Opinion: Theresa May lost so bad, that she has to beg for mercy from Belfast!

 

Today is a unique day, the General Election in the United Kingdom. That Theresa May herself ushered in and grinned while doing. She was confident because of the Conservative Party lead and support, that it would be walk-in-the-park to regain and strengthen her party before Brexit negotiations. Instead, she has fallen and bad. So bad she do not have majority in Parliament as she thought she was entitled to have. The public was not agreeing with her methods, neither was her campaign anything to run around the mill about and no one will say: “Well done lads”.

The winner is the opposition candidate and his party. That is Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his campaign. A manifesto of progressive social welfare state ideas. That would support youth, health-care and build the state. He was moderate in tone, but progressive in stances and promises. It was something rare and neat. Corbyn deserves praise for his attitude amongst all the hatred, sceptics and pundits who expected him and his party to fall. The dominant problem was not the grass-root mobilization, but the Members of Parliament who has revolted against the man.

While Theresa May has been able to screw-up all on her own. Corbyn has built a party from scratch in some sense and used his connections in Unions to spark interest. To the amazement of the left, which May has sounded more and more alike. Part of me feels that she has more similar opinions of Nigel Farage, than of her old mate David Cameron and George Osborne. That is just me, I guess.

With this amazing defaulted campaign that has shattered the dreams of strong Conservative Party united to negotiate with European counterparts. Instead, she has belittle herself and has to ask for help. Not by just anyone, but the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). She needs help from the DUP and their support to gain majority. Before the election, the mandate of the Conservative was strong enough on their own.

Now the help come from the London friendly Northern Irish. Just think about the shit-storm it would have been, if the Labour Party went into alliance with Sinn Fein (SF) or Scottish National Party (SNP). It would have created havoc and the world would have hassled the leadership of Labour. The world clocks would have stopped and the Tube in London would have gotten massive delays. However, since it is the Conservative and their needs, we all should just be merry.

Well, the handout of loyalists to London in Northern Ireland is all fine, but at what cost is it for the May government. Since, an arrangement of these sorts has to leeway for the alliance partner and not just for the show. That she says she will deliver a government for the ‘National Interest’ is bit weird, as the whole election was about her ego and her drive for total control. Something the voters has taken away. She will not get full majority, Theresa May needs support… the Tories cannot run alone.

If the Tories and May government hadn’t run this snap and quick elections, she would still been able to have majority and also have more power in the Brexit negotiations. Now she is weak, the tea isn’t strong. Corbyn and Labour has surged, because the Tories run on weak manifesto and worse campaign. May might be good to write legislation and be a Parliamentarian, but as a campaign leader she was unstable. The public saw this and the strength she didn’t show the public, as she even abstained from open and national televised debates. That was distasteful and showed arrogance to the public.

That also Liberal-Democratic Party (Lib-Dems) gotten more seats in Parliament. That Tories and SNP lost seats, shows how their workings has gone against them. That the Tories will defend their minority government in honor of the willing party DUP. The DUP as of now will decide what they deserve for being the king-makers.

May has really lost, not only her strength, but her credibility. She has been all-out swinging, but not delivering. Shredded with her ego and therefore when Corbyn and his team been modest in their approach they have gotten more sympathy and while May created apathy. This is the reason why so many turned Labour and lost faith in her. While Corbyn have showed character. Theresa May haven’t showed this. The Tories are bleeding now, therefore they need the support of DUP to be able to create a new cabinet.

The ones who voted the Tories because they feared the ‘Coalition of Chaos’, she will now run her own if she get an agreement and gives way to DUP. That the DUP Arlene Foster will use her leverage to eat of the plate and create hardships for May. The cost will come to the forefront the coming days. Even if the Tories have the senior Cabinet Ministers and the Tories have the formal minority government alone. They will still need to kiss the ring of Foster. She is not even trusted in Northern Ireland, so it is interesting that a bleeding Prime Minister begs from someone who is not trustworthy in NI.

This here will be saga of chaos and chaotic affairs, this is not a stronger United Kingdom government before negotiations with Brussels. Because the Tories have to keep their own shop at bay and also their new partnership with the NI DUP. This will be a fragile company… and how it goes will escalate the coming days. What we do know is that the Tories lost, May lost and the Corbyn’s of the world had a massive victory. Peace.

President Farmaajo: “We will pursue them, and we will defeat Alshabab terrorists” (09.06.2017)

The president has termed the fallen soldiers as the true martyrs, as they died protecting their people and their country.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 9, 2017 – President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has sent his condolences to the families and the people of Puntland following today’s ambush on a military camp in Af-Urur, near Galgala Mountains.

