Cambodia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – China reaffirms resounding support for Cambodia’s sovereignity, emerging government leadership and development path (13.08.2023)

Niger: Conjoint Ancien PAN & Ancien PM’s lettre du President Bola Amhed Tinubu (08.08.2023)

Opinion: President Traoré spoke truth to power

My generation asks the following questions: we don’t know how it is that Africa, in lands with so many resources and with such generous nature, where there is so much water, sun and of all the rest, today is the poorest continent. Africa is a starving continent and its heads of state roam the world begging. There are many unanswered questions. Today we have a chance to build a new relationship and I hope it will serve to give our people a better future. Today we face the most barbaric and brutal forms of neocolonialism and imperialism. We are still forced into slavery. Our predecessors taught us that a slave unable to rebel does not deserve pity. The problem is that we see African heads of state doing nothing to help the struggle of their own peoples, we see our leaders singing with imperialism, who, in fact, have become its ministers, they are treated as people who do not respect human rights. Talking about it here is both insufficient and shameful. We need African leaders who will stop behaving like dancing puppets whenever the imperialists take their tools. Our people said – Basta! Glory to our peoples! Benefits for our peoples! Victory to our peoples! Fatherland or death! Thank you, comrades” – President Ibrahim Traoré (28.07.2023).

Regardless of what you think of Captain Ibrahim Traoré who has been the interim president since 30th September 2022, which means he haven’t been in office for long. The President of Burkina Faso who is 35 years old and came from Forces Special (FS) which was a unit created by the ousted President Roch Marc Christian. He was the second army commander to do a coup d’etat, as the previous one was done in January of 2022.

We can now see that Captain Traoré has outlasted his predecessor, but not by much. He needs support and make alliances. We know he has done so with Mali and Guinea. Which are all junta governments and transitional ones at that. They are all working for similar causes and within their respective republics. Therefore, we know the Captain is wise to have allies close in the Sahel region.

Now we are hearing a tune of the forefathers. It is like the Captain has studied or tried to emulate Thomas Sankara. His a hero and everyone wants to resemble him. While doing so… you could also become a target of the same forces which betrayed Sankara too. That’s something that the Captain should think upon or even consider.

The message the truths of which he was speaking is amazing. It needs to be told, but not only be words, but end up in action. The Republic of Burkina Faso shouldn’t be used by an imperialist. No nation should suffer under that plight. The Burkinabe and anyone else deserves better. The message from the Captain is swell and should be amplified.

However, at the same token, he is a guest and a Head of State visiting Russia. The Russian Federation dreams of the glory days of the Soviets. The current Russian regime wants puppets and people who are feeding into their greatness. Therefore, the Captain shouldn’t change one imperialist over another. There is always a transaction and never a free lunch.

The captain should know this and he could easily be used by the Russians. As much as the Francophone Africa has been misused and extorted by the French. The French and others has to atone for their sins on the African continent.

Still with all that in mind. The systems are still alive and active. Things aren’t revolutionized or rectified. No, they are more of the same. Unless, the Captain have means or plans to achieve self-sustainability in his own Republic. That would be great and would be the best anyone can conquer. Instead of having to rely on others, but be able to take care of your own self. That’s the basics here and that should be the end-game.

Because, the imperialist will only find their way in and use tricks of the trade. They will offer something sweet, but they want a buck-load in returns. The imperialists aren’t there for charity, but for profit. They are there to earn currency and they don’t mind the costs put on others. As long as they get the ends. That’s what the Captain has to overcome now. Not just talk, but aim higher. Peace.

Palestine: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Exparitates – Press Statement (24.07.2023)

Zambia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Reaction to a Statement Circulating on Social Media (16.07.2023)

Ukraine: The African Peace Mission was bound to be an epic failure…

There is no debate — all of us are on the side of Ukraine” – Comoros President Azali Assoumani (16.06.2023)

Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says Africa leaders peace mission was a useless and time wasting effort hence he added and said he does not understand logic of decision by African leaders to visit Russia after talks in Kyiv” (Tendayi Zinyama, 16.06.2023).

