Opinion: Operation Shujaa is the gateway for the UPDF to stay within the DRC

The newly minted joint-operation between Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and FARDC in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Is a beginning of a long time stay of the UPDF in the provinces close to the border of Uganda. Expect the UPDF to have missions and participate in armed combat in Ituri, North and South Kivu. That is just meant to be at this point.

The joint operation is now named “Operation Shujaa” if Shujaa is Swahili it can be interpret to be either hero, brave or a warrior. This enterprise was started on the 30th November 2021. As the Congolese lawmakers knew about it, but the Ugandan ones got a memo or a press release with a sentence from New Vision or Spokesperson speaking on NBS Television.

The UPDF Commander who is the head of the Operation, Maj. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga has said they will use air-force and artillery to conquer the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) on the Congolese territory. We know the UPDF has said they are willing to be there as long as it takes. This means they are not leaving quickly and this will not be brief operation.

Operation Shujaa” can be the gateway for them to enter and stay. Yes, we don’t know the stipulations or the agreement with the FARDC or the RDC government. Nevertheless, we know their joint mission is to end the ADF. The UPDF have claimed they will do what they did to LRA during the “Operation Lightning Thunder”, which means the ADF would be able to flee into other territories like the LRA did. However, never entering Uganda since then…

To be frank here… I am anticipating more civilians becoming internally displaced. That the UPDF will be busy guarding the road-development projects of the Dott Service company. While having brigades and air-force bombing ADF camps and scouting together with the FARDC for additional hangouts and hot-spots for the guerrilla. However, don’t expect this to be short and brief. This will last long and at some point. The UPDF and FARDC will tell about their losses.

Expect supplementary budgets to cover this enterprise. Expect the President and all of the anointed Ministers to ask for funds to cover it all. They will all dance to the same song. It will be horrific and be no oversight. It wasn’t any from the outset. So, don’t expect it in the future either. The UPDF and the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga will use “patriotic” means and hope that shield him from any criticism. If not the Ministry of Security or the head of UPDF will speak out. Therefore, this is a Operation that the heads of government is main beneficiaries of.

Without a shadow of a doubt, this whole thing will last. Not on the merit of the strength or the capabilities of ADF. No, the share joy of resources and possibilities to loot again. The UPDF will use this end to their benefit. That is what they do and Congo will continue to bleed. The Tshisekedi government seems out of control and weak. When they let UPDF violate it on it’s turf and expect them to do so. We will not know the amount civilian casualties, as the state will only deliver the amount of ADF soldiers and leaders it has killed. If not what they alleged have taken out of action. Since there is no second source to verify the accounts on the frontline.

So, don’t expect a quick escape or a leeway. The UPDF will linger now. If it isn’t ADF. They will find someone else to bother or be the aggressor towards. If not they will be expensive and well-trained soldiers guarding road construction in the provinces. As the Government of Uganda has promised to build there …

Time will only tell… Peace.

Eritrea: Embassy of the State of Eritrea to the United States of America – A Response to Congressman Brad Sherman’s Offensive statements against Eritrea (03.12.2021)

Sudan: Khartoum State resistance committees focal points – Joint Press Statement (03.12.2021)

We, Khartoum State resistance committees focal points, have received a meeting invitation from the Special Representative for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) to discuss the recent event in Sudan after the ill-fated military Coup that took place on the 25 October.

The following response reflects our collective stance towards the recent developments in Sudan. And it is signed by Khartoum resistance committees focal points to send a strong message expressing our solidarity and unity against the common enemy.

We promise the masses of our people in all cities, villages, and townships that there will be no retreat or complacency. The people are always stronger, defection is non-viable, and the popular demand will prevail, be victorious, and continue towards its goals.

Subject: Resistance committees position from recent developments in Sudan

Regarding your letter on 7 November 2021 (no reference), we value your interest in the Sudanese people and the developments with their holy revolution that allowed Sudan to restore its position in the .. international society after a long break from the Islamic dictatorship. We want to convey to you our position regarding the latest events in Sudan:

First: Our stated and clear stance remains that Sudan is now under a complete military Coup orchestrated and executed by the armed forces and militia generals who are implicated in several wars atrocities, and crimes against humanity. Most unforgettably, the massacres of the Armed Forces HQ and states sit-ins 3 June 2019.

