Brexit: The Tories-DUP will continue to subdue the nation with no publications on their negotiations!

If you are confused about what is at stake or in consideration from the United Kingdom government or the Conservative Party and Democratic Unionist Party (Tories-DUP) government, than it is now by intent. Since, the latest revelation from the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Robin Walker, have a few brilliantly to a few MPs where he described their level of transparency and accountability, which is far by none! They do not want the world to know, if anyone knows or knew what the plan was for the Tories when they left the European Union. It is amazing, that the United Kingdom are playing at this level. That they have so little touch and wish to inform own citizens of their outcome and possible plan of discontinuing their role as a Member State.

Mr. David Lammy asked on the 5th September:

“To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what plans his Department has to publish studies into the effect of the UK leaving the EU on different sectors of the UK economy” (Parliament.uk, 13.09.2017).

Today, Robin Walker answered it by:

“It is not standard practice to provide an ongoing commentary on internal analytical work that is being carried out within government. The Government’s plan for leaving the EU has been discussed at length, and Parliament will have a say on the final deal we achieve with the European Union by putting that deal to a vote in both Houses before it comes into force. But as Parliament has also agreed, we will not publish anything that would undermine our ability to negotiate the best deal for the UK” (Parliament.uk, 13.09.2017).

Mr. John Trickett asked on the 5th September:

“To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, how many civil servants have been sent to Brussels at any point to engage in the detail of the Brexit negotiation talks; and how many of these have been seconded from outside the Government” (Parliament.uk, 13.09.2017).

Today, Robin Walker answered it by:

“We have released information on the UK’s senior negotiating team on Gov.uk. As an indication of the number of civil servants in attendance at negotiations in Brussels, at the second round we had over 90 civil servants in attendance, and for the third round, over 100. The total number of staff will vary from round to round as we deploy the negotiating team best able to work on the issues under negotiation. We are drawing together expertise from a wide range of departments where there is specific relevant knowledge on the issues to be negotiated” (…) “I can confirm that of the Department for Exiting the European Union staff who attended the negotiations in July and August, none were seconded from outside of Government. We do not hold information on the contractual arrangements of individuals from other Government Departments” (Parliament.uk, 13.09.2017).

These answers are clearly not enlightening, but are showing the contempt of the Parliament, the Representatives and the citizens as a whole, Brexit negotiators wish to work in secrecy and in peace, without interference, as the knowledge of their plans are hidden in the shadows and not in the open. It is weird, it is strange that the United Kingdom does it like this. That the Brexit team and the ones working for the government want to hold it like a corporate secret. Instead of being open and transparent. Therefore, if the British does not trust their government act in their interests. I understand, because there is nothing to trust. The Tories-DUP government are holding them in contempt and not caring for the people need to know what they are up too. This is not an easy food run, if you bring takeaway Chinese or a Pizza!

This is the ending of a long term Membership Status and all the dozens of agreements that has been made, together with law and protocol for trading and travelling, that has to be reissued and reassured to secure both Unions. Clearly, the Tories and their Secretary thinks it is okay to not publish information, since it can damage their cause. Nevertheless, their cause of action should be in public, since it is in public interest. So if Banks and Industry moves now, they are justified, they do not know their terms for staying behind. London Financial Centre could just move to Dublin or Frankfurt. There the big-multinational financial institutions could secure new benefits within the Euro-Zone. Not be dependent on random guesses of negotiations of the Tories-DUP in Brussels.

That is what can be stated today, that the Brexit department plans to keep it in secret and do not want to be transparent. They want to be secret and neglect their duty to serve the people and their interests. The businesses has all rights to move shop, since if it is all done in secrecy, who will benefit and what will be the end-game? Who knows, right?

Robin Walker, has opened the eyes of hopefully many, if not the Brexit negotiations will be rockier, since the people and corporations cannot trust their government. They have no rights to now, when they do not publish needed public information. Tories-DUP are playing hide-and-seek. We do not know if their hidden or if they are seeking. They could do both. What we do know, is that they do this for a purpose, and that they do not trust the public will to accept their craft, their framework and the possible arrangements they are creating after the Membership with the European Union. Peace

The newly appointed North Ireland Affairs Committee are a Power-Grab by Tories-DUP!

