Trump’s Trade-War is now hitting East Africa: Because of possible lost trade with Second-Hand Clothes!

Museveni buying shoes in Wandegeya, 02.06.2017.

United States of America is really just cherry-picking the world right now, they are evolving into a beast and not an Uncle Sam. President Donald J. Trump don’t like to have friends, unless they are related or Roger Stone. That is now seen with his recent activity, not that he knows of these countries or these market. That I say, because he has no hotel or haven’t laundered money from there. The countries being hurt by his new policies are Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. Places he would never travel to or have consideration about. That is because in his mind, they are shitholes, but as long as they serve as vassal states for the United States. Everything is fine and dandy.

What we are talking about is this:

“(A) THE PRESIDENT IS AUTHORIZED TO DESIGNATE A SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRY AS AN ELIGIBLE SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUNTRY IF THE PRESIDENT DETERMINES THAT THE COUNTRY (SEE NOTE*)

(1) (A country that) has established, or is making continual progress toward establishing–

(A) a market-based economy that protects private property rights, incorporates an open rules-based trading system, and minimises government interference in the economy through measures such as price controls, subsidies, and government ownership of economic assets” (AGOA – ‘AGOA Country Eligibility’).

It is special that the US President is using this against these three states on the imports of used-clothes and shoes. That these three republics trying to develop their own textile and clothes industry, to create work and also revamp the economies. That would mean, that people would also earn more money and spend more money. In the end buying foreign produced clothes on the fashion-lines, that usually are branding American and European brands. Therefore, I don’t understand why Trump suddenly acts like this, when Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania wants to secure their industries.

Because, it is not many days ago, since the President himself used rules and provisions to secure the Steel and Aluminum industry on his own soil. So, that the giant United States can control it, but their trading with other can be spoiled, because it doesn’t favor the President. Seems like double-standard to be. It is easy to muffle the poor and the ones with lack budgets, that are in need of donors. They need to stifle the demands of the powerful, but the ones with power can just use the same means themselves. Still, that doesn’t make it right.

That the United States are trying to force their used-clothes on Rwanda. Like they don’t deserve their own clothes industry and to secure better products, local designs and local textiles is insane. Why shouldn’t they strive for that? Why shouldn’t Uganda strive for their own Bata’s? What is wrong with Tanzanian made shoes? Nothing really, that should be supported, especially if the United States wants to think long-term and create better exports. They would earn even more on ordinary trade of clothes, not second-hand that sold bulk and through other channels. But I am sure that Trump has no knowledge of this or even could imagine it.

This is clearly a step of imperialism from United States, since they cannot stomach, that the partners and the ones getting donations through USAID. Isn’t accepting to be a bazaar for their used stuff. The products that is B-Level and already had their day in the sunshine.

Knowingly, how he is America First, the man himself should understand how others wants to build to their own industries, but thinking Trump has that capacity of thinking is overstepping and thinking that he could actually calculate, that others are sovereign too and not only his state. The East African Republic’s shouldn’t be punished for acting in their own interests over second-hand clothes. Neither second hand shoes. That is insulting and infuriating. If it was just charity and done out direct needs. It would make sense, but if your forcing bad products, because of own will for quick-profits and at the same time destroying local industries. I understand why Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda is trying to ban it and stop it. I respect that and stand behind it. Who wants a old T-Shirt, when you can buy a local-made?

If you buy a local-made, it would create a job for the one making it, the one designing it and the one selling, plus the distribution within the state. That is good business and create lots of job. These jobs create other jobs and funnel money in the system. So some of them will buy foreign design and clothes, that might even be American. That is how the United States should think, if they cared about a free-market narrative, but they are now planning to punish Rwanda and others, because they want to build-up own industry.

Trump is creating a trade-war over Second Hand Clothes.

Second Hand Clothes to East Africa!

“Washington, DC – The President determined today the eligibility of Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda for trade preference benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). In response to a petition filed by the U.S. used clothing industry in March 2017, the Administration initiated an out-of-cycle review of Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda’s AGOA eligibility regarding their decisions to phase in a ban on imports of used clothing and footwear. The review found that this import ban harms the U.S. used clothing industry and is inconsistent with AGOA beneficiary criteria for countries to eliminate barriers to U.S. trade and investment. Based on the results of the review, the President determined that Rwanda is not making sufficient progress toward the elimination of barriers to U.S. trade and investment, and therefore is out of compliance with eligibility requirements of AGOA. Consequently, the President notified Congress and the Government of Rwanda of his intent to suspend duty-free treatment for all AGOA-eligible apparel products from Rwanda in 60 days” (AGOA – ‘ President Trump Determines Trade Preference Program Eligibility For Rwanda, Tanzania, And Uganda’ 30.03.2018).

