Ethiopia: Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) – Press Release (06.03.2025)

Kawempe North By-Election: The main takeaways from yesterday’s plenary session in Parliament

“Every rightful thinking Ugandan is asking, how did we reach here? How did we reach where we are? What has caused this? Yesterday they showed, a lady was seated in the car, somebody jumped on top of the car and pointed the gun at the lady. The lady was saying shoot, people were surrounding the car. Who is in charge of campaigns in this country?” (…) “Minister Muhoozi, we want you to restore hope in Ugandans and say this is regrettable, we are going to do better. But according to your statement, it is as if everything is normal and what is going on is blessed because you blamed people who were arrested and you can’t even tell us those who participated in beating” (Maurice Kibalya MP, 06.03.2025).

The ones thinking there will be change is wrong. The Ministers of the Nation defended the actions of the state. They defended the brutality and the usage of force towards the citizens in Kawempe. That is the reality here…

This is why the Members of Parliament are now attacking the state and asking seriously good questions. We know the MPs won’t get an answer, as this is who the NRM is and how the state operates in a By-Election. Nothing we have seen is shocking or out of ordinary order. All of it happens for reason and that’s on orders by the state. They are coming with violence, intimidation and detaining of political affiliated civilians. They are coming with drones and coming with violent intent. That’s what we are seeing… and they cannot even defend it smoothly.

That’s why the MPs continue speak fire in the Plenary Session yesterday. Just read these quotes…

“This morning, I was on a talk show. Literally, if NRM is to get any votes in Kawempe, I want to tell you, it will be skeletal. The community is bleeding, why have we decided to militarize something which is for civilians?  What is your fear? Why have you decided to make elections appear like it is war? Do we want to take this country into anarchy? We have had enough. Media is supposed to be the fourth estate, the fourth estate has lost an eye. We can happily sit here and say, the treatment will be covered, can you imagine the pain that is in a person who has lost an eye?” (Rose Obigah (Terego DWR) MP, 06.03.2025).

“When you see events unfolding in the Kawempe by-elections, it leaves all of us in a bad situation. When the issue was put for Government to come and explain, I am deeply surprised that the Minister has chosen to tell what everybody wishes to hear, he has said the intent of the law and aspirations of every Uganda. What is at stake now is that there is the Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force of Uganda (JATT) that is responsible to crack terrorism and after the official campaign exercise was announced, Government chose to deploy the JATT Force. Why? Minister, you could tell the country who deployed and why?” (Theodore Ssekikubo, 06.03.2025).

We are seeing how the MPs are addressing this, but this is how the state defends its actions. As it is accustomed too.

Just read David Muhoozi’s statement yesterday:

“Those arrested are accused of various breaches of the law including the alleged illegal use of military gear by some of them. Charges known to the law will be preferred for the courts to determine their cases. In addition, working with the military and other security agencies, it will be proposed to publish for information, their gazetted uniforms, as well as other gear which are ordinarily the preserve of official uniformed forces. Also, working with the Electoral Commission, guidance will be given to all the players regarding lawfully permissible conduct during this exercise” (David Muhoozi, 06.03.2025).

It is so predictable, that they are saying this and stopping the National Unity Platform (NUP) this way, but it doesn’t go after the yellow when they wear regalia or similar outfits in yellow. Therefore, we know this is deliberate and an attack on the association with the NUP. There is nothing else to this.

The Kawempe North By-Election is just a proof of how the NRM will operate and run the General Election in 2026. That’s what the authorities and the state will do. This is who the NRM are, and we see the vicious violence that appears at every election cycle. It never happens close to the state party or associates, but the opposition get the pinch. Every single time. They have excuses for it and will stifle their movements but accepts whatever the NRM does. That’s who they are, and we know the drill. Peace.

RDC: Ministere de la Justice – Mise au Point (06.03.2025)

RDC: Ministere de l’Interieur, Securite, Decentralisation et Affaires Coutumieres – Communique Officiel (06.03.2025)

Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) – Lenten Pastoral Letter (03.03.2025)

South Sudan: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – In Opposition (SPLM-(IO)) – Update on the airlifting of the remnant of SSPDF in Nasir (06.03.2025)

South Sudan: Tumaini Initiative – Press Statement on Unrest in South Sudan (06.03.2025)

Ukraine: Is the U.S. a direct enemy of Kyiv now?

