Zimbabwe: Government Press Release (25.01.2019)

UNOCHA: Conflict in western Cameroon drives up humanitarian needs, international support urgently needed (24.01.2019)

EP Brexit Steering Group calls on the UK to overcome the deadlock (24.01.2019)

EP Brexit Steering Group discussed today the state of play of Brexit in light of last week’s meaningful vote and Prime Minister May’s Statement last Monday.

It calls on the UK to clarify its position in the coming days.

European Parliament’s Brexit Steering Group under the Chairmanship of its coordinator, Guy VERHOFSTADT (ALDE, BE)welcomed the Government’s decision to waive the fee for EU citizens applying for the UK’s settled status scheme, something the European Parliament has consistently pushed for. It called on the EU Member States to follow this example with respect to all UK citizens residing on their territory.

The BSG stressed that following the rejection by the House of Commons of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Political Declaration, the UK Government must work together with all political parties in the House of Commons to overcome this deadlock. It expects the UK side to come back as quickly as possible with a positive and viable proposal on the way forward.

The BSG reiterated that the Withdrawal Agreement is fair and cannot be re-negotiated. This applies especially to the backstop, since it is the guarantee that under no circumstances will there be a hardening of the border on the island of Ireland while at the same time safeguarding the integrity of the Single Market. The EU remains clear, firm and united on this even if the negotiated backstop is not meant to be used. Therefore, the BSG insists that, without such an “all-weather” backstop-insurance, the European Parliament will not give its consent to the Withdrawal Agreement.

The BSG also reiterated Parliament’s long standing position that it is open to a much more ambitious future relationship, should the UK consider this. This would not only allow for a closer EU-UK future partnership but could also avoid deployment of the backstop. It expects greater clarity next week from the UK on its position on the EU-UK relationship for the future.

The BSG recognised that a rejection of the Agreement increases the chances of a disorderly exit of the UK, which cannot be mitigated by any form of specific arrangement(s) between the EU and the UK. It stressed that while a no deal exit would not be in anybody’s interests, the only responsible course of action remains to continue and to intensify work on no deal planning. It reiterated the European Parliament’s determination to ensure in such a case that there would be no disruption for EU citizens in the UK or for UK citizens in the EU.

Next steps

The BSG will reconvene immediately after the vote in the House of Commons on the 29 January to discuss the way forward, and the European Parliament will hold a debate at its sitting of 30-31 January.

Brexit Steering Group

Opinion: Another proof that The LDUs is the worst sort of Ad-Hoc decision ever made!

The Local Defence Unit that was proposed last year, are by all definition a sort of Ad-Hoc decision, which is made on the spot without considering the implications it has. To explain Ad-Hoc, let me take a definition from Merriam-Webster: “for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application” (Merriam-Webster – ‘Ad Hoc’).

Why do I say that the LDUs are Ad Hoc, because they came after a series of assassinations of high-ranking officials in both the police, MPs and others. Who has been sought after and taken down during last year.

That is why the President in September 2018 said this:

“The LDU is not a new force; they are the reserve of the army. The security guards of the ministries are guarding ministries against break-ins. Terrorists are targeting soft targets, they are not bank robbers” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 15.09.2018).

We can it is just a quick dip and decision made without any proper due diligence or consideration of why it is needed. More another force to quell the public and have more people with guns in close proximity of power, as the need for sudden reinforcement came during last year.

That is why the news from Daily Monitor is very compelling:

“The Defence ministry does not have the Shs9.25 billion needed to cater for Local Defence Unit (LDUs) salaries, the State Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Mr Bright Rwamirama, has said. “We have a shortfall,” Mr Rwamirama told the House Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs in Kampala yesterday. “An additional wage allocation of Shs9.2 billion is required up to the end of 2018/2019 financial year to cater for this category,” Mr Rwamirama said. Last year, Chief of Defence Forces David Muhoozi told the committee that the monthly stipend for each recruit is Shs200,000. It is not clear if Shs9.25b includes arrears. According to Mr Rwamirama, the recruits are still undergoing training” (Wesonga, 2019).

What is also special in consideration, when coming to the army in the Republic is that it is, usually one of the biggest posts on the budget! The UPDF is that, maybe except for the State House and the Office of the Prime Minister, that get funds upon funds for their activities. When, even much of the supplementary parts also goes to the Uganda People’s Defence Force. That is if you have followed this. Therefore, if there was somewhere that is well funded and should have capacity for a shortfall of cash. It should be one of the places where the most funds are put, right?

