Security Council press statement on Somalia (27.02.2018)

NEW YORK, United States of America, February 27, 2018 – Security Council press statement on Somalia:

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the two terrorist attacks of 23 February 2018 in Mogadishu that killed and injured innocent Somalis.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Government of Somalia. The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council commended the swift response of Somalia’s security forces, AMISOM and other first responders. They thanked the African Union and the Government of Somalia for opening an investigation into an incident between AMISOM’s Quick Reaction Force and NISA near the KM4 checkpoint.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Somalia and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The members of the Security Council paid tribute to all Somali and international actors working to bring peace and stability in Somalia.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to support peace, stability and development in Somalia.  They underlined that neither this nor any other terrorist attack would weaken that determination.

Ethiopia: The battle for the Prime Minister position hardens [Not that it matters because of the TPLF]

There are lots of speculations, there has been since the resignation of the Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and also as the chairman of the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM). This happen on the 15th February, as the State of Emergency was announced on the 17th February 2018. Since then, there has been natural speculation inside the government coalition of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defense Force (EPRDF) and who will succeed Hailemariam Desalegn and be the second PM after Meles Zenawi.

Now, the power struggle between the parties start, as the Council of Ministers will pick their candidate and their new chief. Not that in the recent days, there been any changes of significance and proving the need for one. However, the coalition and the state structure needs a PM. That is why the coalition parties has met and discussed, there been meetings with discussions and therefore, also settle matters.

The first one up, is the one that declared the State of Emergency, being the Ministry of Defense Siraj Fegessa of the SEPDM. The other from the same party might be Shiefraw Shigute. From the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) are newly elected Chairman Dr. Abiy Ahmed, also newly elected chairman Demeke Mekonnen from the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM). Mere speculations if the Tigray People’s Liberation Movement will have their own candidate and newly elected chairman Debretsion Gebremichael, who is the minister for Communication and Information Technology, but the TPLF haven’t verified if he is contending.

All of these are candidates to the role of the PM, but as the State of Emergency are happening, the violence and killings, the detaining of opposition to the government should be the focus. As the state oppressive behavior is out of control again. We can just await closure of internet and telecommunication in Amhara and Oromo. Like they have done in the past. However, the state is waiting for the extraordinary meeting with the Council of Ministers. Where the leadership and Executive Committee will decided over voting and arguments who becomes the next leader.

This meeting has been postponed a few times and the times has changed. It has been in a slow progression, as the days are running. The uncertainty and speculations becomes more rampant as the parties has certified their candidates. That has been done by the SEPDM, OPDO, ANDM, but nothing official from the TPLF. TPLF who has been the controlling and strongman in the government. Therefore, their words are kind of final in the respects of the EPRDF.

But don’t expect anyone of these to really change anything, as the TPLF control the regime and their actions against the protesters and the demonstrations in Amhara and Omoro. Anyone who goes against the core in Ethiopia, will meet the force of EPRDF and the TPLF. The Executive Committee and Council of Ministers, who in the end will handpick the successor.

I don’t expect the EPRDF to do any good, they haven’t done it recently or in the past. They could have started a reconciliation, as they were starting to release political-prisoners, but now they are rearresting and sending soldiers to towns where there are protests. People are dying because they want their leaders and want their freedom, their liberty and a just society. That is to much to beg for under the TPLF, the Woyane and the EPRDF government. To have a government which represent the public and the regions, are not there now. It will not be so, even if the EPRDF picks the leader of OPDO, since they are putting Oromo Federalist Congress leaders like Merera Gudina and Bekele Gerba behind bars again. It’s like putting salt in the wounds and not trying to heal the wounds at all.

This ignorant acts has to stop. The EPRDF and TPLF, has to understand they cannot arrest all of Amhara or Oromo, they cannot shoot at everyone, they cannot destroy and use fear against every single citizen during the State of Emergency. Even if the state tries, even if the Woyane uses power to silence the regions. That cannot continue and the international community shouldn’t only condemn, but also act upon it. If they care about the innocent who dies, because of one groups wish to rule them all.