“We have said, and continue to say, that elections can only take place after a ceasefire and the signing of a peace agreement with security guarantees for Ukraine. At that point, martial law will obviously end. No later than 180 days after that, free and democratic elections should be held to ensure the will of the people and the trust of the free world. Let me remind you that in 2019, our team ensured the holding of fair and democratic elections, which were won by Volodymyr Zelenskyy and then by his party, Servant of the People, which went on to form a mono-majority. In my communications with allies, I also insist on increasing arms supplies, on strengthening sanctions against Russia, and on clear red lines that must not be crossed in peace negotiations. Our key task today is to protect Ukraine’s interests and ensure its European development. This is the responsibility of every Ukrainian politician, regardless of whether they are in power or in the opposition” (Former President Petro Oleksiiovych Poroshenko, 06.03.2025).

“Senior officials from the Trump administration have been holding secret talks with Ukraine’s opposition regarding the presidential election, including figures like Yulia Tymoshenko and Petro Poroshenko. According to sources, the main point of discussion was to hold elections after a ceasefire but before peace talks begin. The Trump administration believes that Zelensky will lose the election due to war fatigue and corruption, although recent polls show the opposite result” (Outside Ukraine, 06.03.2025).

After the ceasing of sending military aide to Ukraine. They have also a stoppage of U.S. Intelligence to Ukraine as well. In addition, that the U.S. wanted to block United Kingdoms ability to share intelligence with Ukraine to. That has happened after the meeting at the oval office.

Now, we see another escalation, as Washington D.C. is trying to directly interfere and be a part of the opposition in Ukraine. This is done as a clandestine operation and in secrecy. Because the U.S. doesn’t want this in the open, but it is revealed.

The U.S. thinks it is the kingmaker and the great empire that can anoint puppets. This is in the middle of war. A war that U.S. is becoming more similar to Kremlin and acting as its servant. As everything it does at the current time is favouring Moscow. Kyiv is getting the damage and neglected by Washington D.C.

This is Trump revenging for not getting the mineral riches of Ukraine without offering proper security or guarantees of the safety of the sovereign nation of Ukraine. That’s why President Zelensky haven’t signed it or taken up on the “deal”. As his not interested in selling the future to U.S. over dying to another imperial overlord attacking from Russia.

If President Trump cared about Ukraine or peace. He would have offered more military support and military aid to a nation during war. As it needs more and not less. The Ukrainian needs that and not all of the interference from the outside.

The actions of Washington D.C. of the last days are more of an enemy, than a supposed friend or an ally. The U.S. under Trump could just be Belarus and could be minions from Kremlin. As they aren’t working for the independence or thinking of the sovereignty of Ukraine. Instead it wants to force a nation to hold elections in the midst of a war of survival. We know Trump wouldn’t do that himself and he wouldn’t even go into the army himself. Mr. Bone-Spurs shouldn’t lecture others on how to conduct itself during war. Mr. Trump couldn’t even go out of his offices after 9/11. So, that man can’t understand the sacrifice and the pressure that is on Kyiv. Therefore, he should have supported that nation, but he decides to betray it instead.

The U.S. and Trump Administration is betraying Ukraine. Zelensky needs Europe now and other allies, as the U.S. could just send their love letters to Putin. Because that is what we are all waiting for. Kremlin is getting everything it wants without any strings attached. That must be a good feeling for Putin.

Ukraine needs vital support and military aid. It needs allies that will serve it and give it an ability to defend itself. Also able to strike Russia and weaken its power. Peace.

DRC: Bemba claims Kabila supports the AFC/M23

 

“I have all the proof of Joseph Kabila’s support for the AFC rebels, the M23, and the Mobondo militia. That is why he fled the country. He went to Lubumbashi and left the territory through Zambia. He fled abroad because he knows he has been unmasked” (…) “They want to annex our country to Rwanda. So, dear young people, mobilize to defend our homeland” – Deputy Prime Minister of Transport, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo (05.03.2025).

