Opinion: The assassination attempt on Gen. Wamala is a part of a bigger problem

Today in Bukoto, Gen. Katumba Wamala was close to get assassinated, while stray-bullets took the lives of his daughter Brenda and his driver. Those two died on the spot and the car was filled with bullet-holes. The assailants and the assassins had a clear plan and a target. It happened to be Gen. Wamala, who survived this plot today.

However, this isn’t something new in the Republic. There been other high ranking officials who has suddenly been killed by unknown assailants on boda-boda’s. Which happens to trace the target from their home or in their area. Than attack the car and leave the victim for dead. This isn’t anything new and seems to a way they can get away from it.

These extra judicial killings and murders are appearing is usually after a fall-out, a gambit behind close-doors and in manner of keeping the elite under control. So, that people doesn’t have to much ambition or even considers themselves as future leaders.

If not if these are generals that knows to much. These have to taken-out and be silenced. They know too much and they should be worried. These men was useful, but at one point the regime needs them gone. They can talk and reveal facts, which they shouldn’t or even think off.

That’s why high ranking officials or generals have died in the past. This is not new and the ones who believes that is wrong. There is enough questionable deaths in the Republic. Not only happening to the abducted, tortured and suddenly left behind dead National Unity Platform (NUP) activists, members and whatnot. That is happening to, but that is to intimidate and silence the opposition, which the state cannot control or absorb.

However, the General’s taken out. Have been done for all sorts of various of reasons. That being their knowledge, being outspoken or defying the orders from the high above. If not they have to be taken out, because the state has others in the rank who needs their place. God knows, but these men on the top doesn’t value life. Except for their own life and titles. The rest of the public and citizens is disposable. This included the ones appointed by the high above and showing die-hard loyalty to the crown. Still, that is never enough…

This assassination attempt … is just one out of plenty. The past and present is filled with death. The extra judicial killings isn’t a new thing and too many people have lost their lives over stray-bullets and bullets in general. Gangs of Boda-Boda’s doing this isn’t new either. We shouldn’t be shocked, but the regime needs a reality check.

Since they were near to complete another assassination. They were so close to get rid of one of their generals. They have done this to Gen. James Kazini, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima and Assistant Inspector of General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Kaweesi. That’s three from the top of my head and they were done with different methods, but still had questionable demise. So, it is not like this is anything new… and only a slow bloodshed served the general public. As a friendly reminder of who and what sort of regime that is ruling the Republic.

Expect more people to be targeted in the near future. A death never happens alone. It might be the assailants themselves going after each other to leave no witnesses behind. Secondly, they might target more high ranking officials, as the state is clearing the offices for new blood. That wouldn’t be shocking either. They don’t value life and can easily just get rid of the ones who stands in their way. Even if they are loyal and serving silently. Still, if they fear anything or want to have more finessing “yes-men” in the reigns. Than, they will silence them totally.

What happened to Gen. Wamala today is the sort of act that shouldn’t happen in the first place. However, with the ones in-charge, that’s what you get… and they could easily pull the trigger again. Nobody deserves to die this way, but the ones in-charge doesn’t care and only value their own heads. They don’t mind if others lose their strawberry tart or stops breathing. Peace.

Patrice Lumbaba CIA files: What can we learn from the Cables?

There are lot of information in the covert operation done by the American Government. It is well known for most that the main supporter and donor to Democratic Republic of Congo was the United States after Independence. This was to stop the Soviet interference during the Cold-War. It would seem most likely that the CIA or any other paid assassins from the US to assassinate the first President Patrice Lumumba, to secure their ally and political beneficiary Mobutu. Therefore, the newly declassified CIA cables, can say a lot that hasn’t be reviled about the plans and how it happen. Take a look!

A CIA Cable from August 6^th 1960:

“Appreciate excellent reporting your reference and commend his Alert Rolf. We wish to give every positive support in eliminating Lumumba from any possibility resuming governmental position or if he fails in Leop. Setting himself in Stanleyville or elsewhere. While fully aware of nefarious plotting Ghana, Guinea, UAR. To restore Lumumba, greatly disturbed at reference to and particulary as member of this cliques. Can you suggest any action we can propose to obacid or take otherwise to help detach them from Lumumba” (CIA, August 1960).

