Tanzania: Zanzibar Declaration (18.12.2018)

A Joint Declaration by Leaders and Senior Membersof Six Opposition Parties who met in Zanzibar on 16th – 18th December, 2018 to deliberate on the State of Democracy in the United Republic of Tanzania

WE, the leaders and senior members of the undersigned six political parties, have met here in Zanzibar from 16th to 18th December, 2018 in order to reflect, discuss and agree on our common vision for the future of democracy in the United Republic of Tanzania. The historic meeting here in Zanzibar is a reflection of the extent to which the democratic and human rights situation in our country has changed, thereby leading to unprecedented actions on our side in response. Keenly missed during the discussions have been our two colleagues, the Leader of Official Oppostion, Hon. Freeman Mbowe and the Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Union Parliament, Hon. TunduLissu, one of whom is languishing in prison and the other recovering from an assassination attempt. Both of them gave their blessings to this meeting.

WE recognise that Tanzania is facing backsliding of democracy, with all signs pointing to institutionalization of an authoritarian rule that ignores political, social and economic rights of our people. This trend began with the annulment of October 25, 2015 Zanzibar general elections after it became clear that the Civic United Front (CUF) was heading towards a decisive victory. The move was then followed by banning of live coverage of parliamentary proceedings, banning of legitimate political activitites of opposition parties, kidnappings, abductions, and arbitrary arrests of people, notablypolitical leaders and activists, journalists and business people, assassination attempt against our fellow opposition leader and outspoken member of parliament, Hon. Tundu Lissu and absolute refusal of the state to investigate the matter in a purposeful and concrete manner; passing of repressive laws such as the Media Services Act, the Statistics Act, the NGO regulations and the Bill for Political Parties (Amendments) Act.

WE recognise that, despite constitutional protections ofmultiparty system, the state is currently waging an openwar against opposition political parties. It is becoming a norm nowadays to hear state leaders and their supportersbranding opposition politicians and government critics as unpatriotic and that they are “foreign agents” and “imperialist stooges”. The crusade against critics of the regime has spared no one in the country from the media, civil society organisations, farmers, fishermen, pastoralits, the business community, trade unions and workers, faith leaders, the diplomatic corps, women and girls, and even critical CCM members.

WE are saddened by the crumbling state of our economy which affects the vulnerable and the poor in our society. In spite of the attempts by the regime to spin the situation, we feel it is imperative to publicly and openly state that within the space of three years the country has seen the reversal of even the little achievements that were registered in economic performance. The economic meltdown that this regime has brought will take at least a decade before it can recover and begin to provide for our citizens’ economic opportunities as required for by the constitution. The situation is no longer tolerable. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

WE recognise that it is our responsibility as leaders and as citizens of this country to save our country from this state and safeguard our democracy that meets the needs and aspirations of our people.

WE declare that time has come to renew our commitment and strengthen our solidarity in pursuing a national agenda against rising authoritarianism, an agenda that goes beyond individual interests of our parties. This will require courage to withstand the onslaught that we will face from the regime, firmness in our solidarity when attempts will be made to break it, and commitment towards inviting and incorporating other potential allies as equals in this movement.

WE declare that Freeman Mbowe and Esther Matiko,who are currently held in remand prison, are political prisoners and should be released immediately. We will engage in a concerted campaign to ensure that all political prisoners in Tanzania are either released or given access to justice and a free and fair due process of the law.

WE reiterate our stance that the imposed government of Zanzibar is unconstitutional and lacks mandate from the people. The results of the 2015 annulled election was a clear proof that CUF has won all the elections in Zanzibar since 1995 and that they have been prevented from ascending to power through state machinations and reversing of the will of the electorate. Time has come to restore electoral justice in Zanzibar.

WE pronounce that 2019 is a year of reclaiming our democracy and taking back our powers and rights as enshrined within the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Constitution of Zanzibar and other enabling pieces of legislation. We will hold public rallies in any and all corners of the United Republic of Tanzania. We will not allow an unconstitutional and unlawful order to restrict us to our individual constituencies. If the government is threatened by us exercising our constitutional rights, we dare them to take us to court.

