Burundi: Portant Nomination du Porte-Parole et du Porte-Parole Adjoint du President de la Repulique (06.03.2017)

House of Lords leave another Amendment to make Brexit harder for the Tories and PM May!

Today the Conservative Party government under Prime Minister Theresa May got their second amendment added on the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill. The first one was set on the paradigm of securing the EU Citizens living already in the United Kingdom, so their safety wasn’t a bargain chip for Brexit Secretary David Davis or for Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, when the negotiations with Brussels starts. Surely, today is another blow for the all-controlling, fearing to give any indication of how she wishes the Brexit to go. Since, now it has to be explained in Parliament and become open negotiations in Parliament, before the Brexit becomes a reality. The House of Lords has twice decided to amend the government and give them a harder task to finish the work the majority of people in the United Kingdom wanted in 2016.  Just take a look!

“Parliamentary approval for the outcome of negotiations with the European Union

(1) The Prime Minister may not conclude an agreement with the European Union under Article 50(2) of the Treaty on European Union, on the terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, without the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

(2) Such approval shall be required before the European Parliament debates and votes on that agreement.

(3) The prior approval of both Houses of Parliament shall also be required in relation to an agreement on the future relationship of the United Kingdom with the European Union.

(4) The prior approval of both Houses of Parliament shall also be required in relation to any decision by the Prime Minister that the United Kingdom shall leave the European Union without an agreement as to the applicable terms.”

The lords had a majority for this amendment that was significant as the ones who was content we’re 366 lords, while the ones voting together with the government we’re 268. The result is massive for the anti-government agenda and making it harder for the Tories to succeed. However, if the Tories government feels betrayed by the Lords, but if they do then their concern of the value of people and transparency isn’t important.

The unelected Lords actually care’s for accountability and transparency as they are appointed by the queen, a state commission or different peerages. Therefore, this is ironic that the men who are appointed care for the vote and open process of Brexit in Parliament. That shows actual the deepness of the institution as PM May would have kept the people in the dark and whatever deal she and her team had gotten from Brussels. She would have thrown around like a medal and an Olympic Gold Medal. Still, she would have done it in all in silence and only done PR stunts when needed.

The Tories should respect the amendments as they are done with good intentions, and these are put in order so that the Brexit will happen with thorough procedures and institutionalized precautions that give less harm to the citizens and businesses. Since the effects and the actual price for the loss of EU Membership will come into the spotlight. As much as the benefits of being a Member State also get lost on the way and the new forged agreements and such has to be put in order, as the states might be separated the initial thought is that they still trade and has connections. Though not on the same legal grounds or on the near the level they have today.

Brexit will be hard, how hard none can really know as the EU might prove their point with this one, as it hasn’t happen before in the Union. Still, if they want to save face and not get more nations questioning the acts of the Union towards a former Member State. Peace.

Oslo Symposium 2017: Politisk Kristne Konservative i Norge er langt fra medmenneskelig, mer arvesynd enn noe annet!

«Det er synd mennesker ikke kan bytte problemer. Alle vet nøyaktig hvordan de skal løse andres»Olin Miller

Jeg er anser meg selv som kristen og konservativ når det gjelder min tro og mine etiske vurderinger i livet. Det jeg anser meg langt vekk fra Oslo Symposium og Fremskrittspartiet som prøver å kuppe de kristne konservative. Akkurat som det skal passe hånd i hanske. At man har fryktens voktere og de som legitimerer sin dekonstruktive holdninger i samfunnet.

Det at disse menneskene som sprer frykt og usikkerhet, de som prøver å lage murer og segregere menneskegrupper, der en tar vekk deres fødested i pass, ekskludere statsborgerskap og ikke minst stoppe innvandring av alt fra kvoteflyktninger til ordinær arbeidsinnvandring. Fordi det skaper dilemma og problemer vi ikke er klare.

Det er disse menneskene som omgir seg med kristne og konservative, med de som skal være menneskene som bryr seg om nåde og nestekjærlighet. Likevel, deres politiske overbevisning er snarer tvert imot. Hvis er en har gjort en synd eller forsnakket seg for 20 år siden. Så kan UNE og UDI med dagens lov-verk rive ned alt en har bygget opp og det livet en har karret seg til. Sønnene og døtrene vil også miste sitt bosted, sin omgangskrets og sine mulige studier. Fordi vi lever i en tid hvor staten tror og beholder sjansen for å straffe mennesker for deres arvesynd. Hvis Mor og Far har løyet eller jukset for 25 år siden, så kan staten ta vekk statsborgerskapet og få sendt menneskene ut av riket. Sammen med alle andre familie medlemmer.

