Category: Politics
Press Releases on the Coup d’etat in Burkina Faso
It’s been a day with heavy deployment in Burkina Faso. The recent activities are still under way and the reports from the ground and they will continue to come. The Coup d’etat which is happening as we speak is strange especially thinking about the recent process that the nation has been under in recent months. That the military has all of a sudden carried out! The releases that are released are from certain big organization, multilateral organization and bigger nations that have a say in the world.
African Union statement:
“The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, continues to follow with deep concern the situation in Burkina Faso following the abduction yesterday, in Ouagadougou, of the President of Faso, Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida and some members of his Government, by elements of the
Régiment de sécurité présidentielle (RSP), as well as today’s announcement of the appointment of “new authorities” (…)”She welcomes the unanimous condemnation by the international community of these acts, which constitute a serious threat to peace, stability and security in Burkina Faso, the region and the rest of the continent. She calls on all the AU Member States and the international community as a whole to ensure that this attempt to undermine the Transition is defeated. The AU considers the announcement by the military of the “dismissal” of President Michel Kafando and the attempt of substituting him with “new authorities” as null and void” (…)”The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the imperative for the defense and security forces to operate under the control of the political authorities. She stresses that the repeated destabilization attempts by elements of the RSP since the beginning of the Transition highlight the need for security sector reform in Burkina Faso, as part of the efforts to deepen democracy and strengthen the rule of law in this country” (African Union, 2015).
Amnesty:
“The situation in Burkina Faso is deeply worrying. The interim president and all those detained must be immediately freed and their physical integrity protected,” said Gaetan Mootoo, Amnesty International’s West Africa Researcher” (…)“The security forces must respect the right of the population to protest peacefully, and take action to avoid any more deaths or injuries,” (…)”The coup d’état comes just two days after the National Reconciliation and Reforms Commission recommended that the RSP be disbanded following accusations that its guards opened fire on unarmed protesters during last year’s anti-government protests” (Amnesty, 2015).
Freedom House:
“The Presidential Guard’s decision to detain key members of the transitional government weeks before the election is a direct threat to Burkina Faso’s transitional process,” said Vukasin Petrovic, director of Africa programs. “It is imperative these officials be released and citizens of Burkina Faso be given the opportunity to peacefully vote for their new government” (Freedom House, 2015).
South Africa;
“South Africa strongly condemns any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means or the resolution of political disagreements through the use of force. This incident is a serious violation of Burkina Faso’s Constitution and the country’s Transitional Charter. South Africa calls for the immediate release of Interim President Kafando, Prime Minister Zida and other leaders, and appeals to the people and all political leaders in the country to refrain from any violent activities that may further undermine peace, security and stability in the country. We urge all involved, including Burkina Faso’s security forces, to adhere to non-violence, and to debate issues in a peaceful and inclusive manner” (RSA, 2015).
United Nation:
“The United Nations stands firmly behind the transitional authorities and President Kafando. The Secretary-General notes the strong support of the people of Burkina Faso for a peaceful transition and urges compliance with the transitional calendar, including the upcoming elections.”(United Nation, 2015).
U.S. Statement:
“The United States strongly condemns any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means or resolve internal political disagreements using force” (Kirby, 2015).
On a total different note:
“today confirms that operations at its Mana Mine in Burkina Faso have not been interrupted by the coup d’état that erupted yesterday in the Ouagadougou area” (…)”The Mana Mine is located 270 kilometers southwest and a five-hour road trip from the capital of Ouagadougou. We are closely monitoring the situation with our partners to ensure the continued safety and security of SEMAFO employees” (La Valliere, 2015).
Afterthough:
Hope this was some insights and hope when it has transgressed over the recent day. I have nearly ever read that governments and human rights organizations have been positive to a coup d’etat in any country. So that they are telling and condemning of the actions of the military should been seen as reasonable in any sense. The process of the matter and the reactions is normal. I and other just pray that this lead to security and safety for the public. The Burkinabe should get political and economic freedoms that they deserve, because there to many coup d’etat’s in the country. If they get this by yet another coup d’etat we cannot be sure of. That this will generate wealth or generate any kind of stabile government is not certain. Especially when they jail the ones that we’re leading the transitional government that was in place for the moment and time. And the outcome of this will lead to outrage and issues between the public and the new military government. The issues between the Burkina Faso and the outside world will also be in jeopardy and the legitimacy of the government would be hard task. Reasons for the coup and knowledge will be dropped later and the stories behind will surface. For now we will hope and pray that this will lead to something good. Though it’s hard to know since the ones grabbing guns and taking it by force isn’t often a way to a healthy democracy or peoples republics. The last one who stepped aside and made a difference this way was Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings. But he is a rarity in this world. Peace.