The Prime Minister will only be used as pawn at this point. The expectation of sudden changes and rapid development by the EPRDF are far-fetched. TPLF wants it all and will only use the PM as a figure-head. The one who takes the position should know this, they will not give away the power they have now. Peace.

Ethiopia: Today’s Nekemet protest proves how the oppression of the SoE works!

Today the government coalition Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defence Force (EPRDF) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been busy defending the State of Emergency, even as they have started to to detain many of the Oromo leaders who was released recently. That happen over the weekend and because of that, the Oromo protest resurfaced today. Even as the live bullets hit against the citizens protesting.

Nekemet has been met with violent police and aghazi squad who has shot against the protest. Who has reacted to the leaders of Oromo Federalist Congress, this being Merera Gudina and Bekele Gerba, who first was banned from meeting their supporters and then rearrested, as the State of Emergency has stopped this sort of activity. That is why the stand-off and the escalation of protest are growing. Again, the state has arrested the leaders and the ones who represent them.

That it is planned to possible have a Oromo Prime Minister from the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization, who is a part of the EPRDF, it might feel like an insult to pick on of them in the Council of Minsters on Thursday, as the state continue to harass the Oromo and the Amhara people. Instead, of listening to their grievances. That is why the position of PM doesn’t seem important, as even the possible Dr. Abiy Ahmed, most likely just be a decoy for the continued oppression of the people by the minority Woyane.

It is a bad sad to read the defense statement by the EPRDF, with the knowledge of the shooting and violence in Nekemet. Where just two leaders wanted to have rally with their supporters. The EPRDF is so afraid of the opposition and the uprising, that they are oppressing them instead of listening.

Seemingly, the EPRDF is so afraid that they had to write this:

The key to the urgency of the state of emergency in our country as well as from other countries is to return the country to its peaceful activities and to ensure that its citizens are safe. At the same time, it is important to further strengthen the security of the nation and to protect civilians from the violence and fear of the people and the groups who have been left behind for fear and terror” (…) “In this regard, the largest shareholder in this regard is to ensure that the entire society is not replaced by the security forces, so as to maintain unity and peace, as well as to maintain peace in the future” (EPRDF – ‘Unity for Peace, Peace and Solidarity!’ 26.02.2018).

It is striking that the EPRDF is writing about the State of Emergency in this fashion, when they are the one behind the tyranny in the regions, when they are the ones ordering the soldiers and the police to attack their own. When the state is the one sanctioning the violence and illegal detaining of citizens. Then they are making their citizens terrorists, because they are illegally holding on to power. Its a massive breach of understanding their role as government and as representatives of the people. If they would cared for the citizens, the actions today in Nekemet, wouldn’t have happen. Seriously, they would not had a stand-off and detained the leaders during the weekend. However, that is what the state has sanctioned and proving to the world their real vision of the State of Emergency.

That the actions today at Nekemet, should be a sign of how the state has failed their responsibility, that they lost it and forgotten the purpose when they rearrested the OFC leaders this weekend. They are now pawns of Woyane, who doesn’t care about their burning soil and not trying to bring it back to life. They are concerned with keeping power, than actually serving the people. That is the slippery slope to oblivion. It is just a matter of time, before that reality catches up with TPLF and EPRDF. Peace.

AMISOM: AU Special Representative condemns yesterday’s terror attack on innocent civillians in Mogadishu (25.02.2018)

Somalia: AMISOM Attack at NISA Checkpoint – Incident Report (23.02.2018)

Burundi: Communique du Gouvernement a la suite du Rapport du Bureau Des Nations Unies pour la Coordination des Affaires Humanitaires Concernant le Plan de Response Humanitaire pour le Burundi 2018 (21.02.2018)

Ethiopia: The New State of Emergency Directives -“It’s now more draconian and more aggressive towards dissidents!”