This is infuriating and not cool. AGOA should be used as a method to not destroy industry in the developing countries, but add revenue both ways. Now the United States is just using imperialism. Trade-War with East African Countries.

Trump is foolish and also, this is not gaining sympathy and the reasons for this. This isn’t adding and just show how belittling and narrow-minded he is. But that we knew, we just have to see who spanks him. Peace.

Rwanda 1994: Gen. Paul Kagame letter of 10. August 1994 (Confidentiel)

Opinion: Suddenly President Kagame doesn’t want Rwanda to be dependent on the West!

“For Africa as we wait to see what unfolds and adjust, we should be learning the lesson that we should not be entirely dependent. We will wake up to the reality there are things we should be doing for ourselves. You have made it appear that your situations are perfect and you want others to emulate you. Then you are surprised by what unfolds. It is what you have been hitting us with that is coming back to bite you. I did not change the constitution. If you want to know the truth you will find it is the people who did, not me. My satisfaction lies in the truth that we have not been involved in harming our people. What we are doing is to develop our country. If we don’t take care of ourselves, no one else will. As long as Rwandans are happy, we will keep doing what needs to be done. We will be listening to what others say but we will not be distracted from what needs to be done.”

-President Paul Kagame speaks to Gerard Baker, editor in chief of the Wall Street Journal, at the closing session of Invest in Africa conference.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, the long lingering Executive of Rwanda has compelled his words against dependency of the West. Surely, he has had this in mind for while in his own haven, as the Rwandan government has been a donor friendly. Therefore, that he claims now to take a stand against them shows the sudden change of attitude. However, it is sudden donors and programs that have stopped coming Kagame’s way, therefore the Rwandan government have started to run a giant tab of external debt instead of donor aid grants. Like look at some quotes from companies that establish the economic output and the financial flow of nations, like Deloitte and KPMG!

Rising debt:

“According to BMI, total external debt levels in the country have been rising steadily in recent years, from 16.1% of GDP in 2010 to an estimated 30.5% of GDP in 2015. Debt levels for 2016 and total external debt are forecast to amount to 35.2% of GDP and will be composed mostly of government debt” (Deloitte, P: 4, 2016).

Failing Foreign Aid, therefore rising debt:

“The primary headwind to the Rwandan economy in the 2016-2025 period will be the impact on debt as a result of falling foreign aid. Despite prudent fiscal policies to date, increases in debt levels will follow from the fall in foreign aid, since Rwanda is now deemed fit to transition from grant-based financing to loan-based financing by the IMF” (Deloitte, P: 5,2016).  “The government has been compelled to adopt a more prudent fiscal policy stance in an attempt to reduce the country’s dependence on donor support and increase fiscal autonomy. Recent external headwinds have encouraged the government to ease demand for imports by reassessing its infrastructure investment programme. This will undoubtedly have a negative impact on economic growth. That being said, the benefits of lower donor dependence and improved macroeconomic stability should outweigh the costs related to lower growth over the short term. Turning to external balances, Rwanda’s wide merchandise trade deficit is expected to maintain a shortfall in the overall current account going forward” (KPMG, P: 4, 2016).

“Aid harmonization has been improved and progress continues to be registered in the implementation of the Paris and Busan commitments especially the use of national budget and procurement systems. The Bank was the 6th largest Official Development Assistance (ODA) provider to Rwanda in 2013/14, accounting for 9.4% of total ODA26. The World Bank and EU invest in agriculture and energy whereas the leading bilateral DPs focus, among other things, on human development and social protection (Annex 8a). Annex 8b summarizes the progress made in implementing selected indicators as captured by the Donor Performance Assessment Framework. Use of the sector budget support (SBS) instrument has increased the share of Bank support disbursed using country systems. Under the DPCG, the Bank actively participates in activities to enhance the implementation of EDPRS II such as the 2014/15 assessment of SWGs” (AfDB, P: 9, 2016).