It is special that the newly appointed North Ireland Committee in the United Kingdom Parliament are filled with majority of Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Conservative Party (Tories), also minor part with Labour Party.

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee membership for the 2017 Parliament has been agreed by the House.

The Chair and Members of the Committee are:

Dr Andrew Murrison MP (Chair) (Conservative)

Mr Gregory Campbell MP (Democratic Unionist Party)

Maria Caulfield MP (Conservative)

Mr Stephen Hepburn MP (Labour)

Lady Hermon MP (Independent)

Kate Hoey MP (Labour)

Jack Lopresti MP (Conservative)

Conor McGinn MP (Labour)

Nigel Mills MP (Conservative)

Ian Paisley MP (Democratic Unionist Party)

Jim Shannon MP (Democratic Unionist Party)” (Parliament.uk – ‘Northern Ireland Affairs Committee membership agreed’ 12.09.2017).

So the NI Affairs Committee are not becoming open to the different parties of the Northern Ireland. These parties that are lost is: Sinn Fein, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), People Before Profits (PBP), Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV). All of these parties are silenced. The Good Friday Agreement are not listen to, when the DUP are the only voice in the Committee on the Northern Irish devolution. Since, the UK Government are in marriage with DUP, the Tories need their support to survive.

The Northern Ireland questions opens up even more, as the DUP are in control both in UK Parliament and now also in NI. As their negotiations in Stormont is stalling. Tories-DUP are clearly not listening to the worrying signs after election. Since they are appointing this Committee. They are clearly not listening to Sinn Fein. They are not caring about any of the other parties who don’t have MP’s in White Hall. London isn’t listening to Belfast. They are only listening to the Pro-Unionist, to the ones already loyal to UK. The ones who wants to closer to Dublin are silenced and this sort of selection of people shows it.

DUP have made a coup, they have secured more power and control the funding of Northern Ireland. You can wonder if a Labour government gave all Scottish National Party (SNP) in the Scotland Affairs Committee. All the other parties in the Parliament would create havoc. The Northern Irish should react to this. The Republic of Ireland government should react to this. Since this is proof that the Tories-DUP doesn’t care about Good Friday Agreement. This is all about power and control. Proof in the act of just this. Would they do this to similar acts in Scotland and Wales? Would that be okay?

It might just be a committee now, but what is next? The Tories needs the DUP. Tories-DUP are not ready to listen. To take measures that makes sure the devolution of Stormont get back to work and honor the Good Friday Agreement. The GFA is now on the back-burner. It is evident. Peace.

Burundi: Communique de presse sur les prix de l’essence (11.09.2017)

Burundi: OLUCOME Communique – “Le Gouvernement Burundais en Place devralt cesser de pendre des mesures qui bafouent certains textes legaux et principaux qui guident les Finances publiques” (11.09.2017)

Opinion: Mzee continues to be hostile to any voice, but himself!

I have come here,(Buddu FM) mainly to undo the lies peddled by unscrupulous people on radio stations” (…) I have been polite, but when time comes I will get hard at people who spread lies about the government” (…) “The reason why am here is to detoxicate because many people having been poisoning the public with false information” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Radio Buddu (09.09.2017).

President Museveni had yet another radio show explaining his plans with the Land Amendments and Constitutional Change. As his party and his henchmen has blocked Besigye to do the same. Therefore, National Resistance Movement (NRM) is clearing the air for the President. So when he does that, he should spring some enlightenment, instead he is attack the opposition and the other radio stations.

President Museveni could have told why he and his cronies were blocking Besigye from different radio stations, while he was on his own. Also, why Museveni at the same time stopped an on-air talk-show. Instead, days after he is grasping for air and assaulting them. Mzee, never liked opposition or visions who is not his own. Museveni and NRM have never really been about Multi-Party Democracy or visions for governance.

I am not surprised that Museveni is attacking the opposition and other media for questioning his vision. That has always been lies, since he is the truth-teller who has never told a little lie. He was supposed to step-down twice, he said once Presidents was not supposed to overstay in power. There are countless of lies in the over 30 years in charge. So when he says other people’s lies, he is throwing stones in a glass-house.