WE declare that we will unanimously embrace all citizens and all social and economic groups in the country willing to conquer their fears and join the grand coalition that we envisage to defend our democracy. We vow that we will no longer be silenced or intimidated; we will no longer succumb to the state sanctioned violence against our individual and collective rights and entitlements. We commit ourselves to taking this message of freedom to all our fellow leaders, constituents, and allies and support them in taking action, whether small or large, as a symbol of solidarity.

We resolve to form a Joint Committee that, among other things, will work with the likeminded individuals and groups to draw a comprehensive programme to reclaim our democratic and civil rights.

1. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad – Secretary Genaral, CUF​
2. James Francis Mbatia – National Chairperson, NCCR Mageuzi​
3. Oscar Emanuel Makaidi – National Chairperson, NLD​
​4. Salum Mwalimu – Deputy Secretary General – Zanzibar, CHADEMA​
​5. Hashim Rungwe Spunda – National Chairman, CHAUMMA​
6. Kabwe Z. Ruyagwa Zitto – Party Leader, ACT Wazalendo​

Zanzibar
December 18, 2018

RDC: Province du Tangayika – Declaration Commune de Desistement (17.12.2018)

A look into the Motlanthe Report on the 1st August 2018!

Today, Kgalema Motlanthe Commission who was appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to investigate the 1st August Post-Election Violence in Harare have released the Report on the Investigation today. However, what is vital before reading this report, is that the President has recently promoted the Commander behind the violence, this being Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, who has gone from being a Brigadier-General to Major General in the Presidential Guard. Therefore, don’t expect much pain to befall the ones who did the crimes. As they are already vindicated.

With that in mind, lets take the gist from the report:

The demonstrations which became riotous and caused extensive damage to property and injury had been incited, pre-planned and well organised by the MDC Alliance” (…) “Six (6) people died and thirty-five (35) were injured as a result of actions by the Military and the Police” (…) “The demonstrations started peacefully in the morning in front of Harvest House, MDC Alliance headquarters, and degenerated into violent protests as the demonstrators split and moved to HICC, ZEC Headquarters and ZANU PF headquarters (western side of the CBD) and ZANU PF Provincial Offices (eastern side of CBD) as the day progressed” (…) “The fact that the Police were severely depleted because of duties at polling stations throughout the country and that they were ill- equipped did not help the situation. As the demonstrations degenerated into a riot, the Police were overwhelmed” (…) “The deployment could only have been avoided if the Police were adequately experienced, better equipped, sufficient in numbers and more suitably organised. While recognising that in the circumstances, the deployment was unavoidable, the Commission considers that it would have been preferable if the Police had been able to deal with the situation on their own” (…) “However, the use of live ammunition directed at people especially when they were fleeing was clearly unjustified and disproportionate” (…) “The use of sjamboks, baton sticks and rifle butts to assault members of the public indiscriminately was also disproportionate” (…) “The Military should conduct an immediate and full audit of its standing orders and procedures for engagement in law and order enforcement operations, including riot control, in order to identify in an appropriate public report the lessons learnt and the tailored safeguards and targeted training to be undertaken to prevent any ill-discipline that could lead to loss of life and injury in the future on the part of its forces in highly politicised, tense, and stressful situations of crowd control. This would include the firing of warning shots not in accordance with its standing operational procedures” (…) “Those particular members of the Military and the Police found to have been in breach of their professional duties and discipline on the 1st of August 2018 should be identified as soon as possible for internal investigations and appropriate sanction, which should include hearing from the victims and their families for impact assessment and to provide the necessary compensation” (Mothlanthe Commission, 2018).

This is what I see as vital information from the Report. It really says the gist. This is the parts that says what is needed to know. It is the basic basis of what happen on the 1st August 2018. As there was violence and acts from authorities.

