Jajja says War is Wasteful: Why is your CV filled with Military Enterprises then?

War is wasteful. You have lost a lot of development time. In 2005 during the interim period, Juba was a very small town near the river. Now it has grown wide. If we had not had this war between 2013 – 2015, there would have been even greater development. Make covenant like the one Israel made with God. No war to solve political arguments between brothers and sisters. Political arguments can be solved by discussions or free and fair elections. It is ideologically incorrect to use war for an argument. Also make sure state institutions are national to build peoples confidence” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 31st October 2018 at the Peace Celebration in Juba, South Sudan.

I have heard time believe the audacity the Ugandan President had yesterday, the man who has built a career and made sure, everyone knows. It is a reason why the Uganda People’s Defence Force is involved with all sorts of business, aside of warfare. They are parts of NAADs, SACCOs, NEC and so on. Nothing the army doesn’t do. UPDF infuse everywhere and has done so, since the NRA/NRM took power in 1986.

The war-sheet I have made of Museveni is striking and certainly lacks the finer details. But it gives the gist of the peace-maker and peace-loving dude, the farmer of the State House and the all-round Cattle-Keeper are up too. Jajja or Mzee, even Bosco knows this and cannot be that forgetful. Even if he is getting advanced age. He steadily been parts of wars, supported them and even using his force in battlefields as we speak. Therefore, we he calls wars a waste, he has built a career on it. None denying that. If you do. Check his record. Read a few books and get back to me.

Museveni’s Gist Warrior CV:

1979 ( Uganda National Liberation Army) Overthrow President Idi Amin together with President Nyerere and Dr. Milton Obote.

1980-1986 (National Resistance Army) Bush-War against Obote

1986 – 2006 Northern Insurgency and civil-war in Northern Uganda against the Lord Resistance Army (LRA)

1993-1994 UPDF Supports the Rwandan Patriotic Army in the Rwandan Genocide and the overthrow of the Juvénal Habyarimana.

1996-1997 First Congo War – UPDF and RPA invades Democratic Republic of Congo to overthrow Mobutu Sese Seko.

August 1998 – July 2003 Second Congo War – UPDF and RPA assassinate Laurent-Desire Kabila. Joseph Kabila his son takes power after him.

March 2007 – Until Now: UPDF as part of the AMISOM Mission in Somalia

2011 – 2017 African Union Regional Task Force supported by the USA to use UPDF to hunt for the LRA and Kony in the Central African Republic (C.A.R).

2013-2015 UPDF fights in the civil-war in support of South Sudan President Salva Mayardit Kiir.

2017 – Until Now: Deployment and Training of Soldiers in Equatorial Guinea

Side Projects:

Supporting arms to MLC, M23 and other militias within the DRC at various points of time. Kisoro, Mbarara and Kabale military bases for arms and training.

Military training of personnel and trading arms to South Sudan, even during UN Arms Embargo.

Allegedly Supported Nkurunziza with battalions and helicopters during the Burundi Crisis in 2015.

When you see this list, you get the feeling right. Here is not even casualties, the internally displaced, the refugees or the famines created. There is neither the export of conflict minerals or any of the misgivings, the possible assassinations of high ranking officials, the political play to be the king-maker within the Great Lakes Region and the East Africa Community. Something President Yoweri Museveni always was be. He wants loyal men to himself and his reign to in the neighborhood. That is why he has involved himself in Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan. He has had twist into everything.

Therefore, it is rich reading that he said this yesterday in Juba, South Sudan. It is noble thought of the old-man. But it didn’t come from the right person. It should come from someone who hasn’t used military force to get his will and get power. Neither to overthrow and start wars in other countries too. President Museveni is that guy and not only waited for International Recognition, before sending troops somewhere in favor of someone he wants to be in power. That is just what the man does. He easily sends troops if it benefits him.

Enough of this nonsense. Enough of these bullets. Peace.

Somalia: Final Communique of the OIC Contact Group Meeting on Somalia, Mogadishu (27.10.2018)

Somalia: Ministry of Finance – Press Release from the Minister’s Office (24.10.2018)

EUTM-Somalia Convoy Hit in Mogadishu (01.10.2018)

UK urges donors to support African Union Mission in Somalia (27.09.2018)

UK, Somalia, Italy and Ethiopia bring together international partners in support of Somalia’s security, political and economic reforms on 27 September 2018.

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 27, 2018 – Today the UK, Somalia, Italy and Ethiopia brought together international partners in support of Somalia’s security, political and economic reforms.

Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin co-hosted the meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York, with Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad of Somalia, State Minister Hirut Zemene of Ethiopia and Enzo Moavero Milanesi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy. Alongside senior government representatives, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, AU Peace and Security Commissioner Chergui and Neven Mimica, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development attended.

Minister Baldwin praised the bravery and positive impact of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops and the Somali forces who are fighting against Al Shabaab and restoring stability to the country. She emphasised the importance of a successful transition of responsibility for Somalia’s security to its own forces. A rushed withdrawal, without sustainable and predictable funding in place, would jeopardise the fragile progress made over recent years.

