Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Guinea-Bissau [EN/FR] (11.10.2016)

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The Secretary-General welcomes the start of an inclusive dialogue among political leaders, civil society and religious communities of Guinea-Bissau today in Guinea. The dialogue is the crucial first step in implementing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) roadmap to end the political crisis, which political leaders agreed to in Bissau on 10 September 2016.

The Secretary-General thanks the ECOWAS Mediator for Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Mr. Alpha Condé, President of the Republic of Guinea, for hosting the parties and leading the regional effort to swiftly implement the roadmap. He further encourages all parties to engage in constructive discussions and seize this opportunity for a favourable outcome in the interest of the people of Guinea-Bissau. He calls on all parties to jointly achieve decisive progress within the coming days, in order to break the political impasse that has prevailed in the country since August 2015.

The Secretary-General has requested his Special Representative in Guinea-Bissau and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), Mr. Modibo I. Touré, to continue to work closely with all stakeholders in Guinea-Bissau. This he will do in close collaboration with ECOWAS, the African Union and other key partners, including the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries and the European Union as they work towards political stability in Guinea-Bissau.

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Le Secrétaire général salue le début d’un dialogue inclusif entre les chefs politiques, la société civile et les communautés religieuses bissau-guinéens aujourd’hui en Guinée. Ce dialogue est une première étape décisive dans la mise en œuvre de la feuille de route de la Communauté économique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) pour mettre fin à la crise politique, qui a été adoptée par les dirigeants politiques à Bissau le 10 septembre 2016.

Le Secrétaire général remercie le médiateur de la CEDEAO pour la Guinée-Bissau, S.E. M. Alpha Condé, Président de la République de Guinée, d’accueillir les parties et de mener l’effort régional pour mettre en œuvre la feuille de route rapidement. Il encourage toutes les parties à s’engager dans des discussions constructives pour accomplir ensemble des progrès décisifs dans les prochains jours, afin de mettre fin à l’impasse politique qui prévaut dans le pays depuis août 2015.

Le Secrétaire général a demandé à son Représentant spécial et Chef du Bureau intégré des Nations Unies pour la consolidation de la paix en Guinée-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), M. Modibo I. Touré, de continuer à coopérer étroitement avec toutes les parties prenantes en Guinée-Bissau. Il le fera en collaboration étroite avec la CEDEAO, l’Union africaine, et les partenaires clés, y compris la Communauté des pays de langue portugaise et l’Union européenne, dans leurs efforts en faveur de la stabilité politique en Guinée-Bissau.

The 631st Meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on the Situation in Burundi (12.10.2016)

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, October 12, 2016 -The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 631st meeting, held on 6 October 2016, adopted the following decision on the situation in Burundi:

Council,

1.    Takes note of the briefing made by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission for the Great Lakes region, Professor Ibrahima Fall, as well as the statements by the representatives of the Republic of Angola, as  member of the African Member in the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations (UN), the European Union and the permanent members of the Security Council namely France, United Kingdom and the United States of America;

2.    Recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the situation in Burundi, in particular, Communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.(DLXXXI) adopted at its 581stmeeting held on 9 March 2016;

3.    Acknowledges that   the security situation in the country has improved, especially in the capital city Bujumbura and its surrounding areas. In this respect, Council urges the Government of Burundi to continue enhance security and safety, ensuring fundamental freedoms and civil liberties for all Burundians, including through reopening the space for the media;

4.    Strongly condemns all incidents of violations of human rights, arbitrary arrests and targeted killings by whomsoever in the country and urges the Government to take further stern and urgent measures to put these actions to a definite end;

5.    Reiterates the imperative of urgent resumption of the Inter-Burundian Dialogue under the aegis of the East African Community (EAC) as the only practical way forward to resolve the crisis in the country. In this regard, Council reaffirms the need fora consensual approach among all the Burundian stakeholders to address and resolve contentious issues relating to the situation in the country, and in so doing, to uphold the Constitution and the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement of August 2000;

6.    Underscores the need for the deployment of additional the AU human rights observers and military experts in line with the relevant decisions of Council, to monitor and report on the human rights and security situation in Burundi. In this respect, Council calls for full cooperation of the Burundian authorities and other concerned stakeholders in the country;