What I found striking was this:

The whole demonstrations started peaceful, but when the police got worried about the situation, they called in the Police and Army got into it. Than, the stirring of the pot and the violence got into play. The Police is ill-disciplined and the Army wasn’t following protocol concerning use of warning shots or live-bullets. They we’re acts who was disproportionate, they acted violently against the civilians who was not armed. That is the reality. The Commission has found the army and police acting vile. They we’re attempting to quell the demonstrations, but they seemed also to amplified it. That is how you can look into the report and understand it.

What is also special about the Commission is the blame on the MDC and the speeches there, but they didn’t say anything about the President or what he had done until the polls. Only that both parties had direct inflammatory speech. It wasn’t only Chamisa who spoke, it was also Mnangagwa too. That is if you follow the campaign, you could see it too. The hostility wasn’t a one-way street, there was to parties fueling this, but the Commission was ONE-SIDED on this manner. As they pledges in the beginning that the President is on the journey to inclusive and reconciliation of the Republic in general.

Nevertheless, the Report is saying something important that the Police and Military needs to investigate the ones behind the violence and harmed the public. That is hard to believe it will happen, as the Commander gotten higher ranks recently. This is a gift of pleasure, as the President offers a favor for favor. The President wants loyalty and therefore, giving him a higher position. That is the reality and why I don’t trust the Army to look into itself. Unless, the Operation Restore Legacy starts to work backwards and shots the Vice-President in his leg. But that will not happen. We all know that, only the naive believing that Mnangagwa do something after promoting the Commander behind the violence.

Pretty please, lets Pimpin’ Curly talk the business, because everyone else knows how this goes. ZANU-PF will not target itselt. They are only targeting the opposition and the men who stands in their way. Peace.

Reference:

Mothlanthe Commission – ‘ REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE 1ST OF AUGUST 2018 POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE’ 18.12.2018

Opinion: The State House launch another busy body called the National Dialogue Committee!

Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.” Euripides

Today, was the day where the extension of the IPOD Summit 2018 was launched with brazen words from the President and the other partners around the table. Where the glowing lights and media houses was welcomed for the new initiative and the new committee, which is placed under the wings of the State House. As most things this day, another parastatal closely connected with the President.

The Republic has already the aforementioned Inter Party Organization for Dialogue or the IPOD. Which will by next year, been there and going in whatever pace it is since 2009. That is decade and the first summit was this year. So, when Mr. President says he is all about Dialogue, he is lying, but that is tradition in his blurred vision.

That the President proclaims dialogue and talks now, is that he see that his figure abroad is distorted and that his allies is starting to question him. Not only that he is a weapon-brother, but that he keeps shady friends. The President is scheming with Sudan, North Korea and anyone coming his way. As long as he gets the cash, even Equatorial Guinea is a friendly haven.

That is why the dialogue is so important, because when he was opposition himself. It wasn’t vital or important. It was even needed, the other parties was criminals and looters. Now he is the one who has eaten and ate for so long, he forgotten the time he even was freed by soldiers in prison in 1980. However, at this point, that is water under the bridge.

That the President is starting a National Dialogue Committee at the State House in 2019. Is a bit late, is very late in the time of the Presidency, it is too late to be serious from someone who never retires. Never gives way or even surrender to his own narratives and going against his vision. The President has always to get on top and win. The others has to be his minions, if not they have to be useful tools in the box. That fix his issues and get it done. So he can bask in the glory. This would certainly be wish of this committee.

That I have little faith is that the IPOD has done little or anything. The coalitions of the opposition has done nothing to overcome the hardships of political landscape. None of their actions, none of their partnership into the elections has made significant progress. Not that their partnership or coalitions would matter, when you have an Electoral Commission and ruling regime rigging the results for their benefit.