So if you look at the financial policies of the republic of Rwanda, some of it is not really chosen as the donors funds that has been suspended or stopped might be for several of reasons. That might be that if they accept the funds they have to follow a spectre of policies and interferes with the power that Kagame wish to achieve. The RPF and Kagame has total control of Rwanda, the export and the import, also owns dozens of the businesses. So the Rwandan government had to switch their economy with more loans, instead of donor aid. The loans are coming in through external debt as the external donor funds and grants have dwindled.

Therefore, the excuse of suddenly wanting to be independent is more a need, than a wish. If it was a wish earlier, than the AGOA or USAID to the RPF would have stopped decades ago. That should be common knowledge of the relationship between Paul Kagame and Bill Clinton. It is not that it is positive that the Rwandan Government want’s less aid is a healthy stance. Still, the excuse isn’t eaten by me.

The reality is that the increased debt instead of donor grants will hurt the economy, as the levied interest rates and other cost will hurt the economy. It isn’t healthy to be dependent of the aid either, but the reasons now seem more to reactionary than real intent. I am sure Paul Kagame would love funds from Belgium and France to build hospitals and clinics in rural regions of Rwanda. So, suddenly the West isn’t good enough, especially when they are questioning his reasons for staying in power and not having any successors while his regime is keeping a close lid on the opposition. Therefore, the economy and independent from the world becomes more important because then he needs to less show of transparency and accountability. Peace.

Reference:

AfDB – ‘RWANDA BANK GROUP COUNTRY STRATEGY PAPER 2017 – 2021 (October, 2016).

Deloitte – ‘Rwanda Economic Outlook 2016 The Story Behind the Numbers’ (June 2016)

KPMG – ‘Economic Snapshot H2, 2016 – Rwanda’ (15.10.2016) link:

https://home.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/za/pdf/2016/10/KPMG-Rwanda-2016-Snapshot.pdf

President Museveni Kyankwanzi Key-Note speech today had deceit of NRM Economic policy and the similarities to Big-Men of old like Arap-Moi and Amin!

As the 10^th Parliament of Uganda is starting and the vetting of Members of Parliament are touring the National Army Leadership Institute (NALI) at Kyankwanzi as they have the retreat to make sure the National Resistance Movement MPs and Cabinet are acting right. Especially the policies that is right for the Executive and his Elite. But other than that he had the Key speech today and said some questionable things again.

“Even to negotiate credible and durable trade deals with the USA, the EU, China, India, Japan, Russia, Brazil, etc., we need Pan-Africanism. It is only through the EAC (160 million people) and the whole of Africa (1.25 billion people) that the other foreign countries or trading blocs can listen to our voice in the long run. It is, however, not correct for the regulators not to take action against the Chinese and Indian retailers who unfairly compete against our retailers. Those foreigners should not operate at that terminal level. They should be re-directed to manufacturing in particular and other areas like construction. Retailing should be preserved for the Ugandans or, possibly, the other African immigrants as well” (Museveni, 2016).

Well, it got me thinking about another Ugandan president back in the day; that apparently President Museveni we’re proud to bring down together with the Tanzanian Army and Milton Obote, but that is forgotten saga in his head. As President Idi Amin said this:

“For instance, between 1962 and 1968, the government of Uganda sponsored as many as 417 Asians for training as engineers. Today, however, only 20 of the 417 Asians work for the government. Within the same period, the government sponsored 217 Asians to train as doctors, but to date not more than 15 doctors of these are working for the govt. Finally, within the same period, the government sponsored 96 Asians to undertake law courses, but of these only 18 are now serving in the government” (…) “I am further informed that some of these Asians who were sponsored to take courses abroad refused to return to Uganda after thy qualified, which means that thy have contributed absolutely nothing in return for the training benefits which they received from this government” (…) “it is painful in that about 70 years have elapsed since the first Asians came to Uganda, but despite that length of time the Asian community has continued to live in a world of its own” (Semuwemba, 2016).

Not only the former friendly Ugandan dictator had his say on the matter in the past, even the former Kenyan President Daniel Arap-Moi said this in 1982:

“Instead of Indians using their advanced knowledge in business to help Africans improve their profit margins” (…) “Asians in this country are ruining the country’s economy by smuggling currency out of this country and even hoarding essential goods and selling them through the backdoors” (…) “I am not discriminating against anybody, but I am against people who are out to enrich themselves through false means. From now on, anybody found hoarding or smuggling will be punished severely. If he is an Asian, he will be deported immediately regardless of whether he is a citizen or not, and if he is an African, he will have his licence canceled” (New York Times, 1982).

