DRC: Tshisekedi act oblivious on his plans to revise the Constitution…

“Who is going to prevent me, the guarantor of the nation, from initiating the process of revising or changing the Constitution?” (…) “I confirm that next year I will set up a commission to reflect on the Constitution. No one is going to change my position on the revision or change of the Constitution” (…) “I did not come to the head of Congo to stay in power forever. I only think about the happiness of my people. What I said in Kisangani had absolutely no connection with any 3rd term. But you have heard that this famous opposition, which has nothing to offer, and which had bitten the dust very seriously during the last elections, is seeking to manipulate the population by saying no to the 3rd term. Who spoke to them about a 3rd term?” – President Félix Tshisekedi (16.11.2024).

The son of Etienne is planning to revise the Constitution. The UDPS who worked so hard to stop Joseph Kabila from doing the same. They demonstrated and renegaded against the Kabila government and his plans to extend his stay over the two terms.

Now, Fatshi is planning to do the same, as his already elected for his second term. He wants to ensure and give reasons for a third one. That’s why the clock is ticking, and he needs to do it swiftly enough. Just so he reached the timeline and has all the procedure checked before it is ratified into law.

The people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) should be aware of what the Head of State plans to do. He speaks of it and expects no pushback. When his party and his father’s legacy is on the line. Now his trading away that to ensure longevity of his reign.

Fatshi won’t revise the Constitution for the semantics, but for real change for personal purpose. I doubt he will do it for the betterment and for systematic changes for long-term goals. As if, a man who is already in the middle of his second term. We have seen these sorts of things happening before and we shouldn’t be shocked.

There was an outcry when Joseph Kabila postponed and didn’t push for elections. People called for him to go. Fatshi will do this to linger and prolong his stay in office. The ones believing the current leadership are naïve. He won’t retire or such. No, he will do it.

We have heard similar words from others who has later altered the Constitution for their benefit. This is the same script and just a new location. It is just halting or looking like it doesn’t happen. Making it seem like a bigger picture, but the golden ticket is in revising it or revisioning one article in the constitution.

A third term is eminent…. And we can just await the next turn. President Tshisekedi is earning coins on it. We can just await the next move and where it goes. Nothing new is under the sun and the son of the Etienne are now willing to soil his legacy yet again. Peace.

Somaliland: Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation – The Government of Somaliland response to baseless Remarks from Mogadishu Administration (17.11.2024)

Kisoro By-Election: A look into Bobi Wine’s response after the polls

We are certainly not saying that we would have won each of these by-elections. But there is all evidence to prove that they were neither free nor fair. Even in places where their candidates could potentially win comfortably, they engaged in massive ballot stuffing” (Bobi Wine, 15.11.2024).

On Friday 15th November 2024, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine published a text on social media addressing the aftermath and the results of the Kisoro By-Election. That to no avail or surprise went to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or a NRM leaning Independent. This what went down and no one in the Republic was shocked by it.

We know how these By-Elections goes down and sometime you have to wonder if the Opposition parties aren’t reflecting on how they are operating. Because these elections goes down and they are all shocked about it. Instead of seeing the pattern and evolving. Following the same procedure and not acting accordingly. That’s what we have seen from the National Unity Platform (NUP). It haven’t barricaded or tried to force itself on the system. Instead it is just as complicit as the predecessors. Who are all banking on the same authorities and living in the hope that it will change itself. Which we aren’t seeing decades after decades…

Bobi Wine says: “Come back to yesterday, by 10:00am, regime officials started reaching out to our polling agents with money and telling them if they resisted, they would be arrested. Many indeed gave in and abandoned their stations. Only a few resisted and reported what was happening.

The regime does this to deliberately downplay our strength and to drive the narrative that the masses we attract do not necessarily translate into votes. Given that we’re heading towards the general election, they know this might have an effect on the psyche of the population, such that when they rig, they have recent by-elections to justify their theft!” (Bobi Wine, 15.11.2024).

We know these things are happening. The militarized zones and the usage of force by the authorities. The NUP and other parties knows this happens very well. That isn’t anything new and been modus operandi for years. Therefore, the opposition should reflect on how it works around it and guard the votes. How it can retaliate in a peaceful manner and be agents of change. Instead of letting them “win” in fear and in the possibility of retribution. Therefore, this is just a disregard of the will of the people and what they really want.

He continues: “Certainly, there are many places where NUP and the larger opposition need to do much more work in mobilising and awakening people, and Kisoro is one of them. It is clear that even without the kind of rigging they engaged in, the independent candidate would still have won. (But what is true also is that the NUP candidate would have gotten many more votes than those allocated to her.) This is in part because in Kisoro (and Oyam) there was another dynamic of a protest vote against the official NRM candidates. The would-be opposition voters chose to unite behind candidates they considered having the best chance against the NRM” (Bobi Wine, 15.11.2024).