If the President had cared about the IPOD, which has been there since 2009, than he would have looked into the The Democratic Alliance (TDA) in 2015/2016 or the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) in 2010/2011, also the Group of Six (G6) from about 2004 to 2006. That is three Opposition Coalition, who haven’t feared well, as the NRM has done it their way.

The Forum for Democratic Change has done more dialogue and talks, than the NRM has. As they haven’t been interested in that, they we’re never interested in Multi-Party Democracy in the first place. Therefore, Museveni is lying saying he has done talks since back-when. That was to solidify his position and strengthen the Movement System. He didn’t want anything else. Because he couldn’t control the outer bodies. That is why he has made laws he gets notified of other parties activity and public meetings. So, that they have to get verified and allowed to do so. If not they are breaking the law of the Republic, if they are crossing his laws.That is the initial act of the Public Order Management Act of 2010. That was a year after the 2009 launch of IPOD.

Now in 2018, he launches a National Dialogue Committee at the State House, like it will make a difference. As the IPOD never has achieved that, neither has the G6, IPC and the TDA. None of them have made enough progress or had the ability to make anything fruitful. Even if their initial idea or message was good. That because Museveni never been honest about elections or dialogue, as it has to only benefit him. If it doesn’t he will tarnish and destroy you. Don’t expect the new committee makes significant steps, they are a front and the wold should know it. Peace.

RDC: Banque Centrale du Congo – Avis Au Public (14.12.2018)

Roger Stone Statement on Guo Wengui (17.12.2018)

Anna McMorrin MP letter to Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt: “Re: Atrocities in Cameroon” (17.12.2018)

Brexit: No Confidence Volume 2!

There are some slogans and some measures that are just put out there in the midst hope a reaction. A blistering glace of hope. I am sure that Jeremy Corbyn meant well with his proposal of a No Confidence in the Prime Minister, as she has botched the whole process of the Withdrawal of Membership State with the European Union. Made a fine mess of the Withdrawal Agreement and been such a cluster-fuck concerning the finalization of it. That is just the mere reality.

Prime Minister Theresa May was on the 12th December 2018 already having her first vote of No Confidence, because of enough backbencher’s had lost confidence in her. She won this one, because the Conservative Party or the Tories still didn’t want to have a leadership battle in the finalization of the Brexit. Still, some thought it was need, but they couldn’t pull it through.

Now, today on the 17th December 2018, Labour and Corbyn pushed the button at the House of Commons in the Parliament. They triggered it and showed finesse, as the PM has pushed for the vote for the Withdrawal Agreement until mid-January 2019. Closer to the set-date of leaving the EU. That is clearly motivated to secure a better or more erratic pressure as it is in final stages.

However, nothing seems like it is. There is no coherent message, no straight up flair or gospel, just mere blatant disregard of everyone. The Labour isn’t really stinging, while the Tories aren’t really coming all out either. There are nothing showing progress or stability, just wobbling along hoping someone are seeing the sky formation passing Dover. Because right now, the House of Commons and the United Kingdom. Look like it is without a Captain. They need a Beckham, they need a Souness, the need someone to push forward.

There are now news, that the PM and Tories will not let the No Confidence Motion will not be put in play, as that would just be silly politics. Surely, it wouldn’t be more silly, than what happen last week. Alas, that was just internal squabble between the Euroskeptics and the Remains on how to go forward. What Corbyn did is just silly, because he is opposition. We see you, we see you. We see that the PM takes people for granted, like she has done since she called for the snap elections. That is why she is afraid of new referendum. She rather traded a secured economy and fixed trading agreements for a costly uncertain future. That is splendid leadership and a grand legacy to leave behind.

Therefore, we know that the Tories doesn’t care for others than themselves. They are not caring, because their businesses are already seeking safe-haven overseas. Their funds and their estates are registered there if they can. They don’t mind, it is the Commoner who is screwed and the Tories are not representing them anyway.

Corbyn did challenge the PM today and the Tories didn’t take it. She took it, when it was internal squabble last week, but cannot take it now. May thinks she is smart, but she looks rudderless. Like she is drifting and hoping that no-one is seeing the rouse. That no one is seeing the mirage. However, there are people catching on. Even if they are late.