7.    Urges the Government of Burundi to speed up the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the AU Commission for the smooth deployment of the AU human rights observers and military experts in Burundi, as well as to start discussion with the UN on the modalities to deploy 228 UN police officers as adopted by the UN Security Council resolution 2303 (2016) of 29 July 2016;

8.    Further urges the Government of Burundi, in consultation with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the countries hosting Burundian refugees, to promote and ensure safe conditions for the return of refugees into the country and their resumption of normal life;

9.    Requests the AU Commission to continue to closely monitoring the situation in Burundi and to brief Council on a regular basis, in order for it to take appropriate decisions;

10.    Requests the Commission to take the necessary measures to invite the EAC Facilitator of the Inter-Burundian Dialogue, former President Benjamin Mkapa to brief Council on the status of the Dialogue;

11.    Further requests the Chairperson of the Commission to transmit this communique to the United Nations Secretary-General, for it to be circulated as an official working document to members of the UN Security Council in time for their meeting on Burundi scheduled for 13 October 2016;

12.    Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

South Africa: SADC EPA agreement with the EU takes effect today (10.10.2016)

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Kenya: JSC Endorse Lady Justice Philiomena Mbete Mwilu for Deputy Chief Justice (10.10.2016)

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RDC: La RDC va appliquer les mêmes mesures que la Belgique à l’encontre de leurs resortisants avec paseport diplomatique. (07.10.2016)

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Footage: On 5 October 2016, AfDB President Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina receives his African Passport, symbol of continental integration

RDC: Edem Kodjo – “La CENI propose la Convocation du corps Electoral pour Novembre 2017” (01.10.2016)

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Press Statement: Privacy International’s initial reaction to EU export control proposal (30.09.2016)

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PI Research Officer Edin Omanovic said:

“The European Commission has proposed sweeping updates [PDF] to trade regulations in an effort to modernise the EU’s export control system and to ensure that the trade in surveillance technology does not facilitate human rights abuses or internal repression.

Privacy International welcomes the intentions of the proposed changes in terms of protecting human rights as it does all such moves. More than half of the world’s surveillance companies identified by Privacy International are based in the EU. Since 1979, when it was revealed that a UK company had provided the necessary wiretapping technology to the genocidal regime of Idi Amin in Uganda, there have been calls for safeguards over the trade in surveillance technology. Recently, Privacy International has reported the export of various surveillance technology used in human rights abuses in Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, Colombia, Morocco, Central Asia, Bangladesh,Macedonia, and Pakistan.

A previous version of the proposals was obtained and published last month by Euractiv. Privacy International at the time published an analysis of the leaked proposals as they related to surveillance technology, below. Since then, industry and national governments have been lobbying the Commission, which is in charge of formulating policy in the EU, to make changes. The eventual proposals only differ slightly however, with the main change being that the definition of “cyber-surveillance” technology has been narrowed. The actual annex which contains a detailed list of what technology has been subject to control has also been published. In addition to spyware used to infect devices, mobile phone interception tech, and mass internet monitoring centres, the Commission has proposed to add unilateral EU categories. Currently these are listed as telecommunications monitoring centres and lawful interception retention systems.

The proposals encapsulate the best and worst aspects of the European Union. Their stated intent reflects Europe’s commitment to fundamental rights, and — as a regulation — it will be binding on all member states, massively magnifying the effect of any legislation. However, they come five years after initial calls for reform made during the Arab Uprising, when it was revealed that the spying apparatuses of numerous authoritarian states largely relied on European surveillance technology. The policy making process has been marked by technical and bureaucratic complexities detached from individuals, making it vulnerable to the interests of industry, powerful national governments, and civil society.

Privacy International will be working to analyse the full implications of the proposal and to ensure that effective safeguards are eventually implemented, and encourages everyone to do so.”

Looming reports from South Sudan; the day after Machar’s war-cry!