A CIA Cable from 19^th October 1960:

“We still have political stalemate in Leopoldville, but Lumumba ‘s long-term political prospects may have been boosted by indications of support from UN quarters, and by Mobutu’s insecure hold on Congo army. A. Hammerskjold told Ambassador Wadsworth 15 October he still regards Lumumba as legal premier. Added that he plans to “break” Tshombe by insisting that Belgians and others route all Congo through the UN. 1. Hammerskjold probably softening his opposition to Lumumba in order to keep support of many African states for UN operations in the Congo” (…) “III. Mobutu appears to have dropped idea of reconvening parliament in order to strip Lumumba of his immunity from arrest. Neither side appears confident of strong parliamentary support” (CIA, 1960).

A CIA Cable from 30^th November 1960:

“Orientale Province controlled by Lumumba forces since mid-October, despite some opposition from army elements loyal to Mobutu. A. Lumumba, describing situation Orientale, recently observed that “liberation movement in Congo could be launched from there”. Probably hopes to consolidate position there, then build up his following in other areas. B. Lumumba agents, the UAR, and the Soviet bloc continue active in support of this goal” (…) “III. On 28 November, Lumumba partisans in Stanleyville launched sweeping arrests of Europeans, including UN personnel. Most released, but many beaten. UN representative in Stanleyville asked for emergency air evacuation of 1,000 Europeans on 29 November, but request dropped on 30 November with UN reporting Stanleyville “quiet” (…) “Mobutu’s Commissioners decided on 29 November to mount military operations against Lumumba forces at Stanleyville. This would be difficult. If UN unable to prevent such action, result would be a civil war” (CIA, November 1960).

A CIA Cable from 28 December 1960:

“1. Rival regimes in Leopoldville and Stanleyville continue to spar. A. Mobutu hampered by logistical problems operating against distant Oriental province. B. Gizenga threatened by critical shortage food and gasoline in Stanleyville. II. Gizenga has broken Mobutu’s “economic blockade”, however, by moving forces in Kivu Province which should relieve pressure on food supply Stanleyville” (CIA, 1960).

A CIA Cable from January 19 1961:

“1. Thanks for Patrice. If we had known he was coming we would have baked a snake. 2. Per GOK had no advance word what so ever. Lumumba severly beaten at airport by gendarmerie, then taken Jadotville prison where guarded by all white guards. GOK does not plan to liquidate Lumumba. Fears changes of Balubakat uprsing in Eville considerable increased” (CIA, 1961).

A CIA Cable from February 10 1961:

“Lumumba fate is best kept secret in Katanga. In addition Embassy demarche to Mukongo to request humane treatment for Lumumba has caused gok make every effort deny firm data to Odyoke, United States. 2. In above context following is review of reports received by Eliz since 17 Jan. A. From dr. De Coster (pediatrician from Stanleyville now living in Eville, we got data from unknown doctor who claims verified death). Lumumba, Mpolo and Ok to executed just off road from Eville to Jadotville on 17 Jan. B. Doctor Lauveau, Belgian Physician with good local contacts, stated on 19 Jan that Lumumba if not already executed was about to be. Mentioned GOK ministers had each been allowed to beat Lumumba first. C. On 1 Feb Commandant Roger Van Der Stock, G-2 Sud Kasai Army, stated categorically that Lumumba dead, but refused reveal source. Said knows man who executed him. D. On 2 Feb Dutch dentist St. Van Baalen, whose wife is secretary Tshombe office, stated definitly Lumumba dead” (CIA, 1961).

A CIA Cable from October 11^th 1975:

“Gottlieb testified poison intended for Lumumba came from Agency’s stockpile “… and (was) sent to a CIA agent in the Congo now known as Zaire for use against Lumumba.” Poison plan was never used as Lumumba was killed by unknown assassins in Katanga Province just few days before inauguration President Kennedy Jan 1961. In 1961 Gottlieb headed Central Division which among other things handled requests for poison by agents in field. He confirmed a number of critical details regarding earlier allegations that the Intelligence Agency was involved in trying to poison Lumumba” (CIA, October 1975).

