UN Security Council 7235th meeting AM on South Sudan

WARRING PARTIES IN SOUTH SUDAN MUST EMBARK ON PATH OF RECONCILIATION OR RISK

HUMANITARIAN CATASTROPHE, SENIOR OFFICIAL WARNS SECURITY COUNCIL:

Reiterating Government’s Commitment to Peace Process,

Permanent Representative Urges Armed Groups to Show ‘Seriousness and Faithfulness’

After three years of independence, South Sudan was on the “brink of a humanitarian catastrophe and a protracted internal conflict”, a senior United Nations peacekeeping official warned the Security Council this morning.

“This is a man-made crisis, and those responsible for it have been slow in resolving it,” said Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, as he briefed the 15-member body on the Secretary-General’s 25 July report on South Sudan (document S/2014/537) and recent developments in the strife-torn African country following the report’s publication.

With both sides — the South Sudanese Government and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in Opposition — believing they could achieve their aims through military means, the situation on the ground remained precarious, and the conflict risked spreading to other parts of the country, he stressed.  The Security Council’s visit next week to South Sudan was particularly timely, and should serve to caution both sides about the negative consequences of impeding the peace process.

“The parties must reach an agreement, without a further delay, on how to end the conflict and embark on the path of reconciliation,” he emphasized.  Those responsible for serious human rights violations must be held accountable and both sides must ensure unhindered, safe access by road, air and river for United Nations and humanitarian personnel.

He noted that talks had just resumed on 4 August between the South Sudanese Government and the SPLM/A in Opposition, and were being mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in an effort to sort out issues of security and humanitarian access; political transition and the creation of a Government of National Unity; justice, reconciliation and healing; and the parameters of a new Constitution, he said.  IGAD member States would also need to decide on the terms of applying sanctions against those who undermined the peace process, should the need arise.

Giving an overview of recent developments, he said that the ceasefire agreements, signed by the parties on 23 January, 9 May and 10 June, had been violated.  The first major incident occurred on 20 July when SPLM/A in Opposition forces attacked Government positions in Nassir, Upper Nile State.  Fighting for Nassir ensued until 26 July, when the SPLM/A in Opposition retreated.

Skirmishes had also occurred in Rensk, also in Upper Nile State, and in Ayod, Jonglei State, he said.  On 16 July, in Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) received reports of clashes between Government security positions and approximately 200 Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) deserters that had abandoned their posts over lack of salary payments.  On 2 August, clashes erupted between the Maban Defence Force, a local militia, and some 20 SPLA deserters of Nuer ethnicity.

Since the fighting began, United Nations personnel and aid workers had moved to the compounds of United Nations agencies and intergovernmental organizations for protection, and non-essential staff were been airlifted out, he said.  Thousands of civilians had sought refuge in a refugee camp near the airstrip.  A Quick Reaction Force with four armoured personnel carriers was en route to the area and another platoon size force was being deployed by air.

In addition, the deployment of more troops authorized under resolution 2155 (2014) was well under way, he said.  As of 4 August, fully 3,525 of the 5,500 surge troops had been deployed.  The remaining contingents — an infantry battalion, three military utility helicopters, three additional aircraft and a tactical helicopter unit — were expected to be sent by October.  The United Nations had also identified police-contributing countries for the deployment of four Formed Police Units comprising of 660 personnel.

The humanitarian operation in South Sudan was the largest within a single country, he said, with the Mission hosting more than 95,000 internally displaced persons at its site, far more than its intended capacity.  Heavy rains had severely flooded large areas of the UNMISS sites in Bentiu and Malakal, exacerbating already challenging health and sanitation conditions.  With the slow pace of the peace process, displacement was likely to continue.

“The status quo, therefore, is not sustainable and alternative options must be explored,” he said, stressing that UNMISS’ capacity and funding fell far short of overwhelming needs.  Aid had reached some 2.4 million people, but efforts had been hampered by insecurity, obstructed access, insufficient and delayed funding, and delayed logistic, human resources and political constraints.

The Mission had begun discussions with United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to better delineate roles and responsibilities so that it could focus on its core mandate set forth in resolution 2155 (2014), he said.  Meantime, UNMISS continued to encourage internally displaced persons to relocate to newly constructed sites in order to alleviate overcrowding at the existing ones.

Joseph Moum Malok ( South Sudan) reiterated his Government’s commitment to the peace process and its determination to reach a final settlement through negotiations.  President Salva Kiir Mayardit had expressed willingness to form an interim or transitional Government in order to promote constitutional reform, national peace, and reconciliation and accountability mechanisms.

“We can’t afford to prolong the current situation,” he said, calling on the rebel groups to show “seriousness and faithfulness” in the negotiations and on the international community to remind them of the importance of adhering to the previous ceasefire agreements, which the rebels had violated repeatedly.

Furthermore, the international community must be mindful of the Government’s lack of technical capability needed to swiftly undertake forensic and legal proceedings, he said, expressing regret over UNMISS’ stalled efforts to build capacity of the organized forces and other rule of law institutions.

The meeting began at 10 a.m. and ended at 10:20 a.m.

Link:

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2014/sc11510.doc.htm

Quick thought: 

We can all just see that the UN Security Council used ten minutes on a matter which themselves describes as a possible humanitarian catastrophe. Is that all the lives is worth for the UN? They fear that SPLM going back to the former days of SPLA. An they say the action comes from the opposition. The matter is how to solve the crisis and the effect of it. Endgame should matter, and isn’t that the mandate and honor of UNAMISS. They are supposed to have 5,500 surge troops, by 4. July, but they had gotten 3,525. So we can wonder if they will get the funding for the UNAMISS, when their missing nearly 2000 surge troops to their operation. If this isn’t sad piece of history, I don’t know history. Especially when it’s  already filled with the sadness of the MONUC (2000-2010 in DRC) and UNAMIR (1993-1996). If you wonder why I add those into play? Well, then you should read some on them and see what I am saying without saying it. Hope that UNAMISS will have another fate then UNAMIR and MONUC.

