CS Bett blames consumption of UNGA for the UNGA Crisis!

Certainly, one of these days the Jubilee government Cabinet Secretaries going to wake-up from their sleep and start to act with common sense. Since the release of subsidized maize and opening imports, the markets has not overflowed with Unga. Neither, the reality that some of the millers kept stockpiles of it, as they knew they would be subsidized from the state. So why sell it months ahead, when you can keep it steady and unleash when you get double bonus. The Jubilee government knows this and therefore right on the day of the subsidized maize and the possible export provisions came into effects. Boats with foreign maize came pouring in through the ports of Mombasa.

“He witnessed the arrival of 12,000 bags through the Rift Valley Railways yesterday. “To ensure every Kenyan enjoys the Sh90 subsidised maize flour, all maize from Mombasa will be removed using SGR, RVR and trucks,” Bett said. In two weeks, the market has been experiencing a shortage of unga. “Since we started the subsidised programme, we have witnessed more Kenyans preferring unga, thus the high demand for maize flour,” he said” (Ngotho, 2017).

CS Willy Bett, need some guidance, needs some reassurance and some sort of stiff upper-lips for insulting fellow citizens. It isn’t the sudden love for UNGA. This the staple food. This is what Kenyans are known to eat. UNGA, Ugali or Posho (Ugandan I know). Still, the maize flour meals is not a well-kept hidden secret. It would be like taking potatoes as out of the equation when feeding massive parts of Northern Europe. That is just the staple food. Period.

The CS clearly, has some internal issues and need to stop thinking he can deceive fellow citizens. As the indicated exports combined with the stockpiling was very evident. That people are buying lots of it now, is because they might even fear for more scarcity. Since it isn’t only drought, but man-made problems that has given way to shortage of UNGA.

It is time to wake-up for Mr. Bett and smell the UNGA. Time to see and relieve his fellow brothers and sisters. Not just find excuses upon excuses and think it can save his grace. You do not take away some-ones staple and think you can get away with it. Seriously, that is insulting. The insinuation and undermining of the needs and the will of Kenyans. Are evident in his approach to the UNGA crisis. This should not be forgotten, because his grace has clearly not done his job and then blames the citizens for either their staple food! Peace.

Reference:

Ngotho, Agatha – ‘Kenyans eating more ugali to blame for unga shortage – CS’ (20.06.2017) link: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2017/06/20/kenyans-eating-more-ugali-to-blame-for-unga-shortage-cs_c1582605?platform=hootsuite

European Committee of the Regions – Staff Notice – “Very Hot Weather – Early Leaving Option” (19.06.2017)

Brexit: Terms of Reference for the Article 50 TEU negotiations (19.06.2017)

Kampala’s BRT at this stage is a pipe-dream!

The Bus Rapid Transport system together with a Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (MATA), in the midst of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Kampala City Hall and Ministry of Kampala. This are having different heads combined with the mastermind on the top President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Doesn’t matter what the ones in the parishes are considering, the Division Mayors, Lord Mayor Lukwago, KCCA Director Musisi or even State Minister Kamya. The one rubber-stamping the initiatives is and will be the President. Since he has his finger into everything.

That is why I have no faith in BRT. Even if it is stop the congestion, the lack of public transport in Kampala and problems of control of the Boda-Boda’s, the authority of the Taxi’s and the Specials. There are still significant issues to be reached. It doesn’t matter if they are banning or stopping certain transport options. As long as the ones working, are the taxis and boda-boda’s. These are the ones who has designated routes and travels with licensing for their routes. The Taxis are usually used Toyota Hiace imported from Japan, second-hand ones who was former bread-trucks, who are rebuilt to fit as many people as possible.

While a BRT means there will be heavy investments in stages, in divisions and in congested areas to fit the paradigm of buses. It isn’t barely putting buses on the road and assume the population will start taking it. The need for steady implementation of road structure, of bus-companies, of driving schools and of time-tables has to be put on order to make sense for the citizens to use it. Since it needs to be better than the transportation options that are today, like the taxis, boda-boda’s and specials. At this stage the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) in their feasibility study estimates the needed funds to get it going at this point to be the staggering $612.06 Million. With today’s value of the Uganda Shillings it is about Shs. 2,193,883,999,999 UGX, in other terms over 2.1 trillion shillings. Which means one tenth of the Financial Year budget of 21 Trillion Shillings in FY 2017/2018. Just to put in perspective.

