South Sudan: SSPDF attacks on President Orders SPLM-IO bases in Upper Nile and Unity State [Alarming escalations and a dire need for talks]

There are frightening news from Juba and South Sudan. This week has been showing the dire side of the Republic. There are movements of both the state and other signatories of the R-ARCSS. As there are appointments and also military moves, which implicates two main culprits. These have sadly fought before and they can easily do it again.

These two leaders within South Sudan is President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar Teny. Both of them have fought and the latest agreement has ceased this since 2018. There have been skirmishes and usage of military within South Sudan. However, not on a scale of a civil war, which was stopped by the Khartoum Declaration and R-ARCSS. Therefore, the need to adhere and implement it is even more important. Because, that is how to build trust and institutions.

What we are reading and seeing is similar to 2013 and 2016. The world and the Republic has seen these sorts of actions done by both parties then. The SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO has both fought each other. Before the agreement Machar had to flee into exile and was stationed outside of South Sudan for a long time. Therefore, these two knows the costs of war and should avoid that by any means. They have seen the costs and the suffering it has caused. Instead of finding solutions and procedures for the future. It is instead trying to get an upper-hand in a supposed election cycle, which haven’t been scheduled or written road-map about. However, the state haven’t implemented the stipulations or prepared the states for an election.

Here is the recent reports over the weekend:

The SPLM-IO has issued a statement rejecting last week’s decree by President Salva Kiir announcing command of the unified forces. SPLM-IO says the President’s decree left out some positions of command” (Radio Miraya, 27.03.2022).

UBA – A South Sudan army general turned member of Pan African parliament has said that ongoing attacks by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) are attempts to displace members of constituencies in SPLM-IO-controlled areas and manipulate elections in favor of President Salva Kiir Mayardit. There has been fighting in Upper Nile and Unity state where South Sudan army forces in the two states launched attacks on several bases belonging to the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny” (…) “In a statement, Major-General Mabior Riiny Lual, said the ongoing conflict in Upper Nile state is an indication that the SPLM-IG want to go to elections and that the war is a campaign by the Kiir-led army to displace constituencies in opposition-controlled areas so that elections are manipulated in favor of Kiir.“The war in Upper Nile is an indication that there is a determination by SPLM to go for elections. The war is an attempt to displace constituencies of SPLM-IO to discourage them from voting,” he said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Friday evening” (South Sudan Uncensored – ‘TOP GENERAL SAYS ATTACKS ON SPLA-IO ”IS AN ATTEMPT TO DISPLACE CONSTITUENCIES TO MANIPULATE ELECTIONS” (26.03.2022).

That this is happening now is a worrying sign. The ending of collaborations and working in connection with R-JMEC and other councils from SPLM/A-IO should be a sign of a stalemate. While the President also appoints and leaves out the FVP out of his Presidential Decrees. That is working without the parts of government, which is needed.

This shows that the communication between the parties has stopped and it is more needed than ever. The two leaders needs to talk and secure peace. Instead of continuing to escalate. Innocent lives will be taken and people will die over their power games. Which these two are only gaining. While the Republic is losing in general.

South Sudan doesn’t need more violence and death. Kiir and Machar has been main culprits of conflict. That’s why these two needs to talk and find ways out of this. While we are seeing things that resemble before the R-ARCSS. In 2022 these needs talks and not weapons. The arms and the solo-runs should be over. Time for institutionalization and state building. However, that is going slow, because that will weaken the President and has power. He wants power and ensure he has that indefinitely.

We have to hope that these two finds a way and a forum to meet. Before the attacks and skirmishes escalates further. The state and the President has to ensure the trust. He is the Head of State and if he finds himself in a new civil war because of his pride. Than his self-importance is destructive to the state. Neither is it any good, if Machar cannot try to reach out and show humility. However, these are both men of war and that what they know the most. It has only been a short window without major conflict.

South Sudan needs peace and not war. Peace.

Ethiopa: Declaration of a Humanitarian Truce by the Government of Ethiopia (24.03.2022)

Ukraine: Joint Statement by President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Trudeau (23.03.2022)

Ukraine: Let’s hope President Zelensky’s message to NATO doesn’t fall on deaf ears

Ukraine never wanted this war. And does not want to fight for years. We just want to save our people. We want to survive! Just survive! Like any nation, we have the right to it. The right to life. The right to this one percent.” – President Volodymyr Zelensky (24.03.2022).

