Ethiopia-Eritrea: A New Era between the Nations Started Today!

Today is yet another historical day on the Horn of Africa. Just as the yesterday meeting was big enough. There was no paperwork and just a touch of hope, today, the Eritrean government and the Ethiopian government have signed peaceful declaration. They have declared peace. The war started on the May 6th 1998 is officially over now at the 9th July 2018. That is 20 years of warfare, cease-fires and skirmishes. Hopefully, that both parties can follow the agreement and enrich them, as the brotherhood can now grow together, instead of fighting them.

Today is a great day.

The governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea have reached the following joint agreement which reflects the desires and aspirations of their peoples:-

1. The state of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea has come to an end. A new era of peace and friendship has been opened.

2. The two governments will endeavor to forge intimate political, economic, social, cultural and security cooperation that serves and advances the vital interests of their peoples;

3. Transport, trade and communications links between the two countries will resume; diplomatic ties and activities will restart;

4. The decision on the boundary between the two countries will be implemented.

5. Both countries will jointly endeavor to ensure regional peace, development and cooperation.

Both governments express their gratitude to all friends of Eritrea and Ethiopia and call on them to redouble their solidarity and support” (Shabait.com – ‘Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia’ 09.07.2018).

Now, the diplomacy and the borders are opened, the countries has over night nearly decided to change their ways. That Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali and President Isaias Afwerki have suddenly changed the structure. 20 years of fighting and bickering are maybe over. Especially if the Algiers Agreement is followed now, that Ethiopia is giving up Badme, That would be a humiliating thing to do for the TPLF. Clearly, the PM are using his powers for good.

The Eritrean government has gotten a lot and also a closer partner, if they both are planning to hold this declaration and honor it.

Let’s hope that this is the real step towards peace and development between the brothers. Not more warfare and more skirmishes, create trust and build on the richness of both nations. Where the can make the Horn Peaceful, nation by nation and conflict by conflict. That Eritrea and Ethiopia are declaring peace, is a great news.

We can hope this will be manifested, that we will see Badme returned to Eritrea and that the militarized becomes commercial customs border and not closed. This might open Eritrea up and make more information leak not only into Ethiopia, but the world as whole. So the reality of the dictatorship comes more into the light. But the last piece, is only something we can hope is reaction and a bonus for the peace between the brothers of Eritrea and Ethiopia.

This is another historical day in our life-time. That is worth celebrating. Cheers! Peace.

South Sudan: SPLM/A-IO – Press Release – On the Entebbe Proposal (09.07.2018)

SSHRO: South Sudan’s peace agreement reward impunity and retains alleged international war criminals (09.07.2018)

South Sudan: Revised SSOA Response to the Mediation Proposal on the Security Arrangements Outstanding Issues (08.07.2018)

JUL/08/2018, The following is the response of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, (SSOA).

1.Demilitarization of Civilian Centres (as per Para 1.11.4)

1.1. The parties agree principally to demilitarize all of the following:

1. The National Capital city, Juba, State Capitals and civilian populated areas.
2. Schools, Hospitals, Business Centers, Places of worship, Houses, IDP Camps, Villages, and other civilian populated areas must be free of all military presence during the pre-transitional period.

3. Livelihood areas, e.g Roads, Water passages, Farms, Grazing areas.

The demilitarization process shall be accomplished within the Pre-transitional period to create a conducive atmosphere for confidence building, repatriation of refugees and return of IDPs in order to allow humanitarian service delivery to the affected population.

2.Composition of the Joint Transitional Security Committee (as per Para 5.12)

2.1 In the spirit of inclusivity, the Joint Transitional Security committee
shall be composed as follows:

i. TGoNU-(3 members)
ii. SPLM–IO-(3)
iii.SSOA–(3)
iv. IGAD–(1)
v. UNMISS-(1)
vi. AU-(1)
vii.TROIKA-(1)

2.2 Decisions of these committees shall be taken by consensus.

3. Time frame of Forces Unification (as per Para 7.5)

3.1 The Joint Unified Army/Joint Unified National Security shall be established within the Pre-transitional period and shall be tasked with:

—- Protection of national borders.
—- Protection of Public installations.

3.2 The functions of the Joint National security shall be limited to data collection, analysis and reporting the product to the relevant authorities.

3.3 A nucleus of Joint Police and other Security Forces shall be established within the Pre-transitional period and shall be tasked with the Protection of civilians and their properties.