So there are clear talks of both project of Poisoning Lumumba, that some sent a message to Washington to bake a snake to him already in January 1961, therefore, there are clear indications that the United States and the CIA was involved in the killings. It is sad that Roger Van Der Stock never revealed his sources and neither who he believed did it. You wouldn’t send this sort of messages from the DRC to Washington if you hadn’t something sinister planned. The United States wanted to stop the fraction run by Patrice Lumumba, who we’re supported and had Marxist view, which was countering the ideals of Washington. That was why the death and demise of Lumumba, fit the US very well and the new puppet dictator Mobutu fit the program. Therefore, anyone with a beautiful mind, would understand the value of assassinate Lumumba, to get loyalty to Washington, instead of Moscow. Peace.

Press Release: Inform the Media on the rumors of the Assassination of IGP Kayihura in Kasese District (25.03.2016)

This is to inform the public that there are claims in certain sections of the media that the IGP, Gen. Kale Kayihura, had escaped an assassination attempt and alleged plot against his life, while conducting a security threat assessment and peace building campaign in the Rwenzori Regions. It is surprising that some wrong and anti-peace elements, were promoting such claims that have been recklessly picked and concocted further by selected media houses, for reasons best known to them.

We do categorically state that these claims by the media are blatant lies and fabrications because no such attempt had taken place. The IGP is alive and well, and all these allegations about his safety are mere propaganda by selfish opportunists.

It is evident that the IGP in close coordination with sister security agencies, cultural and civic leaders, have tremendously contributed to curtailing further attacks, and working hard to contain the general security situation. During the various interventions to restore and keep peace, there were no threats directed against them. The security situation has greatly improved with increased visibility and vigilance and very soon, the region will be fully stabilized and business environment fully restored.

We therefore, call upon all peace loving Ugandans, and in particular residents from the Rwenzori Region, to ignore such claims and keep up their dream of working together to restore peace and safety in the Rwenzori Region.

AIGP ASAN KASINGYE
CHAIRPERSON INTER AGENCY COMMUNICATION TASK TEAM
25.03.2016

Fellow brothers and sisters lose their lives because of ballots and rigging; I am in sorrow and in pain; elections feels pointless, but the struggle should continue in peace, as we should not act as the oppressor, because then we are the same

It’s saddens me and with sorrow is coming to me. As the knowledge of people dying for politics… people dying for rigging of ballots, dying for pre-ticked ballots, dying for others people’s power.

It is saddens me, as some people are mourning, not only the thieving of their ballot, but their family member suddenly gone from their lives. Which is the biggest loss a fellow human being can have, as the family member can’t return back to them, the person is gone. What we can back is a bottle of coke or waragin, but not the brother who got killed as a candidate got the UPDF or the Uganda Police Force to assert actions in Kasese today as a result of the Local Council III election in a sub-county in Kasese District. It is so sad to see the footage and the unnecessary deaths. The men and woman was unarmed while the Police Officers was having newly polished AK-47 and shooting at them.

It saddens me this as the unsolved murder of Christopher Aine is still in the limbo, as the family and the Amama Mbabazi of Go-Forward has not gotten answers from the authorities or the police, as they are supposed to pick up intelligence to solve the matter.

It is with sorrow that the public has not gotten answers with the fellow persons who came onto the shores of Lake Victoria in December 2015, in the middle of campaigning and right around Christmas. So the silence of the matter is tale of sorrow and pain that has been addressed or talked about as they just died and the society or families deserve to get the justice for the men and woman who lost their lives at the time.

It’s saddens me knowing that a person got bombed on the day before the presidential poll on the 17^th February. The bomb and explosion has not led to anything or created anything else than pain for the families who lost their loved ones.

It is with sorrow that the killings are getting staggering levels after the Presidential Election Day on the 18^th February 2016 and the Announcement on the 20^th of February 2016. From the demonstrators who even got killed on the 15^th February as they wanted to Kizza Besigye passage through Central Kampala. They all died and we can ask are this what we all wanted?

That people are dying for seeing a politician, even if he is the epitome of everything the regime of the country is not. It is not easy to write this as a man died while waiting in que for the delayed ballots. The person just wanted to do his civic duty, not die for the soil. It seems so pointless, as he would have thrown a vote that most likely the Electoral Commission would not admit in their final result, as the stations would not be deemed valid by Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu and his henchmen.

It’s saddens me what happen in Sembabule district on the 25^th February 2016, an Election Supervisor got beaten to death. He was beaten to death by unknown men. It saddens to know that an unknown killed him. Feels sorrow for his family and loved ones, as he was just doing a duty for the rigged voting machine.