Today Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which is important as the war is continuing and the defence of the nation is still at stake. Ukraine need support and help from the outside to be able to stagnate the invasion of the Russian-Belorussian on their territory. We know the war has been brutal and horrific. The amounts of refugees and the numbers of fatalities is rising on both sides.

The verified numbers from Ukraine and Russia is showing how good the Ukrainian forces has defended their land. The Ukrainian forces has not only killed more soldiers than the Russian army lost in the 20 year war in Afghanistan. So, we know the Ukrainian forces has fought bravely for their territory and sovereign nation. Therefore, Ukraine should get not only recognition, but also massive support to ensure that it contain and stop the Russian from entering even more.

This is why Zelensky started with today:

I am addressing you from Kyiv, our capital, which has been fighting for a month already, just as our entire state. Yes, it is true – we are not in the Alliance. Not in the most powerful defense union in the world. Not one of the 30 states under the umbrella of joint protection. Under the umbrella of Article 5. It feels like we are in the “gray zone”. Between the West and Russia. But we defend all our common values. And we are bright people! And we have been defending all these values for a month now! A month of heroic resistance. A month of the darkest suffering. A month of unpunished destruction of the peaceful state, and with it – the whole architecture of global security. All this is before the eyes of the whole world. Over the decades, Russia has accumulated considerable resources, military resources, manpower and equipment, air bombs, missiles” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

His proving real resilience and what they can do. Zelensky proves how good the Ukrainian defence has been. That they could be able to defend and stop Russian defence from a total surrender for a month. Which the Russian forces thought it would have done within days and not continue to fight on the same front-lines still to do this day. So, Ukraine has shown real force and that they not to mess with.

He continues:

The very first hours of the invasion meant brutal missile strikes for us. During the month of the war, Russia fired more than a thousand different missiles at our cities. Made hundreds of air raids. On February 24, I addressed you with a perfectly clear, logical request to help close our skies. In any format. Protect our people from Russian bombs and missiles. We did not hear a clear answer. Ukraine does not have powerful anti-missile weapons, and has a much smaller aircraft fleet than Russia. Therefore, their advantage in the sky is like the use of weapons of mass destruction. And you see the consequences today – how many people were killed, how many peaceful cities were destroyed” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

This is a serious plea, as the NATO and EU have decided not to stop or make it possible for a “No-Fly-Zone” over Ukraine. As they are doing this… they are making it possible for Russia to air-raid and bomb the territory without any interruption. So, he is speaking of this and it all makes sense that he wants that. Because, than his arsenal and defence would be more beneficial. It would also stop the destruction and damages, which is happening on a large scale.

He has further asked for more military aid:

Ukraine asked for your planes. So that we do not lose so many people. And you have thousands of fighter jets! But we haven’t been given any yet. We asked for tanks. So that we can unblock our cities that are now dying – Mariupol, Berdyansk, Melitopol, others. Cities where Russia is keeping hundreds of thousands of people hostage and artificially creating famine – no water, no food, nothing there. You have at least 20,000 tanks! Ukraine asked for a percent, one percent of all your tanks to be given or sold to us! But we do not have a clear answer yet… The worst thing during the war is not having clear answers to requests for help” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

We know that Poland pledged to give their MIG-29 Jets to Ukraine, but the United States of America through NATO blocked this during this month. So, we know that the NATO has the fighter-jets and an offer on the line, but cowardly blocked it. Therefore, Zelensky is right to ask for it and plea for it again to boost his defence. He only wants to be as strong as possible.

We know that things are turning bad… and not becoming any better. The war-zone and blocking from the world is very clear. The reports from the invaded territory and Russian zones are dire. So, the Ukrainian President is just stating serious fact. The request for tanks just shows how cautious the West, NATO and everyone around Ukraine have been. As they have only given tokens, smaller-arms and ammunition. The military equipment has been important for the defence of Ukraine. So, the asking of tanks is only needed, because of the superior amount of tanks the Russians has. They have so much more than Ukraine ever had and this an advantage.