So now the Mzee is sounding in the same regard as Daniel Arap-Moi and Idi Amin Dada; with his new cabinet with Democratic Party MP, Uganda People’s Congress MP and Uganda Federal Alliance MP; the similarities to Democratic Republic of Congo former dictatorial President Mobutu Sese Seko comes to mind. He is really stealing from all the totalitarian leaders of East Africa. It is magnificent how he kept it up. While speaking progress and democratic values while contemplating that the Asian’s are the problem for doing their retail instead of Ugandan citizens, even if the Asian’s happen to be Ugandan; just another heritage than the Pan-African he speaks of.

Ironic that he said this a bit also today:

“We in the NRM, therefore, have never accepted the shallow social science of the Western countries that fetishized capitalism and elevated that useful social system, but one with limitations and weaknesses nevertheless, to the high pedestal of a deity (God-like). The position that capitalism was the only useful social system in the modern era, was wrong. The dramatic rise of the Chinese economy, in terms of GDP size, to the second biggest economy in the world today is proof of the correctness of our position. By mixing both the capitalist and socialist stimuli to the Chinese economy, the Chinese Communist Party has lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese out of poverty and registered gigantic steps for the growth and transformation of the economy” (Museveni, 2016).

Well, here is lie from the Executive as didn’t follow whole heartedly the Marxist or Communist paradigm or socio-economical structure as after the regime change by the rebellion of Museveni; he easily traded his ideal of the communist paradigm.

“Six years after Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Movement took power, Uganda has made remarkable strides in overcoming as grim a legacy as any African government has known. Improved security has been an important factor in allowing the country to rebuild. Economic policy has helped, too. The past six years has seen economic growth averaging more than 5 percent per year, as idled land and vacant factories were brought back into use. The economy has also achieved lower price inflation. Now, in 1992, Uganda is at a crossroads. Economic growth is slowing, and inflation is beginning to rise. Uganda is highly indebted to foreign lenders. Further increases in capacity utilization will be a costly means to grow and cannot represent a strategy for sustained economic growth. Infrastructure remains inadequate in transport and communications. The preferred road is clear: public and private investments are needed to continue the reconstruction” (Warnock & Conway, 1999).

Claimed impacts on liberating the Economy through IMF’s SAP:

“Two principal reforms mandated by the IMF arrangements were trade liberalization and the progressive reduction of export taxation. But as the external review points out, “Liberalization of cash crops had only limited beneficiaries.” This was the case because only a small number of rural households grow coffee. Liberalization had little impact on rural incomes over the period of adjustment- rural per capita private incomes increased just 4% over the period from 1988/89 to 1994/95” (…) “The IMF also mandated the privatization of state-owned industries, a process that has met particular criticism in Uganda. The Structural Adjustment Participatory Review International Network (SAPRIN), which was launched jointly with the World Bank, national governments, and Northern and Southern NGOs in 1997, has reported that the privatization process in Uganda has gone too fast and has been flawed from the start. A report by Ugandan NGOs who participated in SAPRIN found that “The privatization process in Uganda has benefitted the government and corporate interests more than the Ugandan people. . . The privatization process was rushed, and as a result, workers suffered. Some 350,000 people were retrenched and, with the private sector not expanding fast enough, unemployment sharply increased. Those laid off were not prepared for life in the private sector, with no training being provided.”(Naiman & Watkins, 1999).

So not only being anxious today about Asian retailers; today the Executive Museveni claimed there rewards of liberating the economy, which is not so very communist and even more capitalistic of NRM! Together with the liberation escalated the unemployed, which has happen to this day. And isn’t inspiring to read contemplating the recent numbers of unemployed and how this man still tries to ‘inspire’ MPs and Kyankwanzi. There is just something wrong with that picture.

The thing that should be inspiring today, not only sound-bite of Amin and Moi, but the lie:

““We in the NRM, therefore, have never accepted the shallow social science of the Western countries that fetishized capitalism and elevated that useful social system, but one with limitations and weaknesses nevertheless, to the high pedestal of a deity (God-like)” (Museveni, 2016). When the IMF said this in 1999: “Two principal reforms mandated by the IMF arrangements were trade liberalization and the progressive reduction of export taxation” (…) “The privatization process in Uganda has benefitted the government and corporate interests more than the Ugandan people” (Naiman & Watkins, 1999).