This infrastructure project of this size and ramification better make the roads of Kampala into bricks out of gold. Clear every single pothole and make sure the gravel grade more than standard. This project has been going on for ages without any movement or significant progress. Why I am writing about it, well there suddenly if it is true, some Chinese Investors who wants to touch the erratic transport system of Kampala. This are together with the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, at the State House discussing investments into it. Therefore, the sudden move of actual fueled money into it. As the 2.1 Trillion shillings doesn’t grow on trees.

President Museveni stated this today:

The Kampala Metropolitan Rapid Bus Transport project is a necessity. We should not continue to have so many cars with limited capacity” (…) “The investor will construct 26 rapid bus stations, 420 stage shelters and an initial 400 buses with a carting capacity of 74 passengers” (Museveni, 18.06.2017).

With this unknown Chinese Investor, they are clearly indicating some infrastructure and some buses to put up. If this will see the light of day and will be honestly implemented, than there are start, but it takes time to find routes and needed ways to make it profitable, as there will also be lost oppertunities for the ones who used taxis, specials and boda-boda’s on these roads. That is if this isn’t a scheme and plot of manufacturing more monies through the state-house. Which wouldn’t be surprising knowing how the President often operate.

The BRT would be a bonus and strengthen the congestive traffic of Kampala, a needed one for more time working and less time stuck in traffic jams. It would be important for the citizens leaving the divisions and traveling across town to work. But the state haven’t been able in the recent years to pull it off. Maybe Chinese investments would help it and their involvement in it would see it moving. But it shouldn’t just be the President’s blessings over the investments. The KCCA, Ministry of Kampala and City Hall should all have a say and make reports on how to build it properly. As the UIA even states there have only been a feasibility-study. That is preparation for the solution, but not the white paper or even framework for the Divisions or Central Business District of Kampala to make the BRT a success. Right now it is dream, which most likely could turn into a nightmare before its shuttle.

NAMA Proposals in 2013 are even more costly: “The capital costs budgeted over the 15 year period were estimated to total some US$ 1.181 Billion”. That is the double of the estimates from UIA in 2017. Therefore, something has either been scaled down or the NAMA was considering more aspects in their plans, than the UIA has. But is not like the President today has delivered any paperwork or reveled any sort of information what sort of possible deal he done with the “the Investor”. He could be scapegoat or even a mirage for all we know. Because none is on the up and up.

Especially considering he had a meeting with them at the State House in Entebbe with none of the leadership of Kampala. The ones in Kampala will just later get the news of the building and investments, therefore has to figure out how to implement it and work-out the perks. Parts of me wonder if the President even has looked into the documentation and considered the needed partners in play. But that is just how the President operates. He just can build Rome on his own or Kampala for that matter. He has all the skills and the brown envelopes at his disposal. Peace.

The new Financial Disclosure Form of 14th June 2017 – Doesn’t reveal anything about Donald Trump, because it isn’t verified value his supposed wealth!

Just as again this week there has been a new release of Financial Disclosure Form for President Donald J. Trump, still this is just estimates of his value, not the real-deal. That would be in a IRS Tax Returns. It is a reason why don’t surface, because the Financial Disclosure Form of 14th June 2017, is another bragging document and possible values of estates and businesses. But is not saying the real value, because how it is taxed is the real value.

Because all of the estate and values are from a possible value into a skyrocketed one, while the profits of it might be meager or decent. Therefore, a new released Financial Disclosure Form isn’t saying anything new. Other than President Trump is a coward, a little whiny bitch who cannot be transparent. Who doesn’t have the capacity or is so afraid of how he really has earned his money, that he knows it is damaging for him.

If he wasn’t afraid, if he wasn’t whiny, but was an honest businessman, we would have seen the IRS Tax-Returns in 2015 or even in 2016, but he doesn’t have the character. Even Hillary Clinton and her combined foundation with Bill Clinton, the Clinton Foundation had now troubles being open to society and disclose their earnings and profits. But Trump cannot do that because he is crooked and not honest.

I see no difference with this and what was delivered as his status as running Presidential Candidate, the ones that believes this paper is blind and has no vision. Since the various differences of value estimates are bananas. An estate cannot be either worth a million or ten million. It either is fixed to cost 1 million or cost 10 millions. Unless, the estate manager suck so much at his job that he cannot find people to give a just price for the prospect and the land it is on. So it seems like President Trump want to bloat his ego and try again to prove his wealth. That wouldn’t be surprising.

Like Trump Marks Istanbul II LLC a license deal with Ortadogu Otomotive Ticaret AS, the income amount in the paper says between $ 1,000,000 to $ 5,000,000. Because that is 4,000,000 difference of earning possibly, this is one company and it is amazing how much royalty difference and profits from this Turkish company or whatever it is. Since the Trump Organization and President Trump isn’t sincere. Since they would be straight forward with a set amount to the Internal Revenue Authority (IRS), since they don’t want to pay to much cents on the dollars of their profits. That is if they are really trying to earn monies on this company alone.