WikiLeaks – Relations between Uganda and Libya (Saga of Gaddaffi and Museveni)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9C4JPgVvsc

Museveni start as President in 1986:

On the 29th of January 1986 Yoweri Museveni was inaugurated as president, who in the last week battled for the capitol city Kampala and overthrow of Tito Okello. Museveni himself on the matter: “Mere Change of Guards” (…)”Nobody is to think that what is happening today, what has been happening in the last few days is a mere change of guards” (…)”This is not a mere change of guards. I think this is a fundamental change in the politics of our government” (…)”Any individual, any group or person who threatens the security of our people must be smashed without mercy” (…)”The people of Uganda should only die from natural causes which are not under our control” (Rule, 1986). Museveni’s thoughts on democracy: “the right of the people of Africa” and about government: “the masters but the servers of the population”. He continued: “The solution is to have enough strength to ship the whole garbage and put it where it belongs, on the garbage heap of history” (Rule, 1986).

Libyan support for NRA/NRM:

“Idi Amin’s former Minister of Finance, Brig. Moses Ali, along with an economist, Dr. Suleiman Kiggundu, Ugandan Muslim clerics Shiekh Ali Kulumba and Shiekh Obeid Kamulegeya, and a businessman called Habib Hassan Kagimu are the men who introduced Yoweri Museveni, the leader of a news fighting group the National Resistance Army (NRA), to Gaddafi in 1981 and so started the Libyan sponsorship of the NRA guerrillas” (…)”Libya then started air dropping heavy field guns and rocket launchers into the NRA camps in Luwero Triangle in central Uganda in 1982, greatly boosting the NRA guerrillas and making possible their victory in Jan. 1986” (…)”Brig Ali was in jail in Kampala when Gaddafi first visited Uganda led by Museveni in 1987. Ali had to be taken out of jail after Gaddafi asked about his whereabouts” (…)”In the early days of the new NRM government, several officers and men of the new national army, the National Resistance Army (NRA) were sent to Libya for military training. Gaddafi also helped supply the Rwandan guerrillas, the RPF, with weapons in 1990 in the early stages of their invasion of Rwanda. The Libyan weapons were airlifted into Uganda and then the Museveni government passed them on to the RPF rebels” (…)”When Uganda failed to repay money she owed Libya, the debt was swapped for Libyan shares in the Uganda Telecom phone company, the Crested Towers and National Housing and Construction Corporation housing estates in Kampala and the Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe” (Dispatch, 2011).

In the 1986 – Creating an oil company:

Libyan has sent a trade delegation (both medical and financial teams). President Museveni has discussed to have a Joint Holding Company with Doctor Mukhtar. Both Government of Uganda and Government of Libya announced that their examining opportunities to set up an Oil Company. Since 1979 war against Amin the Libyan Peoples Bureau had 6 six employees, the staff has now a higher profile in Kampala. Ugandan government is naïve about it, but the largeness of Libyan interference in the oil company, Uganda can still control it through. Government of Uganda is in to secure oil supply and also setting up a company, because of NRMs distrust in the operations of the multinational capitalism. This company is to secure the supply of oil, in that they also would like to be a part of the Mombasa Refinery from the Government of Kenya (WikiLeaks, 1986).

Suits Museveni well:

The Libyan style of leadership where it’s all centered on the president. If Museveni need to be accommodated in any manner, he can just pick up a phone and call the Cornel Gaddaffi. The Americans describes the Libyans as radicals and calls Museveni’s action towards them as a risk, for him and also the interest of USA (WikiLeaks, 1986).

Relation between Uganda and Libya in 2007:

Libyan Africa Portfolio (LAP) bought shares of 51% of the Uganda Telecom Limited (UTL). The shares were bought from UCOM a German, Swiss and Egyptian consortium. LAP has also bought other assets in Uganda. They gotten 60 % of the textile company Tri-Star and also was awarded with the tender to build the oil-pipe that goes from Uganda to Kenya. Museveni has promised Coronel Gaddaffi that he will not sell the unrefined oil. He has also praised Gaddaffi for his collaborated effort to support Uganda (WikiLeaks, 2007).

Relation between Uganda and Libya in 2008:

President Museveni said Libyan president Gaddaffi: “is a problem” and for his wish of making the “United states of Africa”.  He also commented on Gaddaffi’s “imitations” towards smaller and tinier African nations with bribes and pressure. This has led to that these nations haven’t participated as strongly or corporative in international forums, organizations like United Nation and international meetings. Because of the tension between Gaddaffi and Museveni, this has led to him having radar on his plane when he flies international airspace to get additional information of the airspace (WikiLeaks, 2008).

Relation between Uganda and Libya in 2009:

TamOil the Libyan owned company who is run by director Habib Kagimu. The company hopes that it gets the contract to build the pipeline between from El Doret, Kenya to Jinja, Uganda (WikiLeaks, 2009).

Museveni on Gaddaffi in 2011:

In his own words said Gaddaffi was wrong to support Idi Amin with weapons and arms. This he could use during the battles of the 70s (Museveni, 2011).

Mistakes:

He knows that Gaddaffi supported him because he was seen as Muslim country oppressed by Christians. The second mistake Gaddaffi did after Museveni’s reckoning: he was not polite in AU and respected the regional collaborations in Africa. If he could he would ‘Overrule’ it. The third mistake by the Cornell was to interfere in internal matters of others. Like his actions towards the kings in Uganda. Fourth mistake is that he was like other Arab leaders and did not support the cause of South Sudan. Also not a direct mistake but he commented that as a radical Gaddaffi didn’t distant himself enough from terrorism (Museveni, 2011).

Positives:   

First is that Gaddaffi always has had an independent approach to foreign affairs. Not being an Western countries, where he also did an effort to get rid of British and American Military bases. Second positive was how we able to use and rig the oil-prices, from the meager 50 cents a barrel to 40 dollars a barrel. Fourth is the economic progress of Libya. With that was the current time Museveni wrote in the value of GDP of $89, 03 Billion, which is the same size of South Africa in 1994 and the same time Spain (Museveni, 2011).

Thanks for reading. Peace.