Reference:
African Union – ‘THE AFRICAN UNION REJECTS AS NULL AND VOID THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE MILITARY OF THE “DISMISSAL” OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE TRANSITION IN BURKINA FASO’ (17.09.2015) link:http://www.peaceau.org/uploads/auc-press-release-burkina-faso-17-9-2015-.pdf
Amnesty- ‘Army must free detained leaders in Burkina Faso and avoid violent repression of protests’ (17.09.2015) link: http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/army-must-free-detained-leaders-in-burkina-faso-and-avoid-violent-repression-of-protests
Kirby, John – ‘Recent Actions by Elements of the Presidential Guard in Burkina Faso’ (16.09.2015) link: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/246990.htm
LaValliere, Robert – ‘Business as Usual at SEMAFO’s Mana Mine in Burkina Faso’ (17.09.2015) link: http://www.canadianminingjournal.com/press-releases/story.aspx?id=1003706346
Freedom House – ‘Burkina Faso: President and PM Detained Ahead of Vote’ (16.09.2015) link: https://freedomhouse.org/article/burkina-faso-president-and-pm-detained-ahead-vote
RSA – ‘South African Government expresses concern over the Republic of Burkina Faso’ (17.09.2015)
UN – SG/SM/17080-AFR/3208: ‘Outraged over Reported Detention of Burkina Faso Leaders, Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Release’ (16.09.2015) link: http://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sgsm17080.doc.htm
FDC Youth Forum reacts to the TDA approval of Amama Mbabazi and want Dr. Kizza Besigye out of the coalition
The saga continues. The race between the Amama Mbabazi new position in the TDA has set things on fire. The same is with the FDC and FDC Youth Forum whom has rights to question the position of their flag-bearer which they wish to have as the leader of the opposition and not the fallen out of grace from the NRM which the other guy has.
Pretext:
“The group of FDC youth have raided storm Royal Suites Bugolobi, the venue for the TDA summit meeting demanding for their party’s withdraw from the opposition alliance” (Odongo, 2015). “The youth who were armed with placards demanded that Besigye leaves the summit and announces that FDC has quit the Alliance. Despite hesitating, Besigye came out of the meeting to address the rowdy youths. He advised them to go to the party headquarters in Najjanakumbi where he would address” (…)”The Youth were lead by MPs Odongo Otto, Geoffrey Ekanya and Jack Sabiiti who some days ago petitioned that FDC withdraws from the Alliance” (Waiswa, 2015). “The National Candidates Selection Committee of the Opposition coalition, The Democratic Alliance, recommended Mbabazi as the most favorable to joint presidential candidate. Not long ago Mbabazi as prime minister was being faulted by the opposition for stifling democracy in the country” (Waiswa, 2015).
This is what really went down:
“Dr Kizza Besigye, the FDC flag-bearer in the 2016 presidential elections has called for restraint and calmness after a group of radical party youth dragged him from a meeting of The Democratic Alliance on Thursday” (…)”The youth warned that FDC would not accept TDA’s endorsement of Amama Mbabazi as the alliance’s flag-bearer in the 2016 election, as alleged in the media” (…)”The youth claimed that while they did not have anything personal with Mbabazi, his alleged “involvement in the suppression of our struggle are still fresh in our minds, he is responsible for our continued suffering” (Aine, 2015).
Dr Kizza Besigye said this: “Our people are concerned by this alleged unfairness” (…)”They are saying the process is unfair. The people are right, it must be questioned. The process must fair” (…)”NEC must sit and discuss concerns of unfairness. People are confused that how can a coalition of opposition support Hon Mbabazi who is an NRM member” (Aine, 2015).
Afterthought:
Well, with the recent actions from the FDC Youth Forum proves that the issue of whom is running for the flag-bearer post in the TDA. That will also create issues between the parties in the alliance and coalition. The frictions that it takes when a independent man that was the former menace to society is now the front-runner of the opposition. Now he is the man to run for office after being split from the mothership or the party he was a poster-child in.
Dr. Kizza Besigye was the same for the NRM, but went out earlier and was involved also from the Bush to the rewrite of the constitution so that President Museveni could sit until indefinite and not leave the office. So after that Dr. Kizza Besigye has lost elections in 2006, 2011. Who even made the issues with the government over the famous ‘Walk to Work’ riots!