Also, when he warns media of having other voices than his. He proves his megalomaniac and controlling sense. Museveni and NRM are the only one for him. Mzee wanted to crush the opposition after the General Election of 2016. The President will really silence the media for his sake, therefore the Amendment cannot be that great if he has to warn the media.

That is automatically lies, since he has to use time for a Radio Campaign to muster support. Mzee is really on thin-ice dancing with the stars, when he has to muster threats instead of policy. When he has to silence and shuffle his deceptions to the airwaves. He spoke afterwards of that, but who cares when he goes all anti-mode and all in to win. It doesn’t matter what sorts of words he says, since he has already put distrust to any voice other than his.

I don’t believe a single word Museveni says, but that is because of decades of deceptions and play the facade. You are naive if you believe this man. President Museveni has used all tricks in the book. The Constitutional Amendment are only out for one thing: Make it easier for the government to take titles and land. So this is to sell-off land to investors and cronies, so they can short-change the public. That is the story the President will not tell. Therefore, what I am writing is a lie and also whatever “what-his-face” is saying on the radio whose not the President. Peace.

Opinion: NRM are cowards for blocking Besigye’s radio campaign!

Just as the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni stopped his national radio trip for traveling abroad for a conference of some kind. The Opposition leader and the People’s President Dr. Kizza Besigye was planning of having his own radio campaign to counter the peddling lies of the President concerning the Land Amendment.

Because the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) are questioning the motives of the Constitutional Amendment and the possible land-grab. That will hurt to be listening to in the villages. That is why the Amuru land-grab has hurt the plans of the government and their sugar factory agreement with the foreign investors. Clearly, Besigye speaking ill of it will bend the lies and mask of the government. This is something the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Museveni cannot deflect. Therefore, even as Besigye had paid Voice of Kigezi or 89.5 FM – The Trumpet, we’re paid 1,000,000 million shillings for participating in a talk-show on the radio. This one time payment was paid on 8th September , as the show was scheduled yesterday. But the Radio was blocked by the government to air it. The same radio station that hosted the President on the 4th September. But when Besigye tries on the 8th September its blocked. What childish play by the government!

You know your speeches and arguments are weak tea, when you cannot be disowned or having other organizations question your actions. Your know your attempt of change of laws is disgusting, when the opposition cannot question it on air. Another radio station Besigye was blocked from was the Kabale Radio station, 94.7 FM Freedom Radio. To this radio station Besigye paid 500,000 shillings. So half million shillings for the time, that he couldn’t use. So Besigye has paid two radio station 1,5 millions shillings, but we’re blocked by both. The Mbarara and Kabale based stations.

That Museveni and NRM are cowards, that he has to continue with foul-play is just proving his belittling of fellow citizens. It’s just like NRM can have rallies and demonstrations for the Article 102 Amendment in Arua, but if the FDC would have a counter demonstration, they would be arrested, detained and blocked for doing so. The Police would use the Public Order Management Act, even as the Opposition had informed and notice as by law. Still, the Police would interfere and shut it down. But the NRM and NRM Youth can walk the street with banners and demonstrate for the cause.

The same is now shown with radio campaign of Museveni, but when Besigye tries to do the same. He is blocked. Its cowardice and show how little margin of error there is for others, but Museveni is the royal king who can do as he wants. Museveni can put shackles on anyone, but he can do as he pleases. No boundaries for the misuse of power, as he uses it by any means. Peace.

Safaricom plays petty politics by issuing obstacles for NASA fundraising over their M-PESA Paybill!

Bob Collymore and Safaricom are going for the National Super Alliance (NASA), this is not a shock, but should been seen as an expected move. Since the letter dated to 5th September from Safaricom to NASA and Orange Democratic Movement is named “Usage of M-Pesa Paybill – 991444”. This is stating the affairs between the company and just have to appear as the Fresh Elections are going.

Sort of moves like this is to stifle the competition. Safaricom has in past been linked with the ruling regime and the incumbent. They have even avoided giving evidence in cases that might indict and prosecute fellow Jubilee members. That has occurred in the recent years. So that they are trying to salvage the funds and stop the fundraising would not surprise me either.