He continues:

Yes, we are not in the Alliance. And I do not make these claims. But Ukrainians never thought that the Alliance and the Allies were different. That in matters of life and death you can be a force separately, but together – no. That NATO may be afraid of Russia’s actions. I am sure you already understand that Russia does not intend to stop in Ukraine. Does not intend and will not. It wants to go further. Against the eastern members of NATO. The Baltic states, Poland – that’s for sure. Will NATO then stop thinking about it, worrying about how Russia will react? Who can be sure of that? And do you have confidence that Article 5 can work? “Budapest” hasn’t worked for us already. Our Budapest Memorandum. Has not worked for peace in Ukraine. And I will tell you honestly – today Budapest is not working for peace in Ukraine as well. Yes, we receive help from individual members of the Alliance. I am very grateful. Ukrainians are sincerely grateful for this. To each of you who gives what you have, supporting us” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

What Zelensky says here is a warning and in recent days the Russians has shown possibility of continuing further than Ukraine with this war. As they have had texts or letters like Dmitry Medvedev “On Poland” and RIA published a text on Poland calling them “Hyaenas of the West”. So, we know the Russians are gearing up and it’s happening also on Russian TV as well. Therefore, the warning to NATO makes sense. Yes, the NATO has boosted the Eastern Flank, but if they think that is enough… they are wrong and they could deterrent it properly by bosting Ukraine right now. Instead of awaiting the war on their soil.

He ended the speech with:

You can give us one percent of all your aircraft. One percent of all your tanks. One percent! We can’t just buy it. Such a supply directly depends only on NATO’s decisions, on political decisions, by the way. MLRS systems. Anti-ship weapons. Means of air defense. Is it possible to survive such a war without it? So when it’s finally available, it will give us and you as well, one hundred percent security. And we need one. And the only thing I demand from you… After such a month of war. This is a request for the sake of our military. After such a war against Russia … Never, please, never tell us again that our army does not meet NATO standards. We have shown what our standards are capable of. And how much we can give to the common security in Europe and the world. How much we can do to protect against aggression against everything we value, everything you value. But NATO has yet to show what the Alliance can do to save people. To show that this is truly the most powerful defense union in the world. And the world is waiting. And Ukraine is very much waiting. Waiting for real actions. Real security guarantees. From those whose word is trustworthy. And whose actions can keep the peace. Truly. All offers are on the table. Our needs are on the table. We need peace immediately. The answers are up to you” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

He is asking for support and proper ones. What he has gotten is the smaller military equipment and some abilities to defend itself. However, if the NATO and the Western Allies want Ukraine to properly defend itself. They need to do more and some parts of the NATO has offered them, but been blocked. There are signs of wind of change and the releases of the brutality in Ukraine should open up people’s eyes. As the Russians don’t care if they are blowing up the whole republic into smithereens. That’s why it’s needed to listen to Zelensky and the needs of the Ukrainian people. They need more than solidarity and small tokens, which has been the main provision for now. This because the NATO and their allies have been cautions, but not taken into consideration of what could come at a later stage. Peace.

Opinion: Will Jamaica follow Barbados example?

There are issues here which as you know are unresolved but your presence gives us an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, to be out front and centre and to be addressed as best we can…But Jamaica is, as you would see, a country that is proud of its history and very proud of what we have achieved. And we’re moving on and we intend to…fulfil our true ambitions and destiny to become an independent and prosperous country” – Prime Minister Andrew Holness while speaking to Prince William and Duchess Kate (23.03.2022).

In December 2021 the Caribbean Island Barbados became a Republic and with that change removed the British Monarch as the Head of State. Since then this sentiment has grown stronger in and around Barbados. Just the British Royalty is visiting Caribbean and destined to show themselves in the former colonies. They are now not only met with graces and praise, but instead also demonstrations and letter of discontent.

The British Monarchy and the old order of having the Head of State in London is dying. These states has been independent for years and can run on their own. They don’t need to notify or be part of the United Kingdom. That’s why the population wants to be truly independent and not hold on to relics of the past. For many the British Monarchy only represents the slavery, colonization and oppression of which the British Empire did do towards their ancestors.