If she have had good leadership, there wouldn’t have been that plenty of cabinet secretaries gone. There wouldn’t been such a flawed negotiations and such a embarrassing visits in Brussels and Europe. If the PM had been good and had a decent plan, the EU wouldn’t have gotten such a bargain in the deal. However, she has played one PR Game and won behind closed doors. But now that the closed doors are open and the sealed agreements in the open. The public see the mess and the MPs too. That is why she is postponing the vote. To hope she can gain enough votes, in false hope of salvation, even if it means an eternal damnation of her legacy. Nevertheless, that is also showing day by day.

Hopefully, she will not get stuck in a car in the next coming days or start dancing again. PM May, better think and act swiftly, because Corbyn just did something May didn’t anticipate. She cannot just quash this.

There will be aftermath and within me writing this. The whole opposition has amended the motion of Corbyn and added all HM Government, meaning it is a legal thing now. Not just a mere personal lack of confidence, but the whole Cabinet. Meaning, it has to be tabled. There are no silent nights in UK politics these days. Even if the Opposition looses this one. They have shown character. More than the Tories who failed to change for the better on the 12th December 2018.

As Brexit looms, the HM Government wobbles, the opposition are showing force and who knows how this bloody nightmare ends. Europe is giddy and awaiting, as London cannot make up its mind. Peace.

Opinion: You don’t need a Goblin, when you have a Crocodile!

We know little or nothing has changed, as the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) hasn’t changed since the November 2017. The August 2018 Elections haven’t changed the Presidency either. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is acting like nothing changed. While the public had faith in that, but the goblin left. Mugabe left. However, the Crocodile is acting like him. They are maybe to different individuals, but the ZANU-PF system is pumping like it was a year ago.

The Goblin did certain things. Now the Crocodile does the same. To way that the President have created growing inflation, lack of foreign currency, a fuel crisis and steady unemployment. Just like it was done under his predecessor. While the Crocodile has a short term and brief moment as the Executive. Still, he hasn’t done anything significant or used his powers to any good.

The Crocodile haven’t created much substantial, other than being endorsed for the next elections. That only months in. This before he has even done anything. The economy is in tatters, strikers are detained, shops are empty and fuel stations without fuel. ATMs without cash. Still, he is not the problem.

I was triggered to write all of this because of The Herald Assistant Editor Isdore Guvamombe, as the Herald wrote: “His propensity for political showboating through demonstrations is not only childish but self-serving especially when dealing with a mature democracy like Zimbabwe’s under Zanu-PF. Yes, they will allow him to demonstrate on the streets and yet at the end of the day, it is much ado about nothing, full of sound and fury, but signifying nothing. Nothing! Besides showboating, spending the day on the streets, the demonstrations of that type prove nothing. It is a waste of time by any standards. It defies logic — assuming Chamisa still has some semblance of it — that he wants to have talks with President Mnangagwa, yet he does not recognise him as the Head of State. What nonsense!” (Isdore Guavamombe – ‘Chamisa is THE problem’ The Herald, link: https://www.herald.co.zw/chamisa-is-the-problem/).

Why I am curious about that mature democracy, why are demonstrations and strikes shut down by a mature democracy? Why are activist left behind and never surface again? How come the election results was so hard to come by and looking like precooked stew fit for the ruling party? We have seen all of this mess before with the Goblin and the Harmonized Elections in 2018 was no different. Only the peaceful campaigns until the 1st August Post-Election Violence. That is the ZANU-PF under the Goblin and now also under the Crocodile.

The Herald Assistant Editor tried to mock and make Chamisa look foolish. As he is not Presidential or have the leadership skills. Not to the greatness and grand stature of ZANU-PF. However, the ZANU-PF cannot be that great, when they are every 10 years destroying the economy and making shortages of goods in the Republic. It is special to call Chamisa self-serving, when the ZANU-PF are serving themselves. That is evident in the case of Zimbabwe.