So if you see this little detail, you see the deceit of Museveni to his own Elite and MPs. As he claims the mixed economy, but the IMF with their Structural Adjustment Program that Museveni accepted and agreed on. This was far from God-like more State-liberated economy through neo-liberal ideas that the IMF and World Bank wanted so that the Ugandan Government could get their donor-funded loans that the NRM needed.

So hope you learned something of the nature of Museveni today and his actions of the past or his nature of deception. There are certainly some who is not surprised, but as I have said before. President Museveni rewrites the history to his liking and today he did it again, just with a twist. Peace.  

Reference:

Museveni, Yoweri Kaguta – ‘Re-focusing on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Ideological Orientation’ (26.07.2016) link: https://www.yowerikmuseveni.com/statements/keynote-address-joint-political-leadership-nrm-central-executive-committee-cabinet-and

Naiman, Robert & Watkins, Neil – ‘A Survey of the Impacts of IMF Structural Adjustment in Africa: Growth, Social Spending, and Debt Relief’ (April 1999).

New York Times – ‘KENYAN SAYS ASIAN MERCHANTS RUIN ECONOMY’ (07.02.1982) link: http://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/07/world/kenyan-says-asian-merchants-ruin-economy.html

Semuwemba – ‘AMIN’S SPEECH BEFORE HE EXPELLED THE ASIANS WAS AWESOME!’ (27.11.2014) link: https://semuwemba.com/2014/11/27/amins-speech-before-he-expelled-the-asians-was-awesome/

Warnock, Frank and Conway, Patrick – ‘Post-Conflict Recovery in Uganda’ (1999)

Press Release: EY states that African Economies are staying the Course, Despite a Relative Economic Slow Down (25.07.2016)

US remains the leading investor into Africa.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 25, 2016/APO/ —

• Africa one of the only two regions in the world achieving growth in FDI project numbers over 2015
• Seven percent rise in FDI projects for Africa
• East Africa the biggest gainer, while other key economies recover ground
• US remains the leading investor into Africa

According to EY’s (EY.com) 2016 Africa attractiveness program 2016, Staying the course, despite a relative slow down, Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the fastest growing regions in the world. This is reflected in the foreign direct investment (FDI) levels in 2015, where FDI project numbers increased by seven percent. Although, the capital value of projects was down year-on-year — from US$88.5b in 2014 to US$71.3b in 2015 — this was still higher than the 2010–2014 average of US$68b. Similarly, jobs created were down year-on-year, but, again ahead of the average for 2010–2014.

Ajen Sita, Africa Chief Executive Officer at EY, comments, “Over the past year, global markets have experienced unprecedented volatility. We’ve witnessed the collapse of commodity prices and a number of currencies across Africa, and with reference to the two largest markets, starting with South Africa, we saw GDP growth decline sharply to below one percent and the country averting a credit ratings downgrade; in Nigeria, the slowdown in that economy was impacted further by the decline in the oil price and currency devaluation pressure.”

Sita adds, “The reality is that economic growth across the region is likely to remain slower in coming years than it has been over the past 10 to 15 years, and the main reasons for a relative slowdown are not unique to Africa. In fact, Africa was one of the only two regions in the world in which there was growth in FDI project levels over the past year.”

East Africa closes the FDI gap, with Kenya a big gainer

In 2015, East Africa recorded its highest share of FDI across Africa, achieving 26.3% of total projects. Southern Africa remained the largest investment region on the continent, although projects were down 11.6% from 2014 levels. The West Africa region saw a rebound in FDI projects by 16.2%, and interestingly in 2015, the region became the leading recipient of capital investment on the continent, outpacing Southern Africa.

North Africa experienced 8.5% year-on-year growth in FDI projects. Furthermore, while projects are increasing in North Africa, they are increasing at a much faster rate in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Michael Lalor, EY’s Africa Business Center Leader, adds, “In a context of heightened concerns about economic and political risk across the continent, FDI flows remain robust, and in line with levels we have seen over the past five years. A key factor here is the structural shift in FDI — from a high concentration of source countries and destination markets and sectors, to a far more diverse FDI landscape. As a result, risks and opportunities are being spread much wider, and there is no longer an overdependence on a limited group of investors or sectors to drive FDI performance.”

Historical investors gain strength, new investors emerge

The US retained its position in 2015, as the largest investor in the continent, with 96 investment projects valued at US$6.9b. During 2015, traditional investors such as the UK and France, as well as the UAE and India, also showed renewed interest in Africa.