During her visit to Kenya (30 August 2018), the Prime Minister announced over £7m of additional funding to support AMISOM’s work. She called on the international community to join the UK in providing additional funding to AMISOM to ensure it was sufficiently funded to deliver a successful security transition.

Minister Harriett Baldwin said:

“Somalia has a real chance for a better future. One that allows its people to flourish, provides no space for terrorist groups, and contributes to regional stability. Helping to build that future must be a truly international effort. Today I am calling on Somalia’s friends to contribute to ensure sustainable funding for AMISOM.”

Somalia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Ahmed Isse Awad said:

“The Federal Government of Somalia remains committed to implementing the key political, economic and security reforms that will help Somalia emerge from the many difficult years it has experienced. The support of the international community has been vital to Somalia thus far. We look forward to continued engagement and support with our international partners as we advance our reform agenda and the transfer of responsibility for Somalia’s security from AMISOM to Somali security forces.”

Today’s meeting also discussed Somalia’s wider state-building efforts, including recent progress on political and economic reforms.

The UK is a leading partner for Somalia, and the second largest bilateral donor. This financial year, the UK will provide approximately £313m of support to Somalia, contributing to the country’s stability and helping to make a tangible difference to the lives of its poorest and most vulnerable people.

During her recent visit to Kenya, Prime Minister May announced additional funding for Somalia. Over £25m will support Somalia’s efforts to build a stable and democratic political system, including future one-person-one-vote elections. Further funding of over £60m will provide lifesaving food, clean water and medicine, along with support to find stable jobs, to help over a million people cope with and recover from the impact of conflict and drought.

Kenya Defence Force: KDF Operational Update – Lamu County (24.09.2018)

English High Court continues restraint against Djibouti Port Company over shares in Joint Venture (23.09.2018)

Court extends Order to prohibit interference with DP World’s right to manage Doraleh Container Terminal S.A. (“DCT”).

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 23, 2018 – The High Court of England and Wales in London has continued the injunction first made on 31 August 2018, prohibiting the Government of Djibouti’s port company, Port de Djibouti S.A. (“PDSA”) from interfering with the management of the joint venture company, Doraleh Container Terminal S.A. (“DCT”).

On 31 August, the Court issued a without notice injunction against PDSA, as shareholder in DCT, prohibiting the following actions:

  • It shall not act as if the joint venture agreement with DP World has been terminated
  • It shall not appoint new directors or remove DP World’s nominated directors without its consent
  • It shall not cause the DCT joint venture company to act on “Reserved Matters” (being matters contractually reserved to DP World) without DP World’s consent.
  • It shall not instruct or cause DCT to give instructions to Standard Chartered Bank in London to transfer funds to Djibouti.

Following a hearing on 14 September 2018, at which PDSA failed to appear despite being notified, the Court ordered that the injunction will continue until it makes a further order or an award of the arbitration tribunal at the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”) that will be formed imminently to consider the shareholding dispute with DP World.

On DP World’s application, the Court also extended the injunction to include any ‘affiliate’ of PDSA.  Under the JV Agreement, PDSA’s affiliates include the Government.  The decision follows the enactment of an “emergency” ordinance by the President of Djibouti on 9 September.  This ordinance purported to transfer PDSA’s shares in DCT to the Government of Djibouti.

PDSA is 23.5% owned by China Merchants Port Holdings Company Ltd of Hong Kong (“China Merchants”).

The Court further ordered that PDSA must ensure that any transferee of DCT shares is legally bound by the Joint Venture Agreement and Articles of Association in the same way as PDSA.  The ruling means neither the Government nor PDSA can control DCT or give valid instructions to third parties on behalf of DCT without DP World’s consent.

DP World confirmed last week it will continue to pursue all legal means to defend its rights as shareholder and concessionaire in the Doraleh Container Terminal in the face of the Government’s blatant disregard for the rule of law and respect for binding commercial contracts.

A DP World spokesperson, said: “This is yet another in a series of rulings – all in favour of DP World – that demonstrate Djibouti’s continuing disregard for the rule of law. We underline our belief that companies intending to operate in such a country or already operating there need to seriously consider their dealings with this Government in the face of such behaviour.”

The 2006 Concession Agreement that the Government awarded to DP World is governed by English law.  It provides that all disputes relating to the Agreement are to be resolved through binding arbitration at the LCIA with two such LCIA proceedings already completed.

In the first proceeding, the Government filed an arbitration against DP World seeking to rescind the Concession Agreement, claiming its terms were unfair to the Government and were procured through bribery.  The LCIA tribunal (comprising Sir Richard Aikens, Lord Hoffmann, Peter Leaver QC) ruled against the Government, finding the terms were fair and there was no bribery.  Certain counterclaims raised by DCT and DP World in relation to DP World’s exclusive right to container handling facilities in Djibouti remain to be decided by the Tribunal.

In a separate proceeding, another LCIA Tribunal (comprising Professor Zachary Douglas QC) held that the 2006 Concession Agreement was valid notwithstanding the Government’s attempts to terminate it through special legislation and decrees.  DP World’s claims for damages against the Government will now be determined in these proceedings.