We refer to the M-PESA Paybill that you applied for in June 2017 to facilitate the raising of funds for the Presidential campaign. We note that the usage of the Paybill has now changed and the same is now being used for raising funds to adopt polling stations. This is contrary to the purpose for the Paybill that you indicated when applying for the Paybill. We therefore request that you provided us with written confirmation on the purpose of the Paybill and when the fundraising is ending” (Safaricom Limited, John Muchiri, 05.09.2017).

The Paybill which the NASA Party M-PESA Paybill is campaign contributions, as the party and coalition needs funds for the campaign that is lasting to 17th October 2017. This because the contributions and the support for the coalition is necessary. The Paybill are a perfect example of public support of NASA. Since the Mobile Money popularity and the way people are used to transfer money. Therefore, if the Safaricom Limited Compay are suspending the account and the Paybill. It will really hurt the NASA campaign. Clearly, they would do so to short-change the cash-funds the NASA. This all would be to help the cause of incumbent Kenyatta. Nothing else. But Collymore are connected with the Jubilee.

So it wouldn’t be surprising if Safaricom eventually did so. The Jubilee and Safaricom has worked together in the past and certainly wants to do so in the future. Odinga, ODM and NASA coalition clearly needs to work even close with the Telecom Company, but they should be fair. Since Safaricom knows about the Fresh Elections and would already know the usage of the funds raised. It is insane to say otherwise. This is political power-game by the company, who has not reissued any obstacles for Jubilee. So we know their loyalty. Peace.

Yet another Future Partnership report on Brexit: The UK Gov. wants similar research collaboration as of today!

The newest report on Research Collaboration between United Kingdom and the European Union, as the withdrawal from the EU will lead to chances in science and research in the United Kingdom. The Tories Government are still within the wishful thinking. Their paradigm is clearly the softest of the soft Brexits. So soft, that butter isn’t soft enough.

Brexit appeal must really be dwindling since most of the Future Partnership Papers has been softball and easy road into withdrawal. The EU will clearly make this harder and more expensive. United Kingdom government wants clearly more of the same. It is expected to be dialogue and negotiations between the partners. Here is some parts of the Reports!

It is the UK’s ambition to build on its uniquely close relationship with the EU, so that collaboration on science and innovation is not only maintained, but strengthened. Therefore, as part of the new, deep and special partnership, the UK will seek an ambitious science and innovation agreement with the EU that will support and promote science and innovation across Europe both now and in the future” (HM Government, P: 7, 2017).

EU programmes have helped foster European scientific collaboration and the UK has been a key contributor to their success. The UK remains a full member of the EU and will be subject to all rights and obligations set out in the Treaties and under EU law, including the principle of sincere cooperation, until it leaves the EU. In that context, and looking ahead to a strong future relationship, both the UK and the European Commission have been clear that they expect the fair treatment of UK researchers and firms. The UK and EU should also work together to provide continuity of collaborative relationships” (HM Government, P: 9, 2017).

The Commission is planning a European Defence Research Programme in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, which is expected to invest €500 million per year in industry and academia from participating countries. To prepare for this, a three-year Action was launched in 2017 and the UK has been instrumental in defining its work programme. The UK would welcome dialogue with the EU and its Member States on the future of this programme and terms for non-EU involvement, noting that Norway will have third-party association in this preparatory phase” (HM Government, P: 13, 2017).

The UK wants to continue playing a major role in creating a brighter future for all European citizens by strengthening collaboration with European partners in science and innovation” (…) “To this end, the UK will seek to agree a far-reaching science and innovation agreement with the EU that establishes a framework for future collaboration. There are a range of existing precedents for collaboration that the UK and the EU can build on, but our uniquely close relationship means there may be merit in designing a more ambitious agreement. The UK hopes to have a full and open discussion with the EU about all of these options as part of the negotiations on our future partnership” (HM Government, P: 16, 2017).

I am not surprised by this Future Partnership Report, it is one of many now. The ones dropped in August was similar, but different topics. United Kingdom wants all of the options on the table and still want close relationship, but the UK will be a non-Member-State. They are focusing on the special bond between the Norwegian and the EU, but that means the UK must work hard to get that relationship. Since the EU will clearly not just give way to UK. Though, the Future Papers are lots of dreams.