The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are not moving softly, but swift. Just like in the past and previous State of Emergency, the TPLF junta, the TPLF controlled government plans to silence the Oromo and Amhara protest, even as they have finally released many of their leaders and known voices of oppression. This being all from Oromo leaders to bloggers and journalists. Who has lingered in jail for years, without proper charges or evidence of their crimes. Still, there are thousands of political prisoners who hasn’t been freed by the government.

So in Amhara, the last few days in Baha Dir and Gondar, the towns has been shutdown and the shops closed. Sitting home protest to the newly decreed State of Emergency, that was done by the Council of Ministers. Today the State Owned and Controlled Media House Fana put out an explanation of the new rules, they are specific and proves that they are not tolerating anymore demonstrations and political rallies, which is not sponsored by the TPLF junta in Addis Ababa.

“In his press briefing today, Secretariat of the Command Post and Minister of Defense, Siraj Fegessa, announced details of prohibited actions and measures to be taken against anyone if found violating the directives” (…) “It also prohibits obstructing transport services, carrying out attacks on infrastructures and development institutions, hampering activities of law enforcement bodies, and staging unauthorized demonstrations and meetings. It also forbids hindering teaching learning process at schools, strike at sport fields, violence inciting actions, hindering distributions of basic goods as well as obstructing cultural, public and religious festivals. It also forbids promoting political agendas. Possessing firearm at public areas or transferring firearms to third party as well as providing support to activities which affect the peace and wellbeing of the people are also prohibited by the State of Emergency. The decree also prohibits issuing statement on security matters without the permission of the Command Post, distributing erroneous and information which contradict with the law and the directives issued by the Command Post” (Fana BC, Amare Asrat – ‘Command Post issues details of State of Emergency’ 21.02.2018).

So again, the TPLF infused state are taking hold of the public sphere, as the soldiers and agazi squad is in the streets and on their posts. This months roadblocks and stopping of transports of goods to Addis has clearly hit the pride of the EPRDF and the TPLF. They cannot manage the public outcry and the momentum of the demonstrations. Since they have been gaining support and strength with the prolonged control of the state.

Now all demonstrations, all promotion of political agenda, meaning only the one message from the Council of Ministers are okay and the state officials like Siraj Fegessa are allowed. The rest are to bow to the masters of EPRDF as the SoE continues. What a narrative and oppressive regime from the get-go. They are stopping all sort of sharing of information, that meaning we could soon be seeing blocked internet, blocked social media, stopping of phone-lines and others measures to stop demonstrations.

If you thought the leadership and Council of Ministers came in peace, your wrong, they are taking away all freedoms and doing it with impunity. Because they cannot manage to understand or reflect on why the Oromo and Amhara people are tired. They just want to rule and silence the opposition. They want to use force and harass these regions. Detain, destroy and spread fear, but clearly, it isn’t working as anticipated. Since, they are continuing and the aggression from the government should be forfeited. Instead, this measures and this pressure from the state, might dissolve it.

Who knows, but they cannot stop the momentum and neither the public uprising, which has already shown force in Oromia and Amhara. It is just a matter of time before they say: “enough”. When they do, the military and the police can be there, but they cannot arrest them all or kill them all. Then they have nothing to earn and no citizens to gain profits from, it would be suicide of the government to do that.

Not the TPLF and EPRDF is bright, since they instead of reconciling with the protesters, they started another SoE. They could have gone the route of peace and negotiations, instead they are using force, they might think they are winning, but they are not. They are slowly losing, but not knowing it. Peace.

Burundi: CNARED-Giriteka – “Communique de Presse” (13.02.2018)

Opinion: Does the EU know how the EPRDF/TPLF uses the force during a State of Emergency? – Doesn’t look like it.