Secondly: We will continue our fight to remove the junta that currently runs the armed forces and dissolve all Juntas and militias that violate the Sudanese public with vicious killings and terror on the streets. We stress the prosecution of the commanding general of the armed forces, the Rapid Support militia leader,, and all the heads of the security system who took part in the military Coup and the unlawful murders, abductions, sexual assaults, and detention of the innocent Sudanese people.

Thirdly: Sudan should undoubtedly be led by an entirely civilian government. This leadership will manage all the country’s matters. At the same time, and the military should be embargoed from participating in the political scene. We also demand the dissolving of all militias and forming a unified national army under civilian control.

Fourthly: Our motto will remain “No deliberation, No compromise, No partnership” with criminals. We refuse any intermediary or settlement with the coup leaders, and we will carry on our struggle and fight to oust the Coup and take the criminals before justice.

Fifthly: we welcome all efforts aligning with the Sudanese people’s ambitions and aspirations toward a democratic transition. We call the international society and all nations to stand in solidarity with our fight for Freedom, Peace, and Justice through you.

A cause that will not be possible to realize without the defeat of the country’s militarization advanced by the commander in chief of the armed forces, Rapid Support Forces, and their Coup supporters.

Signatories:

Khartoum Resistance Committees Focal points

Greater Omdurman Focal Points

Bahri Resistance Committees

Haj Yousif Resistance Committees Collective

Sharg al Nile Resistance Committees Focal points

Sudan: Sudanese Professionals Association – Statement on the statements of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (03.12.2021)

News agencies circulated about the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, rejecting statements regarding the political agreement between Al-Burhan and Hamdok, calling on the Sudanese to accept this agreement and its consequences and warning of the consequences of continuing his resistance.

This is considered a transgression by Mr. Guterres of the will of the Sudanese street, which rejects the aforementioned agreement and what precedes it, and it dictates to the Sudanese what they should do from a position of guardianship that they do not have what qualifies them for it.

Guterres’s repudiation of the revolutionaries’ threats to the Sudanese people with dire consequences if he continues to resist them and their miserable agreement with Hamdok is a moral and political fall, which the Secretary of the International Organization should not have fallen into, as it is a justification for the violence of the putschists directed against our people’s right to peaceful expression of their aspirations.

It is a condemned trend that the international organization should hold accountable for, who did not take into account the sensitivity of his position and disregard the message of the United Nations in the maintenance of basic rights, foremost of which is freedom of expression, and even protection.

We say to Mr. Guterres, the time has come for the international community to listen to the voice of the Sudanese people and reset their discourse and behavior on this basis. The time has passed when our people are led by dictates. Our people are not waiting for anyone’s permission and will impose their will with the tools of their peaceful struggle on whoever is deaf, whoever they are. .

December 3, 2021

Opinion: Okello Oryem is mocking the wrong partners with MONUSCO

In an Interview with NTV this morning, the minister for foreign affairs in charge of international relations Okello Oryem said Uganda “does not need the help of the UN” which he says they consider as a “useless group” that has allegedly preserved terrorism in Congolese soil. “We have no good words for them, they have been there for long but what have they done? As far as we are concerned, we do not want their military assistance, even if they offer us a cup of tea, we do not need it,” said Mr Oryem” (Ritah Kemigisa – ‘Uganda doesn’t need UN’s help for DRC mission- Oryem’ 02.12.2021, KFM.co.ug).

The hubris and the arrogance is clear as the Minister Henry Okello Oryem who is is now downplaying the role of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO), which is starting their gradual exit strategy from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). MONUSCO is based in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, which the UN based mission is to stop the militias with disarmament and demobilization of them. In such a way, that the MONUSCO is there to be the civilians’ protection.

It is really striking that the Ugandan Minister is mocking and not wanting to work with MONUSCO now. This mission was first established in 1999 as MONUC and got a new mandate in 2010. While in 2020 the mandate changed and they are starting already to back-out. Therefore, the UN Mission is dwindling down. As well, as there are new militias and foreign interference in the region of which the Ugandan army entered yet again.