This here is a mere fact, but its troubling for any opposition or party to do this. As the NRM and the authorities blocks the parties from engaging and building up structures. The state is interfering in internal party business and how it supposed to build party organizations. Therefore, they are tied and handicapped, which isn’t helping ahead of any polls. In addition to the rigorous activities during the polls and during the counting of it. Which is just a charade and make a mockery of the shindig.

Bobi Wine is even spelling out what I said after the polls. That in some races the Opposition should rally behind one candidate. Just to have a bigger shot at defeating the NRM. However, then you need to coordinate and have a willing of dialogue in a short span of time. Where the trust is built up between the parties and they are willing to forfeit candidature too. As it could be more humiliating if they fail to succeed. Regardless, in some instances it could be helpful. Especially, if the goal is to get the number of NRM MPs down in Parliament.

He continues: “Therefore friends, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. The struggle against dictatorship and misrule will involve many challenges before we get to victory. And yet we keep using all avenues including elections to awaken our people and push the message of freedom” (Bobi Wine, 15.11.2024).

Yes, the struggle lives on. Just like it did in the past. More of the same. Where people are doing the same and thinking they will get another result. Trying to configure the same system that is built to destroy the competition. Therefore, the way to victory over it isn’t to play as a part of it, but outwit it. However, that seems uncertain and as unknown terrain for plenty right now. Besigye have outlined the needs and the steps to do so. Nevertheless, those steps are forgotten and people aren’t reminded about those. That’s why we copy-and-paste. Meanwhile, the NRM lingers on and nothing changes. Peace.

Kisoro By-Election: Doing the same thing and learning nothing…

The recent Kisoro By-Election have gone down without much fanfare or excitement. Shockingly, there haven’t been a sort of move or tension, which made the regime or the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to act all out.

The ordinary acts of pre-ticked ballots, added security forces and policing in the District was as a customary act. The NRM used their teams and worked hard for their candidate. Meanwhile the opposition fielded several candidates to no avail.

That the PPP, FDC, UPC and NUP all had a candidate, but the battle was a NRM Leaning Independent versus the NRM candidate. The others was just publicity and party building exercises. The ones thinking otherwise was naive.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have yet again not listed to the local sentiments or who that is rightfully to elect. That’s why Rose Kabagyeni didn’t win and wasn’t favoured enough as Grace Ngabirano Akifeza. The NRM Electoral Commission didn’t take into consideration the will of the region or the district and just pushed through their person. This is why Akifeza went independent and proved them all wrong.

Plenty are mocking the NUP here, rightfully so… but in justification the NUP had no stakes in it and would only be a miracle if it was getting a win. The machinery is on the side of the NRM. The state apparatus in high gear and this is why they sort it out this way. They can rig to a certain extent, but they cannot force it totally. That’s why the likes of Akifeza gets through.

She would have harder trouble being elected or being part of it. If she wasn’t friendly to the NRM and wanted to be their flag-bearer to begin with. The President and the NRM EC needs to reevaluate. The other parties just had fools hope and it went nowhere.

It didn’t help that Bobi Wine or James Akena was part of the campaigns ahead of the polls. It didn’t matter that the NUP was there for two days. However, they didn’t guard the votes and continued their country tour. That’s why some people aren’t taking them seriously. As they weren’t trying to forge or even fortify the district. Instead they had hope and thought Tana aka Beyoncé would carry it for them. Alas, that is clearly not the case.

The Opposition Parties needs to assess the By-Election and if it is worth it. They need to consider to field joint candidates and make alliance across the political spectrum. As the NRM won’t relent and they are only allowing NRM leaning Independents as the second best. This is why they accept the loss, but wouldn’t be okay with a true opposition. Therefore, they knew this and saw the footprints in the sand.

You need an earthquake and a miracle for opposition MPs to win in these By-Elections. There is little wiggle-room or if any. Except for when a person has such popularity that is out of bound or out of the ordinary. They are unique and has the messages that the locals or voters are concerned about. They have the sincere heart and nobility that makes them feasible. That’s the times the opposition has won these in the recent years.

This time around… there was a run-of-the-mill election. Nothing was significant and no message was said. There was no story or tale to be told. Only that the NRM lost to one of their own. They lost to someone who wanted to be theirs, but they rejected her. That’s why the locals said “no” and we want her. This is why we are here today. Peace.

Kisoro By-Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (15.11.2024)

Kyrgyzstan: A thousand bottles of vodka equal coup attempt

“A group of suspects, who were planning to organize mass riots and overthrow the government on November 17, on the day of elections to local councils, have been detained. The press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reported. It was reported earlier that the former deputy prosecutor general of Kyrgyzstan Adyl uulu Kuban was detained on suspicion of violent seizure of power and other serious crimes and placed in a pretrial detention center until the end of investigation” (…) “Also, 1,000 bottles of vodka for getting the crowd drunk, 2,000 bottles of mineral water, 1 ton of rice, 1 horse for slaughter and food for cooking plov for participants of mass riots were seized from the warehouse of this group. The detainees were charged with organizing and preparing for mass riots, creating an organized group, financing an organized group, attempt to violently seize power, participation of a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic in armed conflicts or military actions on the territory of a foreign state of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic” (Eng24.kg – ‘Group of people planning coup on election day detained in Kyrgyzstan’ 13.11.2024).