Just as the State of Emergency is setting effect. The Amhara Region has started their new protests against the regime. They are now having city wide demonstration and stay home one, where people stayed home instead of going out or opening shops in Gonder and Bahir Dar. That is the proof of the word of mouth and tiredness of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF ) and also the dominant party of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Those are the ones who most likely put the force in the State of the Emergency at the “Council of Ministers” during the weekend. After the Prime Minister resigned.

So its a setback and proves the lack of proper mentality or even understanding the tiredness, that the European Union, doesn’t see the hour of need, the strength of the public will and the demonstrations in Amhara and Oromia. That they could offer moral support, if any. Since, they are supposed to be on the barricades for democracy and for human rights. Instead, they are now limiting their statement and making less progress. In the view of stability over the democracy and over justice for the Ethiopian people and the groups who has been neglected by the EPRDF.

European Union Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ray in a statement today said this:

The announced reinstatement of the State of Emergency risks undermining this very objective. It is therefore of the outmost importance that it should be as limited in time as possible and respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms, notably those enshrined in the Ethiopian Constitution. Violence should also be avoided. As a committed partner of Ethiopia and of the Ethiopian people, the EU will continue to encourage all actors to work constructively towards a democratic and stable Ethiopia” (EEAS – Catherine Ray – ‘ Statement on the situation in Ethiopia’ 19.02.2018).

The Oromo Party in the coalition the Oromo People’s Democratic Organizatino (OPDO) has today elected new leadership. They have elected or selected Ahmed Abiye, instead of the one everyone though would win and might become PM, that being Lemma Megersa. So, this also changes the battle and the question of who will be appointed the next PM. That can be the saving grace or create even more hostile atmosphere. Since the TPLF might put enough stones on the scale to crash the whole regime. There are even reported that Lemma Mergesa are today put under house-arrest. That is from credible sources within the EPRDF and TPLF. This could be reason for why Abiye became the new leader of OPDO.

While in the party of the former PM, there has been election where now Defense Minister and the one who announced the State of Emergency Siraj Fegessa has become the party chairman of the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM). Therefore, he might be a front-runner to, unless the TPLF are weighing the scale to get someone from the regions, which the EPDRF has used force in. That being the Amhara and Oromia regions, that the state has used the army, detained and killed.

That is why, its like the EU are looking the other way, asking the EPDRF to act nicely, when they have a reputation and has a history of open violence, actual takeover and invasions of armies into the public sphere and against civilians to quell the uprisings of the citizens there. It is like the EU doesn’t want to know about the destruction and the killings in the provinces. Like please be nice, but not hurt the Ethiopians, the Amhara people or the Oromo people either.

Today as the EU wrote about peace and non-violence, there are report in the midst of the stay-home demonstrations as Col. Demeke Zewde came home to Gonder, the Aghazi Squad shot live bullets at the crowds. Clearly, the TPLF and EPRDF are continuing their oppression and has no plans of doing otherwise.

We can wonder if the EU gets it, but don’t expect it too. They are now showing compliance and not understanding the situation and the dire need for change. That the society and the state, needs a new leadership who actually listens not only to the protesting regions, but the whole amount of citizens. Not only the Tigray and their hunger for power. If Brussels cannot understand that, then they are blindly looking the other way.

It’s a terrible look if the EU is serious about human rights, working for democratic institutions and actually caring about more than stability. They should support the rising uprising, the defiance of the state and the protest, which has lasted for years. Because their tolerance of oppression is over. It is just the TPLF and EPRDF who cannot muster change, since they want it by any means. Peace.

Ethiopia: The Draconian rules of the previous State of Emergency is back in full effect!

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) are still doing whatever they can to quell and silence the provinces. This is just a few brief months since last State of Emergency. Clearly, the Oromo and Amhara provinces are a handful, but instead of listening and actually taking it into account. They are planning a hostile takeover and actually being an occupying force in its own nation. That is what the Aghazi Squad and mercenaries are doing in these regions, will not hit afar or even Tigray, it will be Oromo and Amhara, where the demonstrations, the shutdowns and the protests has been lit.