MONUSCO is partly created by the interference of Ugandan troops within the DRC. Not that the Ugandan armies was alone in these wars or always been welcomed to enter the DRC. The UPDF and Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) have both entered it. As well, as both nations have been involved in supporting militias, rebels and armed groups within the DRC. That is well-known and they re-appear at certain stages. Just like the UPDF have been inside the DRC before on specialized operations towards certain targets.

Okello Oryem is just showing how the Ugandans elites and the ones within the regime is thinking about it. It is their rights to attack and be part of military operations within the DRC. Since, they don’t want anything with the UN or MONUSCO. I wonder, if Okello Oryem would accept similar feelings in Somalia between the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which the latter UPDF is a pat of. I wonder, if Okello Oryem and all of the Ugandan hierarchy would like to be painted in similar fashion. Because, there is two sides to any coin and this is a foolish take.

Yes, MONUSCO isn’t perfect and neither is it’s mission. There has been continued insurgency and lack of territorial integrity, which the Ugandan and Rwandan counter-parts has supported and participated with. That is well-known and is a reason for the illegal export of resources from the provinces as well. Therefore, Okello Oryem should be a bit more humble, but I know that’s too much to ask for in 2021.

Okello Oryem could suddenly wake up and bite the dust. Since, his just showing a lot of flair. Nevertheless, we know the trouble will return and be a real issue. There isn’t only the ADF in Ituri, North and South Kivu provinces. There is several of other militias and guerrillas in the provinces and they are causing massive concern and is a silent war that never ends. They are invested in, given arms and training. This is deliberate and the joint operation will not stop this… sadly…

MONUSCO will not end this and they being gone will not stop the existence either. As long as the head of state and foreign interference for profits continues. The insecurity and usage of militias will continue.

It is like we are supposed to be naive and forget how this all started. The UPDF and RDF is responsible for a lot of the pain. The two nations have used the provinces and the DRC as a treasury chest for them. While using the same means to re-enter again and for some reason the Kinshasa government allows that to happen. This is even happening, as the State of Emergency in this regions are occurring. That is really tragic…

Okello Oryem should think about what he says. Since this could be easily said about the UPDF within the AMISOM. Which the SNA and Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) only creates more problems within Somalia. Alas, he as a diplomat should be more careful, but I don’t expect it to ever happen. Peace.

Uganda: Why aren’t article 210(d) respected in concern to the UPDF?

The 1995 Constitution, which is the document and law of which all things are connected. The rule of law comes from the interpretation and how it is used. Therefore, the articles of the Constitution needs to be respected and adhered too. These legal stipulations should be the first that all citizens knows, because it regulates, but also gives each citizen rights.

Nevertheless, we know that in the Republic that there are certain parts that are more important than others. That the Constitution have been amended and changed to fit one person. That is just a mere fact and it is a living document. Which reflects the President and his fellow lawmakers at this point. As the amendments and other changes have indirectly changed it.

However, the 1995 Constitution is still important, as it is sets the standard. In today’s big question, as the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) aka the National Army is now stationed in Beni in a joint operation with the Congolese National Army (FARDC) to target the camps of Allied Defence Forces (ADF). That has been evident since the 30th November 2021 and they are now going on search missions to find the militia and it’s recruits.

Alas, the Constitutional questions comes in, as the 11th Parliament wasn’t informed and neither was the general public. What is striking about it… is that the Commander-in-Chief and his Army Commanders have ordered this without following the mandate of the UPDF. The UPDF have a mandate to secure the territory, help in natural disasters, foster harmony and engage in productive activities for development in the Republic. However, none of these are directly questioned that and this was paraphrasing article 209 of the Constitution.

Article 210 is about the Parliament right to regulate the UPDF, which it didn’t do in the question of entering Democratic Republic of Congo and be a part of a operation in the Beni area. Alas, the Parliament didn’t do this:

Parliament shall make laws regulating the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and, in particular, providing for— the deployment of troops outside Uganda” (Constitution 1995).

The 11th Parliament should have regulated the UPDF in deployment of troops outside Uganda. To be stationed in the DRC, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania or by law something the Parliament are delegated to do. The Parliament is supposed to regulate the movement and have oversight into the activity of the UPDF. That is what the Article 210(d) says.