Investors diversify focus across sectors

Over the past decade, there has been a shift in sector focus in FDI from extractive to consumer-facing industries. Mining and metals, coal, oil and natural gas, which were previously the key sectors attracting major FDI flows, have given way to consumer products and retail (CPR), financial services and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), accounting for 44.7% of FDI projects in 2015. In 2015, further evidence of sector diversification came through, with business services, automotive, cleantech and life sciences all rising in significance and becoming the likely “next wave” for investors.

Striking a balance between growth, profitability and managing risk

Sita concludes, “Given the growth potential in and relative underdevelopment of many African markets, the primary focus for many companies over the past few years has been on entering new markets, capturing market share and driving revenue growth. A combination of factors — including tightening economic conditions, increasingly well-informed consumers and citizens, intensifying competition, a heightened sense of global geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting priorities from global or regional HQ — is now driving a change in focus toward striking a greater balance between growth, profitability and risk management.”

U.S. Gov. condems Rwandan President Kagame; Proves the double-standard; It’s okay for the U.S. ally President Museveni and wrong for President Kagame

 

We live in interesting times. The U.S. Government has condemned the Rwandan Government for giving the opportunity to have a third term for their President Kagame. President Museveni did the same in 2004 and the U.S. Government at that time couldn’t care or give two cents since him where their loyal ally. We didn’t hear anything last year when President Nkurunziza added to his two terms and only we’re late to the party when the news of the election-violence and assassinations came to broad light than the tune changed.

The same nation and government that supported the now deceased Mobutu Sese Seko in Democratic Republic of Congo then called Zaire. He we’re in charge of the country from about 1965 to 1997; when Laurent-Desire Kabila together with President Kagame’s and President Museveni’s armies; brought down the American sponsored and supported dictator. Who they needed through the cold-war to have a presence in the area, and not give that away to Soviet. We’ll they didn’t give him an army worth anything; when his neighbor countries invaded and took him down. That is just a sidebar.

Since the U.S. have supported dictators when they have needed them. The irony now for attacking Paul Kagame for doing his thing to get a third term seems a bit farfetched. We can see that U.S. trying to do something worth a damn in the area, since they have recently visited Kenya and Ethiopia. Well, recently U.S. reacted to Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza violence against opposition after an election for a third term and also going against the 2000 Arusha Peace Agreement, that we’re accepted by the courts as the first term; we’re accepted as adnominal since he was voted to power by parliament and not directly by the people! Even so, the public demonstrated and still is in turmoil and violence ever since March 2015 and we are in January 2016. The only thing U.S. did we’re to cut them from AGOA and that is zappy and looking meaningless in the big picture. They did not even have the ammunition to say it was wrong from the get-go for President Nkurunziza, surely because he is from a zip-code even the U.S. can’t care about.

 

U.S. Reaction on the 19th December 2015:

“The United States is disappointed that a referendum was called on short notice to amend the Rwandan constitution and introduce exceptions to term limits. While we commend the people of Rwanda for peacefully exercising their civic rights, we regret that the arrangements for the referendum failed to provide sufficient time and opportunity for political debate on the merits of the proposed provisions” (…)”The United States continues to be concerned by long-standing restrictions on peaceful assembly, association, and free expression in Rwanda. We urge the Government of Rwanda to enable the full and unfettered exercise of these fundamental freedoms as the country moves toward local elections in 2016, presidential elections in 2017, and parliamentary elections in 2018″.

This must have touched some nerves… So here is what he said back to them after the new-years.

So, the track record of recent is not beautiful. That President Kagame answers on twitter back we’re he was answering the U.S. Reaction on the 4^th January 2016:

“So,…’diappointing?’ as a people and a leader/choices?? Uhm …it hurts!!! I promise we don’t intend to disappoint…esp ourselves!!”.

The issue is really, why the international bandwagon is reacting to him and not to all the other ones who keeps steady and sitting in power until death. Like the brother in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe and Sudan. Ugandan leader got some comments on the Barrack Obama visit in Africa in 2015, but they didn’t more or say since they need President Museveni sometimes it seems.

The world is not reacting to the change of laws to make it happen in Democratic Republic of Congo where the son of Laurent-Desire Kabila, Joseph Kabila who does what he can to have a third-term as a president in the DRC. He seems he can move in silence and as he please not even the foreign affairs brother from Belgium reacting as he have done so much when it comes to Burundian President Nkurunziza. President Kablia seems like somebody who is not worth stressing about even when the news came out last year and the public reacted with #Telema demonstrations.