Links:

Dispatch.co.ug – ‘Uganda’s long complicated relationship with Gaddaffi’ (07.04.2011) Link: http://www.dispatch.ug/ugandas-long-complicated-relatioship-with-gaddafi/1745/

Wanock, Frank & Conway, Patrick – ‘Post-Conflict Recovery in Uganda’ (1999) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank

Link: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/WBI/Resources/wbi37152and37153.pdf

Rule, Sheila (NY Times) – ‘REBEL SWORN IN AS UGANDA PRESIDENT’ (30.01.1986) Link: http://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/30/world/rebel-sworn-in-as-uganda-president.html

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘Article on the Libyan crisis’ (20.03.2011) Link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/51285348/Museveni-attacks-West-over-Libya

WikiLeaks – ‘MUSEVENI AND THE RADICAL MUSLIMS’ (16.07.1986) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/86KAMPALA2314_a.html

WikiLeaks – ‘UGANDA: MARCH ECONOMIC REVIEW’ (14.03.2007) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/07KAMPALA457_a.html

WikiLeaks –‘A/S FRAZER’S JUNE 13 MEETING WITH UGANDAN PRESIDENT MUSEVENI’ (18.06.2008) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/08STATE65820_a.html

WikiLeaks – ‘UGANDAN PRESIDENT SEEKS OIL SECTOR SUPPORT IN IRAN’ (04.07.2009) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/09KAMPALA561_a.html

Statement by the Heads of State of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan on the Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Project

EA State

It’s not a one-night’s affair to fight corruption – Companies and civil servants in bid for something extra

Fighting corruption is not a one-night affair. – Olusegun Obasanjo

We live in a day and age where we have global companies. The great nations with giant economic systems: Even civil servant can get extra money in exchange for some easier way to handle business in the territory. We all know it happens from time to time. From land to land, town to town, village to village etc. So here we are and I got some stories to tell.

In China the only and leading party the Chinese Communist Party, they are going after the biggest fish now. The corrupted man is supposed to be Zhou Yongkang former Security Chief and Oil Czar. The party is doing this they say for “disciplinary violations”. He rises in power through the national oil company China National Petroleum Corp. President Xi Jinping is doing this after his pledge of fighting corruption in 2012 (Leavenworth, 2014).

In U.S. a former up and coming GOP candidate to the national Republican Party is set for trial for a corruption case. Bob and Maureen McDonnell they are charged for using their office to gain money and gifts in exchange for influence. Before indictment Bob repaid $120,000 and then dined any wrong doing. The prosecutors have found 615 items of luxury value (O’Dell, 2014).

Even Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation has agreed to pay up for fixing deals on offering international clients bribes to secure the agreements for law enforcing and military contracts. They agreed on 28. July to pay the sum of $ 2,000,000: this for breaking the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). S&W hired a third party agent in Pakistan to give a police department $11 000 worth of guns this resulted in selling a total of 548 guns to Pakistan worth a total of $ 210 980, that mean they earned $ 107 852. The company did also certain activity in Indonesia to a third party agent there. Also in Turkey they sent someone to sell handcuffs and firearms to the police. They also used third party agents who did activities in Bangladesh and Nepal to get contracts (Terrill, 2014).

In Trinidad Jack Warner keep humming. This time not involved in FIFA cases. The last local election and allegations of corruption, Jack Warner is now the Chairman of the independent Liberal Party. He is ordered to pay Faaiq Mohammed $ 220,000 in damages, also $ 42,000 in legal cost. Mohammed has said to the press: “It will not deter me. It probably should not have been but it has not deterred me. I will continue to work hard and work towards helping the people and serve the people. So far I am doing a pretty good job at it and I am hoping to continue, and before my term is up I will be one of the best councillors within Trinidad and Tobago” (Ramdass, 2014).

In Vellore, India in search for water and drilling water. The companies who is pumping and setting up the drilling is paying officials into pockets after recent reports. CPM district secretary A.Narayanan is saying this: “We charge between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000 to sink a 500-foot borewell”. The cost for a sinking borewell Rs 72 lakh for 36 borewells and its cost for each borewell price of total Rs 2 lakh. The politicians after the word of A. Narayanan: “It is obvious that Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per work would go to the corrupt officials and ward Councillors. The amount would be shared among everyone in the Corporation” (Chitharth, 2014).

In New York, a French man was arrested for two years in connection with bribing in Guinea, where the French man worked as an advisor for the mining corporation BSG Resources. He admitted to try to bribe Mamadie Toure, the widow of the late president Lasana Conte. This was in efforts to try to get contracts to large iron ore deposits BSG Resources. The company had business on the northern parts of Simadou mine. The Guinean government is now planning new auctions on the area. Even though the company BSG Resources is claiming they did nothing wrong (Ax, 2014).

Now, I have told enough stories right. It isn’t any local problem. It’s global. We’re living in a global village. Companies are worldwide and using any kind of practices to get an upper hand and earn a few extra shillings here and there. Government officials using their jobs and opportunities to earn something honor for good civic duties in the name of their position. While we’re sitting and often doesn’t grasp what that really happening and what it might do to our society as a whole. But that is enough from me today..

Links:

Ax, Joseph – ‘Frenchman gets two years in U.S. prison for role in Guinea mine scandal’ (25.07.2014) Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/r-frenchman-gets-two-years-in-us-prison-for-role-in-guinea-mine-scandal-2014-25#ixzz38tgdcGWG

Chitharth, M. – ‘Corporation Move Aimed at Swindling Funds’ (26.07.2014) Link: http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Corporation-Move-Aimed-at-Swindling-Funds/2014/07/26/article2349428.ece

O’Dell, Larry – ‘Jury Chosen in Former Va. Gov’s Corruption Trial’ (28.07.2014) Link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/va-governors-corruption-trial-begins-24736903

Leavenworth, Sturt – ‘China’s anti-corruption push targets highest-ranking official yet’ (29.07.2014) Link:   http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/07/29/6183214/chinas-anti-corruption-push-targets.html

Ramdass, Rickie – ‘Warner must pay $262,000’ (24.07.2014) Link:  http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Warner-must-pay-262000-268542832.html

Terrill, Daniel – ‘Smith & Wesson pays $2 million to settle SEC corruption charges’ (29.07.2014) Link: http://www.guns.com/2014/07/29/smith-wesson-pays-2-million-to-settle-sec-corruption-charges/

Uganda – Civil Service Payment issues again(!!)