That’s why the FDC Youth Forum reacts when the opposition candidate to fight the NRM sole candidate who has been there since 1986, which everybody already knows. The issue that is concerning is the reaction, not from the Youth Forum since they already has addressed their plea. It’s the reaction from FDC flag-bearer Dr. Kizza Besigye who is the people’s president. That has addressed the matter and how it changes the power struggle in the coalition of the TDA. But it’s frightening if this is the way that Dr. Besigye is now addressing the procedures of NEC in the TDA. If this is now really weakening the coalition then it will hard to go back, that the issue becomes a struggle between Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye, instead of a unity going to show strength towards NRM regime. They need to stay strong against it, if not the fractions and frictions will always be in a coalition, but the way it’s turning isn’t making a solid effort to achieve the changes in electoral reform and also making sure of giving an honest fight against the NRM party. If they go back to scratch then the time was a wasting in a unity that didn’t leave a trace in the 2016 race other than failure. That Dr. Besigye or any of the other opposition party leader want to see happening. Peace.
Reference:
Aine, Kim – ‘Besigye Calls Crisis FDC NEC Meeting as Youth Denounce Mbabazi’ (17.09.2015) link: http://chimpreports.com/besigye-calls-crisis-fdc-nec-meeting-as-youth-denounce-mbabazi/
Odongo, Otto – ‘Otto, FDC youth stir chaos at TDA meet’ (17.09.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/otto-fdc-youth-stir-chaos-at-tda-meet/
Waiswa, Baz – ‘Youth Storm TDA Summit, Force Besigye To Withdrawal From Alliance’ (17.09.2015) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/youth-storm-tda-summit-force-besigye-to-withdrawal-from-alliance/
Press Statement: NRM Poor Youth Forum Position (17.09.2015)
Our goal is to defeat President M7 in 2016 Presidential Election.Our Go Forward Candidate is H.E Amama Mbabazi.If TDA summit consider Mbabazi as TDA Presidential Candidate,we will commit our efforts towards actualising the principles of TDA but operating independently as NRM POOR YOUTH Forum as we struggle to bring an end to the reign of president M7.
As NRM POOR YOUTH FORUM, we have no problem with Col Kiiza Besigye contesting as FDC presidential candidate or an Independent candidate.We see no harm .We support this position and it’s an advantage in the struggle to defeat the 30 years dictatorship.We need to reach out to the masses, we must prepare the masses for the aftermath of the election.The bitter truth is M7 must go in 2016.
Lastly, If TDA summit consider Col Besigye Its presidential candidate, NRM POOR YOUTH FORUM will request Hon Amama Mbabazi to contest on Go Forward Ticket.
In other words, Both Besigye and Hon Mbabazi must contest for presidential election if we are to defeat M7 in 2016..M7 strength is only in rigging but with two strong candidates all against him, the rigging will not go him.President M7 has no support .He used to enjoy support in rural areas but things have changed, peasants are for JPAM only anxious for change.Col Besigye has great support in urban areas yet m7 has meagre support in urban areas, Jpam has support amongst the students,elites and middle class yet M7 has support from Asian investors in Uganda.
For God and my country,
We repair Broken Eggs.
Luzindana Adam Buyinza
Letter – Re: Verification of Mr. Kafeero Sekitoleko Robert Academic Documents (14.09.2015)
DRC – Burundi Refugee Assistance #16 – 02 September 2015
FDC Youth pleas against the inclusion of Amama Mbabazi into the TDA fold
There been friction in politics and will be like this, especially like in the recent months. With the thoughts going back to the NRM Poor Youth who first was celebrating the fact that Amama Mbabazi was standing for precidency inside the NRM to withhold this and change course to support the long reigning leader in Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This piece will not be about that, it will instead be another tale in the remarkable transition of Amama Mbabazi and his move to sign the TDA Protocol and how that has affected the political bodies and people in one of the affiliated parties, the challenger and biggest organization Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
“The party Chairman Wasswa Birigwa, who left the meeting before it ended says although a group of youth had wanted the party to pull out of TDA, they were still party of the political grouping” (…)”FDC’s Spokesperson Ssemujju Nganda says FDC is not intending to pull out of TDA, but the NEC members will tackle every matter which shall be tabled by the Party President regarding their collaborations with TDA” (Mukimba & Nsubuga, 2015).