The president has termed the fallen soldiers as the true martyrs, as they died protecting their people and their country.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a number of our gallant soldiers in today’s attack in Af-Urur, Puntland. They fought hard and bravely for their country, to keep their people safe during this holy month of Ramadan. We will forever remember them, they are the real martyrs.”

The president assured the citizenry that his administration would not show mercy in dealing with Alshabab terrorists who have no regard for the sanctity of life and the holy month of Ramadan.

This once again proves that the enemy we are facing is dangerous, is bent on causing harm to the peace loving people of this country and must be fought with by all means. We must show no mercy in dealing with Alshabab.”

President Farmaajo promised Alshabab would be pursued and would pay for today’s attack.

“We promise that Alshabab won’t get away with this. As of now, our troops are in hot pursuit of the enemy; they will pay for today’s attack. I am confident our forces would defeat this abhorrent enemy.”

President Farmaajo spoke on the phone with the president of Puntland and assured him that the Federal Government would stand by the administration and people of the region.

Mzee was it Warfare or Budget, Mr. President?

President Museveni: “Yes, it is true I was a rebel, but sometimes rebellion fails. I was fighting a just war” (#UGBudget17 Speech, 08.06.2017).

Today was the day the Budget Speech from Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) Matia Kasaija as the Parliament we’re delivered the total budget for the Financial Year of 2017/2018. This one has already been voted for and was a summery for the representatives in Parliament to know the values of their ministries and the projected use of the revenue of the state will have. Still, on this day, the President of 31 years, the rebel of 1980s decided to wear military fatigue and be wearing the gear as a General. He was not the executive in some sense, he was the military general. The gun-loving and militarized politician Museveni was allover today.

Therefore I have to take a piece of law, which could be used as the UPDF Act of 2005, where it states on 164: “Unauthorized sale or wearing of uniforms, etc.

(1) Any Person who, without authority –

(c) wears or uses any decoration supplied to or authorised for use by any member of the Defence Force or any decoration so nearly resembling that decoration as to be likely to deceive” (UPDF Act 2005).

So even if he is Commander-in-Chief and the Executive, he is still of contempt of the Parliament and their rules, when having to show-up in military fatigue or military uniform. As if he is storming to war and not trying to speak well of the budget framework and the voting for the post in the budget. This is clearly lacking the gravity of the acts of contempt. Wearing it in a sessions which is unauthorized or seem as wrong.

Therefore another part of the sub-section part (3): “Any person who by act, words, conduct or otherwise, falsely represents himself or herself to be a person who is or has been entitled to wear or use any uniform or decoration referred to in subsection (1) commits an offence and is, on convection, liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years” (UPDF Act 2005).

So when he as President is wearing the military fatigue or uniform in Parliament, I cannot take that man seriously for doing so. Even if he didn’t really violate the UPDF act, still his acts by words or even falsely representing himself, since he is not a full-time general, but a President of 30 years. His revolution or coup d’etat ended in 1986. A disco-tune that should have lost meaning two decades ago, but since he is still the President. That year is still magical like some of old Disney flicks.

Time to leave the Military Uniform Mr. President! Time to leave it behind and also be and act like a President. If he was in war or had to save Parliament from an angry powerful militia. Alas, it is not so! Time to relief the attire and be peaceful man, especially since he is supposed to help with the National Dialogue in South Sudan, but easier to sell arms than negotiate peace, right Mr. President?

So was it a sign of warfare from the President or his NRM Way to prove that the bullets gave him power to bless the budget? Peace.

Reference:

The Uganda People’s Defence Force Act 2005

RDC: Communique du Rassamblement (08.06.2017)

South Sudan: Kiir not attending IGAD Extraordinary Summit on 12th, because of advice from close associates!

President Kiir’s spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny, said Kiir will not attend the IGAD summit. “He [President Kiir] will not attend the IGAD summit. The president has already sent a letter of apology through the minister in his office,” said Ateny when contacted by Radio Tamazuj” (…) “There are no reasons, but the president is attending to other things here in South Sudan. The team that will represent the president has not yet been formed,” he added” (Radio Tamazuj, 2017).

While several sources on the ground is saying that the negotiator and the one foreign leader legitimizing the National Dialogue of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) or the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army – In Government (SPLM/A-IG). That are advised by the Uganda counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, which has even different parts of SPLM to discuss and find a common-ground for peace. That he would advice President Salva Kiir Mayardit wouldn’t surprise as Museveni has helped out in the past.

The other one giving advice on skipping the IGAD summit is the First Vice-President Gen. Taban Deng Gai, who has also said he shouldn’t attend. This means that the core problems of South Sudan would be discussed without any key leadership of the conflict at the 12th June 2017 in Addis Ababa. This would mean their decisions in Ethiopia would be outsiders looking in. As the SPLM-IO or other rebels wouldn’t be part of it, neither would the SPLM/A-IG. That means the two warlords and counterparts in the conflict would not be parts of it.