Yesterday’s proclamation and statement from Bemba is a headache. As his claims of the predecessor and his possible involvement in the uprising, the rebellion and the financing of the AFC/M23. That is entangling one part of the political elite and the opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The party of PPRD would get into treacherous waters. There would be bridges the party and the leaders cannot pass. As the PPRD have been the party of Kabila. That is where his planned successor was and the electoral loser in previous elections. Therefore, we can have a lot of questions, as a former ally and a man who became a leader with Kabila. Bemba is now speaking loudly and alleging Kabila’s involvement in the AFC/M23. That will cause more heartache.

If Kabila is a supporter and a part of AFC/M23 than his using his wealth and influence to tarnish and destroy the sovereignty of the current rulers in Kinshasa. That is really a dangerous act, and he could face the law for doing. There are already questions about his origins and how he rose to power. Therefore, that doesn’t help and only causes more harm, as people needs answers.

The AFC/M23 needs to be bankrolled, have financing and logistical support. That has to be done both military and politically. As they rebellion needs that to be able to strike like it does an with such well-prepared militia operation.

M23 has been well known with being a proxy militia working inside the DRC. The M23 origins are from Rwanda and Uganda. Both nations have supported, trained and given logistical support to the militia. That isn’t shocking or revealing at this point. Meanwhile, the same partners help Laurent Kabila to power and most likely helped Joseph too. Therefore, he has proximity to them as well.

So, if Bemba has proof. That should be released and be told. This has to be proved, because this is treason and acting against the sovereign nation. As the AFC/M23 are annexing and taking over territories from the DRC government itself. Just like the Courts have targeted others who are a part of the AFC/M23. The same would happen to Kabila if Bemba has evidence and proof of it.

Bemba and the government should not just allege but prove it. Words are empty without evidence or any sort of proof. It is just hearsay and the public deserves more than just this. Yes, the allegations and the coordination of Rwanda and Uganda towards AFC/M23 is historical and visible, but the idea that the predecessor is part of it too. That needs more flesh on the bone. Not just Bemba, a former ally and a man who made peace with Kabila in the past. That man has to prove this and show the world what Kabila has done, if he has done it. Until then… we can question it and wonder if it is even true. Peace.

South Sudan: Where is IO’s FVP Dr. Riek Machar [is he under house-arrest?]

There are reports of heavy military deployment of the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) surrounding the home of First Vice President and SPLM/A-(IO) leader Dr. Riek Machar.

There are reports of troops, tanks and artillery-armoured vehicles who are now surrounding the home of Dr. Riek Machar. All of this doesn’t sound like a man who has freedom or allowed to leave his home.

This isn’t the first time that Dr. Riek Machar is feeling the pinch. He has been here before and this isn’t new to him. His silence is worrying though. There is no news from the SPLM/A-IO and no official statement from the party who is targeted and neither any sort of press release telling what is going at the residence of Machar.

The silence is worrying. The SPLM/A-(IO) are a part of the R-ARCSS and SPLM-IG is playing with fire here. The President can come with a humble message and call Machar a brother, but his arresting his associates, and claiming they are a part of the White Army or the insurgency in the Upper Nile state. Which is the reason why we are here and the claims of J1 and R-TGoNU isn’t clever. When the White Army states their associations and where they are coming from, which isn’t fitting the narratives parroted from Juba.

If Dr. Riek Machar is under house arrest. Then there are real ramifications of the R-ARCSS and the agreements of which the government are built upon. The other arrests of IO High Ranking Officials are troubling enough. The knowledge of a possibility of a house arrest is telling.

We are living in uncertainty, and it becomes this dire when the state isn’t institutionalized, but personalized. This is the failure of the J1 and the ones who hasn’t implemented the R-ARCSS within the time limits. They have postponed and postponed… and made it so painful. The government could have acted and planned a way ahead.

The FVP should make noise. He needs to be heard. Especially, if it is true. He needs to speak and release a letter at least. The concerns are out there, and the President cannot think anyone will accept this. The state has failed and that is why the White Army is existing. That isn’t Machar or IO fault, it is the whole government’s fault. Therefore, it is time to act and not vilify the IO. That game is getting old… and we don’t have to repeat old sins. Peace.