Ethiopia says it won’t entertain Riek Machar (Youtube-Clip)

“Ethiopia has issued warnings with regards to former South Sudan first Vice President Riek Machar visit. It says Machar’s only welcome to the country on a temporary basis. The Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalgen was quoted in an interview saying, Ethiopia will not entertain leader of an armed struggle. According to Hailemariam, Machar, will only be allowed to pass through Ethiopia in his travels. The former South Sudanese first Vice president was recently replaced by Taban deng Gai. This came after he left Juba following violence in July. He is currently in Sudan” (CCTV Africa, 2016)

DRC: Zeid warns of deteriorating situation, urges accountability for deadly clashes (22.09.2016)

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At least 50 people, including at least four police officers, were reportedly killed during clashes and violence in the capital Kinshasa on 19 and 20 September, and at least 77 others were injured.

GENEVA, Switzerland, September 22, 2016 – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Thursday issued a strong warning about the deteriorating situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and insisted that, as part of the effort to avert a major crisis, there must be accountability for the killing of dozens of civilians and other human rights violations that took place during the outbreak of violence earlier this week.

“I am deeply saddened by the recent explosion of violence in the capital Kinshasa. The high number of civilian casualties, the burning of the headquarters of several political parties and the continuing high tension together provide a stark warning that a large-scale crisis could be just around the corner,” the High Commissioner said. “The writing is on the wall, and the authorities need to pull back from their extremely confrontational position and build bridges with the opposition.”

At least 50 people, including at least four police officers, were reportedly killed during clashes and violence in the capital Kinshasa on 19 and 20 September, and at least 77 others were injured. The figures could be much higher as verification continues.

“Some civilians were killed by gunshots to the head or chest, and I strongly condemn the clearly excessive use of force by defense and security forces against demonstrators in the capital. I am particularly shocked at reports that some men in uniform took a direct part in some of the attacks against the headquarters of six opposition political parties, including the Union pour la Démocratie et le Progrès Social (UDPS) building,” Zeid said. “This is a clear assault against democracy and fundamental human rights. What DRC needs now is a climate more conducive to inclusive dialogue and to free and fair elections.”

The High Commissioner said he had also received reports that Republican Guards, ANR intelligence service and PNC (Police nationale congolaise) had conducted raids and searches of residences in some parts of the capital, preventing civilians from leaving their homes for several hours. He expressed particular concern at allegations of arbitrary detentions by police not just in Kinshasa, but also in Kisangani, Tshikapa and Goma, including of journalists trying to cover demonstrations in the capital on 19 September. According to reports, some 300 people have been arrested since Monday.

Zeid reminded the Government of its obligations to respect international standards on the use of force during demonstrations. “The deployment of Republican Guards for crowd control, despite the fact that they were heavily implicated in the excessive use of force which led to numerous casualties during the 2011 elections, is deeply worrisome, and I urge the Government to immediately withdraw them from the streets and instead deploy properly trained police forces with appropriate equipment for crowd control,” he said. The High Commissioner also regretted that no one was held to account for the serious violations committed by members of the Republican Guards and the police in the context of the 2011 elections.

“Back in July, when I visited the DRC, I noted that the country was at a pivotal moment, with tensions on the rise and crucial electoral deadlines approaching. I also warned that the political uncertainty could lead to a serious crisis and outbreak of violence. To pull back from this dangerous trajectory, a fully inclusive dialogue must be restored and all sides must exercise restraint. It is absolutely crucial to ensure full accountability for the many human rights violations that have occurred this week, through a prompt, transparent and impartial investigation.”

The High Commissioner also strongly condemned the attacks by unknown assailants against the headquarters of the ruling party, a courthouse, a school and several government buildings, including police stations, as well as other criminal acts, such as looting and destruction of private property. He stressed that the investigation should also seek to identify the people responsible for these attacks and ensure that they are held accountable, in full accordance with the law.

“My Office stands ready to bring any kind of support to the Congolese authorities in their investigations,” said Zeid.

Zimbabwe’s economy slowdown sparks anger (Youtube-Clip)

“Many Zimbabweans are finding it increasingly difficult to live in a country where widespread cash shortages, high unemployment and delays in public sector salaries continue. Zimbabwe’s economy is flat lining while the budget deficit is ballooning, pointing to a worsening of financial difficulties. CCTV’s Maria Galang reports” (CCTV Africa, 2016)

Zimbabwe: I’m impressed by the Zanu-PF officially banning they’re own National Flag!

Evan Mawarire 13.07.2016

Well, President Mugabe has never been totally rational as his service has always been run on the emotions and the irrational belief that he is the only character that can run the Nation after the Smith Government. Now, the Zanu-PF is full circle as the #ThisFlag movement is so powerful that the leaked information on outrages part of business from the Southern African state comes.

That is not banning demonstrations, more police brutality that is so regular that the tongues get comfortable numb. The Zanu-PF the Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Virginia Mabiza have signed a document saying that using the National Symbol of Zimbabwe Flag is no illegal. If you import, produce or wear anything with the National Flag of the proud the nation you can get fined $200! If you’re unlucky you can get impersonated up-to 6 months. In the document surfacing is even saying that the ones doing this illegal activity as the manufacture or wearing as this is seen as an illegal activity.

This proves how far the nonsense of the ruling regime, the draconian laws that are into levels of ridiculous as before where they went it more expensive to go online and buy computers. The level of impunity, the National Assembly will soon make it illegal to jaywalk and will make traditional dresses illegal to wear as they represent the Zimbabwean idea. The Zimbabwean idea that isn’t made in the image of Mugabe or his Zanu-PF who thinks they own the people and their minds.

Zanu-PF you have impressed with me with your foolishness and this proves that you’re so far from legitimate government that can be as your soon also making the National Animal or National Bird from being printed on Merchandize. Kudos props and acknowledges the abuse of movement, freedom and liberty of the citizens of Zimbabwe.

The Citizens should be allowed without any questions honour the national flag and use it the way they see fit. The Government shouldn’t sanction it unless they would use it to detoriate or do unholy stuff to it. Like the Zanu-PF youth who burned it after a #ThisFlag demonstrations earlier this year. That Pastor Evan Mawarire and his organizing have hurt the Zanu-PF so much that they want to stop their own citizens from using their own National Symbol!

But hey, the Chinese are offering blood-money for you to build 650 seats in Parliament in Harare. So the Zanu-PF gets a pay day while using excessive force to silence their opposition. Peace.  

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RDC: Communique de la Conference Episcopale Nationale du Congo sur la Crise Actuelle (20.09.2016)

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RDC: Communique de Presse de PPRD du Kinshasa “Rassemblement” (20.09.2016)

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Le Facilitateur du Dialgue national inclusif Edem Kodjo presente ses Condolence aux Congolais (20.09.2016)

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RDC: Communique de Presse du Rassemblement (19.09.2016)

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“Alarm over Protests and Harassment of U.S. Special Envoy in the DRC” (19.09.2016)

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DR Congo: fierce clashes between protesters and security forces, at least 8 killed in Kinshasa (Youtube-Clip)