With this in mind, the LDUs should have something to eat out of the huge plate of the UPDF. Unless, they are made for ghosts and feed the invisible creatures they are. Because nothing seems right about this. Just another trick to put more weapons on the streets and intimidate even more. Not an AD Hoc decision to secure or salvage anything. Sort of like the promise of sharpshooters on the back of the convoys of MPs and VIPs. Because that would also solve their fear and lessen the violence.

You can really tell by the comments in the Daily Monitor piece, that this is all made because the President ordered so, without any prior suggestions or securing information on how to do it. It is really some hectic and rampage activity, that only shows that the “Only Man With A Vision” is losing his steps. He is going more erratic and less sense. If he had sense, he would have consulted the generals and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) to ensure the funds and possibility of finding funds for this policy. Alas, that was not the case. The state is starting something, without proper plan, execution or even funds. They are walking in blind, hoping to get a vision and find the way in the utter darkness, without a flash-light or anything to enhance the vision. That is what the state is doing, in the matter of the LDUs and it shows. Peace.

Reference:

Nelson Wesonga – ‘No money for LDUs- minister’ 24.01.2019, link: https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/No-money-LDUs–minister/688334-4949198-e55kwx/index.html

ZHRC Statement on the Deteriorating Socio-Economic and Security Situation in Zimbabwe (22.01.2019)

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC/Commission) has noted with concern the fast deteriorating socio economic and security situation in Zimbabwe triggered by an assortment of government policy statements and decisions. These have had far reaching effects on the household economy causing losses in incomes and savings thereby worsening poverty levels in the country.

The ZHRC fully understands the dire macroeconomic situation in the country and the need to make radical decisions to remedy the situation. Whilst such austerity measures meant to transform the performance of the economy may be commendable, due care and diligence must be exercised to protect the rights and well-being of especially the vulnerable members of society. In particular, it is important to develop pro poor policies including the setting up of effective social safety nets to ensure access to basic goods and services by all. Section 13 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe implores the State and all institutions of Government to ensure equitable development. Further, Section 13 (2) requires Government to involve the people in the formulation and implementation of development plans and programmes that affect them.

It is the view of the Commission that most of the austerity measures and decisions are being made with little or no consultation of the relevant stakeholders and citizens and in many instances sound and appear as almost arbitrary. As a result there is no buy in or support for these new policies leading to implementation challenges with some key players and citizens resisting the changes. Related to this, there are no structured policy review mechanisms in place to assess and understand both intended and unintended impact of government decisions and policies on citizens and the economy. All policies, no matter how well – meant, can have a negative impact that disproportionately affect the disadvantaged members of society. Such members of society need State support to cushion them so that they cope with the consequent hardships. It is now increasingly difficult for poor families to put food on the table, access medical services, send children to school or enjoy any other socio economic rights enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The Government of Zimbabwe, outside pronouncing a number of austerity measures, has not provided a clear road map to economic recovery and prosperity. Key determinants of economic growth are not being dealt with decisively. For example, the present currency confusion is leading to much speculation and rent-seeking behaviour by most economic agents. Section 317 of the Constitution is very clear and gives the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe the mandate to: regulate the monetary system; protect the currency of Zimbabwe in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth; and, formulate and implement monetary policy. It is the ZHRC’s considered view that the country will not attract much investment or realise economic development before decisively dealing with the currency confusion.

The ZHRC therefore calls upon Government to take the lead in convening a platform for national dialogue with partners in all sectors including captains of industry, labour unions, independent commissions, civil society, the opposition and ordinary citizens in order to find lasting solutions to the prevailing economic challenges to ensure respect and observance of human rights and promote peace and security in the country. We urge the Government to be a listening and caring administration, not worried about perceptions of weakness or climb-down because of accommodating various sectors and viewpoints in addressing the national crisis that Zimbabwe finds itself in.