This is why there been a revealing letter of the Advocates Network and also demonstrations in Jamaica. While there are also reactions from The Bahamas National Reparations Committee’s visit to The Bahamas as well. That is all happening in the year after Barbados removed the Monarchy and became an independent republic.

The Prime Minister Holness must know about these growing sentiments and acknowledge the will of the population. They wants the United Kingdom to pay for reparations and damages for what it did during the colonial era. However, those sorts of arrangements are yet to be seen or collected for that matter.

Certainly, the current leadership and Prime Minister of United Kingdom would be hostile to this idea. He would not accept it and stifle it. Neither do I think the United Kingdom or the parties in the Parliament would even care about it. Unless, it would give them some points in the next election or prospects for a majority in house.

That’s why the former Caribbean colonies can remove the British Monarchy and take a stance. They could also leave the Commonwealth and be part of other more relevant bodies of our time. Instead of clinging on to bodies of which the British Royalty is still associated with and have a huge part in. Therefore, as Barbados did the brave thing and the right one as well. Which they deemed fit as a final salute of 400 years of connection with London.

The same can now happen in Kingston and Nassau. If not in other former colonies and protectorates. Certainly, the Jamaican Prime Minister should follow the Barbados example and start to review their constitution and hold a referendum. Which in the end, if the citizens wants it. They can all say goodbye to the relics of the past and start a fresh. That only makes sense…

Jamaica should be independent and truly independent from London. What does Jamaicans get from the United Kingdom these days and what sort of ancient relations is this? This is just continuing a legacy and a past form of government, which isn’t relevant in 2022.

The sun has set on the British Empire a long time ago. It is time to leave the skulls, the remains and the relics of it in history books. Not repeat it and hold on traditions, which was set by the forefathers and the present ones is only reminded about what they did to them.

So, the sun should rise and the population should work for a day. Where they are not beholden or are connected in ways, which are not representing them. They have a head of state far away in Europe. Someone they only see on TV and is lucky to even visit there during their life. This is why it’s time to have the Head of State in Kingston and not in London. That only makes sense.

While time will tell if Prime Minister Holness will be the one to make the changes and set things in motion. Because, he has the option and the opportunity to do so. The PM could become historical and be the first President of the Republic of Jamaica. However, that is all up to him and his close associates. They have to put in the work and finalize it. So it is possible both in legislation, in an electoral sense and mark the end of all the years directly connected to London. If he does all that, than the nation and the Caribbean Island is truly independent. Peace.

Ukraine: Ministry of Defence – Operational Information on 06:00, 22.03.2022 regarding the russian invasion (22.03.2022)

Jamaica: Advocates Network – Open Letter to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate (20.03.2022)

Opinion: Does Bazoum want to end all relations with Mali?

I have just learned with dismay of the death of Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, former Prime Minister of Mali. His death in prison recalls that of President Modibo Keita in 1977. I thought that such assassinations belonged to another era. My condolences to his family and friends” – President Mohamed Bazoum (21.03.2022).

It is just one of those days where the President of Niger, the Head of State in Niamey have decided to throw a curveball and speak his peace. There is always possibilities and unknowns in this world. As many things are not reported, investigated or even proven to be true. However, as a President and neighbour. You would say things with caution.

Nevertheless, the President of Niger prefers talking like his in a bar and not proving his allegations. Yes, we know that the former Malien Prime Minister was sick and ill. That has been reported since December 2021. We know that the family of the deceased wanted him to get treatment and be taken out of custody. Therefore, his health has been affected by the detention facilities, which where they kept him after arresting and charging him.

Just read this:

Mali’s former prime minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, who was being held on suspicion of corruption, has died, his family said Monday” (…) “Maiga had been in custody since August 2021, initially in a central Bamako detention centre, before being transferred to the clinic where he died. A former foreign minister and head of the intelligence service, he was believed to be well connected in Mali’s security establishment and had been accused of financing pro-state militias. He was appointed Keita’s prime minister in 2017 but resigned in April 2019 over a massacre that left 160 people dead” (The Guardian Nigeria – ‘Detained Mali ex-PM dead at 67’, 21.03.2022).

