recognize that many of the demonstrations took place without authorization, and urge all parties to support those who are seeking constructive dialog and peaceful solutions.  We reaffirm our call to respect the constitutionally enshrined rights of all citizens, including those with opposition views, to gather peacefully, and to express their opinions.

Statement attributable to the Spokesman of the Secretary-General on South Sudan (08.08.2016)

IGAD Plus

The Secretary-General welcomes the communique of the Heads of State and Government of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Plus countries.

NEW YORK, United States of America, August 8, 2016 – The Secretary-General welcomes the communique of the Heads of State and Government of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Plus countries. He commends the IGAD leaders for their decisive action and welcomes the Government of South Sudan’s acceptance of a regional protection force. He calls on all South Sudanese leaders to set aside their personal differences and demonstrate their commitment to the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, which remains the only viable path to ending the crisis.

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the continued fighting in the country and calls for an immediate end to the hostilities. He is outraged by the continued reports of serious human rights violations and abuses, including widespread sexual violence against women and young girls, committed by armed men in uniform. He calls on all parties to uphold their responsibility to protect civilians and demands that they take immediate steps to hold accountable those responsible for these despicable crimes.

The Secretary-General reiterates his commitment to work with all South Sudanese, IGAD, the African Union and international partners, to implement the recommendations of today’s summit.

Ethiopia: #OromoProtest becomes bloody!

Omoro Protest 06.08.2016

There been reports that on the second day in Ethiopia that the government has turned off the Internet and sent the army to the Oromia. So the TPLF and the Ethiopian Government want the world not to know their actions against their own citizens who desperately demonstrate against their oppressive behavior. This is the Ethiopian Government and their Prime Minister Hailemiriam Desalegn Boshe. Today in the Oromia have been thousands arrested and reported of approximately 60 dead. The government is really doing everything to silence and kill of the protest in the region. The Authorities are usually taking the demonstrators who we’re arrested and taken into military camps where the TLPF are torturing them and giving them inhumane treatment. There been also reported that the government fears so much for information leaks from the demonstrations that they even are blocking SMS in the areas.

The other reports of killed are these approximately 80 killed during the last 24 hours. 34 at the Amhara protests killed in Bahir Dar and 50 killed in the Omoroprotests killed yesterday (Live from Mogadishu, 07.08.2016).

First report:

“A personal witness from Asasa, W.Arsi zone says people are left helpless with their wounded family members because the military closed the only public hospital available in town” (Girma Gutema, 07.08.2016).

Demonstrations in Mogor town, West Shewa:

Second Report:

“We are hearing ongoing mass killing including assassination of prominent businessmen in Awaday and other Oromo towns. It is very hard to fully verify what we hear via telephone as internet is completely shut off in Ethiopia, and electricity is cut off from most towns in Oromia. The whereabout of hundreds of university lecturers, doctors and businessmen is unknown by their parents. A prominent businessman named Sheko was assassinated by the military in his own home in Aawaday. If the influx of information is confirmed, a systematic ethnic cleansing, if not genocide is being committed against the Oromo” (Daraaraa Sabaa, 07.08.2016).

Third Report:

“We are hearing Oromia International Bank branch in Bahr Dar is attacked. have no doubt this is done by the Tigrean mafia to attempting to instigate conflict between Oromo and Amhara. We should expect possible attack on Amhara properties in Oromia” (Jawar Mohammed, 07.08.2016)

Fouth Report:

“We are hearing ongoing mass killing including assassination of prominent businessmen in Awaday and other Omoro towns. It is very hard to fully verify what we hear via telephone as internet is completely shut off in Ethiopia, and electricity is cut off from most towns in Oromia. The whereabout of hundreds of university lecturers, doctors and businessmen is unknown by their parents. A prominent businessman named Sheko was assassinated by the military in his own home in Awaday. If the influx of information is confirmed, a systematic ethnic cleansing, if not genocide is being committed against Oromo. The Oromo around the world must be prepared to hear the worst and respond in kind” (Jawar Mohammed, 06.08.2016).

Riot in Bale: 

The reports from Ethiopia are not sunny and as good as their exported coffee. This bad news as the oppressive behavior of the TPLF continues as the strongmen of the capital with their weapons and army are attacking the citizens. This should be focused and the Ethiopian Government should be condemn, sanctioned and embargoed against as the TPLF are not following any kind of peaceful means towards their demonstrators. The demonstrators are being taken down and arrested for doing their civil duty. The TPLF should beg for legitimacy in the region, not silence them by the gun and by the monopoly of violence against the Omoro people and their institutions.

In Koma Town: 

The TPLF have deployed ordinary army from the border regions to the Amhara region to engage the civilians. What is fearful when Ethiopians are even saying if a protester dies on the outside of Addis Ababa than it seems not to count. Therefore the TPLE can do as they want in the regions of demonstrations. Peace.