The Commission has also noted the decision by a number of organisations and individual members of society to demonstrate and petition as a way of communicating their frustrations and demanding answers from the Government of Zimbabwe as a duty bearer. The frustrations are understandable, and the right to demonstrate is provided for and protected under section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The ZHRC takes this opportunity to emphasize that this provision protects the right but also gives the responsibility to the demonstrators to respect the right of others by demonstrating peacefully. The Commission calls upon all organisers of and participants in demonstrations to take this responsibility seriously by having concrete measures to ensure peace. Experience has taught us that criminal and rogue elements of society will always take advantage of public demonstrations and protests and proceed to loot, destroy property and even cause bodily harm to innocent bystanders. The Commission therefore does not condone the violence that has characterised previous and current demonstrations. Organisers of demonstrations must therefore take full responsibility for their decisions and actions so that the enjoyment of their rights is not in violation of the rights of others. Equally worrying is the abuse of social media platforms by demonstrators and other faceless characters to threaten and intimidate people as well as distort facts to achieve their ulterior motives, in the process causing alarm and despondency amongst the citizens. The ZHRC calls upon all stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold peace and at the same time urges the Government not to violate citizens’ rights to information by blocking social media and internet services.

In addition, the Commission urges law enforcement agents to protect people and property in line with their constitutional mandate and not to cause harm and loss of life to the protesting citizens. In this regard, the Commission has noted with concern the reports of loss of life and limp during the current demonstrations, attributed mainly to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The Commission has also received reports of the security sector badging into people’s homes during the dead of the night on Monday 14th January 2019 and early morning on Tuesday 15th January 2019, beating up people and forcing them to clear barricaded roads. As the Commission, we are of the view that such heavy-handedness on the part of the security sector does not solve our national problems but only helps to create resentment and anger amongst the citizens which in turn breeds the violence that we are currently experiencing.

Lastly, as Zimbabweans, let us all remember that this is our country together, and we must all work to ensure a Zimbabwean society where everyone enjoys their rights and where citizens can thrive and prosper whilst building a better country for future generations.

Somalia: $1.08 billion required to support 3.4 million Somalis with life-saving and livelihood assistance (21.01.2019)

Misa Zimbabwe: High Court sets aside internet shut down directives (21.01.2019)

Zimbabwe: IndustriALL Global Union calls for an end to persecution of union leaders and to engage in social dialogue (21.01.2019)

Zimbabwe: Speculations of a showdown between Mnangagwa & Chiwenga(!)

As the uncertainty is spiralling out of proportions, there are new rumours, which is not yet verified. But they might unravel the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) as the relations between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Who are both from two different fractions of the ruling regime, the Lacoste and Cosleg. They are maybe fighting for supremacy.

This would be a repeat of the November 2017 coup d’etat, though it is more bloody this time. As the latest few days has taken dozens of lives and the soldiers has been violating peoples rights on the regular. Therefore, since the fuel prices skyrocketed on the 12th January 2019, the Shutdown has really hit the Republic hard.

Suddenly, as the President was supposed to be attending the Davos Summit of 2019, but has instead planned to return. While that is happening. There are speculation and reports. That is worrying even more. They are amplifying as well. Because, it has been mere words. However, now they are getting more vocal.

Tony Karombo reported today: “At least 35 Zanu PF MPs met at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Friday night, where war veterans’ leader Christopher Mutsvangwa laid out the plan, sources have said. The rebels are said to be considering a wildcard candidate to take over. Legally, Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga or Kembo Mohadi, the other Vice President, would assume the presidency on an acting basis until Zanu PF nominates a replacement, who could be a new name” (…) “The plotters, sources said, were fanning out this weekend to the provinces to mobilise parliamentary and party support for Mnangagwa’s ouster. The panic in Zanu PF has been occasioned by a fear that the party could be “run out of town” by a popular uprising. This follows Monday’s widespread protests over a 150 percent increase in the price of fuel decreed by Mnangagwa. The protesters exhibited a militancy never before seen” (Zim Live – ‘War veterans leader Mutsvangwa leads dramatic plot to oust Mnangagwa’ 20.01.2019).

We don’t know if this is true. However, that is not the only words spoken about that. That is the worrying part. Even as the Social Media Black-Out and Internet Blockade. Still, these sort of speculations comes out. That shows that something is going-on and reasons behind the sudden back-flip of Mnangagwa. As he wouldn’t change his plans that swiftly, if he wasn’t fearing for something going on behind his back or had to take control of the situation. He knows how easily things can get out of hand. As he saw how quickly he went from being banished and in exile. To come back because of the Lacoste beating the G-40 part of Zanu-PF. He knows this perfectly well.

The Second source says this: “We have a potential crisis on our hands. The gloves are off between ED Mnangagwa and General Chiwenga. Sources have revealed that the major bone of contention is that Chiwenga wants Chamisa to be respected and given a Prime Ministerial post to restore confidence and fix the economy. As we speak ZANU PF provinces have started passing resolutions against Chiwenga seeking his expulsion from party and government. As we enter into the 2nd leg of the shutdown please stay indoors, lock your gate, lock your doors and preserve your life” (Unverified report, 20.01.2019).