3.4 The Transitional period shall begin with joint unified forces, which the parties shall agree on its size guided by the principles of equal representation of states/Counties and diversity of our national

4. Third proposal:

In the event that the second proposal is objected to, it is further proposed that equal numbers of the Opposition and the TGoNU forces be deployed as Joint Unified Forces to carry out the function as in the Article 4.5 above.

5. Operationalization of the Khartoum Declaration of Agreement (KDA).

The Parties shall recommit to the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (2017) and shall implement the monitoring mechanisms provided for in the Khartoum Declaration of Agreement (KDA) signed on 27th June 2018 as follows:

5.1 Re-notification of forces by parities leadership including the issuing of orders to cease military operations, and enforce the freezing of forces in their locations.

5.2 Declaration of dispositions and locations of forces not previously
declared on the 21st December 2017 (CoH).

5.3 Disengagement and separation of forces in close proximity as per priorities presented by CTSAMM.

5.4 Establishment of buffer zones and lines of control so as to delimit possible aggression, unexpected clashes and to allow access and delivery of humanitarian assistance and free movement of civilians.

5.5 Confirm and recommit to the mandate given to CTSAMM and enforce the restructuring thereof immediately. END

South Sudan: Proposal of the Entebbe Meeting (07.07.2018)

IGAD Executive Secretary Amb. Mahboub Maalim letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, commending him on his leadership towards the normalization of Ethiopia- Eritrea relations (08.07.2018)

South Sudan: The Entebbe Meeting yesterday, did nothing official transpired? – No Official Communique!

I wonder what really came out of the Entebbe State House meeting between President Salva Kiir Mayardit, SPLM-IO Chairman Dr. Riek Machar, Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday.

Why I wonder? There a no communique, no report or nothing official signed by the gentlemen who had photo-ops and more possible PR stunts from the State House. Because, there has been recently one Khartoum Declaration on the 27th June 2018 between these gentlemen and also the ‘Agreement on Outstanding Issues of Responsibility Sharing’ from the 5th July 2018, also from Khartoum. Not to forget the 25th June 2018 ‘Points of Framework Agreement’, which was also signed. They we’re built on the same premise and continues the pathway of the IGAD and stakeholders to find a middle-ground for ceasing of fire between them. That as well, as the need for peace to resume the production of petroleum. Certainly, by all of this the Republic of Sudan is getting a higher stake and more control of the oil-rich fields of South Sudan. Which is weird, as the independence was supposed to get control of that from Khartoum. That is why the whole month of smiles and holding hands seems strange from the points of independence, but also how to be sovereign from Khartoum for the Juba Administration.

Maybe, that is the reason for nothing coming from the continuation of dialogue between the parties, between the rebels and the government. They have all been together, followed the High-Level Revitalized Forum (HLRF) Negotiations, which was based by the IGAD and trying to figure out how to get relief and find ways to bring life back to the ‘Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan’ agreed upon in 17th August 2015. This agreement and the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), haven’t brought stability and just made sure the War-Lords has gone back to the fields shooting at each other, instead of finding reasonable ways of governing.

That is why the new meetings and the new dialogue is healthy for these leaders, however, you should be skeptical for the timing and the reason. As Sudan is flat-broke and has had both price-hikes and bread-strikes, while South Sudan is tinkering on rising inflation, combined with empty state-coffers. They both does this to get political goodwill and hopefully get new funds to eat. That is what it seems like, also making sure the war-lords can reload before finding time to blast the heads of their enemies. The hardships and these men have usually waited for their enemies to slip, before find new ways of trying to get rid of them.

It is nice that they have all these deals between the last few weeks, but the reality is that there are some underlining concern. It is still just on paper and not in the field. There have already been violations from the armies and militias. There have already been more casualties since the cease-fire of 31st June, into the 1st July 2018.

I am just awaiting it blow, when Kiir or Machar lose face, when one of them find out how the Sudan are using them as pawns to get control of the petroleum industry. Without even taking the territory, he has already gotten the golden egg without producing gold. The Khartoum government should be joyful, they have gotten a bargain and the Juba are being outplayed by their own will to fight each other for supremacy, instead of building a Republic.

Therefore, I am hopeful, but not naive. There are usually something underlining this sort of activity, especially from men like these. These men want power and control, they are not the types willing to give way. They are doing it because they have too or if they are doing it get more donor funds. Certainly, they would not challenge their own role or space without getting a cut.

I don’t believe that, do you?

Peace.

Ethiopia-Eritrea: PM Abiy talks with President Afwerki in Asmara – One step in the right direction!