Er dette kristnet, slik vi nå realiserer ved vår tro og i handlinger. At vi relanserer arvesynd og at mennesker ikke har foreldete saker når det kommer til immigrasjon eller asyl. Der en hendelse som skjedde i ens barndom og der en flyktet med massive problemer, som vil i ettertid bli satt spørsmål om, hvis andre indisier sier noe annet. Selv om stater der personen er fra indikerer at disse nye indisier er også feil og ikke eksisterende. Likevel, vil styresmaktene opprettholde sin dom og ikke gi grunnlag for opphold. Dette krenker både forståelse er juridisk grunnlag og av vår allmenne rettsforståelse.

Det vil være som naboen påstår på grunn av samtale med venner på puben at han har rett til naboens jord, på grunn av tidligere avdød slektning eide og ikke overførte dette. Dette kom i retten og den samtalen ble sett som bevis. Da nye eieren av jorden ville miste landet, ikke fordi papirene og overtakelsen ikke var gjort korrekt, men fordi naboen hadde rett fra gammelt av. Dette ville blitt latterliggjort og blitt forkastet ettersom saksdokumentene til naboen ville blitt stående. Men i dagens immigrasjonssaker og asylsaker så kan det virke som snakk og mulig indiser kan gjøre at man mister sitt opphold og mulighet til å bo her.

Denne dekonstruktive holdninger som tar kontroll, der kristne konservative bruker støttespillere og alle mulige kanaler, der de tar eierskap i restriktiv immigrasjonspolitikk, uten å tenke på hvilke signaler dette sender. Denne mystifiseringen av asylsøkere og deres opprinnelse, denne magnetiske frykten ispedd med kors og litt glamour. Det iscenesettende preget av frykt og fremmedgjøring av våre naboer.

Hva er kristent ved det? Er det som står i bibelen til disse politikere og samfunnsaktører: «elsk din neste, bare om de er som deg selv!».

Jeg blir bare tvilende og lei meg, at disse representerer sånne som meg, at disse er spydspissene, at disse blir sett på som kristne. Med deres hovmod og vage utspring i alle mulige fora. Der en kan kritisk se at de misbruker den naive tilliten og trangen til makt. Der alle mulige konflikter og anstendige løsninger blir kastet til side. Fordi, disse kristne vil godta dobbeltmoralen, vil godta at en viser en hard hånd og overbærer seg om de viser ekte nestekjærlighet.

Det er ikke så nøye. Så lenge man viser flid og underdannelse for systemet som konsekvent moralisere og kritisere andre, uten å komme med nyttige løsninger for de problemer som allerede er der. Fordi, det er integrering er problemet, asylsøkerne er problemet, immigrasjon skaper bare dilemma og kostnader. Disse menneskene kommer bare hit for å ta jobber og ikke skape noe. De kommer ikke hit for å søke ly eller få starte et nytt liv. Nei, det er en myte, de vil alle gå på NAV og bli trygdemisbrukere.

Det er slikt som kommer frem, det er så lite kristnet, det er så lite omtenksomhet og tanker bak. Man angriper og åpner ikke for at ting tar tid. At mennesker fra krig og sult, at mennesker som har lidd over lang tid som er kvoteflyktning trenger tid til avklimatisering. Nei, disse menneskene skal rett i arbeid, selv om man har opplevd krig og flyktet fra katastrofer vi selv ikke forestille oss. De skal ikke få avbalansert seg eller få ro.

Det er dette som kommer frem av kristne immigrasjonspolitikerne, de har fremstilt disse som snyltere og mennesker som skal utnytte systemet. Selv om de samme politikere har ingen problem at de lager lover og skatter som deres næringslivstopper vil nyte godt av. Nei, det er ikke så nøye, de er jo som de kristne konservative er. Gi til de rike og stoppe de fattige. Litt motsatte av Robin Hood, hei, det er ikke nøye.

Disse i Høyre, Fremskrittspartiet og Kristelig Folkeparti som alle har brukt posisjonen sin, gitt plass til dette i større og mindre grad. Som har støttet og satt i verk dette. De har gitt grobunn for slike moraliserende holdninger, dekonstruktive moral som underbygge prinsipper om OSS versus DE. Der de kristne konservative har rett til nedverdige og bryte ned alle forutsetninger for å være borger i samfunnet. Dette fordi de selv er redde for skygger, for regn og tåke. Selv om de ledes av tåkefyrster og snart inn i løftes land. Så lenge andre mennesker lever med arvesynd og skammen av foreldrenes valg om å komme til et land i fred. Fred og frihet er ikke gratis, sa Gatas Parliament.

