United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Chief Urges Parties to Accelerate Efforts to Implement Peace (22.11.2019)

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS has urged parties to the peace deal to accelerate their efforts to fully implement the agreement so that a transitional government can be formed. rAt a press conference in Juba on November 20, 2019, David Shearer said the key ingredient needed to progress peace in South Sudan is political will. r“If parties want to fully implement the agreement and form a transitional government, they can, if that will exists,” he said. rProgress is also needed to reunify forces so that parties have the trust and confidence needed to join a transitional government, negotiation and political settlement of the states and boundaries issue is required and steps must be taken to resolve the status of Opposition Leader, Dr. Riek Machar, so that he can travel freely to Juba for peace talks. rThe SRSG also recommended that a trust fund or similar mechanism with independent oversight be set up to monitor the use of resources being used to implement the agreement.rUN Photo: Isaac Billy

The head of UNMISS urged parties to accelerate efforts to implement the peace agreement and detailed areas that he believes needs to be urgently progressed.

JUBA, South Sudan, November 22, 2019 – In Pibor, thousands of people watched as their homes were destroyed and crops washed away by heavy rains over the past few weeks.

Residents of this community in the Jonglei region of South Sudan are among 900,000 people affected by widespread destruction caused by flooding. An emergency humanitarian response is underway, but the devastation has exacerbated already immense human suffering caused by the five-year long civil war.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General David Shearer highlighted the plight of those affected by the downpours. At the press conference in Juba, he also thanked donors for contributing millions of dollars to the aid effort.

However, he noted that, while the water will subside, real relief for the people of South Sudan will only come when durable peace is achieved.

A peace deal was signed in September 2018. The ceasefire brought a welcome reprieve from the political violence that has plagued the country since 2013. However, implementation of the agreement has been slow and, earlier this month, parties delayed the formation of a transitional government for a further 100 days, on top of a previous six-month extension.

“The extension has eased some anxiety – at least temporarily – because the ceasefire will be preserved, and the implementation of the agreement can continue,” said David Shearer. “But, at a grassroots level, some people are expressing disappointment, and even anger at the further delay. They told us that they are frustrated by what they see as a failure to unite the country despite the promises made and they are beginning to feel disillusioned.”

The head of UNMISS urged parties to accelerate efforts to implement the peace agreement and detailed areas that he believes needs to be urgently progressed.

“First, and most importantly, the key ingredient that is needed is political will. If the parties want to fully implement the agreement and form a transitional government, they can, if that will exists,” he said. “Second, on the reunification of forces, we need a substantial amount of progress to give all parties trust and confidence coming into a transitional government. The progress made will be a measure of the parties’ commitment to peace.”

Other issues highlighted by the Special Representative are the need for negotiation and political settlement of the number of states and their boundaries, and for steps to be taken to resolve the status of Opposition Leader Dr. Riek Machar, so that he can travel freely to Juba for peace talks.

The matter of resources needed to implement the agreement is also a major talking point among South Sudanese.

“We hear different figures from different sources about how much funding has been released,” said David Shearer. “Transparency is urgently needed…Essentially we believe a trust fund or something similar with independent oversight is needed.”

Such a mechanism would enable accountability and provide reassurance that supplies purchased are reaching cantonment sites. This is important because troops from the various armed forces are gathering at sites across the country, but a lack of food and medicine at some locations is giving them no choice but to leave and find somewhere else where their basic needs are met.

Mr. Shearer highlighted the critical role of the guarantors, Uganda and Sudan, in continuing to show strong leadership in keeping the parties on task.

He said the formation of a transitional government is important because it signals the beginning of preparations for elections.

“Elections provide the opportunity to resolve differences through democratic rather than violent means. They give citizens the right to select their own leaders and hold them to account,” said David Shearer. “That will, however, require political space – the freedom for parties to campaign, organize and, even, criticize. That environment does not yet exist.”

He added that there is a palpable desire for peace in communities across the country. People’s expectations are high because they want the opportunity to rebuild their lives and enjoy the prosperous future that they fought so hard for when they won independence eight years ago.