The idea of peace and wanting to cease hostilities are fine in itself. No one wants to fight a war or be in a lethal conflict. Regardless of that… the ones coming with the mission of peace and wanting a ceasefire should know the stakeholders and their positions in regard to the conflict. The African Peace Mission seems to forgot this part as they departure from their respective nations and came hot-and-heavy to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

If I was the one sponsoring or funding this African Peace Mission, I would be horrified and flabbergasted at how it was operated. Not only did several of key players not attend or participate in Kyiv. No, the ones who did isn’t seemingly prepared or considering the implications of the “road-map” or plan for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

If I was Comoros President Azali Assoumani, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema or Senegalese President Macky Sall. I would feel embarrassed and felt I participated in a fools errand. There was nothing to gain here and the ones staying home was better off. Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Congo-Brazzaville’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso both stayed home. The same did also Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. These nations sent fellow dignitaries and high ranking official in their stead. However, they had maybe a hunch of the failing enterprise before even hitting the tarmac in Kyiv.

Lets be clear and honest. It is nothing wrong that the African Union or an African delegation are coming to Kyiv. That isn’t the case and that’s an non-issue. The most striking thing is how unprofessional and how unprepared it all seems. Especially, when the African Peace Mission could have known the reception and expectations of the Ukrainian authorities. They will have demands and clear objectives and they will not relent on those, as they are vital to them as a sovereign and independent nation. Therefore, before the African Peace Mission sat foot on Ukrainian soil… it was bound to fall apart.

The premise of the peace mission was flawed from the on-set. As it would give way and possibly make things more feasible for Russia. While Russia don’t have to move or retreat from Ukrainian territories. That is what Kremlin and Putin wants….

So, with that in mind, the AU and the African Peace Mission is just a publicity stunt and a PR move. It is nothing else really. The Ukrainian government will not accept these conditions or terms. They shouldn’t either. Not even for peace… because the Russian will easily violate and try to capture more territories again. That’s what they do and they will re-group and use the ceasefire to ensure better outcome when the guns starts blazing again.

The African President’s will soon be off and flying to Moscow. That’s where the end-game really is. Because Putin just want mere allies and with his friendly moves on the African continent. They are surely happy to come to Moscow these days. Russians has been on a soft diplomacy on the continent since the war started in Ukraine.

That’s why seeing them return and go to Russia isn’t anything new. Ramaphosa is an ally and a comrade of Putin. His the leader of the Peace Mission and with the knowledge of this. How could Zelensky trust these gentlemen? He would know that they are just wasting his time and others. While he has to show a welcoming gesture and be diplomatic about it. When everyone knows that the Brazzaville Foundation and the African Presidents wouldn’t have it or be close to what the stakeholders or parties of the conflict wants.

When you ask for peace with the false premiss… you are bound to fail. If your able to sell it. Than your are short-changing the weaker party and giving way to the stronger one. You have both the stronger time and ability to restructure. While the other ones are licking it’s wounds. Therefore, the African Peace Mission is just theatre and a play for the headlines. It isn’t a sincere enterprise or a historic event that will shatter expectations.

No, it is just another day of war, another day of missiles and the Russian will continue to fight their war to annihilate Ukraine. Peace.

South Sudan: Ugandan Deputy Prime Minister Kadaga should walk more carefully

It is not the first or the last time there will be diplomatic impasse or questions across the borders of Uganda and South Sudan. Juba and Kampala are working cordially and as friendly neighbours. Uganda has exported products and been a trading partner for a long time. This is why the Government of Uganda has helped out businesses and exports to South Sudan in general.

What is not working however is when the Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Rebecca Kadaga comes with an ultimatum to the South Sudanese Minister of East African Community Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol. She did that in a letter dated to the 7th June titled “Request for the release and return of impounded trucks carrying Ugandan maize flour and other cargo”.

Yes, she is within her rights to ask the South Sudanese Authorities to release the vehicles and the drivers who are stuck in South Sudan. Nevertheless, the letter itself was a humble or a recognition of the state of affairs. The South Sudanese Authorities only doing protocol and ensure safety of the food that imported from Uganda. It is showing that the South Sudanese Authorities are concerned about what is imported and sold for human consumption. That should be applauded and not disregarded.

The truck drivers and the companies coming with the maize flour wasn’t there on donation drive or charity. This was business and they planned to unleash this maize flour on South Sudanese consumers. Therefore, the authorities just needed to do this and ensure the right of passage.

It is not a good look of a high ranking official to cry havoc over possibly poisonous food. This is maize flour that isn’t good for consumption. Alas, the Ugandan traders and companies thought they could dump this and sell it off in South Sudan. Because, they knew they couldn’t risk doing the same at home or within the Republic of Uganda.

The outcry of Kadaga to Alor Kuol is telling. The arrogance and bitterness of getting caught. She should know better and plea for the return of the trucks. That would have made sense. They were carrying dangerous food and we can be grateful that it didn’t hit the markets. As the maize flour could have poisoned people.