There must be questions lingering within the Ata-Zhurt Party and surrounding President Sadyr Japarov. In the Kyrgz Republic, as established and reported, there was a group planning massive civil unrest and possibly a coup d’etat against the government formed by President Japarov. Certainly, there is more behind this, but what is reported is compelling.

The news of thousands bottles of vodka and planning of making plov to the population to gain popularity for their efforts. That is telling how things are and how they wanted to make things grow organically. Who else doesn’t stomach unrest and upheaval with a little food in your tummy and a little booze too. Everyone needs that to enjoy the perks of life before going to the streets to demonstrate or riot.

Certainly, the authorities were able to intercept and capture several individuals part in it. There are 6 people plus the former Deputy Prosecutor General Adyl uulu Kuban. They are now behind bars and awaiting trial. A case that will be looked further into and over the new years the trials will begin. So, the state has a long time build and connect the dots.

Because they cannot arrest someone on sedition and such over buying bulk-loads of vodka. Neither the amounts of food nor photo equipment. There is a need for more material and evidence of the pre-existing plans to topple the government of President Japarov.

In Bishkek there is surely speculations going on, but this shouldn’t be to terrifying. As there was only talks of loads of booze and food. There wasn’t heavy weaponry or connections with the army. If that had been the case… this would have been much worse for the government itself. As the trust between the different branches of government would have been breached. There would have treachery into the important parts of the government. That would have hurt the leadership and the ones who rules the nation currently.

We can just wonder… why now? And for what reason?

Oh yeah with little faith. Well… there must be more to this and they planned to make a party. However, not the sort of party that the legislators or the authorities wanted. Maybe the state should throw a party around the polls. Just to prove the coup makers that they are jolly too. Buy some vodka and make some plov. In a manner, which makes the voters happy and gives them a bonus for doing their civic duty. Peace.

Somalia: HSM still hasn’t resolved the electoral standoff

Somali lawmakers representing the Jubaland State constituency currently in Kismayo, have announced a boycott of proposed election commission and multi-party laws, recently submitted to parliament by the federal government of Somalia . The legislators cited a “lack of consensus” and described the proposals as an “ill-fated agenda for an illegal term extension.” In a joint statement, the MPs voiced support for Jubbaland’s decision to proceed with indirect elections, alleging that the federal government has wielded development projects and budget subsidies as “political weapons.”” (M-Amiin, 11.11.2024).

“Somalia’s bicameral parliament on Monday approved a temporary 15-member committee tasked with drafting and reviewing regulations for elections and political organizations” (Somali Signal, 11.11.2024).

Things aren’t sailing smoothly in Mogadishu. Villa Somalia aren’t able to resolve matters and get it all under wraps. There are uncertainties and Federal Member States (FMS) who are reacting to the manners and the way it is moving forward.

The Somali President and his handlers aren’t listening to the FMS and their grievances. Meanwhile pushing through possible legislation and operational protocols for an up-coming election. Therefore, things are going to get rocky before they get better.

The reactions from Jubaland and Puntland is as expected, as well as the pushback from Somaliland. We can just see that Villa Somalia isn’t handling this accordingly but acting in either ignorance or blissful arrogance towards the rest. Thinking they will march on and eventually just follow suit. Which isn’t entrusting all stakeholders or the ones who are supposed to participate in the elections.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud cannot be saved by the bell today, as the Parliament was only about 170 Members of Parliament and that’s a bit few when there is 329 MPs in total. Meaning this wasn’t a vote with a majority or with popular support. When so many are not part of the equation. Just showing how insincere the whole process is…

We have seen these sorts of actions before and this isn’t new. The same sort of tale we saw with Farmaajo and how he went ahead with the elections. The former President made a mockery and tried to prolong his stay in office. Now we are seeing HSM trying to forge his way forward and most likely assure his allies a return to office. It is a political gamble and done for a reason.

That’s why some FMS and their leaders are boycotting it, as they are not beneficial or part of the equation. They are not a part of the process and falling behind. This is why the Villa Somalia is acting this way. The MPs who voted today and such are following orders from the Presidency. Therefore, this don’t bold well…

We can expect more headaches and issues from Mogadishu. The election in Somalia never comes easy and this one won’t either. Peace.

Somaliland: Somaliland Special Envoy – Exposing Somalia’s latest Deception: Somaliland sets the record straight on Somalia’s misleading claims (11.11.2024)

Somalia: Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs & Reconciliation – Statement (09.11.2024)

Mozambique: African Election Observers Network (AfEONet) – Solidarity Message with the People of Mozambique in Light of Post-Election Violence Following the October 9, 2024, Elections (07.11.2024)