“Those expectations must be met in 2020,” he said. “The clock is ticking.”

Uganda-Rwanda Tensions XVIII: Uganda Media Centre – Press Statement on Fabrication of the alleged RNC Committee in Uganda (22.11.2019)

South Sudan: SPLM/A-IO – Press Release – On the Statement of the AU Ambassador to South Sudan (22.11.2019)

CEDEAO: La Deuxieme Session – Ordinaire du Parlement de la CEDEAO se Tient a Abuja (21.11.2019)

Cameroon: Presidence de la Republique – Secretariat General – Objet: Recruitement de 500 Traducteurs et Traducteurs-Interpretes (20.11.2019)

Communique of the 894th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, on the situation in the Republic of South Sudan (14.11.2019)

Opinion: Museveni trying to reformulate his 1990s magic with the East African Federation

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have now launched his consultation of a constitution for the East African Federation from the current day East African Community. He has just given the chairmanship to Rwanda. As he trouble with neighbours and the EAC is already failing in between themselves. Instead of finding solutions between the trade-issues of Tanzania and Kenya. The border points between Kenya and Uganda. The Ugandan-Rwandan tensions, which they have already postponed to fix. Also, the questionable activity between the Rwanda and Burundi. All of these has to be answered, before these Republic’s tries to become one.

The only reason why Museveni wants this is to save his legacy and become an Pan-African Legend. Someone who wasn’t only a rebel, warlord and self-styled President for life. But he also consolidated the power of East Africa. Museveni wants to be bigger than Uganda.

That’s why he wants to form the East African Federation. Not because his wishes to make things better, but because he wants to taste more of the possible trade-offs in the other republics. He has eaten most of his life from the state there and now wants more things to pocket. That is why he wants a new constitution, which will fit him. Hoping he can push this in Arusha and among the EAC.

I don’t believe he will do this for the benefit of Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania or Kenya. He will do it for the benefit of him. Museveni always has the answer and he doesn’t want listen to others. That’s why he wants to change the Community into a Federation. That is so, he can be the President of the East African Federation. It is for nothing else. He wants to control and have power to tell how the Kenyans are supposed to act, how Tanzania is supposed to act, how Rwandans are supposed to act and how Burundi is supposed to act, and finally even how South Sudanese are supposed act. All of them are supposed to follow him and his guidance.

This start of the Constitution of East African Federation is just relaunching the process of the 1990s of Uganda. When he launched the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which he got proclaimed for and been one of his landmark achievements as President. But has dwindled with time, as he has amended it to fit him and not the Republic.

That is why he wants to change the mandate and the purpose of the EAC. So, that his words gets as powerful as it in the State House of Entebbe. He wants that over the EAC. He will use any tool, any excuse and any means to change that. Because, he will lie, misuse facts and twist it to make it seem viable.

That’s just who he is and why his doing this. Not being sincere. He will speak of trade and integration, but with a plan of a federation. It means someone will have power and force over it. It gives it another mission and not just diplomatic tool. That means someone has to govern that and he wants to be that man. If he wouldn’t, then he wouldn’t have made the document and the process in the first place. This con his done before, but now he wants to do it with plenty of nations and not just one republic. Feel me? Peace.

Rwanda: Postponement of the 21st Ordinary meeting of the Summit of EAC Head of State (18.11.2019)

Bolivia: Movimiento Al Socialismo (MAS) – Denuncia a la Opinion Publica National e International (18.11.2019)

Opinion: Jajja recites the same old story to the EU ahead of 2021

Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” Edmund Burke

We have seen this movie before, we have seen the pledges and the promises. The Electoral Commission, the lack of electoral reform or even the lack of level playing field is a own going saga that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni continues to sing.

What we can expect that Museveni wins the 2021. If he doesn’t win, than there is something wrong with the world order, the mountains of Rwenzori will fall down and Lake Victoria will not have water. We just know that NRM and Museveni will win as long as he breathes. Mr. 1986 will not loose an election. The EU can play around, but Museveni believes his justified to rule and everyone is supposed to listen to him.