It doesn’t say the UPDF is to brief in a press release and a statement. Heck, this is not supposed to be launched in a tweet or a moment of clarity by the spokesperson of the UPDF. No, the inner-workings of the Parliament and it’s duty is to make laws regulating the UPDF, in particular for the deployment of troops outside Uganda.

That is a very vital implication and it cannot be understated. Yes, the UPDF has the mission to secure the integrity and security of the territory. However, it is not alone in enforcing it or having a say. No, the final verdict and mission is given to the Parliament. Which in the recent mission or operation within the DRC wasn’t announced and neither was the Parliament in the loop. That is not following the law and neither acting in adherence with the Constitution. If a entity should follow the codes of law, it should be the army and the authorities, which are usually part of law enforcement who supposed to conduct itself correct. Alas, that isn’t the case…

We are seeing the value of the 1995 Constitution is dwindling and it’s worthless. When not even simple Articles like the 210(d) has any value or concern for the parties involved. The state and the State House clearly doesn’t mind or have forgotten this practice. That is clear by how the NRM and the authorities are acting. Peace.

RDC: Communique de Presse Conjoint de la FARDC & UPDF (02.12.2021)

Ethiopia-Sudan Tensions: New skirmishes at the border on Saturday

Sudan’s military sent fresh military reinforcements to the border with Ethiopia, a day after Ethiopian troops launched cross-border attack, killing more than 20 Sudanese soldiers. Sudan’s army says it will confront Ethiopia’s attempt to thwart the “harvest season” at Fashaqa” (Somali Guardian, 28.11.2021).

Yet, again there is reports of Ethiopian army or affiliates crossing the border from the Western Tigray region at the Al-Fashaga region inside Sudan. The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) where attacked yesterday and it’s happening yet again. This isn’t the first time, but there been skirmishes like this in the previous year in the same area.

Sudanese military repels a new cross-border attack by Ethiopian troops backed by Amhara militia near Malakawa area, 17km deep into Sudan border – Sudanese media reports.

Fighting lasted for several hrs. At least one Sudanese soldier reportedly killed, others wounded”

That’s why its hard to believe that the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) says this today to the press.

The Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Army, Berhanu Gula, “Ethiopia does not want war with Sudan,” and we’ll solve border encroachments on Ethiopian territory through law and dialogue. What is happening now is an attempt by Sudan to invent a war between the two countries.” (28.11.2021).

There been further reports of an additional 33 wounded in the clash as well. Therefore, this has been bloody and devastating. What do know from reports of late, is that the Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” and Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) have had battalions in the Western Tigray. Where they have also committed massacres in Humera area in November 2021. Therefore, these are soldiers and militia members who are willing to kill…

These has both in the past year crossed into this region and attacked on Sudanese soil. So, this isn’t the first nor the last time they will do this. As the tensions and the border dispute continues. This is far from over… and that shows the first clashes and skirmishes in the region by the parties happened in late December 2020 and we are in late November 2021. Therefore, this has been a prolonged conflict by the parties. While they have been unwilling to settle it. We know the Ethiopian government haven’t been willing and only had small-talks with the Sudanese government officials. Peace.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson letter to President Emmanuel Macron (25.11.2021)

Sam Mugumya have been behind bars for over 7 years in Ndolo Military Prision without any trial…

This story is a tragic one and it’s never ending. One man is behind bars without charges, indictment or court trial. This being Sam Mugumya, Dr. Kizza Besigye aide and opposition activist who was travelling to Rukungiri on the 16th October 2014 to take care of his family affairs, as his brother had died and he needed to take care of his frail mother. He was also planning to get connected with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party members in the district.

We don’t know what happened since then, but we do know he resurfaced suddenly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and been arrested there with other civilians too.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public that the Uganda Ambassador to the DRC met the Administrator General of the National Intelligence Agency of the DRC who confirmed that 5 individuals of Ugandan origin were arrested in Eastern DRC on October 21st 2014. The arrested individuals have since then been transferred to Ndolo Military Prison in the outskirts of Kinshasa. On 4th December 2014 Amb. Kinobe was allowed to visit the Prisoners and confirmed the following individuals:

1. Sam Mugumya, aged 35 years, son of Tukahirwa stanley, who called himself “Mukiga William” at the time of arrest.

2. Mugisha Steven 35 years, son of Tibanyeba John of Buyanja, Rukungiri

3. KamukamaAggrey, 30 years, son of Kagurusi Eliab of Buyanja, Rukungiri

4. Kamugisha Joseph 28 years, son of Mugisha Justus of Buyanja, Rukungiri and

5. Bright Nathan 20 years, son of Kwesiga John of Buyanja, Rukungiri” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Release, 10.12.2014).