To date, the Government has not made any offer to compensate DP World.

Somalia: NISA dismantled in secret, an Internal Memo confirms!

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), which has 2600 officers under their command. This leaked memo is from the 17th September 2018 under the subject of ‘Subject: Dismantling Agency under pretext of reform”. This is happening as the sway of power and support goes from the Western Donors into Qatar. As the NISA are dismantled and the officers are moved to the Somali National Army and Somali National Police Force.

What was special was that the NISA had counter assassins of 373 in plain clothes that is official moved to the Police Custodial Corps. With this in mind, this shows what the NISA was planned to do. Not only to monitor and gather intelligence, but directly take out Al-Shabaab. What was also revealing, is that Fahad Yasin are using the NISA Headquarters with Sudanese Intelligence Officials, that was there and secretly trained there. This as Fahad Yasin we’re meeting with Qatari Officials earlier in September. Before, the plan to dismantle the NISA.

The public should be aware, as this is trained officers whose some might fall off and has to find other positions, others are moved to other units and hopefully embedded there. Therefore, the officers if moved smoothly between the security organizations, the NISA officers will find a new home and new objectives. As they are working differently from what they did and the training of them. We better see what reports happens on the 200 officers from NISA that is on training in Djibouti or if they will be called back to become a part of the Police Force.

This is clearly, yet another move, that shows how Villa Somalia is blindly following the donors and not thinking of the future. As they are more occupied with securing foreign funding for the operations, than actually building institutions, as this one should have been priority, as if they wanted to gather intelligence and secure the citizens …. then Villa Somalia would have secured the NISA to support the Police and National Army, as they would be doing different security activity. Especially knowing that NISA was training and having people working as assassins.

We just have to see how this goes and what else Fahad Yasin are up too. Peace.

PM Kheire says “no outside mediation” in 5 States Non Co-Operation Standstill: However, isn’t that all Villa Somalia has to offer?

I have hard time taking Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire or Khayre seriously, when concerning foreign mediation in Somali affairs. As that has been the ordeal for so long, not that I don’t want the Federal Government of Somalia to be sovereign and work on its own. However, with the recent International Stakeholders Conferences in Europe like in London and in Brussels in 2018. There is clearly this, plus the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Saudi Arabian interference in Somali Affairs. While also United States and United Nations are also directly involved, either with arms/drones or with governance. This being UNSOM or AMISOM who are clearly active and vital for security in Somalia.

The PM states for no need for foreign mediation after several states are saying no to work directly with FGS and Kheire/Farmaajo after they are tired of no grip of what they see as their grievances towards Mogadishu and Villa Somalia.

Therefore, this is statement the PM had:

Mr Khayre, however, asserted that the days of Somali leaders seeking foreign mediation on internal issues were over. He reiterated that all differences should be sorted out through compromises. “We welcome that all grievances are cleared through dialogue and compromises, considering the interest of the Somali people,” said Mr Khayre” (…) ““We cannot accept people saying that Mogadishu’s security was unreliable,” Mr Khayre stressed. “This is the Somali capital. A city in which we have all invested and stands as a symbol of our sovereignty,” he added” (ABDULKADIR KHALIF – ‘Somali PM rejects foreign mediation in internal affairs’ 17.09.2018).

I feel the PM is not the right man for this message, as the FGS truly need the AMISOM and UNSOM to operate, as well as the foreign funding of the government. Even if the Somali people are the best with Mobile Money and remittance to their own. It is still at the levels of foreign donations that is running the government. As well, as Farmaajo was recently hanging out in Beijing for participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Because the International involvement is always welcomed with projects and with donations, that is why even the state of Puntland had to write a statement when the Germans pulled out from a road project now in September. Therefore, Kheire, knows this perfectly well, but still acts like its a nation without any interference.

Kheire wants to be the big-man and wants the FGS to be vital and important, but right now it needs to show progress and value. As the states saying its stopped, is because they are tired of the shows and none actions. Therefore, an internal mediation isn’t believable as he cannot send the Somali National Army to silence these ones this time. This time Kheire might need it, as the states might not settle with just meeting the President and the Prime Minister. They need to show more flex and that they are seriously addressing their concerns, not only for safety, but the other measures that are in question. As the FGS seems more like a floating balloon, than steady government institutions.

Kheire should feel this too, as he has been traveling between all stakeholders and partners, except for when he is settling the score and undermining the Lower House of late. Therefore, this sort of speech and talk is more swagger, than the reality on the ground. If he was that sovereign, he wouldn’t need the Brussels and the London Stakeholders Conferences within the calendar year. Alas, that is is the case. Therefore, he should follow the asked outside mediation and secure wishes of the states, which has stopped to directly co-operate with Villa Somalia.

The PM has to act up and be humble, show humility and even some grace, but who knows if he has it in him. Peace.

Somalia: Puntland Press Statement on Jalam – Harfo Road Project (13.09.2018)