Today, is a historical day, in the terms that the Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali visited the Eritrean capital Asmara and had talks with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. The last time an Ethiopian delegation was in Asmara must have been before the 2 year between the parties that lasted from May 6th 1998 ended on the 12th December 2000. There been skirmishes and smaller firing between the nations on the borders. As the state hasn’t been as friendly and even had interests of securing a friendship.

Therefore, that the Eritrean delegation was in Addis Ababa in June 2018, was already a show of a new direction, as well as the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defense Force (EPRDF) was talking about respecting the Algiers Agreement in regards of Eritrea. That has already shown positive directions, as the annexed land and the questionable boarder areas. Would go to their rightful owners and to the ones that has fought bravely for that land.

For now that is just dreams for the Horn of Africa, however, just the pictures of the Ethiopian PM together with the Eritrean President is a good look. Though, this is just the beginning. We should not jump the gun and think this is the end, there will be more twists and turns. As the uncertainty of what the Ethiopian leadership wants, if the Council of Ministers and the Parliament will enact to deliver back Badme and the questionable land back to Eritrea. If both parties will demilitarize this zone, to show as token of peace. Than, we are talking of a real progress between the nations.

That sort of act will not be over just sharing a few cups of tea and enjoy joyful celebration in the streets of Asmara. There needs more dialogue and negotiations, even if the Eritrean has told their stance. However, the Ethiopian also want their bargain. Who knows what that will be and what the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) want, as they would loose the land they started fighting over for over 20 years ago.

These talks today might be positive, the gesture of the PM to travel and meet the President is grand step for normalization of the nations, but until there is respect and works combined towards peace. There is uncertainty, as the military is still on stand-by on both sides.

It is a special occasion today, but I will not celebrate or be to joyful, until real progress is signed and respected by both parties. The PM still have to walk sideways with the TPLF. Who knows how they will react or let this play out. Because I cannot trust the TPLF or their ways, I am also skeptic about Afwerki, as his government is controlled by him and his tyranny. It is not like Eritrea is a peaceful utopia. Than, this would have made sense from the get-go and that the Ethiopian government was a fruitful democracy, which it is not.

There are many hurdles for both parties, but this is a good token of good faith and trying to establish need channels of communications and ways out of a stalemate between the parties. However, the narrow escape isn’t there yet.

But by the ways things are moving, it might be there in the near and not to distant future. Peace.

My letter to President Duterte: Let us have a conversation!

Dear Honorable Sir, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte!

The reason why I write you, is because your misconception. Let me first allow you and say to you. Your allowed to say anything between the moon, the stars and the deepest sea-bed of the kingdom I reside in. President Duterte you can call Norway by all names of the book, say anything you want about us or Our Prime Minister, about our traditions and even our strict-rules foreign workers to get visa. Please, talk about it. I have no trouble with it. It is a good thing to be questioned and get criticism from afar, from someone looking in and questioning our possible misgivings. We have loads of mistakes and things that is not working in Norway. Therefore, please address if you may, especially if you ever come to visit here, when you might resume the peace-talks with the red-army in Mindanao. Please, talk about our ways and politics. Feel free, Mr. President!

Now, that I have allowed you to do that, let me look into one of your statements, that Rappler has reported today!

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Critics are welcome to say all they want about his governance, but President Rodrigo Duterte said they have to make sure they’re not foreigners in his country. “Every Filipino is entitled to criticize me as a matter of right. Okay sa akin ‘yan (That is fine with me), but certainly not a foreigner, however holy you are. I will not allow [you] to do it in my country,” Duterte said in his speech on Saturday, July 7, at the inauguration of Malayan Colleges Mindanao in Davao City. He added, “After all, we’re not supposed to do it in your country.“” (Basa, 2018)

I don’t why your so bitter, so sour, and don’t know if foreigners ever hurt your pride and your vision. I understand that your battling belittling aid and donor loans, that trigger the Republic and the ways it has maneuver to get the grants and donations, where your state would be monitored and muffled with to get donations from abroad. That I get and that is more damaging, than even development. Where the donations would belittle you and your administration. That I respect and understand. But this here, I don’t get.

Why can they not question the government and say something about it? Why can’t I? I know I am not a citizen of the wonderful island republic of the Philippines. However, if there are misgivings, an outsider might have the balls to say it, while the insider might be afraid to lose the job or even not get hired again. Have you considered that? Did that cross your mind?

If a Filipino might address you wrong or even cross you badly, you might re-appoint someone else or even revoke their licenses? What about that then? You don’t have the same power over the foreign nationals inside the Republic. That also comes with the power of the state and the diplomatic disputes it might create. You got criticism for the sudden detention of the Australian Nun. That was to be expected, no matter she has done or what she hasn’t done. If she has broken the codes of entry or broken codes of law. It would be fine, but if she just was a vocal human being, then it is wrong.