It’s with sorrow that a giant group of people died in Bundibugyo on the 27^th February 2016, and even more people has fled the area in the aftermath. As the area that has seen guerrilla violence, also see skirmishes between government forces because of local elections. It seems so pointless to die for yet another ballot.

It is with sadness that 3 people lost their lives in Soroti on the 5^th March. As the UPDF killed them and injured even more people. The sadness of loss their lives and the killings from the government force on yet another day.

It is with sorrow that two police officers we’re shot dead during the raid of Kapchormwa on the 5^th March of an unknown guerrilla, UPDF deserters or rebels. It is with sadness that the attack happens on these men as they have family and friends.

On the 11^th February today, have many unarmed and ordinary citizens been shot in Kasese District, for no other notion than election result and election rigging. In the power of bullets and ballots have yet more fellow human beings lost their lives.

It is in the this notion I cry havoc, the deep pain of these men and woman who died for a cause, for a country or for just being near the decisions of big men. Many of them was not closely involved in politics, some of them was a part of the government as men who worked for that salary, not necessary that they had a pro-government stance and for the oppressive regime who have taken most of these lives. Even though the ones who takes a life does not always matter, because the most important one is the life that got taken away.

I cry and weep in sorrow. As the people who see and feel the emotions and knowingly the bullets in Kasese could have pointed towards us, pointed towards our brother and pointed towards our sister. We could be the target and the random person who got our life snatched away for the mercy of the men of power.

It’s in sadness and staring into the abyss, as some people might wish to retaliate with the same force as the government, as the police and the army. But if they kill and the opposition kills, who can you tell apart? If they tear-gas us and we try to tear-gas them, what is the difference between them and us? If we answer violence with violence aren’t we are the same as our enemies? Let us not be as the one that brings pain to our homes. We need to defy the state by defiance and in disobedience that weakens the state, not use the violence and killing methods of the state. As we who feels this pain and sorrow does not want to deliver the same pain to our enemies. As we are not the same and does not wish to be the same; we are different. We suffer with the ones who suffer, the ones who has lost their family members and the ones that has been in the midst of the dark tombs of the state. Not because we understand their pain and suffering, but because we care and want to bring the peace, liberty and justice, by defying with peaceful means, and through the dignity and honor  the fallen brother and sisters.

We cannot in this pain and violence, join the ones who kills and destroy, the ones that steals and corrupt. The ones that deliberately tortures, detain and arrest innocent citizens, activist and opposition. We are here today in the midst of our pain, our sorrow and with meager hope. As we have seen the government machine and the military police force go and take lives in Kasese. The pain that eat our hearts and souls as the lives matters as much as ours. We could have been the ones the government had picked. They didn’t pick us now, but we could been; therefore we have to remember them and the others who are detained, arrested, who are missing and the ones who lost their lives today and yesterday. As tomorrow will soon shine over us; the pain, the sorrow and the sadness will still be carried, the memory of the actions of our oppressors, but know that our struggle is not over and the fight for justice still has to come. The road might lead us into even a darker shadow and a stronger pain as the government plan is not easy to predict. What we can is stay strong together, remember the violence, remember the ones that got lost, remember the ones that are detained and carry them with us. As they shall not be forgotten and the men and woman dying shall not be in vein; but not done in return in a way where family members of the ones who oppress get the same sorrow and pain. Then we are not different from the ones that take us for granted and take the one we care about right in front of us. Peace.

Government of Burundi will not take part in Peace-Talk with Opposition scheduled for Wednesday (Youtube-Clips)

“Burundi’s government will not take part in peace talks with the opposition scheduled for Wednesday, which are part of regional efforts to resolve a crisis triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to run for a third term in office. Joseph Bangurambona, the permanent secretary in the foreign affairs ministry said his government holds some of the participants responsible for recent months of violence. VOA’s Vincent Makori reports” (TV2 Africa, 2016).

“During a trial of 28 police and military figures, former Burundi Defense Minister Cyrille Ndayirukiye has pleaded guilty to involvement in a failed coup last May” (TeleSur English, 2016).