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As the Battle cry of the Dr. Riek Machar and SPLM-IO towards the SPLM/A in Juba from the Sudanese capital Khartoum. There are new reports that shows the movement on the ground as the loyalty to Machar comes in W. Equatoria, battles between forces  in Bentiu, Sudan warning SPLM-IO as using the Sudan as launching pad to oust Kiir Government, supposed bases of SPLM-IO in DRC/Nord-Kivu and Dr. Lam Akol has created his own rebel group!

Battle in Bentiu:

“Goc Machar, military spokesperson of the SPLA-IO faction in Unity State, told Radio Tamazuj that forces loyal to President Salva Kiir attacked their forces in Rubkona area yesterday morning. He pointed out that about three soldiers were killed from their side and several others injured in clashes. Goc claimed that they also killed dozens of government soldiers. Meanwhile, Weirial Puok, member of the armed opposition faction claimed that the government forces attacked their position near Bentiu town, but they were repulsed. He said yesterday. “There were clashes today after the government forces attacked our position near Bentiu, but our forces managed to repulse the attackers,” said Pouk” (Radio Tamazuj, 2016)

Western Equatoria the SPLM-IO won’t accept Gen. Taban Deng Gai as FVP:  

“The approval of the cantonment areas for Greater Equatorial region will never bring peace because Cantonment is not the real grievance that made us to go to the bush, and fight against the regime of SPLM under the leadership of Salva Kirr,” party reads the statement signed by Brigadier General John Sunday Martin, SPLA (IO) 3rd Brigade Commander, Division 9 based in Western Equatoria” (…) “We will neither accept any transitional Government without Dr. Riek Macher being part of it, nor accept cantonment areas in Greater Equatoria without Dr. Riek Macher being part to the Transition Government,” the statement declared” (Sudan Tribune, 2016).

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More intelligence on battles between the parties:

There have been clashes in and around Morobo border town, but it has intensified on Monday morning when the government forces according to some people who left Morobo town heading to Kaya said the armed men have overrun the military garrison and have burnt all the buildings in Morobo military garrison” (…) “Further report said Morobo was captured at dawn by the heavily armed men, mostly believed to be the local youth who have taken up arms against the government after members of their families were either killed or arbitrarily being kept in detention by government security forces” (…) “In similar development, Amadi in Western Equatoria, is reported to have seen heavy fighting between government forces and unknown gunmen since last weekend. It is predicted that in a matter of days if not weeks before the armed men will capture it from the government forces according to the report coming from Amadi” (…) “Groups of armed men fighting in the area have predicted that government forces are now overstretched with no resources, they predicted that without fresh recruitment from Equatorian regions joining the Dinka-centric army, this has left the government in a very vulnerable and weak position; the government could no longer afford to send their exhausted and malnourished militias from Bahr el Ghazal to every corner to protect the Dinka interests” (Swaka, 2016).

Sudan won’t support SPLM-IO:

“Sudan is a key member of the tripartite committee set up by the regional block IGAD to follow up the implementation of South Sudan’s peace agreement” (…) “Sudan wouldn’t allow any armed opposition to be launched from its territory against South Sudan” (…) “Sudan’s top diplomat underscored his country’s keenness to achieve peace in South Sudan, saying peace can’t be achieved in the two Sudans unless it was achieved in the other country” (…) “He said that Sudan under the leadership of President Omer al-Bashir was the first country to recognize the independence of South Sudan, pointing to the joint history and interests between the two nations” (NewsAfricaNow, 2016).

North Kivu view

Are the bases of SPLM-IO in North Kivu?

“The fear is that this presence was not explained by the government authority. We know that MONUSCO cannot be allowed to bring in foreign population on Congolese soil without the government’s agreement” (…) “As notables, it is our duty to warn. We just make a call for a general mobilization for greater vigilance in Walikale, Masisi and Nyiragongo and in Goma. This call is also addressed to the population that must require the government to repatriate these South Sudanese rebels in other African countries” (…) “We believe make a call to a sit-in outside the governorate of North Kivu Friday, September 30, 2016. We believe that the time is not well suited to receive these rebels among us” (…) “said focal point notables of North Kivu” (Actualite, 2016).

Is this Dr. Lam Akol’s new military outfit?