While the new Hotel in Washington D.C. the Trump Old Post Office has no difference in earnings and profits. It has a total income of $ 19,666,129 and value which is over $ 50,000,000. This means that still the agreed rent of the hotel and the total value of the property isn’t assessed, but since it has long-term rental facility, the Trump Organization doesn’t mind, secondly since it is important placed hotel they have to straight forward on the profits.

So when you have these sort of things, it is hard to believe as the steady lies and deception from the President. Someone like me, will only believe the IRS Tax Returns that isn’t being disclosed. Therefore, I cannot trust this man and his business practices, since his ways is not sincere and honest. Just like his misuse of students at Trump University and also the use of polish workers for building his Trump Tower. He has never had the ability to be truthful or use just behavior in his business practices. Peace.

#QatarCrisis: KSA Blackmailing Somalia and while Eritrea & Ethiopia wants to stay ‘Neutral’!

Today, the on-going crisis between the Qatar and its neighbors continue. That United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The diplomatic spat continues. As the nations in region also uses their foreign partners and development countries to put pressure on Qatar. The newest victim is the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Today in a meeting with Saudi Diplomates, the National Representatives from Somalia was meet with this hostile message: “Cut ties with Qatar & we’ll give you what ever you want”. Also, since the Federal Government of Somalia hasn’t delivered on that wish or command by the KSA. They have ultimately done this: “Saudi Arabia refuses to give any financial support to Somalia govt until it cut ties with Qatar”. This come within short hours that the Somalia Republic statement talks of wishing for peace between their Arab partners. Clearly, the KSA doesn’t accept that sort of regime and arrangement. Therefore, the Somalian representatives and also state who needs financial support. That is why this sort of reaction show’s the power of their financial reach and they want to impose their aid with control of the foreign affairs of Somalia.

While the meeting has lead to this relationship with Somalia. They have not tried to change the minds of Ethiopia or Sudan. Since their reach there isn’t as powerful as they could be in Somalia. That proves the power of petrodollars and the wealth of the Saudi Kingdom. Ethiopia has also taken a neutral stance, but has not been hit with pressure yet.

Ethiopian Statement:

The Ethiopian foreign ministry has yet to comment, there is a strong feeling among officials in the ministry that they are caught in the middle of a bewildering regional dispute, according to sources. “Ethiopia is acting with great caution and it will come up with a statement urging for dialogue,” a senior diplomat told Ethiopia Observer. Ethiopia’s dilemma is that it trying to develop political and economic ties with Qatar, while also trying to develop strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries” (Fantahun, 2017).

While the Eritrea statement says this:

Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release said that in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are requested to contact the Eritrean diplomats to cut ties to Qatar. Policies that Eritrea has been completely rejected it. Eritrea said the Qatar share a good relationship, and it is not practicable to apply due to its relationship to the cut. Policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea’s president has called for a negotiated end to the tension between Qatar and countries in conflict” (VOASomali – link: https://www.voasomali.com/a/3893751.html).

So if they do this to, than the KSA might come with similar threats and pressure as they have now done to Somalia. Certainly if it wasn’t for President Omar Al-Bashir talks with Kuwait and their dialogue, the KSA might have given him a decree too. Certainly, the KSA and their allies are using their leverage and ability to oil-money to sway people to go against Qatar. Peace.

Reference:

Fantahun, Arefayne – ‘Ethiopia and Sudan remain neutral in Saudi-Qatar rift’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/06/ethiopia-and-sudan-remain-neutral-in-saudi-qatar-rift/

#Qatarcrisis: More Nations are cutting their diplomatic ties with Qatar!

The list of nations involved in the Qatar diplomatic dispute is becoming very long and shows the power of the Gulf Cooperation Council and their Member States. As the already long list of nations ceasing their diplomatic ties are Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Now, in the last 24 hours there been even more nations reacting to it. As the Federation of Somalia, Sudan, Seychelles and Gabon speaking in diplomatic terms and wants peace between the Gulf Nations. Also, that the state of Kuwait has tried to involve as negotiations partner between Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain towards Qatar. Still, this hasn’t helped the situation, as of yet.

As a military reaction to it all, even if the US. has an army base in Qatar. The Turkish Parliament has passed a bill fast-tracking the possible troops in Qatar, these will be a battalion of 5,000 in a military base there. In the United Arab Emirates if you write in solidarity to the Qatari people and government, you might face jail, this is the official stance of the UAE government now.