Well, I am back at it again. Since this civil service payments isn’t going after schedule or planning. Therefore innocent and humble, working hard people isn’t getting their decent salaries on time. Which is by all standards is a shame; we have heard all kind of excuses by the leaders and gents of the Government. The Government which is entailed to pay its employees for it services. And after the saga of the magnificent payments structure in the Statehouse and the people around the President Museveni, we should have seen another picture. But it just seems to show how much it matters and why they can make it so slow for decent folks. Here is the latest on the issue:

Promise Civil Service pay by the end of September:

Muhakanizi comments on recent delayed civil service salaries: “releasing funds and budgeting well”, also have issues with “planning” and their inefficiency with following “procurement guidelines”. Muhakanizi continues: “Was finance releasing funds and budgeting well? The answer is no. And why was the release of funds poor?” (…)”We [finance] were releasing funds every month, but no one can budget basing on one month, it’s unacceptable and it was wrong”. He promised that the pay will now be cleared by “end of September”. Muhakanizi follows it up: “Teachers must teach people must get their titles from the [ministry of] Lands, the Judiciary must deliver justice in a timely manner” (…)”Those people who always ask for supplementary [funds] know themselves, but I refused to cut development expenditures for consumption purposes and if anyone does it, it must be rejected “(Walusimbi, 2014).

By the same statement to New Vision Muhanizi said: “If salary arrears are not paid by September, then call me a liar” (Mulundo, 2014)

Joseph Ssewungu the Kalungu West MP says to all this: “ want to tell Keith [Muhakanizi] that you will not pay teachers by September because you promised before, to send payment vouchers to all districts on top of clearing all the salary arrears by June, but up to now, nothing has been done. But you can promise for the sake of making us happy” (Walusimbi, 2014).

Important Pay scales for civil service employees like teachers:

Senior School Principal: 1,687,000Ush.

Education Assistant Grade III: 230,000Ush.

By now this has just gotten 25% increase.

At Makerere University:

Lecture: 1,600,00Ush.

Professors: 700,000Ush per month.

(Ssemogerere, 2014)

Henry Banyenzaki Rubanda West MP is worried because when in Kabale District where 8000 pupils went up for PLE (Primary Level Examination) last year alone, and then only 412 passed this level (Editorial Monitor, 2014).

Uganda National Teachers Union (UNTU) has denounced Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). This happens because the default failing on the salaries up to 30%. Schools on the secondary level are also feeling like a side project (KFM, 2014).

Uganda – Outtakes from Budget Speech 2014/2015 – Teachers’ salaries:  

“Priorities to be implemented include the enhancement of Teachers’ salaries, with emphasis on Primary School Teachers. Shs 215bn has been allocated for this purpose. I have also provided Shs. 5 billion towards supporting Teachers’ SACCOs, in addition to the Shs. 2.5 billion provided during this year”.

That’s all I got on the matter today!

Peace

Links:

Editorial Monitor.co.ug – ‘Govt should fulfill teachers’ manifesto’ (25.07.2014) Link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Editorial/Govt-should-fulfill-teachers–manifesto/-/689360/2396382/-/6lba5u/-/index.html

Mulondo, Moses – ‘The Secretary to the treasury Keith Muhakanizi has promised that all salary arrears for civil servants will be paid by September’ (24.07.2014) Link: http://ehabari.com/uganda-to-pay-all-salary-arrears-by-september/

KFM – ‘Science teachers attack KCCA over pay’ (23.07.2014) Link: http://kfm.co.ug/news/science-teachers-attack-kcca-over-pay.html

Ssemogerere, Karoli – ‘There has to be a way of sorting out teachers pay issue’ (24.07.2014) Link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/There-has-to-be-a-way-of-sorting-out-teachers-pay-issue/-/689364/2394918/-/item/0/-/10l1x6ez/-/index.html

Walusimbi, Deo – ‘Uganda: Muhakanizi Explains Poor Govt Services’ (27.07.2014) Link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201407281639.html

Match fixing scandals – recent stories on the matter

Well there have been a lot of them. A lot of them, then I mean fixes football matches that are beeing fixed for a purpose of a certain result. The match fixing is so that the bookies and undertakers of the underworld evendtuallwant more.  So they can be fed with some extra pocket money and also pay off a few match officials. If not juicing the system to get it and go for the ordinary day of players. There is always and sometimes happening madness in defense, even from the most professional players in major leagues. It would be  if the likes Steven Gerrard betting against his own team against Crystal Palace in this spring. And then bag a lot of dough. We all know that didn’t happen, but it make your mind wonder right? Nevertheless, FIFA is continuing on trying to combat match fixing and national associations trying to follow suit. Because this is more destroying of the beautiful game then the diving of certain players inside the box, and trying to get a fake penalty.

FIFA Press release:

Today FIFA had a press release on professional players who is banned like Ghanaian Mark Edusei: he is now banned football-related activities for three years. This is after manipulating games in the Serie B in Italy in 2009. The second one is the Maltese player Kevin Sammut is banned from football-related activities for ten years for manipulated UEFA European Football Championship in 2007 (Fifa.com, 2014). FIFA is serious, at least for today.

Sierra Leone Football Association and FIFA:

Sepp Blatter has tried to make nice after all the booing in Brazil. Now after Brazil Sepp Blatter is now together with Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) boss Isha Johansen in Zurich, Switzerland. SLFA has already pending cases against four players, eleven officials of that is two referees. All of them claim innocence. Blatter continues: “Match fixing shakes the very foundations of sport, namely fair play, respect and discipline” (…)”FIFA employs a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any infringement of these values” (…)”We therefore fully support the SLFA” (Barrie, 2014).

Down under tales:

In Australia the team Green Gully was playing against Southern Stars. Players Reiss Noel and Joel Wolley were in betting syndicate. In that match it was supposed to end 4-0. With two goals down, Noel started to instruct the goalie to let the next shots in. The Southern Stars ended up only losing 3-0. They failed to make the demands from the ringleader Segaran “Gerry” Subramaniam. Noel was reporting to the Guardian that he gets $3000. They have now been banned from the game indefinitely for fixing matches (Romforder Recorder, 2014).