While the nuisances’ towards Rwanda and President Kagame seems like a doubled game, because you haven’t given a rats ass before and now you cry foul. I wonder if they will say anything if President Salva Kiir Mayardit stays in power after his second term of 6 years that will stretch to 2017. Since he have been in power of the nation since 2005 and when he continues from 2017 it will already be 12 years and with one more term will get 18 years; and that is a long time!

President Kagame has been in power for a long time and people should be allowed to question his actions. Rwandan government and country is sovereign. As the same use of sovereign state Burundi have used against having an AU Peacekeepers in the country because that will take their freedom and justice as a nation because they can handle the turmoil internally. President Nkurunziza says so and the international community doesn’t speak up against that.

U.S. Government might have forgotten that Franklin Delano Roosevelt had three terms he was in power from 1932 to 1945. He would have if he didn’t die of health problems actually could have served a fourth term. Unprecedented in American history, still it proves they can do it to!

And when they need somebody they can support them even when they are undemocratic, but the U.S. doesn’t need President Kagame. They do not fear the turmoil of Burundi even though the Inter-Burundian dialogue that happens in Uganda, issued and led by the President Museveni. Who have no plan to step-down even though he have run the country since 1986. He follows suit of former fellows. President Museveni would if he could; Help out the son of Jomo Kenyatta and get a bigger suit in East Africa. President Musveni might even give him lessons on how to keep power in Kenya to President Uhuru Kenyatta; who is currently working on his campaign and party structure of the new Jubilee Party in the country. Preparing for a second term and campaign to secure that! Nothing is meantioned about the issues of the growing tension, the embezzlement and the corruption in Kenya; That is not an issue for the U.S. Since they need Kenya to fight Al-Shabab as well! Therefore they let all the other issue to the side.

President Museveni is allowed to do as he need and can. The U.S. would never say anything crazy unless he bans the gay community and put fire unto the “Anti-Gay-Bill” again! President Kagame can be taken and punished since he doesn’t have a role to play that U.S. need. President Kabila in DRC trades rare-earth minerals and other commodities cheaply so if he wants to stay; hell; he can stay! President Nkurunziza is only an issue when starts to harass and assassinate people in his own country, if he we’re silent about it, the U.S. government would not care. But President Kagame is the issue. Hope there anybody else who see something wrong with that picture?

Peace.    

Inter-Burundian Dialague happens on wrong terms with the off-target ” Ugandan Mediation Team” as the Power-Hungry President Nkurunziza lingers on

This years ending is in a bit of limbo when it comes to Burundi. It started earlier in the year with the court ruling accepting the third term for the second term president Pierre Nkurunziza. He had an election that was without major opposition, they didn’t except the terms that we’re set for the elections. The inauguration we’re done in secret and secrecy. The incoming we’re written in stone.

There we’re massive protest, even a coup d’état attempt by certain army figures that dwindled into water and dust and trace. Some of the main men in central government flee the country with the estimated 220.000 people following them. 22.000 of them alone in Uganda and big numbers in major refugee camps in Tanzania. This is worrying for the 2016.

The fragile state and build-up of a military state again in Burundi; where the army and politics is mended together to oppress those who does not fit the regimes power-structure. We can see that with the instances of the opposition leaders who have been assassinated or killed during recent months. That is worrying and the world leaders are mostly silent.

Recent day’s actions by the African Union where they wish for peace operation in the country and that will be served by other African nations. That is argued by President Museveni of Uganda and President Nkurunziza that it is a breach of sovereignty of the state. Since the Burundi is a sovereign and can’t accept to be attacked by that principal. The Burundian president has even promised to attack the armies who enter the country. There was rumors when the coup d’état we’re occurring that he got help from Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and their helicopters to get him back into power. So if it helps him and his foes then it is okay to bring the power structure. The African Union forces would not serve under the President Nkurunziza therefore he fears this and would attack them.

The Burundian President has fought against his fellow countrymen since March and now the realization of the African brothers happens. Just as we enters a new year than they start to do something! The Belgium foreign minister have complained for a while in the darkness and the American have stopped their participation in the AGOA and put sanctions on the top officials of the country.