Sannelig, Sannelig, jeg sier dere: «ta dere i vare for de som forteller hvordan andre skal intrigeres eller bli en del av samfunnet, samtidig som de setter enorme krav. Fordi de vil ikke at disse skal bli en del av oss. De vil segregere og underbygge påstander om at de upålitelige og uærlige». Sannelig. Sannelig, jeg sier dere: De som sier dette om andre er seg selv som dåren, som har underkastet sin egen ideologi, der de glemmer at disse er medmennesker som bare har håp om et daglig brød og ordinært liv. Dette er mennesker i ytterst nød og trenger hjelp etter flukt fra krig og katastrofer. De er ikke terrorister eller skattesnytere, de er som meg og deg. Sannelig, Sannelig, jeg sier dere: «om noen forteller noe annet og sprer frykt, bruker Jesu navn og andre kristne forutsetninger for å spre frykt, vik fra disse menneskene, de vil bare bruke din tro som verktøy for ta din naive stemme og også profitere på din frykt for det ukjente».

Peace.

Oranto Launches $500-Million Oil Exploration Campaign in South Sudan (06.03.2017)

Oranto Petroleum will invest $500 million to develop South Sudan’s Block B3, launching a comprehensive exploration campaign starting immediately.

JUBA, South Sudan, March 6, 2017 –

  • EPSA contract signed today in Juba for South Sudan acreage.
  • Oranto Petroleum is the 90% shareholder and operator of large Block B3, plans to invest $500 million for exploration and development.
  • Government looks to new entrants to boost oil production.

Oranto Petroleum will invest $500 million to develop South Sudan’s Block B3, launching a comprehensive exploration campaign starting immediately. The Ministry of Petroleum and Oranto Petroleum Company, South Sudan signed the exploration and production sharing agreement for the block today in Juba.

The B3 area covers 25,150 square kilometers. Some aeromagnetic and seismic data have been acquired for the area but no wells have been drilled. The block is highly prospective, with productive parts of the Muglad Basin to the northwest and estimated reserves in place of more than 3 billion barrels of oil. The block is categorized as low risk, high reward. Under the EPSA, Oranto will be the technical operator and 90% shareholder of the block, with Nilepet holding a 10% stake.

“We believe the petroleum resources of Block B3 are vast. To reach our target of more than double current oil production, we need committed new entrants like Oranto,” said Minister of Petroleum Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth. “The government is working hard to reinvigorate the petroleum industry in South Sudan by creating an enabling environment for International oil and gas companies to invest and operate. It is up to the oil companies to come in, explore and produce.”

“It’s an honor to formalize our entry into South Sudan with this EPSA,” said Prince Arthur Eze, Founder and Chairman of Oranto Petroleum. “Our company is at the vanguard of African firms exploring and developing African assets. This is the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Nilepet, the people of South Sudan and our partners to bring to light the immense potential of Block B3. Oranto is committed to an aggressive exploration work program that will benefit all stakeholders.”

The 120,000-square kilometer Block B was split by the government into the B1, B2 and B3 blocks in 2012. In Block B3 Oranto will work alongside the B1 and B2 partners, which include Total. During the first three-year exploration period Oranto will complete a further airborne geophysical survey; acquire and process 2D seismic; and assess existing data held by the government and former operators. The EPSA contract was facilitated by pan-African law firm Centurion Law Group. South Sudan is an established, world-class petroleum producing region, whose territory includes a large part of the Cretaceous rift basin system that has proved petroliferous in Chad and Niger as well as Sudan.

Atlas Petroleum International and Oranto Petroleum, the sister companies of the Atlas Oranto Group, own and operate 20 oil and gas acreages in 10 African countries: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal and South Sudan. Founded in Nigeria in 1991, the group is Africa’s largest indigenous explorer by acreage. Learn more at http://Atlas-Oranto.com.

South Sudan: Lists of illegally detained at NSS Jail at the Jebel Headquarters in Juba!

This here is not speculation that the Juba Government under President Salva Kiir are detaining people who question his power and reign. That is an issue as his staff and close generals has resigned because of the methods the SPLM/A has used to control and run the nation. There are many lose questions, but if you have written against the Republic and it’s government you have been detained, so if you are a clear opposition to the Kiir Government, than you could easily be detained. Here is list of people who is illegally detained in the South Sudan. These are men who hasn’t done a crime other than being men and woman who deserves justice.

“People names of Illegally detained by government of South Sudanese in National Security Service Jails in Jebel Headquarters Juba.

Detainees from Eastern Equatoria State:

  1. Nyero Anthony Kenyi
  2. Sakure Daniel
  3. Tyson Meki
  4. Lokolong Joseph
  5. Ohitu Lawrence
  6. Oce Bosco
  7. Joseph Lorem
  8. Julius Lotabai
  9. Angelo Lomoi .

