RDC: A.A.B.C – Memorandum a la Bonne Attention de Monsieur le Coordonnateur du Front Commun pour le Congo FCC en sigle (21.01.2019)

#LiberationDay19: A Day for the 27 Guns, but not for the Republic!

Clearly, the President and his cronies. Will celebrate, they will make it really festive, in yet another of supremacy, where they are residing in power and has the control of the Republic. But not let the President speech nor his tales fool you. The public is still under siege from him and his vision. His people are silencing and control the political sphere.

Therefore, I cannot look at this day and celebrate. Because there is plenty who has suffered, who has gotten ill and who is exile because of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The NRM, the National Resistance Army (NRA) that took power in 1986 and beyond. Have clearly focused their vision, kept a tight rope and is already preparing for 2020/21 General Elections. Just like in previous times.

That is why the slogans, the heavy measure of accomplishments and the steady progress is coming out. When really, the NRM and the cronies are finding new ways of control. New IDs, new deportations of the Telecom Managers, banning clothing of opposition wear, new laws to restrict musical performance and continue the usage of Public Order Management Act or the Penal Code to assault the freedom of the dissidents.

That is why even NBS Frontline has lost a vital voice in Mira Matembe and others, whose been forced out. Just like the Radios whose been suspended for having Kizza Besigye on or even Bobi Wine. Where even his most recent singles has been banned from being played. Also his concerts has been cancelled for various of reasons, even run-away brides can apparently stop a show.

With this in mind, the NRM are working on overtime to finds way to silence, and still keep the Multi-Party Democracy alive. Because they need that to still be viable to donors. They still need to sugar-coat the reality to make it look real.

There will always be bottlenecks, always be things they are working on. Even if it is the same issues as in the last decade. The NRM and the President always needs more time to fix it. Even if he has had 33 years of fixing the issues. Who knows where the money or time goes, but certainly not to whatever he has promised or planned to do. Because, there are not enough funds for upkeep or the cronies to ever be satisfied.

The NRM and the liberation are at this point, not for the peasants, not for the citizens, but only for the 27 Guns. It is only for the little clique, the little brigade of close associates who stood by and who are related to the President. Because that is the way it is. To say something at this point is a bit of stretch. Since, if you try to challenge or even question the people in power. You get into trouble, get arrested, charged for inciting violence, tortured or charged with treason.

The NRM are using all tools at their disposal. All tricks of the book to cover over the reality. To show another story, than what it is. Since, they got to make themselves heroes. Liberators, which they were at one point, but ever since they have grabbed everything and embezzled the rest. Who knows, how this will end. Certainly, not as glorious as it started, because the roots are rotten and lack of bearing fruits.

Instead of ushering a stable peace, it will usher in uncertainty when the Bush Generation is gone. Sooner or later they will vanish to, because of ageing and natural deaths.

Therefore on this liberation day, it is just for the few to feel liberated. The bleak, but true picture of what has transpired. Since, you can fool it for a while, give hope for the next, but by the end of it all. The true acts of deception and lies comes to surface and you cannot hide from the fact. That this regime uses the army, the authorities and everything of the state disposal to take care of its own and let the rest succumb to luck to succeed. Peace.

RDC: Reflexions Critiques de la Coalition Lamuka sur l’Arret RCE 001/PR de la Cour Constitutionnelle Siegeant en Matiere Electorale, Prononce en Date du 19 Janvier 2019 (25.01.2019)

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre – Press Release: International Crimes Being Committed in Zimbabwe (25.01.2019)

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) is concerned with reports of serious human rights violations and commission of atrocities by the police forces, government armed forces and ZANU PF members in Zimbabwe since Monday 14 January. Following country wide protests to the hiking of fuel prices in the country, the government’s response towards the protests has been systematic, widespread and disproportionately brutal against its own citizens.

SALC has received credible reports that the police, government security forces and members of the ZANU PF have been using live ammunition against its own citizens who have been peacefully protesting in exercise of their rights under the Constitution. There are credible reports that doctors have treated 78 confirmed cases of gunshot wounds. There are also confirmed reports that the Police and government security forces continue to use lethal force against citizens in various Harare neighbourhoods, including Mbare, Glenview, Kuwadzana, and Chitungwiza. There is strong evidence suggesting that torture, extrajudicial killings intimidation, raids on homes for suspected leaders of the protesters, indiscriminate traffic stops, displacement and arbitrary detentions are taking place on a daily basis in the country. All these atrocities are being committed by the Police, government security forces and members of ZANU PF. There are also reports suggesting that wounded victims are being detained while they are in hospitals and taken to custody.

In addition to the above gross human rights violations, there are reports that to those who have been indiscriminately detained, access to legal representation has been denied by the authorities contrary to the country’s constitution. There are also reports of cases where detained suspects have seen their cases fast tracked with no access to legal representation.

These reports point towards gross human rights violations and raise serious concerns that Zimbabwe government officials are committing serious international crimes including torture and crimes against humanity. The commission of international crimes against the civilian population constitutes a serious violation of international law. The list of criminal conduct that constitutes crimes against humanity include murder, torture, rape, and imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty in violation of fundamental rules of international law. Zimbabwe has an international obligation to investigate and prosecute the crimes committed by the police, government security forces and ZANU PF officials against its citizens.

Should Zimbabwe take no steps towards fulfilling its obligation, the international community has an obligation to intervene in order to hold those responsible for the commission of the crimes accountable. In South Africa, this obligation was recognized by the Constitutional Court of South Africa through the  National Commissioner of The South African Police Service v Southern Africa Human Rights Litigation Centre and Another (The Zimbabwe Torture Docket) decision. In that decision, the Constitutional Court held that national competent authorities including the SAPS and the NPA have an obligation to investigate acts of torture and crimes against humanity committed in Zimbabwe. The court also held that this obligation extends to the prosecution of suspected offenders who are found in South Africa, be it on a temporary basis or not, even though the crimes were committed in Zimbabwe .