Besigye in the beginning of it all, believed the state would use these kidnapping and arrests in the DRC as a shield and means to claim the opposition was starting ‘rebel’ activity. In a manner of which could be used to hurt Besigye’s future political campaign ahead of the General Elections in 2016. Besigye have had such charges against him and his brother too. So, it wasn’t without any reasoning that Besigye spoke about this in November 2014. A month after the arrest.

The party his been affiliated with has with time paid for and serviced a Congolese Lawyer for the case of Mugumya without any luck. That was done in 2016. We know that the Government of Uganda will not repatriate or secure his home-coming either. While his stuck in prison all these years.

Oryem-Okello said this back in 2016: “Government says Mugumya was engaged in subversive activities and was arrested with dollars and sensitive documents State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello told parliament this afternoon that due to lack of an extradition treaty between Uganda and DR Congo, the Congo government has declined to send him back” (Uganda Radio Network – ‘Sam Mugumya Will Not Be Extradited- Govt’ 01.12.2016).

In May 2021 he was able release a poem called ‘We refuse to be victims’ which goes like this:

To bear defeat’s humiliating standard.

Pitiable, helpless, crushed and confused.

That is victimhood’s pathetic face

It soots our effulgent souls

Comrades, pity not us prisoners.

Treat us not as victims

We are proud resolute recusants.

Soldiering on with a smile.

Never pious before the devil.

Pity and contemn the despot.

Our chains condemn his conscience.

Injustice jails the jailer’s humanity.

Drench him in your tears.

Hearken marley’s revolutionary voice bellowing.

Of the despot he said

Pity those with thinning chances.

They have nowhere to hide

The despot is the victim .

The slave of his power.

Branded by debauchery’s hot iron.

Before we become his victims ,

Freedom’s matyrs we shall be.

Shed not sorrowful tears comrades.

Please shed tears of joy.

On victory’s tide we sail .

To a future of freedom.

I just got to say. This man deserves justice. His been served injustice for years and punished by association. Because, he dared to associate and be part of Besigye’s campaigns. He was one of the trusted individuals within the FDC. That’s why he have been serving time and somehow the Ugandan government made an agreement with the Congolese government to keep him in prison.

They have not let him out and neither has Ugandan authorities accepted him back. They will not extradite him back and that is very clear. MPs tried to do this in 2020 and 2021. However, there is no extradite agreement between the DRC and Uganda. Therefore, there is now will to engage or secure this. That is just common knowledge.

It have not mattered that Mugumya have suffered with COVID-19 and other issues as a prisoner. This political prosecution is never ending it seems. The proofs of the allegations haven’t happened and his kept as a civilian in a military prisoner indefinitely it seems.

We know with certainty that the government doesn’t care or concerned. Because Oryem-Okello stated the same facts in 2020 and wouldn’t have him on trial or had a chance of extraditing him. With the same response as before, no agreement so nothing to offer. The diplomats of the Republic in Kinshasa isn’t bothered about it either it seems. Since, his there to this day and they haven’t lifted a finger. This is why his still a jail-bird and no proof of the alleged incriminating behaviour of which he was arrested in 2014.

We are now in November 2021 and his still in Ndolo Military Prison. Mugumya is still behind bars and nothing is done about it.

We need to shed a light on it, because if not… everything goes dark and men like this doesn’t get justice. They don’t get liberty or the freedom they should have. This is injustice and his a political prisoner. His a prisoner of conscience. That is it and it’s pathetic of the Republic to not do anything about it. Try to ensure and secure his passage. Make arrangements with the Congolese and even let him have a fair trial or courtship with his case. Because at this point, his not even proven guilty. His just a commoner behind bars for no apparent reason. A man who went missing in Uganda and suddenly was in custody in another republic. Peace.