So now, there are other nations who has decided to join the leaving party and show reactions to the allegations of sponsoring terrorism. These are Comoros, Djibouti, Jordan, Mauritania and Senegal. Take a look!

Comoros breake ties:

The United Republic of Comoros decided today to sever diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar. This came in a memorandum sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Moroni saying, “This decision is effective from today, Wednesday” (Saudi Press Agency, 2017).

Djibouti breake ties:

The Government of the Republic of Djibouti officially announces that it has decided to reduce the level of its diplomatic representation in Qatar. The decision of the Government of Djibouti was taken in solidarity with the International Coalition to Combat Terrorism and Extreme Violence as well as the Gulf countries and the Arab countries. The Government of the Republic of Djibouti, which remains committed to good relations with the Arab brother countries concerned, calls on the parties to resolve the dispute through dialogue and cooperation among the Arab countries” (Djibouti, 2017).

Jordan break ties:

Jordan will downgrade its diplomatic representation with Qatar, it said on Tuesday, after examining the “cause of the crisis” between Doha and several other Arab states, Reuters reported. Jordan also revoked the license of Doha-based TV channel Al Jazeera, government spokesman Mohammad al Momani said” (Saudi Press Agency, 2017).

Mauritania break ties:

According to the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the Mauritanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in a statement today, announced Mauritania’s firm commitment to defend ultimate Arab interests and steadfast adherence to the principle of respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs and its relentless efforts to consolidate security and stability in the Arab homeland and the world. “Qatari policy in the region,” the statement added, “was linked to support of terrorist organisations, the promotion of extremist ideas, the spread of chaos and instability in many Arab countries, resulting in great humanitarian tragedies in those countries, in Europe and across the world. It has dismantled the institutions of sisterly states and destroyed their infrastructure,” the statement continued. “In the light of the insistence of the state of Qatar to persist in these policies it pursues, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania decided to sever diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar,” the statement concluded” (WAM, 2017).

Senegal break ties:

Senegal has stood on the side of Saudi Arabia and its allies in the crisis that shook the Gulf in recent days. Dakar has decided to “recall in consultation his ambassador to Qatar”, informs a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese from outside received in Seneweb. The same source stresses that “Senegal expresses its active solidarity to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt”. These countries have broken diplomatic ties with Doha, which they believe supports terrorism. “The Government of Senegal is following with deep concern the situation in the Gulf region,” the statement said” (Seneweb, 2017).

This crisis is far from over, how this will turn and who will react is not easy to know. That Greece would offer a hand in the dialogue between the GCC nations, shows how little the world is and how many are involved. As the trading partners and the ones getting grants from Qatar are reacting as well. Even FIFA and Barcelona FC are involved in it, as they both are implicated with the state. Therefore, Qatari problem, becomes not only an issue for Al-Jazeera and the Airport hub of Doha, but for the general shipping and exports of resources. The involvement of Iran in Qatar is also one to keep in mind. As they are both enemies of Saudi Arabia and United States. This can be a main reason for the sudden diplomatic spat. So with the knowledge of transport planes with necessities from Tehran today. Shows there acts behind the scenes that are compelling. But we cannot know all the reasons for this, as things will unravel. But what we do know, is that the allies of KSA and other GCC Member States are throwing their weight behind and putting even more pressure on Qatar. Peace.

Reference:

Djibouti – ‘URGENT/COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.djibdiplomatie.dj/index.php/8-communique-de-presse/660-urgent-communique-de-presse

Saudi Press Agency – ‘Comoros severs diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1638089

Saudi Press Agency – ‘Jordan downgrades diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (06.06.2017) link: http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1637905

Wam – ‘Mauritania severs diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (07.06.2017) link: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302617938

Communiqué: The Government of Republic of Seychelles is closely following the ongoing political situation in the Gulf region (07.06.2017)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 7, 2017 – The Government of Republic of Seychelles is closely following the ongoing political situation in the Gulf region.

In view of the excellent and friendly bilateral relations that the Government of Seychelles maintains with the countries of the Gulf region, Seychelles calls on all the parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue in order to resolve and deescalate the current situation in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region and further afield.

Seychelles would further call upon the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as other key stakeholders to engage with all parties concerned with the view of helping to mediate and resolve the dispute.

Press Statement: The Federal Republic of Somalia is deeply concerned about the diplomatic row between the brotherly Arab countries (07.06.2017)

South Africa: National Treasury’s Response to the Economy entering Recession (06.06.2017)