The Republic deserves better leadership, also another voice than the Herald. They are so entitled and self-praising, that the Assistant Editor doesn’t see his viciousness. Chamisa isn’t perfect, but that isn’t Mnangagwa either. However, Mnangagwa has had years in the leadership and doesn’t change. He acts just like Mugabe did.

That is why the Herald has to make a fool out of themselves in favor of Mnangagwa. So, they hope the naive… are eating it like candy, but they shouldn’t. They should think on their own. Peace.

Opinion: Chebukati and Chiloba ate the funds of the Fresh Presidential Elections in 2017!

If you we’re thinking the levels of rigging was bad last year. Your was wrong, the whole operations was a fraud. Not only did they rig the numbers and the ballots, they rigged the business deals in their favor. Meaning that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) wasn’t only set up to secure the Jubilee administration and the President. It was also made to enrich the IEBC Secretariat.

This being Wafula Chebukati and Ezra Chiloba, who was using the rigging machine as a gravy-train. They tenderized and sensitized the deals, in a sway-way of gaining funds in their pockets. As they overpaid for the services rendered for the elections in 2017. This is not the only thing and the public knows this, as the boycott proved it was ghosts electing the President and Deputy. Since, the IEBC was a tool to get the President re-elected, not to be a proper independent organization, which was there to serve the public. No matter who the public wanted to get elected.

Therefore, IEBC Misused tenders:

IEBC acquired Sh127.6 million worth of data bundles (149,640GB or 149TB) from Safaricom, Telkom and Airtel. Yet when the Auditor General analysed Internet use on the SIM cards, only 605.3GB of bundles worth Sh515,269 had been used — a mere 0.4 per cent of the acquisition” (…) “Consequently, Sh127.08 million went to waste or was misappropriated” (…) “The IBM infrastructure contract awarded on July 17, 2017 and scheduled to run through to June 2018, was given out for Sh425 million yet the evaluation committee had recommended that it be procured at Sh75 million” (…) “Fourth, the Commission’s ICT department had requisitioned purchase of Oracle database solutions and licences at Sh80 million but it was awarded for Sh273 million” (…) “IEBC contracted Africa Neurotech Systems Ltd to supply, install, implement, and commission and support its primary and secondary data centre equipment. It was paid Sh249.3 million against contract budget of Sh130 million.” (Ken Opala – ‘Impunity reigned at IEBC in tenders scam whose ‘theft was beyond the imaginable’ 17.12.2018, link: https://www.nation.co.ke/news/IEBC-in-tenders-scam-whose—theft-was-beyond-the-imaginable-/1056-4898274-grmjsq/index.html).

We are here seeing at what extent the IEBC Secretariat was misusing the funds, it was their time to eat on the public dime. The IEBC Secretariat was ready to use their tenders and their contracts to fix the budgets to secure themselves.

If it was ordering and overspending of funds concerning the Mobile Data. Which seems like rouse, as I can remember several of polling stations was not connected, but still the IEBC paid for it. They also did similar to the IBM and Africa Neurotech Systems Limited. Therefore, it is several tenders and companies, that was used by the IEBC, but not properly used and overpaid for. That is a sign of fraud and graft done directly by the IEBC Secretariat.

Chebukati and Chiloba must have worked close on this, knowing the finer details and agreeing on the use of funds, as well as the lack of transparency on it. The IEBC Secretariat planned this and misused it for a purpose. Who knows where their went, but most likely went into their pockets. As they could trick the public and also able to spend the extra funds on themselves. Like all gentlemen of the government, who has the ability to steal and think no one will ever notice.

The IEBC had enough lies and deceptions, there are already known, but that they we’re looting the state reserves in their favors wasn’t known. But that they rigged the elections in 2017. That we all know, but stopped talking about. Because we are all building bridges and not solving old problems. Peace.