“We are tired of you old men. You are to blame for the mess. You even decided to extend the nomination date for one single candidate without consulting FDC and other stakeholders. What kind of process of this?” an angry youth said” (Lule, 2015).
“Thomas Kayanja, the Mpigi district youth leader, said: “They asked Lukwago to return the DP ticket if he wanted to join TDA. Let them tell us when Mbabazi returned the NRM ticket if this whole thing is not NRM” (Lule, 2015). A further report says the he was even saying this: “He says they even took forms to Mbale for him to sign and waited for him to bring back the forms past the deadline they had set. He says if such actions are not explained properly, they will tell their flag-bearer to leave TDA” (SMSMedia, 2015).
Besigye himself says this: “He says they even took forms to Mbale for him to sign and waited for him to bring back the forms past the deadline they had set. He says if such actions are not explained properly, they will tell their flag-bearer to leave TDA” (…)”He says they even took forms to Mbale for him to sign and waited for him to bring back the forms past the deadline they had set. He says if such actions are not explained properly, they will tell their flag-bearer to leave TDA” (TheInsider, 2015)
DP Youth leader, Paul Ssembajjwe at DP headquarters in Kampala said this on the matter: “On this note, TDA presidential flag bearer selection process should not be limited to a handful of people because we are selecting a president to redeem Uganda from a cannibalistic regime not a parish chief” (…)”As DP youth, we demand that all the presidential candidates should address a live TV debate to address the country on the issues of the economy, security, employment, health, agriculture, administration, foreign policy and development cooperation as a way of sharing to the wider Ugandan community their strategy of delivering them” (…)”As DP youth we offer ourselves to organize and mobilize for these debates rather than hiding the process from Ugandans. We finally pledge our support towards TDA to ensure that it does stand strong despite the many storms that it faces currently” (Segawa, 2015).
Afterthought:
It is healthy that people express their thoughts on the inclusion of Amama Mbabazi into the coalition of oppression in the TDA. Which is an important question and how that will affect the bond between the ones who came to the agreement to move together for the campaign and election for 2016. This they have done in consideration of the manpower and richness of the ruling party.
That the FDC Youth Party branch is questioning the addition is a healthy thing and should be seen as a grown thing to do. Though claiming to bring out of the TDA already now is profoundly early to jump from the newly formed coalition. If so the premature change of Amama Mbabazi shows the fragile and weak organization. This shouldn’t be surprising considering how little time has run since the operation started. Everything that has happen is the first and never just procedure, though the protocols and codes of conduct is put into action. It proves how single people’s choices will make a reaction from branches further away from the core leadership of the parties. That’s why the FDC Youth question is a legitimate one. Though it might not be the right one or on point. It should still be asked because the coalition and its members have the right to question the movement.
That the FDC Youth have a right to do is, that is just the leaders who are loyal to their party and their flag-bearer and wish to succeed in 2016. The same wish the flag-bearer himself. That the DP Youth also talks about the issue is natural not only because of the issue with Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, but because they also can question and ask for certainty from the TDA. The TDA are a coalition of willing parties that work at a common goal instead of a spread force against one big party who has ruled since 1986. S
Nevertheless it will be an early victory for the NRM if the TDA already loose members and parties. It will be seen as strategic and securing place. With a fractions in the oppositions parties, they will not work together, instead only on their own agenda. This is something they are allowed to, but not correctly in the current time. The men and woman, the officials, the flag-bearers and members can and always question the TDA and the other members, but they can also go out! Issues will be between the parties and the movements. Certain issues will come up until the election in 2016. That is inevitable and wouldn’t be real people if that didn’t happen. The way forward is to move in ways that shows nobility and righteousness towards all parties. That inside parties can expect that some parts want to move away and go on their own is natural part of it. Though leaving alone instead of together is weakening the political power of the coalition. Especially if the FDC goes on the merry-go-round and the FDC Youth leaders knows this well. But the TDA need the FDC, as they need all the other ones as well, that is a natural one. If not they will all be running towards election time as they have done before with their own horses and structures, but not the strength of willing. This should be seen as a healthy movement and prove that the opposition parties have grown and want to make a change of regime, not only in words. Also in action! Peace.