“AU commission chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamin-Zuma held talks with the Tanzanian foreign affairs minister in Durban on Tuesday. They both discussed the current political crises in Burundi, tension has let to many civilians losing lives as the army and the protesters clashed in some parts of the capital city Bujubura. Dlamini-Zuma has raised concern about loss of life in that country. While Tanzanian foreign affairs minister says peace and stability must be pursed” (SABC Digital News, 2016).

International reactions to the assassaination plot and killings in Burundi

If this is not interesting and see how the government and multi-national organizations reacts to the continuations of violence from the Government towards its opponents. The staggering fleeing of people to neighbor countries and the escalations of killings should be put on the map and be addressed.

THE AFRICAN UNION REITERATES ITS CONCERN ABOUT

THE SITUATION IN BURUNDI

Addis Ababa, 4 November 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, reiterates the AU’s deep concern about the situation obtaining in Burundi. She notes the continuation of acts of violence and the increase of statements that are likely to further aggravate the current situation and create conditions for more instability, with devastating consequences for Burundi and the whole region. She expresses the AU’s strong condemnation of all acts of violence and violations of human rights, as well as of all statements that can inflame the situation.

Against this background, the Chairperson of the Commission reminds all concerned Burundian stakeholders that the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), at its 551st meeting, held on 17 October 2015, decided, in support of the efforts aimed at finding an early and consensual solution to the crisis facing Burundi, to impose targeted sanctions against all Burundian actors whose action and statements contribute to the persistence of violence and impede the search for a solution. The Chairperson of the Commission stresses, once again, that only an inclusive dialogue, bringing together all Burundian stakeholders, will enable Burundi to overcome the serious prevailing challenges and prevent the situation from totally undermining the gains made since the signing of the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. She urges the Burundian authorities and other concerned actors to demonstrate the sense of responsibility that the situation demands and to place the interests of the Burundian people above any other consideration.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s support to the mediation efforts led by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, on behalf of the East African Community (EAC), and urges the Government of Burundi and all the other concerned stakeholders to lend him their full cooperation.

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights statement:

“I unreservedly condemn the killing of the son of one of Burundi’s most prominent human rights defenders, Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, in Bujumbura earlier today. This is second member of Mbonimpa’s family to have been killed in recent weeks. Welly Nzitonda was reportedly arrested by police this morning around 11 a.m. His body was found this afternoon in the neighbourhood of Mutakura. Pierre Claver Mbonimpa himself narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in August 2015 and is still undergoing treatment abroad. One of his sons-in-law was also killed on 9 October” (OHCHR, 2015).

“Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa Thomas Perriello will travel to Burundi November 8-11 to express urgent concerns over the political and security crisis there. He will communicate the U.S. government’s alarm at violence by government and non-government actors inside of Burundi, and the recent dangerous rhetoric by the Burundian government surrounding the expiration of President Nkurunziza’s five-day ultimatum to turn over all illegal arms. He will also call for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to follow through on commitments to dialogue” (…)”The Envoy also intends to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia between November 11 and 18, to consult with regional leaders on restoring stability to Burundi and emphasize the United States’ belief that a comprehensive, inclusive dialogue, as laid out in the AU’s October 17 communique, is the best means of doing so” (US GOV, 2015).

Belgium Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynards Statement 6^th November:

“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders is shocked by the murder of Welly Fleury Nzitonda, son of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, the human rights activist who took refuge in Belgium. This murder follows that of his son-in-law, Pascal Nshimirimana. Tens of anonymous victims already died because of the instability in recent months. The Minister expresses his sympathy to the family of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa and to the people of Burundi.  The death of Mr. Nzitonda illustrates once again that incitement to hatred and violence can have tragic consequences. The Minister noted with deep concern the public statements in this regard. These brought to memory the darkest pages in the history of Burundi. The Minister calls on all parties, both from government and opposition, to exercise utmost restraint in declarations and to avoid new violence at all costs”.

Hey! What do you think about it? Peace!

Reference:

OHCHR – ‘Comment by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Burundi killing (06.11.2015) link: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/Media.aspx#sthash.bqxnw4Hf.dpuf

 

US GOV – ‘Special Envoy Thomas Perriello’s Travel to Burundi and the Great Lakes Region’ (06.11.2015) link: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/11/249291.htm

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

Press release: The African Union strongly condems the Assassaintion of Cononel Jean Bikomagu, Fomer Cheif of Army Staff (of Burundi) – (16.08.2015)

Andrew Mwenda’s Transcript from 11. August 2005 on KFM Radio: Just a reminder of who he was back then.