We don’t know if either is true or what is going on. There is one more report from the diaspora, as the speculation continues to ravish: “Plans are to nominate General Chiwenga to the office of the President in few weeks to come as an incumbent since hes Deputising ED also to bring back the key young man Chamisa as the Prime Minister once the operation goes successful against the ED led Russian regime, then after 3 months fresh elections are to take place were it is believed General Chiwenga wants to give in Power to the young Chamisa this time, Chigumba will play a fair role this time as the Generals all they want to see is a true wish of the people & a Democratic process being followed, Chiwenga & all other post era Generals are set to retire after this final process they called Dupped Zimbabwe Restoration (DZR). General Chiwenga was quoted last week saying “if we did it before, we will do it again, this time in respect to the people of Zimbabwe not us as the Generals”” (Junta.Repo.G, 19.01.2019).

However, these cannot be verified. Whatever that is worrying is the signals it is all sending and the uncertainty, as the ZANU-PF isn’t the sort of Party where transparency or the truthful manner is ordinary behaviour. Rather the opposite and they can act like Game of Thrones to get into power. Usually, the king has lasted for decades, but now things are happening quickly. Because, the ones close to power has seen it is actually possible to topple the King.

These reports are not from viable sources. Therefore, I am not taking it as good things. But still showing it, because, this shows the talk of the town. This shows what is viable and what people thinks is happening. As the killings, torture, arrests and persistence of violence is happening. Therefore, there have to be apparent reason for everything. Since the soldiers are in the streets and they are acting like it is Martial Law.

ZANU-PF might be infighting, but they are might using t this speculation as a cover-up for their intention. Who know, because it is not like they are open and transparent … We all know that.

Mnangagwa and Chiwenga might be fighting, the War Vets and the Zanu PF might have some plans. The Cosleg and Lacoste are maybe doing something, but we cannot know right now. What we do know is that the soldiers are hurting, killing and arresting people. They are violent against the public, as they are struggling because of the fuel prices and that tearing up the Republic.

Who knows, if the Zimlive reports are true and we will know within 72 hours. However, right now, we don’t know. Peace.

Burundi: The Senate starts moving the offices to Gitega!

19th January 2019 – PNB loaded these trucks with furniture’s.

The movement of Capital in Burundi is winding up, as President Pierre Nkurunziza wants a more peaceful to continue his reign from. As the place of studies and such, which haven’t had the infrastructure nor the development are not stationed to be the political capital of the Republic.

CNDD-FDD and Nkrunziza are now taking steps to get things ready in Gitega. From the 18th January until 2nd February 2019, the various offices of the Senate are moving as per order on the 16th January 2019. That was ordered by the Senat President Renovat Niyonzima. On the 19th January, the PNB started moving furniture on the 19th January 2019. Therefore, the move is happening and not just orders.

That is why it is clear, that the move of capital is happening. Surely sooner or later, the CNDD-FDD and Nkurunziza will ask for funds, loans and grants to develop the Capital. As there are not as much in Gitega compared to Bujumbura. Even if Gitega is the Capital of Kings, there is hard to compare the places in buildings and in infrastructure.

What is really special about the move, there are no budget or direct plan on how to do it within a month. Just dates on movement. You can wonder about housing and the places to stay for the ones working at the Senate and the Senators themselves. Just because the PNB starts driving away furniture, the placement and space in buildings has to be cleared or made. In a month is very short time limit, especially with no budget. Meaning needed funding for making Gitega the Capital.

We have to see how this continues, see if the IMF or World Bank will fix funds or even the CNDD-FDD will ask for viable funds through loans in the China Exim Bank. That would be natural for them, as the expenses of the transfer of the political capital there. Because, the state should have finance and funds ready to cover expenses. But they only had a vote and now they have a paper sheet for the move. Therefore, the plans are limited and the President have fixated on a more peaceful living in Gitega, than in Bujumbura.

This here looks a personal gift to him and his will. Not looking like a viable move. More of the same and more living like almighty king he is.

President Nkurunziza thinks this is wise, but really making him look foolish. Even as the Gitega is the historical town of Kings. Still, it doesn’t mean it yet is fit for the prospects of housing all parts of the political sphere of the Republic. That should been planned over a long time and also had sustainable funds for moving. However, this seems forced and unplanned. Peace.