So another daydream is done, Brexit Minister David Davis and others in the Tories Government, surely needs help and also should know that EU will not trade-off anything easy. Brexit will not be easy and their papers prove it. As they are having extra-terrestrial and alien belief about their negotiations and their deal-making with the EU. Peace.

Reference:

HM Government – ‘Collaboration on science and innovation – A FUTURE PARTNERSHIP PAPER’ (06.09.2017)

South Sudan: “Why a technocratic transitional government in South Sudan” – Dr. Lam Akol

Zimbabwe: The Bond-Notes are creating higher prices on goods and a big black-market for currency exchange!

The launch of the Bond Notes has been hectic and been untrustworthy. Zimbabwe has been hit with economic difficulties, as to the policies and thieving of the state reserves. That is why the inflation and value of the currency dwindles. As well, as the lack of trust of the currency and the central reserves issued notes, are the reason for the troubling issues with the monetary policies. The Zanu-PF government have been more preoccupied with serving themselves, than the people who are spending the notes.

The questions in the beginning of the of the current value of a note issued on a loan through Afrieximbank, this means the state was taking on debt. This is was to issue a new currency, a temporary note that was gaining new debt to the state. Just take a look!

Chakravarti, a University of Zimbabwe economics professor, said keeping the peg is only depreciating the value of the Real-Time Gross Settlement system (RTGS). He noted that the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries had revealed that the RTGS premium to real money is now at 30%, meaning if one had US$1 000 in RTGS, they only have US$700 in real money. He added that it was “pointless” to have the Afrieximbank facility, which the central bank said backs the bond notes, if it is not convertible.” Chakravarti said it was unhealthy for the economy to have government crowding out funding for the private sector. He noted that the country has the highest tax-to-GDP in Africa which is 30% against the continental average of 22%, a situation he described as unviable. Chakravarti predicted that by December this year bond notes will constitute 50 to 60% of the currency in circulation which will qualify it as a local currency” (Ndebele & Kuwaza, 2017).

Dollarisation has two forms, namely, official/de jure and unofficial/de facto. BMI Research found that an increase in bond notes was actually de-dollarising the economy. BMI Research warned last week that increasing money supply would contribute to an accelerated growth of inflation from 1,4% by year-end to 8,5% in 2018 — making the steepest growth since 2009. “The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) decision to more than double the size of its bond-note programme — to $500m from $200m previously — confirms our view that the country is headed towards de jure de-dollarisation,” it said” (Zwinoira, 2017).

Because Zimbabwe imports more than it exports, the black market is now influencing pricing trends. As such, a transfer now attracts a 48 percent premium, while cash transactions for smaller denominations range between eight and 9,5 percent, depending on the currency involved. For larger notes such as US$50 and $100, it can cost the buyer up to 10 percent. The majority of companies, whose payments fall outside the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) priority list for accessing the elusive US dollars in banks, rely on bank transfers to get the coveted currency on the parallel market. As a result, prices for all basic consumer goods have gone up by between 20 and 50 percent as companies and retailers pass on the costs to the ordinary consumer” (Bulawayo24, 2017).

We can easily see that the trustworthy levels of Bond-Notes isn’t there, as the businesses not connected with Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe payment system makes the exchange of currency more expensive. The trust was already bad before the issue of the bond-notes before June 2016. It haven’t got better, it is worse as the percentage cost is 10%.

Therefore, the value of the Bond-Notes has made ordinary life harder. The prices on ordinary goods has gone up. This because of the issue of the Bond-Notes and the whole fiscal policy, that is clearly not working. Peace.

Reference:

Bulawayo24 – ‘Value of Bond Notes Tumbles’ (05.09.2017) link: http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-business-sc-economy-byo-117175.html

Ndebele, Hazel & Kuwaza, Kudzai – ‘Officialise bond notes, govt told’ (01.09.2017) link: https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2017/09/01/officialise-bond-notes-govt-told/

Zwinoira, Tatira – ‘‘Zim heading towards de-dollarisation’ (04.09.2017) link:https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/09/04/zim-heading-towards-de-dollarisation/