The South Sudanese Minister should hold this letter in contempt and the remedies of it too. It is like Kadaga wants to save face and shield the companies who was actively importing the maize flour. When they knew very well what they where bringing to South Sudan. It doesn’t happen by default, but as a “last resort” or “final destination”. Because, the Deputy PM knows this wouldn’t fly at home either. People wouldn’t accept the danger or the possible damage it would cause to consume this maize flour.

Kadaga is a disappointment here. She should know better, but apparently that’s too much to ask. Peace.

South Africa: The ANC gives Putin immunity…

This was bound to happen, as the South African Government will both hold BRICS Ministerial Meetings in June and BRICS General Summit August this year. Therefore, the ANC and the government had to figure out something. That is has now appeared and they are showing allegiance to Russia.

That is the message and the memo. Not that this is new or anything. Pretoria is bound by the BRICS agreements and the cordial relations with the allies of the BRICS. It would have been a surprise and a shocker if they would have arrested or charged Putin on South African soil That would have been a monumental task and an international quagmire of epic proportions.

The ANC and the government of the Republic already had a bad predicament. As the International Criminal Court has issued charges and pending arrest of Vladimir Putin. This means that his international travels could give way and reasons for his sudden arrest. Even as a head of state and an executive of a sovereign independent Russia.

This has solved and resolved the “illegalities” of a visit and legitimized Putin’s stay in South Africa. It has given him a reason to come and visit. That’s the gist of the reason move. However, I am not shocked. The same nation allowed the same to happen to the former Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir who visited the nation in 2017.

When that happened, the ICC wrote this in advance of the visit:

“Today, 6 July 2017, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) composed of Judges Cuno Tarfusser, Presiding, Chang-ho Chung, and Marc Perrin de Brichambaut who appended an individual opinion, delivered in open session its decision finding that South Africa failed to comply with its obligations by not arresting and surrendering Omar Al-Bashir to the Court while he was on South African territory between 13 and 15 June 2015. However, the Chamber considered that it is not warranted to refer South Africa’s non-compliance to the Assembly of States Parties (“ASP”) or the Security Council of the United Nations (“UNSC”)” (ICC, 06.07.2017).

We can most likely see something similar happen when Putin arrives or is scheduled to arrive in South Africa. It is the same thing all over again. The Republic of South Africa haven’t notified that they are leaving the Rome Statute or the ICC. Therefore, they will possibly breach the agreement and there will be ramification that can end up int the Council of United Nations.

We can now also see that the BRICS coalition is more important than anything for the current leadership of South Africa. They are valuing BRICS over other agreements and legal instruments it has signed itself too.

It is surely interesting times we are living in. I am not shocked or surprised this was bound to happen. It is just happening 6 years ago last time and now the same thing is occurring again. To think that its changes that it’s a Russian President versus a Sudanese one is naïve. When the RSA has allowed it to happen before… and in 2023 would be no different. Peace.

Opinion: The AU is between a rock and a hard place…

The Organization of African Unity (OAU) which became what we now know as the African Union (AU) is far from successful. The ideals of the organization and what it wanted to accomplish is vastly different than how it operates today.

The AU isn’t as significant as it could be and neither does it help its own causes either. The lack of mandate and lack of due process hurts the AU as well. They have monitoring missions and hybrid missions with other multi-national organizations like the United Nations. However, you cannot say that they have given a lot of fruits either.

So, yesterdays fanfare of 60 years and an Africa Day is hard to stomach. Yes, the pride and justification of it is within reason. However, you cannot live on ego and ambition. An organization like the AU lives on the accomplishments and achievements. The AU lives on the merits and the proof of value. There is little value for the money and little to show for it.

The AU could have made a difference, but it tends not to. It rather plays for the headlines and only counter-acts when the villages are burning. Never ever seen it comes in early or even tries to mediate before the gun-smoke. No, people must die, and people have to suffer before AU comes knocking.

It isn’t strange it has come to this. The AU is beholden the members and the Heads of State. So, the membership is deciding and giving its mandate. The AU got to respect and honour the member states. Though it is not helping the citizens or the ones residing there. The AU tends to help the President’s and the ruling regimes first. They defend the dictators and the tyrants before considering the implications on the population at large. Later when the big men are falling, the AU condemns and begs for peace. That’s what it does and especially if a soldier or a military leader topples an unfavourable character. This has happened countless of times and the scenario repeats itself.