Reference:
Mukimba, Norah & Nsubuga, Benon – ‘TDA awaits decision of FDC’s NEC’ (15.09.2015) link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000637/tda-awaits-decision-fdc-nec
Lule, Jeff Andrew – ‘FDC youth accuse TDA of favouritism’ (15.09.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/673431-fdc-youth-accuse-tda-of-favouritism.html
SmsMedia – ‘FDC Youth wants Besigye out of TDA’ (15.09.2015) link:
http://smsmedia.ug/2015/09/fdc-youth-want-besigye-out-of-tda/
Segawa, Nixon – ‘DP Youth Petition TDA over Presidential Flag Bearer Selection Process’ (16.09.2015) link: http://chimpreports.com/dp-youth-petition-tda-over-presidential-flag-bearer-selection-process/
TheInsider.ug – ‘FDC refuse to quit the TDA over Amama’ (15.09.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/fdc-refuses-to-quit-tda-over-amama/
Press Release: Tanzania Kick-Starts African Court Legal Aid Scheme Fund (16.09.2015)
Arusha, 14 September, 2015: The President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has pledged $100,000 to support the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Legal Aid Scheme.
The contribution was announced by President Kikwete when launching the Kiswahili version of the Basic Facts Booklet of the Court at its premises in Arusha, Tanzania, during a visit to bid farewell to the Judges and staff on 10 September, 2015.
Tanzania is the first AU Member State to contribute towards the Scheme.
He said that the contribution was to support the work of the Court which has recorded tremendous achievements in just a decade of its existence.
‘’It has lived up to its mandate and to the satisfaction of the [AU] Member States,’’ he said.
H.E Dr Kikwete is stepping down next month after serving the constitutional two fixed five year terms as the President of his country.
The President of the Court Hon Justice Augustino Ramadhani appreciated Tanzania’s generous contribution, saying that it would go a long way in justice delivery.
Further information can be obtained from the Court’s website at www.african-court.org
Parliament to Pay Tribute to Gen. Aronda Nyakairima on the 17th September 2015 (with PM Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda statement)
The Parliament of Uganda will, on Thursday, 17th September 2015 hold a special sitting to pay tribute to the late Hon. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima who passed away over the weekend. Hon. Gen. Nyakairima, UPDF MP and Minister of Internal Affairs died in transit to Dubai, while he was returning from an official trip to South Korea on Saturday 12th September, 2015. The Clerk to Parliament has communicated that the body of the Late Hon. Gen. Nyakairima will be brought to Parliament and lay in State for viewing by Members of Parliament and public after which a special sitting will be held at 2.00 p.m. in his honour. An overnight vigil will be held at his residence in Buziga. On Friday 18th September, the body of the Late Hon. Gen. Nyakairima will be taken to Kololo Independence Grounds for a Church Service before being flown to his ancestral home in Rukungiri for burial on Saturday 19th September, 2015. The Late Hon. Nyakairima was in the House between Sept 1 – 3, 2015, when it met to consider the creation of new districts, Supplementary Schedules 1, 2, 3 and the NGO Bill, 2013, which directly fell under his docket and some of which were passed.
CABINET PAYS TRIBUTE TO HON GEN. ARONDA NYAKAIRIMA, MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Cabinet held a special meeting today, Tuesday 15 September 2015, to pay tribute to Hon Gen Aronda Nyakairima, who passed away suddenly on 12 September 2015, and to receive a brief from the Task Force led by Defence Minister, Hon Dr Crispus Kiyonga, on the arrangements so far made for burial.The Cabinet meeting was chaired by The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Dr Ruhakana Rugunda.
Dr Kiyonga informed Cabinet that Government had on Saturday 12 September 2015 dispatched a team of doctors led by the Chief of Medical Services in the UPDF, Dr James Makumbi, together with two family members, namely, Mr Henry Ngabirano and Mrs Jolly Ngabirano, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to work with the authorities there to conduct investigations and to repatriate the body.
Cabinet acknowledged and saluted the significant contribution the late Gen Aronda made to the country’s stability and the unity of the people of Uganda.
Cabinet, however, noted that some elements of society, including some senior leaders in the country were using the tragic passing on of Gen Aronda, to spread falsehoods, negative and sectarian sentiments aimed at inciting and dividing the people of Uganda. Cabinet strongly condemned such acts.
Cabinet approved the burial arrangement plans as follows:
Wednesday, 16th September 2015: Arrival of the body.
Thursday, 17th September 2015: Body lies in State in Parliament for Members to pay tribute to the late Hon Gen Aronda.
Friday, 18th September 2015: Funeral service at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Sunday 20th September 2015: Burial in Rukungiri.
Ruhakana Rugunda (Dr)
Prime Minister
15 September 2015
