Asian Federation stories:

Eric Ding Si Yang has been convicted for match fixing earlier this month after bribing three Lebanese match officials with prostitutes. Ding is reported to be a part of match fixing syndicate. This syndicate kept connected through encrypted emails and communication. He was also linked to a Dan Tan, a Singaporean who by Interpol is nicknamed the “the leader of the world’s most notorious match-fixing syndicate”. Ding can be served up to three years in prison and a fine of $40 000 and $100 000 (Ying, 2014).

More in Asia is in the V-League in Vietnam where seven players arrested for alleged match fixing. There were six players for the top-flight team of Dong Nai FC. The last player is from Dong Tam Long An FC. After what the investigation has found out is that matches been rigged for money up to VND800 Million equivalent of $38 500 each. They have even served and detained people on a betting ring and gambling ring on suspicion for organized gambling. Vietnamese Football Federation Chairman Le Hung Dung has commented to the media that uncovering the match fixing scandal together with the police will end up “cleansing” the domestic football (TUOI Tre News, 2014).

My end note: 

I don’t really have much more to comment on this. Other that this is an global issue for the game of fotball. We all got to take responsibility so that it doesn’t happen and let the game be the game. I know I sound a little Omar Little there. But you all know what I mean. The game is and can be fantastic. So let it continue to be that way!

Peace.

Links:

Barrie, Mohammed Fajah – ‘FIFA backs Sierra Leone match fixing inquiry’ (28.07.2014) Link: http://sierraleonefootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1625:fifa-backs-sierra-leone-match-fixing-inquiry&catid=1:latest-news

Dunne, Martin – ‘Stevenage defender given £30,000 after ‘match-fixing’ error’ (25.07.2014) Link: http://www.thecomet.net/news/stevenage_defender_given_30_000_after_match_fixing_error_1_3700613

Romford Recorder – ‘Ex-Hornchurch pair reveal match-fixing details’ (22.07.2014) Link: http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/football/non-league/ex_hornchurch_pair_reveal_match_fixing_details_1_3694960

TUOI Tre News – ‘7 Vietnam footballers arrested for alleged match fixing’ (22.07.2014) Link: http://tuoitrenews.vn/sports/21139/7-vietnam-footballers-arrested-for-alleged-match-fixing

Ying, Foo Jie – ‘Sex-for-match-fixing trial: Lawyers tussle over ‘ill-gotten gains’ (25.07.2014) Link: http://news.asiaone.com/news/crime/sex-match-fixing-trial-lawyers-tussle-over-ill-gotten-gains#sthash.aiRmTWHr.dpuf

FIFA – ‘Worldwide sanctions imposed on players from Ghana, Malta’ (28.07.2014) Link:

http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/news/newsid=2408565/index.html

CLF: Statement on the horrors in Bundibugyo

STATEMENT ON THE HORRORS IN BUNDIBUGYO

WHO KILLED OUR PEOPLE IN BUNDIBGYO,KASESE AND NTOROKO?

This is to inform Ugandans that the Coalition of Liberation Forces (CLF) have written to all concerned demanding the truth about the recent killings in Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoroko Districts. From all the information available and the evidence which will be shown, it is Mr Museveni and Gen Kayihura who are responsible for these murders of innocent Ugandans and their subsequent secret burials.

CONTRADICTIONS

The first point to note is that villagers are themselves surprised as to how these people were killed and buried so quickly and secretly.

If it was a clash by villagers and burials by them as government is trying to spin, it would not have come as a surprise to the villagers.

The second point is the mode of burial and the speed at which it was done. A tractor was used to dig the trenches for mass graves. Which villagers have a caterpillar to dig trenches?

What was the hurry to bury the dead? Even those government claims that these were the attackers, if they were, why did government not wait form them to be identified? Why were the burials done under the cover of darkness?

This was most likely in order to destroy incriminating evidence, like torture marks, etc. Already recorded evidence has emerged in Uganda showing Brigadier Muhoozi Kaneirugaba’s special forces operatives and General Kale Kayihura’s murder squads brutally beating up and torturing hundreds of innocent civilians in front of cameras.

An international organsation that has some knowledge about the government hand in these killings is compiling a report. We shall wait for that report before we can publish the facts as are known.

It is important for all Ugandans to know that those killed and buried in mass graves were not the anti-regime attackers, who launched operations on military and police infrastructures in a targeted manner. The dead were totally innocent people.

These were in two categories

The first were civilians who run towards the 39 battalion for protection as Bundibugyo town was all under attack. The police stations, bank, barracks etc. were being attacked so there was confusion. The people run to the unit expecting protection. Instead they were met by fire from frightened soldiers who were caught unprepared and could not see that these were civilians.

So when you hear Mr Museveni saying that the attackers attacked Lakwena style, it is a lie because these were civilians seeking protection.

The second category is of civilians killed by a contingent of Special Forces Command soldiers who were deployed immediately after the attack. These were under the command of a major and two captains. Their names have been given to this international organisation and shall wait for them before CLF can publish other details.

The attackers took the guns, ammunition etc. none has been recovered. Those children in the court martial are being used by regime for public opinion management. They are all innocent civilians.

Soon, other attacks will follow, this time not in Bundibgyo. So which tribes will be fighting? We shall find out.

Therefore, fellow Ugandans, don’t be misled by this government misinformation campaign. You will remember that FREE UGANDA chairman had just warned about government intention to kill innocent people to scare them from supporting the rebellion. Unfortunately for government, it is having the reverse effect. Anger and revulsion.

More details on this tragedy will be published soon.

Dr Kabuleta Ephraim

Director Operations Committee

CLF

IGAD: South Sudan 4th Session Peace Talks to resume on 30th July

IGAD

WikiLeaks – East Africa in the 1970s: how the tensions running high between the nations ,disbanding EAC, and US involvment.

Here is brief WikiLeaks on the rich history of the 70’s in East Africa. The interesting times and political play of an era which is now gone. What we can learn by this, is how to deal with tension between nations and also what values we should seek. Read this and hopefully you will be a bit more enlighten on some history which happened not too long ago.