So as I stated, President Duterte. Please say all the wrongs about Europe or Norway, as much as you please. Please call it out and call us ice-cold Vikings, who isn’t treating Filipino foreign workers well. Say it and than the diplomat’s can address it. We can carry it, but we hope you could extend the hand. Let people like me address you and understand why I do it.

It is healthy to have a conversation, to have people who looks with another view and with another perspective, than the narrative and the possible outcome might be better. The different views and the enriched discussion might lead to something fruitful and also give it another direction. Instead of being ignorant.

So, Please Mr. President do it in my country, if your ever has the chance, because it is healthy. We need conversations and perspectives to broaden our insights to life.

Best Regard

Writer of Minbane

Reference:

Basa, Mick – ‘Duterte says he welcomes criticism, but not from foreigners in PH’ (07.07.2018) link: https://www.rappler.com/nation/206730-duterte-criticism-foreigners-philippines?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1530968818

Trump Administration acts gangster-like towards the DPRK [and it is not working]

DON CORLEONE: Remember my new Consigliere, a lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns” (The Godfather, 1972).

In June 2018, President Trump and President Jong-Un signed a new agreement, which wasn’t particular special. There was no promise or change from the 1994 agreement. Therefore, the sudden rush of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to arrive in Pyongyang is showing, how misunderstood the Trump Administration has off it all. They have misunderstood the agreement and the diplomatic measures. Not that Trump has the wits to understand the trick the North Koreans has pulled-off. But they signed an agreement without technicalities and without measures securing denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Because on the 12th June 2018, they signed to: “ the DPRK commits to work toward” and that is not stating when or how. That is a vague statement, that could mean starting tomorrow or next century. Therefore, the Trump Administration haven’t gotten anywhere closer, than they were in 1994. Even if the Administration and the President itself thinks so.

What is why Secretary Pompeo suddenly continued on the “progress” as he thought he could ambush the Party and the dictatorship. They have already a clear statement and also shown the world, they are not ready to played by Washington D.C. leadership at this point. That Pompeo thought he could play this one easily out, than the previous administrations would have done the same. However, that has not worked.

DPRK have answered to Pompeo:

The U.S. is fatally mistaken if it went to the extent of regarding that the DPRK would be compelled to accept, out of its patience, the demands reflecting its gangster-like mindset. A shorter way to denuclearization on the Korean peninsula is to remove deep-rooted mistrust and build up trust between the DPRK and the U.S. For this, both sides should be bold enough to be free from old ways which had only recorded failures and resolve the problem in a fresh manner which is never bound by the existing ways. A shortcut to it is also to take a step-by-step approach and follow the principle of simultaneous actions in resolving what is feasible one by one while giving priority to creating trust. But, if the U.S., being captivated in a fidget, tries to force upon us the old ways claimed by the previous administrations, this will get us nowhere” (KCNA: Foreign Ministry Spokesman on DPRK-U.S. High-level Talks, 07.07.2018).

If the Trump Administration thought this would be a straight forward easy game, than they are wrong. As the United States isn’t the most interesting partner for North Korea, that is China and South Korea. They are more cordial with diplomatic missions, but that is not the way of this United States. The erratic and unstable administration, who works on any whim of the President, instead of trying to figure the world out. They are blasting into the dry-wall and hoping nothing hits back.

The DPRK are not to be fooled and have calculated the efforts, all their efforts and thanks for the Singapore Summit in June, the President has gotten more respect is less lonesome in Pyongyang. He has more respect and more places to go than Beijing and Seoul. The North Korean leadership has more leverage and United States has given away theirs for a signature drive in Asia. What a waste of skin and possibility.

That is why “walking towards” can means a lot, but with no time-lines, not mechanisms or anything considering monitoring any level of progress, the North Koreans could do whatever, as the symbolic agreements is as worthless as the pen used by the Presidents.

Pompeo should have known this, but his attitude and arrogance, combined with the lack of tact, is the reason for the gangster-like ways. They are trying to ambush and change the ways of the DPRK without offering anything. That will not work, but than again, the US has lost their leverage and given way for the conference in June.

They just haven’t understood it yet. Because the Trump Administrations isn’t that educated or wise.

Ted: Say what you will, but it’s a law of nature.

Marshall: Lawyered!… of nature” (How I Met Your Mother – The Playbook – Season 5, Episode 8, 2009).

Trump and his administration have been lawyered! Peace.