While most likely one of the one giving advice and being there to direct the talks are President Museveni, who will come with all sorts amendments and insights to secure that Kiir stays in power. That is the most likely opportunity, as the SPLM/A-IG will be in conflict with the rest of the IGAD over the grand-issues, as they will feel the fire and feel instructed to act by foreign powers.

Therefore the words of prof. Peter Adwok Nyaba wrote a piece called: “What do we expect of the IGAD Summit”, which he wrote on the 5th June 2017: “What then is new in the situation of South Sudan necessitating IGAD summit? Recently, Dr. Riek Machar has a rare opportunity to address, in a video teleconference, the members of the UN Security Council. This drew the wrath of the government of South Sudan in the person of Taban Deng Gai, the de factor Kiir’s first vice president. This UN Security Council’s gesture is welcome. However, it alone could not have triggered the regional reaction in form of a summit. The regime’s arrogant stubbornness and lack of concern for the deteriorating social, economic and political crisis seem to be paying off. The Archbishop Tutu Fellows of the African Leadership Institute on 25 May 2017 wrote to the IGAD Plus leaders urging them to act. A visiting US Senator threatened to stop US aid to South Sudan until the government stopped the war. These political developments could have freaked the regional leaders’ conscience to prompt a summit” (…) “A dilemma confronts the IGAD Summit. Whether to order a new political process to resolve the conflict or resuscitate ARCISS. Both options require the presence and participation of Dr. Riek Machar, the SPLM/A (IO). This puts the regional leaders in an awkward situation with President Salva Kiir and President Yuweri Museveni, who swore to prevent Dr. Riek Machar becoming leader of the Republic of South Sudan. In order to save face and avoid commitment to another political process or the resuscitation of ARCISS, President Salva Kiir might delegate Taban Deng Gai, who definitely and for obvious reasons will put up a strong resistance to both options. Taban Deng is determined to keep Dr. Riek Machar away from the region. In this President Museveni ensures him the absolute support. This will bring the summit to a dead end” (Prof. Peter Adwok Nyaba, 05.06.2017).

So if President Museveni and FVP Deng Gai advised President Kiir to not attend, because the dilemma of not only FVP Deng Gai role, but also the weakness of keeping Dr. Riek Machar away from South Sudan. With this the stalemate will continue as the SPLM/A-IG are continuing their skirmishes and the battles that continue to destroy the core republic, like agriculture and living conditions, as the refugees are fleeing to Sudan, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo and in Uganda.

More will come, but certainly Museveni is really interfering in the crisis in the Republic in a big-way, when he wants his friend to have his power and his mates around. Peace.

Reference:

Radio Tamazuj – ‘South Sudan’s Kiir declines to attend IGAD summit’ (08.06.2017) link: https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/south-sudan-s-kiir-declines-to-attend-igad-summit

#QatarCrisis: Tchad cuts diplomatic ties with Qatar!

This one continues the diplomatic spat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that are adding more pressure on Qatar. That is done by the bilateral co-operations and with the allies of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the nations that has already reacted and cut their ties are KSA, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Djibouti, Mauritania, Libya, Maldives, Yemen, Comoros, Jordan and Senegal. These has all followed the Saudi Arabian accord on the GCC spat, as well as reacting to the problematic dispute between UAE and Qatar. Therefore, in this dispute and diplomatic tension, another country has decided to react as well.

Tchad cut diplomatic ties:

“Following the diplomatic tensions between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Bahrain, Egypt and the State of Qatar, the Government of the Republic of Chad has decided to recall its Ambassador to Doha, Qatar for consultation. The Government of Chad calls on all the States concerned to give priority to dialogue in the resolution of this crisis and also calls on the State of Qatar to respect its commitments by ceasing any attitude likely to harm the cohesion of the States of the region and the Peace in the world. “The statement said” (Tchadinfoes, 2017).

So now the Republic of Tchad has done their part now, just like all the other countries that has cut their ties and their relationship with Qatar. Therefore, the added countries acting towards the troubled country. While Sudan has said it will not take side, just like Sudan did yesterday, both talking about restraint. Some tries to neutral, an expect more to be so now. Peace.

Reference:

Tchadinfoes – ‘Le Tchad rappelle son Ambassadeur à Doha au Qatar pour consultation’ (08.06.2017) link: http://tchadinfos.com/politique/le-tchad-rappelle-son-ambassadeur-a-doha-au-qatar-pour-consultation/

#UGBudget17: Half borrowed and a third paid back in Interests!