I don’t President Bazoum would take it kindly, if any of the high ranking officials or the Interim President Colonel Assimi Goïta had stated similar fashion about someone in Niamey. It think Bazoum would have felt insulted and asked for proof.

Bazoum should come correct with this. As his predecessor Mahamadou Issoufou sent his condolences and regards to the government of Mali. Which is in total contrast to the current head of state. This sends a signal, but also shows how Bazoum disregard the current regime in Bamako.

We know Bazoum has friendly and cordial relations with Paris and that’s where they differ from Bamako at the moment. Niger prefers being the close ally and being under the plights of France. That’s their preference and is the reason for the contingent of French forces have been moved from Mali to Niger. Therefore, this might be a ploy to play in defence and show a token of support for their causes. In a way of criminalize and tarnish the current leadership of Mali. Which wouldn’t be shocking, but seems so.

I don’t know if Bazoum prefers to be close to Paris and far from Bamako. However, that is how things seems and he clearly plays to this assumption. Especially with how he acts and what he decides to do. Peace.

Ukraine: [“War has come”] The two vital pieces from President Zelensky’s address today

Usually on such days we used to say: “Spring has come”. But now we are saying: “War has come”. But we will definitely defeat everyone no matter what. Because we are free people of a free country” (Zelensky, 19.03.2022).

Today is the 24th day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. On this day President Volodymyr Zelensky has clearly come with a message. He is continuing his statement and being persistent in the will of the sovereign and territorial integrity of Ukraine. That is abundantly clear and his still willing to speak to the aggressor and directly hold peace-talks.

This showing will, which Kremlin and Moscow is downplaying. He is clear in the message, but certainly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Russia will say otherwise. They will try to deflect this and say it is postering. While we are only seeing their unfair and biased demands, which isn’t dignified for a sovereign. Therefore the negotiations between the parties are on unequal grounds, as the Russian parties at this stage expects Ukraine to be demilitarized and “neutral” after they have been violated and felt the suffering by the Russian armies.

Therefore, negotiations on peace, on security for us, for Ukraine – meaningful, fair and without delay – are the only chance for Russia to reduce the damage from its own mistakes. We have always insisted on negotiations. We have always offered dialogue, offered solutions for peace. Not only during 23 days of invasion. And I want everyone to hear me now, especially in Moscow. It’s time to meet. Time to talk. It is time to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine. Otherwise, Russia’s losses will be so huge that several generations will not be enough to rebound” (Zelensky, 19.03.2022).

What is really striking here, which will be for both parties. This war will be detrimental for both nations for the next generations. As they have both been affected, which will be reflected on a lost generation. Since, the men and people was internally displaced within Ukraine. While the Russians are losing financially and integration with the rest of the world. The Russians are also losing manpower and soldiers who fought a meaningless war on behalf of the will of Putin. Instead of making things better for the next generation. They did on the plights of one man’s wish to conquer Kyiv and install his puppet regime there.

But the occupiers continue to block the supply of humanitarian aid to the besieged cities in most areas. This is a totally deliberate tactic. They have a clear order to do absolutely everything to make the humanitarian catastrophe in Ukrainian cities an “argument” for Ukrainians to cooperate with the occupiers. This is a war crime. They will be held accountable for this. 100%. Every Russian figure who gives such orders and every Russian soldier who carries out such orders will be identified. And will receive a compulsory one-way ticket to The Hague. To the city where the International Criminal Court is located” (Zelensky, 19.03.2022).

This is showing what has been said and how the Russians operate. They have become more vicious and uses civilians as cannon-fodder. They are targeting towns and cities filled with people. Blowing up shelters and sending missiles against convoys. That just shows what extent and what they are willing to do. Just to “win” by conquering and totally destroy their enemy. Which they are supposed to be able to impose a new regime in. Where they are supposed to be the good guys, but instead acts like villains. The Russians soldiers and commanders has to be held accountable for their violations against the Geneva conventions. That is just necessary as they are killing civilians and targeting humanitarian assistance into war-zones. They have forewarned, but that doesn’t justify it.

President Zelensky is a voice of reason in the midst of war. “War has come” and no one asked for it. Peace.

South Sudan: Abyei Special Administrative Area – Press Release (18.03.2022)