Short historical pretense to the Uganda-Kenya-Tanzania tensions of the 70s:

“Kenyan press accused Ugandan soldiers of murdering and chasing off railway officials in February, 1973. Uganda claimed that it was planned by former Ugandan president, Obote and his supporters” (…)”President Amin of Uganda placed his military on alert for an invasion of British forces from Kenya as tensions grew concerning the death sentence of British journalist, Denis Hills who criticized Amin. On June 25, 1975, Amin accused Britain of sending two warships with soldiers to Kenya in preparation for an invasion. The British government called the deployment a routine visit. On July 1, 1975, Amin announced that he would grant Hills a pardon” (…)”President Kenyatta of Kenya threatened war with Uganda in February, 1976 over a border dispute” (…)”President Amin of Uganda withdrew his claims on the disputed area on Febraury 27, 1976, but tensions continued. Kenya protested the killing of a Kenyan student in Uganda on March 12, 1976” (…)”Israeli troops rescued some 100 hostages at Entebbe airport in Uganda on July 3-4, 1976, and Israeli military aircraft used in the rescue mission landed in Nairobi, Kenya for refueling before returning to Israel. President Idi Amin of Uganda accused Kenya of collaborating with Israel on July 4, 1976. Some 3,000 Kenyans fled from Uganda on July 5-15, 1976. On July 8, Kenya demanded that Uganda pay for all goods being shipped through Kenya because of the debt Uganda owed it. On July 9, Kenya restricted Uganda’s access by rail to the Indian Ocean. The Kenyan government reported on the tenth of July that 245 Kenyan citizens had been killed in Uganda” (…)”On July 16, 1976, Kenyan truck and railway workers refused to enter Uganda. Uganda promised not to invade Kenya on July 21. Uganda cut electricity supplies to Kenya on July 24. Kenya severed the supply of oil to Uganda on July 25, 1976, and President Amin retaliated by threatening to go to war with Kenya. Uganda agreed to hold negotiations with Kenya on July 30, 1976” (…)”President Amin of Uganda and President Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya signed an agreement in Nairobi on August 7, 1976, which provided for the withdrawal of troops from the border region. Kenya resumed the supply of oil to Uganda on August 11, 1976. This ended the series of conflicts that make up” (…)”Kenya and Uganda agreed to resume diplomatic relations on February 10, 1978. Kenya closed its border with Uganda in April, 1979 to stop the inflow of fleeing Ugandan soldiers fleeing from the invasion of Tanzania” (Dingu.sbs.arizona.edu)

This was the short history of the exiting times in East Africa. Here is what I found from the releases of documents on Wikileaks:  

In May 1973 Kampala Uganda, the elite or prominent people resigned their post.  Professor and Dean in Political Science, Ali Mazrui is specialized in the fields of Europe and American politics. Since the coup of 1971 he has given lectures that are pro-Amin, still with the repression of the elite has changed his views (Wikileaks, 1973). The reason why Ali Mazrui was turned against Idi Amin was the way he repressed the Acholi, the Langi, the Asians and the murders of Bendicto Kiwanuka and Vice-Chancellor Frank Kalimuzo of Makerere (Binghampton, 2011).

Ambassador Barigye resigned on the 3rd of May 1973. Julius Nyerere granted him political asylum in Tanzania. His travel paper told another story that he ended in Lusaka, because the work opportunity is supposed to be better there (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Certain diaspora in Tanzania:

Obote is reported to be in Tanzania, also with terminated cabinet ministers. Idi Amin has put new people who have to act in their position, leaving the other one to end their former minsters posts (WikiLeaks, 1973).

4th of May General Amin appointed soldiers to be Saza and Gambola Cheifs. Their training started on 7th of May which now has turned into 3 or 4 weeks. Amin told them: “When he completes reorganization and everything is seen (to be) working well, he will give six months or one year for people to prepare for general elections” (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Tentative coup plans of 1973:

The ones that were supporting this operation were the Tanzania, China and also possible USA to assist the coup in Uganda. Ugandan leaders supporting this were Ali Mazuri and Major Okoth. Richard Ojok was delivering a plan at the embassy at the 21th August (WikiLeaks, 1973). Ojok has organized a group called UNQTE. Ali Mazuri is a part of this outfit. Major Ojok has met Nyerere to get Tanzanian assistance for the coup. Chinese Millitary Attache Cho En Tieng was present and offered financial assistance. The Chinese also offered Army personnel, but Ojok was afraid that if the coup succeeded the Chinese would be tied to power. The plan for the plot was to let the army men travel in civilian at 5th of October on an East African Airlines. Mazuri has discussed the matter to a African American Arms dealer Julian Hilbert. Hilbert assistance will come if they get enough funding. Major Ojok has been into Uganda and knows that they have 200 well trained military men, with a unit of 400 Libyan troops and 21 Mirage Jet Fighters. On his assassination list is the Commander of the Simba Mechanized Regiment at Mbabara: Lt. Col. Maliyamungu. They fear him because he has control of the tank division. So UNQTE feel they need to get tanks and are trying to get funds to complete this. Former Minister Kibedi is offering a position to those who are supporting funds. Ojok is not planning to have the coup when Amin is departed trip to Algeria for a conference. It will be when he is in the country. 22th of August 1973 will Ojok be back in Uganda and stay at the Standard Hotel. Lindstrom forward all information to the Washington Agencies (WikiLeaks, 1973).

Problems between Uganda and Tanzania:

13th of July 1974 General Amin had allegation of supposed plans of a coup and invasion from Tanzania. Amin is saying that Zambia and Tanzania is wishing to get the ousted Obote back as president in Uganda. He says: “Actively supporting Dr Milton Obote to mount an invasion of Uganda” (…)” Continues to encourage and assist invasion of Uganda, battlefields will be Mwanza, Musoma, Tabora, and Dodoma. I am not going to kneel down in front of him, he must know that I am a General who can fight any war, at any time, anywhere” (WikiLeaks, 1974). Tanzanian Governement replied to Amin: “Government wants to make clear that should these allegations be used for an attack, Tanzania will be justified to take all necessary steps to defend itself”. Radio Tanzania has reported on 15. July 1974 that President SIAD has inquired to the Secretary General of the OAU to get a meeting between Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania. This tension strand from the prominent position Obote got under the 20th anniversary of TANU on 7. July 1974 (WikiLeaks, 1974).