“Akol, according to a statement issued over the weekend, has named the new rebel group as National Democratic Movement (NDM) and said that his aim is to overthrow by all means the government of South Sudan under the leadership of President Salva Kiir” (…) “The National Democratic Movement was born to wage the struggle, together with others in the field, against the totalitarian, corrupt and ethnocentric regime in Juba that is bent on dragging our country into the abyss,” the statement reads in part” (Eagle.co.ug, 2016)

The stories keep piling with the reports. The Continuing bickering and constructive malfunctions of trying to institutionalize as the fragmented peace-agreement withers into thin air. The battles of Benitu, in Unity and other regions the bloodshed is happening. As the Government and rebels collide; the power-struggle of President Salva Kiir and former FVP Dr. Riek Machar continues with the price of the stability of a whole nation. With the cost of innocent civilians and their livelihoods! As so many as a 1,000,000 has fled the nation and that should mind-boggle the world and question to what extent society is destroyed to let this happen.

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What make this more worrying aren’t only the battles between armies and soldiers. It’s the implications of the MONUSCO in the movement of Dr. Riek Machar to Sudan; how Sudan is trying to deflect and say “We are not accepting these rebels here, but still let Machar speak here”. While this is happening there are rumours and they might be true as certain borders are very open as the North Kivu might have a new rebel group or guerrilla in the name of SPLM/A-IO so they can move back and forth to South Sudan. This proves that Dr. Riek Machar goes back to the steps of the past as the rebels have gone to neighbour countries with bases there until they have weaken the government they want to overthrow. The same did even Mugabe, Kagame and Museveni back in the day. History is sometimes goes in cycle.

Though the President Salva Kiir does not only have to get rid of SPLM/A-IO also the new NDM that sounds like bad knockoff sounds-system, but surely Dr. Lam Akol are a serious fellow and wouldn’t do something like this without a general concern.

President Kiir has lots of work to do and has now a new civil war on his hand. Seems like the men are battling for supremacy again for the war-torn republic; the wars of Sudan and South Sudan continues as the SPLM-N are continuing to fight in Darfur, while SPLM-IO either has bases in North Kivu or in Sudan. Even as the South Sudan are having trouble with the SPLM-IO inside the borders where they show loyalty to Machar and not FVP Gen. Taban Deng Gai. This proves the volatile situation and how concerning the reports of today are.

This cannot be hidden under a stone. That is vital and sure that the innocent is suffering for the power; as the struggle of these two men who want to rule and be in power. Peace.

Reference:

Actualite – ‘Nord-Kivu : Les notabilités appellent à manifester contre la présence des rebelles Sud-soudanais’ (26.09.2016) link: https://actualite.cd/2016/09/26/nord-kivu-notabilites-appellent-a-manifester-contre-presence-rebelles-sud-soudanais/

Eagle.co.ug – ‘South Sudan former minister forms new rebel group’ (26.09.2016) link: http://eagle.co.ug/2016/09/26/south-sudan-former-minister-forms-new-rebel-group.html

NewsAfricaNow – ‘Khartoum says won’t serve as launching pad for armed S. Sudanese opposition’ (26.09.2016) link: http://newsafricanow.com/2016/09/khartoum-says-wont-serve-as-launching-pad-for-armed-s-sudanese-opposition/

Radio Tamazuj – ‘Government and opposition clash near Bentiu town’ (25.09.2016) link: https://radiotamazuj.org/en/article/government-and-opposition-clash-near-bentiu-town

Sudan Tribune – ‘SPLA-IO in W. Equatoria rejects calls to assemble in cantonment areas’ (26.09.2016) link: http://sudantribune.com/spip.php?article60356

Swaka, J. Roberts – ‘Morobo, Yei River (Equatoria) State, reportedly has fallen to SPLA-IO’ (26.09.2016) link: http://www.southsudannation.com/morobo-yei-river-equatoria-state-reportedly-has-fallen-to-spla-io/

Bongo hints at including opposition in new government (Youtube-Clip)

“In Gabon, President Ali Bongo is looking to form a new government, after the constitutional court declared him the winner of the disputed presidential election. Bongo says he would “most likely” include his political opponents in the new administration. But the opposition continues to reject his victory. Thuli Tshabalala has more” (CCTV Africa, 2016).