Today the Ugandan government, the National Resistance Movement finally read the Shs. 29 Trillion budget for the 10th Parliament. However, it is not necessary the size of funds and all, which is allocated, but the way it is funded. Like “Government hopes to raise sh14.6 trillion in revenues to fund the 2017/2018 budget” (Uganda Debt Network, 08.06.2017). Of the 29 Trillion, they expect to get close to half of that, but the monies has get from somewhere and also be of use. What is left are relieved like this: “The balance sh14.3 trillion (49.5%) of the National Budget will be raised through internal and external borrowing” (Uganda Debt Network, 08.06.2017). With this in mind, half of the budget is adding more debt. So if a nation already having lots of debt and debt repayment, it still adds another half budget. This is a bad cycle of events.

There lets us put things in perspective: “Our concern is sh9.9trillion, which is 35% of the total budget, will be spent on debt repayment” (…) “Amount of money spent on debt repayment has escalated in the recent past now at 9.9 trillion for fy2017/18” (Uganda Debt Network, 08.06.2017).

Therefore, the state and the NRM are clearly getting funds through loans to pay-off their interests. AS the 35% of spending is on interest in the coming fiscal year. This should worry, even if the corruption, misspending of obnoxious amount of funds through the paradise of Okello house. Still, that 1/3 of the coming budget is paid interest on old loans, which are been made by this government and by this President. What it show is the lack of concern of the future and how sound fiscal policies. At this state, the government of Uganda are clearly footing the bill. They are filling in the blanks for where they in the past had happy donors filling the envelopes.

The NRM and President Museveni is overspending and misusing state reserves, as the revenue and the state coffers do not sustain this massive overspending. Certainly, it is visible, also the worry of the running interest rates and growing debt as close to half of this year alone are by loans. Neither if it is local, by foreign or multi-national financial institution does save the fact, that the state has a problem.

That of the coming fiscal year, the state is borrowing half, and repaying that with 35% says a lot. IT says the fiscal policies needs change and it is dire. The state are clearly walking the wrong path. And remember this, there will be supplementary budgets during the fiscal year, that will expose the overuse of funds and needs for more loans. Therefore, they are surely going to exploit the faith in future, without having the funds for it today. Peace.

Opinion: The South Sudanese Authorities are afraid of foreign journalists telling stories!

If the South Sudanese government trust in the free speech, liberty and justice, they wouldn’t have done what they did today. If they had trusted and seen what the foreign journalists do in their Republic. The South Sudanese government under President Salva Kiir Mayardit must be afraid of what it does in provinces as the skirmishes between the SPLA and the rebles. These stories together with the famine and man-made drought has clearly been evident with the refugee crisis and the added food aid through corridors of Sudan. These are the stories that the SPLM/A-IG are afraid of now! Take a brief look!

The Media Authority has banned about twenty foreign journalists from entering or operating within the country for reporting what it termed “unsubstantiated and unrealistic stories”, the Managing Director of the regulatory body has said. Early, the chairman of the communications department in the secretariat of the steering committee of the national dialogue, Alfred Taban said that Media Authority has no right to bans Journalists. “The Media Authority law does not give this body the right to deny visas to Journalists on the ground that they write articles critical of the government,” Alfred said” (Danis, 2017).

Certainly, the South Sudanese government are afraid of something, they want to hide their policies as United Nations Experts and other Monitoring teams can report, but they would not do is as much as journalists. The local journalists would also fear the state and the repercussion of the media. That was supported by: “Important to note Media Authority, now taking visible role in #SouthSudan media crackdown, was supported by UNESCO, Scandanavian embassies” (Daniel Van Oudenaren, 07.06.2017). So even the free-nations of Scandinavia are clearly stopping the free-press together with a UN organization. This is flabbergasting!

That the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) and the National Dialogue will not get it their fair coverage, as the government will make sure the message of get to the press. But some critical stories will be expelled, as the journalists who covers stories not encouraged by the government will be silenced. The stories of violence and of the rebellions. Will not be taken to accord, as the victories of the SPLM/A-IG will be covered and spelled out. Since the others media-houses will fear spreading the reports who are in conflict with the message that President Kiir wants.

If they had trusted the media, they wouldn’t have banned foreign journalists. They are fearing and afraid of coverage of the Republic. They cannot manage the coverage and stories. The Republic of South Sudan, will now only have the message and propaganda of the SPLM-IG. Unless, people leak to people like me. Peace.

Reference:

Danis, Daniel – ‘Media Authority bans about 20 foreign journalists’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.eyeradio.org/media-authority-bans-20-foreign-journalists-country/

Former FBI Director James Comey’s prepared opening statement to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (08.06.2017)

#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