Boycott of Ugandan goods:

Idi Amin statement: “Does not constitute apology for recent territorial claim which GOK is insisting upon before presently strained bilateral relation can be normalized”. Dockworkers in Mombasa boycott the boats with Ugandan destined cargo. This leading too delayed boats out of docks of Mombasa. Amin is waiting for a Government of Kenya (GOK) apology. This boycott could lead to Amin to cut electricity which Amin claimed was substantial for Kenya, the estimation is between 15-20%. The photographer of Jomo Kenyatta has been burned in public in Uganda (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Fuel Shortage in Rwanda:

Uganda has had economic setbacks due to the closure of borders with Kenya. This has led to the gas shortage in Rwanda – because of the Mombasa-Kampala line. Tea and coffee export is really hit by this gas shortage (WikiLeaks, 1976). Rwandan MINFIN, National Bank of Rwanda flew to Kampala with President Habyarimana on the 17. March to discuss a government deal with Amin. Amin snubbed it for three reasons:

  1. Rwandan transport is the reason why the Ugandan roads deteriorating.
  2. Rwandan economic policies are the reason why the Ugandan Shilling is weakened and making Rwandan Franc is staying strong.
  3. Amin Accused the Rwandan of selling Ugandan coffee.
  4. Amin wasn’t happy that Habyarimana met with Nyerere last month.

(WikiLeaks, 1976)

President Habyarimana is sure this economic sanction from Uganda is because of his way of dealing with Amin. Also even with the new Rwandan Foreign Policy of having good relation to its neighbors. And continue with building relation with Tanzania, even hasten Mwanza-Rusumu to Dar es Salem (WikiLeaks, 1976).

MINFIN is Ministry of Finance (Worldbank, 2007).

Continuation on the tension in East Africa:

  • Nyerere is not happy about the arms deal that they have done with South Africa. Especially after the meeting between South Africa’s Heath and Zambia’s Kaunda. Nyerere said he “Put heat in the Dock”. Nyerere was now bitter about the whole affair.
  • UK was happy with the Amin coup, they supported him and to overthrow of Obote. UK wanted that Amin to get rid of Sudanese troops in the South. When OAU gave the conference to Kampala it “gave this crook continental respectability”.
  • Nyerere thought it was amusing now that UK, Israel and Kenya is now enemies of Uganda. He commented: “Jomo needs a little external trouble to reinforce internal unity right now and an external fool always help is such case” (…) “we all do sometimes”.
  • Nyerere had really not any real fear of Amin neither had Kenya. Secondly Nyerere wasn’t going to start anything.
  • What Nyerere was worried about what was US up to. Especially on sale of F-5. Since their trying to out maneuver Soviet military support to Uganda and Somalia. Secretary Rumsfeld visited Nairobi. Nyerere wished that UK and USA helped Kenya in all other ways then military operation towards Uganda as he said “Leave this quarrel to East Africa, we will take care of it”.

(WikiLeaks, 1976)

Tanzania and USSR:

Nyerere will order Foreign Minister Kaduma question the USSR ambassador whom the Soviet arming Uganda against. Nyerere had done the same time before when Uganda got the military equipment called MIGS. Soviet answers said “Imperialist!” Nyerere answered “Nonsense” (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Uganda – Kenya Tension continues:

It’s now 15 October 1976. Kenya has released the Bedford trucks as a quid pro quo for getting their electricity back. Still all military equipment isn’t being shipped from Mombasa. It will be that way until the OAU 6 nation based commission is put into place. There are negotiations in New York on the matter. Kenyan Foreign Minister Karithi says all non-military based deliveries to Uganda except for jet-aviation-fuel which they are holding back. Amin is more and more irritated at the Kenyan boycott of arms. This led to the point where Amin attempted to call VP Moi of Kenya to complain about the matter. Most of the members of Ugandan Defense Council are not unwilling to take action towards Kenya (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Arms from Tanzania to Uganda:

There been rumors of regular arms traffic from the Kismayu to Uganda via the Kilmanjaro International Airport without entering Kenyan Air Space. The route being: Kismayu – Somalia – Tanzania – Uganda. This been in Ugandan’s own C-130 Transport Aircraft. And an U.S. Citizen is involved in the arms trade. This increasing support of Uganda is happening, even after the assurance of otherwise from Nyerere during the last meeting in August between Nyerere and Kenyatta (WikiLeaks, 1976).

Tanzania – Kenya tensions:

Permanent Secretary of Kenya has claimed that the Tanzanian government is dealing with “trade sabotage” and also focusing funds on rebuilding Tanga and Ports of Dar-Es-Salam. They also preferred the Chinese over the Kenyan. Kenyan Foreign Minister Karithi also claimed that Tanzania doesn’t trade rightfully with Kenya. Especially when looking at the trade balance which was in 1975 2, 3 to 1, in the three first months of 1976 it’s 3 to 1. Nyerere’s answer to all this that the trade gap between Kenya and Uganda that was in 1975 20 to 1 and in 1976 became 40 to 1. Nyerere also admits that Ugandans smuggle coffee to Kenya so that distort the numbers (WikiLeaks, 1976). Tanzanian also claims that Kenya is taking the major share of the tourism. The East African Airways are supposed to lure tourist to all parts of East Africa, not only Kenya, even though the Tourist infrastructure seem superior in Kenya compared to the rest, even if the animal and nature sights in Tanzania is much greater (WikiLeaks, 1976).

1977:

5th July 1977 Amin approached Kenyan Foreign Minister Waiyaki at the OAU summit in Libreville. Amin claimed that Nyerere agreed to have a “save the EAC” meeting and Amin hoped that the Kenyan would have this meeting in Nairobi. This request comes at the time when Kenya won’t spend funds into the EAC until Tanzania reopens their common borders. Government of Kenya has also recalled their workers from the EAC headquarters from Arusha (WikiLeaks, 1977).

EAC and USAID:

Kenya already sees the EAC as and non-existent entity already at 15th of June 1977. In Kenya the EAC research programs that have been under EAC will now be under GOK (Government of Kenya). The Government desires that the aid continues and sign project agreements as soon as practical. Kenyan government has also started to convert community entities to Kenyan once. Uganda is supposed to pull unless Amin get to meet Nyerere on the 20th of July. There is no reason for that to materialize. The borders also still closed between Kenya and Tanzania (WikiLeaks, 1977).