As a regional body that strives to hold governments accountable for the commission of international crimes including acts of torture and crimes against humanity, SALC reiterates its position that it will take steps towards holding those individuals who are committing the crimes in Zimbabwe. SALC, therefore, calls upon the Government of Zimbabwe to investigate the crimes that are being committed against the civilian population by the police, government armed forces and ZANU PF members including acts of torture, murder, and crimes against humanity and those found responsible must be prosecuted. Should the government of Zimbabwe fail to investigate and prosecute suspected offenders, SALC will not stand by, but take steps towards holding those responsible for the commission of the crimes accountable. We call on the African Union, Southern Africa Development Community and their governments to take action, and ensure that those who violate human rights are held accountable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next steps

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

Brexit Steering Group

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

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

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

That is why the President in September 2018 said this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reference:

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

Sudan: Amidst deaths, injuries, imprisonments, UNICEF stresses children’s protection ‘at all times’ (24.01.2019)

Children are likely among the dead during a month of nationwide protests in Sudan with “scores” of others injured and detained, according to a top UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) official, who spelled out that “children should never be targeted nor used or exploited”.

NEW YORK, United States of America, January 24, 2019 – “Children were reportedly killed in ongoing turmoil that broke out last month in Sudan,” Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said on Wednesday, noting that “scores of children were also injured and others detained”.

Against the back drop of an “unprecedented hike in the cost of living and shortages in bread and fuel” he said that poverty has increased, “forcing some families into negative measures like taking their children out of school”.

Pointing to information it had received, UNICEF revealed that there has been an uptick in the number of Sudanese children now requiring health and nutrition care, since the anti-Government protests began.

“While it is difficult for UNICEF to verify these reports, children must be protected at all times from all forms of violence, harm, cruelty and mistreatment whether physical or mental” stressed Mr. Cappelaere.

“UNICEF calls on the authorities in Sudan to prioritize the protection of children and safeguard their rights to education and health in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child” concluded the UNICEF Regional Director.

News agencies have reported that demonstrations against an on-going economic crisis have been taking place across the country on a near-daily basis, since 19 December. Large crowds, including teenagers and demonstrators in their 20s, have been calling for an end to the 30-year rule of President Omar al-Bashir.

There have been reports of many being fired on with tear gas and bullets, and thousands being detained. The UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, expressed alarm at the use of “excessive force” last Thursday.

A Government crackdown against journalists covering the protests is also reportedly underway. At least 26 people are reported to have died, including two security officers.

Opinion: There is only one possible Presidential Flag-Bearer within the NRM, right?

Anything is better than lies and deceit!” Leo Tolstoy

Today, the National Resistance Movement and the Secretary General of the Party Justine Kasule Lumumba launched the inner-party plans for the roadmap for the Electoral Map for 2021. This meaning all parts of government, also how the party is supposed to manoeuvrer in this manner. What was special, was the NRM Electoral Commission with Dr. Tanga Odoi wasn’t involved with the launch. In the aftermath, the Softpower News has reported, that he knew nothing.

He is just the dude that is appointed to run the NRM Primary Elections and following the time of NRM SG and Central Bodies of the NRM Party. That is why today is really hectic before starting and know that NRM Primaries will be the mess, they usually are. Since, the NRM Party internal infighting continues and the grudges of old, surface in moments like this.


“On August 21st, the party will unveil and present its Presidential candidate for the 2021 general elections to the National Electoral Commission, ahead of the start of Presidential campaigns in September. #NRMRoadMap” (NRM, 23.01.2019).

We know what this means. Just like in all the previous years. The NRM Chairman, the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency and the President himself, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is the only one; who has the ability or the capacity within the supposed popular movement to their Presidential Flag-Bearer. Because there are no talent, no one skilled, no one genuine or credible to be Flag-Bearer there.

I would never believe the NRM Central Executive Committee would ever touch this. We knew how it went down when Amama Mbabazi wanted to run. He lost all his positions as he gotten to ambitious and since then haven’t had it going. Dr. Kizza Besigye also had to leave the fold and create his own. Gilbert Bukenya has also given way, but kissed the ring and returned as a loyalist in the fold.

There are no credible runners within the party, as this party is not building up the talents or trying to find someone to succeed the President. He is the only one supposed to get it. He will just show up on the Scheduled Day, prove his stamina, his ability to write fast and show his swagger. Than, he will leave with the certification from the Party. Which is needed to the Electoral Commission. Then, the next part of the campaigns, rallies and the whole shindig is happening again.

Let’s be clear, there are no other candidate, because the NRM doesn’t need or want anyone else. The NRM is Museveni and Museveni is the NRM. There are no NRM without Museveni and there will be no Museveni as we know it when he leaves. The Party will be internally fighting for the breadcrumbs left behind from the reign of the current day Head of State.

If the NRM had been serious about the leadership question. They would haven’t done Mbabazi like they did. Not done Bukenya like they did and so on. Every time someone gets a bit ambitious and aims at the King. The pieces fall together and their wings are clipped so they cannot fly. They become penguinss birds who cannot fly.

The NRM would shock the world, if they would field another one that mister Yoseri, but we know that isn’t the deal. That is lie, that the Constitution of the Party will open for it. Because the Party and the NRM would never ever touch Museveni. They are all there because of him and they are his loyal subjects. Peace.

Burundi: Declaration of Izere Ntiwihebure Human Rights League after the Gruesome Discovery of 1947 Military Outfits in Burundian Refugee Camps in Tanzania (23.01.2019)