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Date: August 11. Location: KFM Radio HQ; 8th Street, Industrial Area, Kampala. Main event: Andrew Mwenda Live political Talkshow. Panelists: Presidential Assistant on Politics, Moses Byaruhanga, Mr. Reagan Okumu, an opposition Member of Parliament and ex-intelligence chief David Pulkol:

Andrew Mwenda: “… If he was elected, does that mean that other actors do not have views? … Does it mean that when people elect him, those who disagree with him should keep quiet? … You go and tell him to listen to this show, then he can get some wisdom, because all of you guys sit at State House and say, yes sir, yes sir. Here we say no sir… I can tell you, his little threats are completely ignored… Mwenda should not discuss security in the region, how can you say something like that? I don’t want… we run a newspaper and pay taxes which buy his suits, does he know that?… You see these African presidents. This man went to University, why can’t he behave like an educated person? Why does he behave like a villager?… But, how can he insult me like that? Museveni has no monopoly of irrationality, do you know that?… If he wants to behave like Saddam Hussein, let him go to Iraq… Peace and security is a public good… I think I understand security better than Museveni… That is what I think. I am a security expert… Oh, Jesus Christ! You really think laying the whole northern region, a third of the country, in waste, 20 years of war, is how you bring security into a country? Let him resign today, let me become President and you will see what I will do. This country will be better managed and there will be security all over the country. Security will no longer be a tribal good enjoyed by the Bantu in the south. Everybody in Uganda will be entitled to security. Museveni can never intimidate me. He can only intimidate himself… We are willing to pay Museveni a handsome pension if he decided to go home and rest and stop mismanaging this country. Why does he call me a boy?… Listen to me and you will get the correct security analysis. Listen to the President you will get the wrong one… The President is becoming more of a coward and everyday importing cars that armour plated and bullet proof and you know moving in tanks and mambas, you know, hiding with a mountain of soldiers surrounding him, he thinks that that is security. That is not security. That is cowardice… this one’s security is Jurassic security. Why does this one move with mounted anti-aircraft guns, AK 47 assault rifles, tanks and mambas, buffels and katyushas, Jesus Christ? Actually Museveni’s days as a President are numbered if he goes on a collision course with me… I wish I was 35, I would have contested the next election… you mismanaged Garang’s security. Are you saying it is Monitor that caused the death of Garang or it is your own mismanagement?… Aah what caused Garang’s death? Garang’s security was put in danger by your own government putting him first of all on a junk helicopter, second at night, third passing through Imatong Hills where Kony is… Are you aware that Garang died in Imatong Hills where you have always complained that Kony is?… Are you aware that your Government killed Garang? … I would say the Government of Uganda, out of incompetence, led to or caused the death of John Garang. They put him on the plane when it was already late. That plane the President said it has the capacity to detect bad weather 100km away. Why couldn’t they detect the bad weather 100km away? … Let me challenge you. When a plane is taking off from place A going to place B, it is supposed to establish weather at place B. If the weather at place B was bad, why didn’t your people here decide not to go? Maybe you don’t recognize that the Government of Uganda is responsible for the death of Garang. Whether it is by commission or omission, the government of Uganda cannot run away from that responsibility.”

This ends with Mr. Mwenda being arrested, jailed for those words.

SG/SM/16986-AFR/3188: Concerned about Deteriorating Security Situation in Burundi, Secretary-General Calls on Authorities to Investigate Recent Political Assassinations (03.08.2015)

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General notes with great concern the continuing deterioration of the security environment in Burundi following an electoral period marked by violence and the violation of human rights, including the right to life.

In this context, the Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of General Adolphe Nshimirimana on 2 August.  He welcomes President [Pierre] Nkurunziza’s message to the nation to remain calm and to the competent authorities to expeditiously investigate this assassination in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.  He calls on the Burundian authorities to investigate diligently other recent political assassinations.

The Secretary-General renews his appeal to all Burundians to resume an inclusive dialogue without delay and peacefully settle their differences under the facilitation of President [Yoweri Kaguta] Museveni as mandated by the East African Community.

The Secretary-General remains committed to supporting peace consolidation and conflict prevention efforts in Burundi.