It is hard to stand by and watch the AU. The AU is toothless and without any sort of moral backbone. It is just a vassal enterprise to flaunt “diplomacy” and possible “dialogue” but never any progress or sustainable achievements. No, it is an organization that shields, shelter and secures the ones in office. It isn’t standing up for the rights of the oppressed or the ones who are suffering. No, that is someone else’s business to do.

I wish I could have written a positive and acknowledge the greatness of the OAU or the AU, as the founders intended it to be. I wish they had done something impactful and sincere in all the years of operations. However, there is little positive significance or proof of that. Instead it is a body that safeguards the ones who are hurting people the most. That’s why the AU isn’t a place of safety or of relief. It is instead a place of megalomaniacs, kleptocrats and tyrants who bash themselves in glory. That was certainly not the idea of it.

The AU has become the club of dictators and tyrants. The place of magnitude and astute privilege for a chosen few. That was not what it wanted to be or what it wanted to achieve, but here we are. Peace.

Opinion: Malema is fine with one type of “imperialism”

“South Africa is aligned with Russia, India, Brazil, and China. In the context of this conflict, South Africa stands as an ally of Russia. South Africa claims to remain non-aligned in the war, but I would take it a step further. I would align with Russia and provide them with weapons. Russia is fighting against imperialism. Any agenda that opposes imperialism aligns with the EFF’s policies” – Julius Malema on BBC HardTalk (24.05.2023).

A man who usually tends to agree and be on the side of Julius Malema. Here I draw the line and says, “sorry brother, but you are wrong here”. The Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader and opposition figure has stances and is far from moderate. That is proven in his interview to the BBC. It isn’t shocking, but the way things are.

In this case his wrong. Russia has its own type of imperialism and ideals of supremacy. That’s why Kremlin wants to takeover and have control over all the former USSR republics. This is how it operates and why it doesn’t respect sovereign territories. It is like Malema never read any of the utterings of Dmitry Medvedev of the last two years. If he did… he would see Imperialism the Kremlin way.

Yes, I understand that the EFF is against imperialism and so do I. That’s why I am against any sort of imperialism. Not just the America, British, French or Chinese for that matter. No, I am against it all because it only leads to looting, destruction or death. There is nothing good coming out of imperialism and that we see in Ukraine today.

If Malema wants to be an ally of Russia. His accepting taking side of one imperial power. He is by definition accepting their ways of imperial dreams. As Putin and Kremlin wants to revive the Soviet hegemony and control of Eurasia. That isn’t directly including territories in Africa, but it surely is ceasing a lot of territories in Europe and Asia. Therefore, his fine with that sort of “colonization” and “annexation” of territories.

That’s why I call hypocrisy here. Yes, the Western Powers and the former colonial overlords of London, Paris and Brussels has a lot to answer for. Nevertheless, that doesn’t exonerate the Kremlin or Moscow. Russia and Russians must answer for their actions both now and in the past. Just like the collective West should answer for their actions too.

In the same interview Malema said this: “We should begin with George W. Bush, Tony Blair, and Barack Obama; only then can the ICC pursue Putin. Tony Blair admitted they were wrong about Saddam Hussein and offered an apology for their invasion of Iraq. Yet, millions were killed but the ICC never issued a warrant of arrest for him” (Malema, 24.05.2023).

I agree that Bush and Blair should stand trial, be tested in the ICC like any other war-lord. I don’t have anything on Barrack Obama, but I am sure there will be people who bat an eye at him too. However, Bush and Blair is a symbol of another ill and another type of imperialism. Which shouldn’t be dismissed, and I agree it is wrong.

Nevertheless, Malema cannot just target them and not look at what Putin is doing now. What Putin has been doing in other nations and how his armies has destroyed nations. It isn’t like Syria became better with Russian support. Not like Russia did Georgia any favours and now Ukraine is fighting for its own survival. Just because Putin wants to revive the Soviet state. That’s imperialism and should be called out.

We are seeing that Malema is cherry-picking. If he is dogmatic and morally obliged, he would see the whole picture. If he is blinded by the BRICS alliance he should say so. Because that is a fact too. Then his just as blind as the NATO alliances are as well. There is no difference there then.

Malema is wrong defending Russia now. He is defending Russian imperialism. If he stands up against imperialism. He should stand tall on them as well. Not only target Bush and Blair. No, there are plenty more fish in the sea. The seasoned politician should know that. Peace.