The Addis Ababa Central Government and the Council of Ministers are doing a fatal mistake, the demonstrations has shown effect already. They have gotten many of their leaders and people of impact in the community back again. These has been the voices of the opposition. Now they are tried again to be silenced by the leadership. With a force that will be bloody and will be direct countering the recent measures and trying to soften the approach. Instead, the Council of Ministers are now going into warfare in the regions instead of trying reconciliation.

Addis Ababa, February 17, 2018 (FBC) –The State of Emergency declared yesterday will remain in effect for six months, said Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa. In his press briefing today, the Minister said the the decree will be tabled to the House of People’s Representatives with 15 days. According to the Minister, the State of Emergency was needed to protect the constitution and constitutional order. He also dismissed as false rumors of military takeover of the government. Siraj said a Command Post has already been set up following the declaration of the State of Emergency by the Council of Ministers yesterday. The decree prohibits preparing, printing and circulating via media writings that could cause disturbance and suspicion among people as well as displaying or publicizing signs which could stir up violence. The decree allows law enforcement bodies to detain without court warrant any individual who orchestrated, led and organized as well as took part and suspected of taking part in criminal acts against the constitution and constitutional order. The individual will face justice after necessary investigation. In order to seize materials which were utilized or could be used to commit crimes, they could search any houses, areas and vehicles as well as stop, ask and search a person without a court warrant, the Minister noted” (Fana Broadcasting Company – ‘State of Emergency remains in effect for six months, says Defense Minister’ 17.02.2018).

So expect that the regions of Amhara and Oromia to be like warzones, where the police and military will look for the ones behind the protests. Be there and act like foreign mercenaries, not respecting and spreading fear. Being there arresting, detaining and flogging people on the street. They have already killed kids during religious festivals in the regions. I expect killings in Bahir Dar, Gondar/Gonder, Dire Dawa and Awasa. That the expected ones where the government forces will go all out, as they have done in the past.

They will look into civilians houses, does random raids and stop people on the street. As they are passing through, that is how they made many political prisoners. That is why there are already lingering 20,000 prisoners because of the latest State of Emergency from 2016 to 2017.

So when I saw what the Defence Minister Fegessa said what he ordered today, it was much more of the same of the previous ones. Taking away all freedoms, this will effect the regions where the protests been in. Not like the Council of Ministers will kill civilians in Aksum or Mek’ele. Neither directly in Gambela, unless Kenyan or South Sudanese Cattle Rustling between the porous borders there.

So now the state and the mercenaries will be back, their violations of the freedoms, liberty and personal rights will be on hold. Because the state fears their voices in the streets, they fear their feet bouncing on the roads and shutting down all the businesses. Their wise closing of the main roads and stopping transports into Addis Ababa. That has been efficient demonstrations by the protesters who has hurt EPRDF and the pride of TPLF.

However, let’s hope the TPLF will not get away with the violence, the desperation and the inception of possible destruction of themselves. Since they are not able to see, they are shooting themselves in the foot. Last time around, the arrests and the violence, ignited the demonstrations and protests. Therefore, it might grow even more and no amount of soldiers, mercenaries and hired guns cannot kill them all. They cannot detain them all.

The Ministers of the Council, the EPRDF and TPLF has really forgotten their place, now ushering more violence, instead of serving the regions. That is proven by this. Therefore, don’t expect the Oromo and Amhara to silence themselves over this. Last time there was burning foreign investments in the region. To hurt the buttom-line of the wealthy in Addis. That might happen again, while also prison unrest and big demos at Universities. There might roadblocks and other public display that show the force of the public. Even if the army will try to settle the score.

Let’s hope the EPRDF get some sense, though they are instead digging their own grave, while the protesters are already gaining momentum. Doesn’t seem like they are getting it. Peace.