US African Affairs – DRC’s Mobutu and Uganda’s Amin:

Mobutu responded positive to our request of approaching Amin. The matter at hand is if we’re give Amin something then Mobutu need something as well. We have been using Mobutu to deal with Amin, but we can’t expect him do the deals with him without some gestures from our part. The message US African Affairs sent Mobutu in September 1977:

  • We are pleased by Mobutu’s prompt, public support of our proposals on Zimbabwe settlement.
  • We appreciate also Mobutu’s intervening with Amin on Humanitarian grounds, and recognize the difficulties posed for him by this and other interventions he has made on our behalf.
  • We value Zaire’s continued corporations and wish to stay in close touch on issues of common concern.

(WikiLeaks, 1977)

Kenya trusted American ally:

Ministry of Defense briefed them on their situation:

  • Kenya is surrounded by alien ideologies and Soviet and PRC influence, and its economic development and political stability that have caused envy and hostile neighbors.
  • Somalia is recruiting actively guerrillas against Kenya. This in a so called Ogaden style to carry out the claims for the North-Eastern Kenya. The Guerrilla has now a force of up to 10 000. This with the training from North Korea and Cuba since 1969. With the expulsion of Soviets, this might lead to a better friendship between them. But Somalia has not renounced the territorial claims. The Kenya-Somalia relationship can be described as “No Peace, No War”. Kenya would not be offended by a tighter relationship with Mogadishu; they know that Somalis will not talk to the Americans since they have their relations with Soviet and Ethiopia, who provide those arms and aid.
  • Uganda is an unstable neighbor. And has threats to attack Kenya. The lifeline for Kenya is that if Somalia attacks North-East, then Amin might be tempted to go in the Western. Because Amin would like to upset Kenyan stability.
  • Tanzania hasn’t been an issue not until 1977. When they closed down the EAC and also their borders. Also with incursions from Tanzania with killings and cattle rustling. It seems as Tanzania now works more closely to Zambia and Mozambique.
  • Ethiopia because of Somalia is a reliable ally. Though if it is so in future, they are not so sure. This be given the Soviet and Marxist believes in the country.
  • Because of this, Kenya needs to strengthen its borders. Particular Uganda and Somalia.

(WikiLeaks, 1977)

Links:

Binghampton.edu – ‘IN PURSUIT OF PERSONAL EXCELLENCE: THE DECLINE AND REVIVAL OF ALI A. MAZRUI’: Second Draft (10.2011) Link: http://www.binghamton.edu/igcs/docs/In%20Pursuit%20of%20Personal%20Excellence-The%20Decline%20and%20Revival%20of%20Ali%20A.%20Mazrui.pdf

Dingu.Sbs.Arizona.edu – ‘Rivnotes’ Link: http://dingo.sbs.arizona.edu/~ggoertz/rivalry/cmv5.10/cm500501v5.10.txt

WikiLeaks – ‘MAZRUI RESIGNS; SOLDIERS REPLACE CHIEFS’ (05.05.1973) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1973KAMPAL01538_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘UGANDA COUP PLANS’ (21.08.1973) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1973NAIROB05577_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘NEW PROBLEM IN TANZANIA-UGANDA RELATIONS’ (15.07.1974) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1974DARES02360_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘PRESIDENT NYERERE ON KENYA-UGANDA QUARREL’ (19.07.1976) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976DARES02606_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘UGANDA: AMIN SNUBS RWANDA ON PETROL CRISIS’ (30.03.1976) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976KIGALI00245_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘KENYAN-UGANDAN RELATIONS’ (15.10.1976) Link:

https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1976NAIROB11323_b.html

WikiLeaks – ‘FUTURE OF U.S. AID PROGRAM TO EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY’ (26.07.1977) Link: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977NAIROB09350_c.html

WikiLeaks – ‘CODEL PRICE CONSULTATION WITH BOK’ (18.11.1977) Links: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977NAIROB15006_c.html

WikiLeaks – ‘PROPOSED MESSAGE FOR MOBUTU’ (10.09.1977) Link:

https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/1977KINSHA08671_c.html

WorldBank – ‘FINANCING AGREEMENT’ (05.02.2007) Link: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/AFR/2010/06/03/54A8AF4762E6EA70852572A600670F84/2_0/Rendered/INDEX/FA01Conformed1010Corrected.txt

UN Security Council Press Statement by Eugene-Richard Gasana on Central African Republic (25.07.2014)

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Eugène-Richard Gasana (Rwanda):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the signing of a cessation of hostilities and violence agreement between armed groups in the Central African Republic during the Central African National Reconciliation Forum held in Brazzaville on 23 July 2014.  They called on all parties to immediately and fully implement this agreement.

The members of the Security Council applauded the efforts led by the Mediator of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), President Denis Sassou Nguesso, and its Chairperson, with the support of the United Nations and the African Union, to broker this cessation of hostilities and violence agreement between the parties.  The members of the Security Council commended Transitional Head of State Catherine Samba-Panza’s active involvement throughout this process to foster this agreement.

The members of the Security Council underlined that this agreement is a first step in a wider political process in the Central African Republic of ensuring durable peace, respect for human rights, protection of civilians and the rule of law.  They stressed the need to address the underlying causes of the conflict through an inclusive and comprehensive political dialogue and national reconciliation process, efforts to fight impunity, formulation of a disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation strategy, including children formerly associated with armed forces and groups, and the rebuilding of effective State institutions.  The members of the Security Council underlined in this regard the paramount importance of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic.

The members of the Security Council further commended the commitment of the Transitional Head of State Catherine Samba-Panza to a political process that should ensure a successful transition.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their call to the Transitional Authorities to accelerate, with the support of the United Nations and other partners, all necessary preparations in order to hold free, fair, transparent and inclusive presidential and legislative elections, with the full and effective participation of women at all levels and at an early stage as well as the participation of Central African Republic internally displaced persons and refugees.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their appreciation for the decisive actions, commitment and sacrifice of African Union, French and European Union troops in implementing their mandates to protect civilians in the Central African Republic.  They further encouraged the United Nations Secretariat to take all necessary steps to ensure that the transfer of authority from the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA) to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on 15 September translates into a significantly enhanced international military presence in the Central African Republic in order to implement the priority tasks of its mandate as defined in Security Council resolution 2149 (2014)

Link:

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2014/sc11491.doc.htm