Therefore, the continued promises and pledges of free and fair elections is pointless. The ballots, he charade and the whole campaigning is the same story. The majority, the securing the MPs and the Parliament is in the cards, as well as making it impossible for an viable opposition candidate to actually win. That because the deck is stacked against anyone before the posters, before the parties are organized and the slogans are prepared. It is all a buffet ready for the Fountain of Honour.

Just look through a brief history. A very brief history.

Elections 2011:

In February, the European Union envoy to Uganda said the country was behind schedule to ensure free and fair elections in 2011, while the US Congress directed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in January to “closely monitor preparations” for the poll. “We know what we are doing. If there is anything that needs to be done. If there is anybody who knows how it should be done, it is us, not anybody else,” Museveni said” (Capital FM Kenya – ‘Museveni against poll observers’ 12.04.2010).

The head of EU Democratisation and Elections Unit, Ms Malgorzata Wasilewska told Speaker of Parliament Edward Ssekandi that implementation of the recommendations of the 2006 observers report must be used as a guide to ensure free and fair elections. The EU team was meeting the Speaker in his office at parliament to discuss issues related to the 2011 general elections” (Yasiin Mugerwa – ‘Uganda: European Union Observers Warn On 2011 Elections’ 09.11.2010).

Elections 2016:

The incumbent and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni has assured the European Union (EU) election monitoring team in Uganda that the forthcoming national elections will be free, fair and will be conducted without any form of violence. The President met the European Union election monitoring team led by their team leader and chief observer Mr. Eduard Kukan who called on him at his country home in Rwakitura in Kiruhuura district. The delegation was accompanied by the European Union head of delegation in Uganda Mr. Kristian Schmidt” (Daily Monitor – ‘Museveni assures EU observers free and fair elections’ 17.01.2016).

Elections 2021:

President Museveni said Saturday that government government is committed to ensuring free and fair elections ahead of 2021. According to him, relevant government organs are handling the necessary reforms are needed ahead of the elections. “On the political situation in the country ahead of 2021 elections, the government is committed to ensuring free and fair elections. Relevant government organs are handling the necessary reforms are needed ahead of the elections,” Mr Museveni tweeted on Saturday after meeting with the European Union delegation in Uganda led by the EU Ambassador to Uganda Attilio Pacific” (Daily Monitor – ‘Government committed to ensuring free and fair elections in 2021, says Museveni’ 16.11.2019).

What is very special about this, that the rebel who went into the bush because of supposed alleged election rigging 1980 elections. Has ever since done the same thing for himself and his cronies. The President knows his made his bed in 1996, 2000 (referendum), 2001, 2005 (referendum), 2006, 2011 and 2016. So, the man was elected five terms, but plan another 6th term, but has been ruling for another decade. Which means he has two more terms 1986-1991 and 1991-1996. These has to count, that is why it should be the President’s 8th Term.

However, we are seeing the same story. A story we have heard before, where the EU and other outside donors get promises and pledges. The EU and US get to hear what they want to hear. His telling them a sugar-coated tale of sweethearts and love. But the disaster and fear is in-coming.

The NRM and Museveni will use all tools at his disposal to get another term. To think otherwise is naive and stupid. The man will use ghosts, militias (LDUs/Crime Preventers) and the army to secure another term. The President has his appointed men in the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary, all ready to serve him. There is no middle ground or no outcome to say otherwise. Other than an upcoming, expensive charade and with a swearing-in ceremony filled with fellow dictators like last time. That is the what is at stake.

The EU can entertain this and accept the pledges. It is a new EU team, they might swallow it up and think its all good. But it isn’t and it will not be. There is no scruples in what Museveni will do to cling-on to power. Nothing. Use the Special Force Command, Flying Squad and the ISO to silence opposition, get activists behind bars in the DRC and so-on. There is nothing he will not do, if it matters the most.

His thrown and no-one, else than him is supposed to be their. Free and fair? Nah, more of the playing the facade and hope these white-men doesn’t catch the gig. Peace.