So certain movements have happen. There we’re in this week a second try of mediation between the Government of Burundi, certain opposition parties, four former presidents of the country, civil society of Burundi and the mediation team appointed by President Museveni. Who have told the media that the Government of Burundi can’t set the terms, though they are the ones going after the opposition leaders and harassing those who believes their power is not righteous. While the country turns into more turmoil and distress. Burundi doesn’t turn to the better, instead the violence and aggression continues and more people will flee or die in the hands of the army and the security organizations controlled by the President Nkurunziza. That is happening while the world is turning the blind eye.

Agathon Rwasa the FNL leader we’re assassinated this year and can’t be in the mediation. It is with sadness that main opposition leader is gone. That proves to what extent the President Nkurunziza goes to secure power. Gervais Rufyikiri the second vice-president fled the country this year. Also Zedi Feruzi was assassinated by government forces this year! 

The worry is the reports of torture, death-squads and military operations forcing people to flee while cholera outbreaks in refugee camps in Tanzania. The mediation and Inter-Burundian Dialogue is supposed to find a peaceful path for the people of Burundi, but that will not take away the crimes committed by the Government against their own people and the breeches of justice that has happen. The fear that is spread and the unjustified violence against the protesters against a illegitimate government who forces themselves to a third term. This here is all about the matter of a power-hungry President who won’t leave power and he is seeking advice and mediation through African Union from another President Museveni who have kept himself in power since 1986. That the African Union is rubberstamping this mediation from a government who have done precisely what President Nkurunziza wishes to achieve. Domination and control of his fellow countrymen; this either by law or by force for him at this point it doesn’t matter. The intimidation and killings should not be happening in the shadows and mist of darkness.

The talks in Kampala right now is more formalities for the Government of Burundi to scan their opposition then actual talks and the former presidents is more puppets then actually initial force of changes to the better. Inter-Burundian Dialogue by the rouge regime of NRM and Uganda will just justify the Burundian governments stance and they will get time to learn from their masters and friends in country. Rwandan President Paul Kagame who just won a right to a new rounds of election and a third term possibility will not interfere in Burundi unless he have to, because the wounds and closeness to Burundi is to near. President Kagame also doesn’t want international interference or questions to his power. Since he himself will do what he can to stay in power, as President Nkurunziza does. The only difference it’s that President Kagame might not need to use as much force since he has silenced the critics since 1994 and kept the lid on the opposition ever since. Something President Nkurunziza didn’t have the time to do since the civil war that ended in 2005.

Therefore the 2016 will bring more violence and more fleeing refugees to Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The Burundian people will continue to be oppressed. The African Union will struggle to breech the sovereignty in the country as they did in Rwanda in 1994. Back in the day in Rwanda where even the United Nations Peacekeepers looked like tin-soldiers and not like men of honor; if the world doesn’t do anything fruitful and knows about the actions happening in Burundi. The world and it’s bodies of peace will be responsible for acting towards justice for the people since its own leaders have gone against them, instead of serving them, they are serving their own will and own wish to keep power. That have to be some ways of keeping this at bay, if not the ideals and dreams of fruitful peace be more in the wind. The blood and the loss of lives will be redeemed in eternity while we living will remember those lives in sorrow, as they died for nothing while the powers to be ate their souls to keep power. That is not something we can let happen in 2016 in Burundi, as the mediation talks lingers and the actions lingers, while the forces of Burundian army and security outfits continues, the deaths, the tortured, the jailed and the forgotten would need your support in the new year to come. Peace!

For Immediate Release: Message to the Congress — Notification to the Congress on AGOA Program Change – Burundi (30.10.2015)

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

In accordance with section 506A(a)(3)(B) of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, as amended (AGOA) (19 U.S.C. 2466a(a)(3)(B)), I am providing notification of my intent to terminate the designation of the Republic of Burundi (Burundi) as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under AGOA.

I am taking this step because I have determined that the Government of Burundi has not established or is not making continual progress toward establishing the rule of law and political pluralism, as required by the AGOA eligibility requirements outlined in section 104 of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3703).  In particular, the continuing crackdown on opposition members, which has included assassinations, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture, have worsened significantly during the election campaign that returned President Nkurunziza to power earlier this year.  In addition, the Government of Burundi has blocked opposing parties from holding organizational meetings and campaigning throughout the electoral process.  Police and armed youth militias with links to the ruling party have intimidated the opposition, contributing to nearly 200,000 refugees fleeing the country since April 2015.  Accordingly, I intend to terminate the designation of Burundi as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country under AGOA as of January 1, 2016.

 

BARACK OBAMA