Detainees from Western Bar-El-Gazal State:

  1. Emilio Paul
  2. George Livio
  3. Martin Augustino
  4. Justin Wamawila
  5. Mohamed Wol
  6. James Lual
  7. Mario Luciano
  8. Shamsul Edward
  9. Yahya Bababu

Detainees from Western Equatoria State:

  1. Andrea Bambe
  2. Tartizio Usini Donato
  3. Daniel Lokurani
  4. John Boliaho
  5. Paul Baba

Detainees from Central Equatoria State:

  1. Chandiga Felix
  2. Benjamin Taban
  3. Kenyi Kenedy Abdu
  4. Ladu James Paul
  5. Sokiri Felix
  6. Sokiri Micheal
  7. Aloro John
  8. Ayume Dada
  9. Alison Mogga (Died in custody)
  10. Christoper Bagwe
  11. Simon Evans
  12. Wani Moki

Detainees from Unity State:

  1. Dabol Tik Dak
  2. Joseph Ngec
  3. Nhial Nyoun

Detainees from Jongolei State:

  1. William Nyuon

Names of detainees who have died in custody:

  1. Gatmai Kuol
  2. Mayatal Nyoun
  3. Kasara Muon.
  4. John Both
  5. Gabriel Tang
  6. Gabriel Udo
  7. Musa Natali

Please circulate widely so that their relatives and friends are aware. Let us collectively work for the Freedoms and Rights of all South Sudanese in a just State. Together we can bring perpetrators of War Crimes to Justice!” (SSUDA, 2017).

This comes from a credible source of the SSUDA. Peace.

South Sudan: New Work Permit fees for Foreigners in the Republic from 2nd March 2017

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South Sudan: UN Special Representative David Shearer – “As South Sudan’s people suffer, their leaders must step up” (03.03.2017)

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Opinion: The Tories lost in the House of Lords and has to build the Brexit negotiation on shaky grounds!

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The Tories, the Conservative Party Government run by Prime Minister Theresa May lost out in voting in the House of Lords, as the bill will continue with amended text that the Lords voted on. This is the proof of some humanity in the British people, not just scare-mongering people who fear the immigrants and the newly settled people from Central Europe. Therefore, the election is a proof that the Tories negotiation team with Brexit Minister David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson cannot use citizens who has immigrated to the United Kingdoms as pawns in the negotiations with Brussels and the European Union.

The Tories negotiations team have now a harder task as they cannot use the EU citizens in the United Kingdom as a bargain chip for the UK citizens inside the European Union. There are more than enough things to figure out as the businesses and movement of people has to resolved, what sort of status the UK citizens and UK government will towards the European Union. As the Member State privileges goes away when the membership is terminated. That has many implications that are still unknown as this sort of negotiations isn’t something that occur on regular basis. Therefore, the statement of voting this amendment to the law clearly violates parts of the idea for the Brexiteers!

“Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town moved amendment 9B, in clause 1, page 1, line 3, at end to insert: “( ) Within three months of exercising the power under section 1(1), Ministers of the Crown must bring forward proposals to ensure that citizens of another European Union or European Economic Area country and their family members, who are legally resident in the United Kingdom on the day on which this Act is passed, continue to be treated in the same way with regards to their EU derived-rights and, in the case of residency, their potential to acquire such rights in the future.” (United Kingdom – House of Lords, 2017).

eu-bill-2017-p2

 

This is hit in the nuggets for those who thought that United Kingdom Independence Party and other Brexiteers could get a field day without any consequence. By all means there will be a different atmosphere not only as an outsider to the Union, but also inside the British Isle’s like what about Northern Ireland and Scotland, Wales and Jersey will be there as they are so integrated that cannot leave the building. But Scotland and Northern Ireland are a different tango, as Scotland might have second referendum on freedom from London and Newcastle, while Northern Ireland even get own internal issues combined with the free-movement to the Irish Republic as well.

There are enough of issues ahead for the Tories as PM May doesn’t want to left with the short-end and nothing to show for it. She might get quick trade deals with New Zealand, South Africa and other dignitaries, but the Union trading is surely important now and will be in the future. The British Pound and the inflation will also be hold barren by the equation of possible business and how the financial tools of the United Kingdom looks after the Membership is terminated.

That can also be said by the citizen’s possible movement and the other aspect of government that might be altered by the end of membership. This will create another Europe, where UK is close, but still further away than today. The Brussels and their Member States might retaliate, but they should just show the way of decency as the whole world will see how the EU is tackling it. The way African Union tackled the Kingdom of Morocco left the Union and came back.

So here we are where the United Kingdom Government or the Tories has to make the best out of the House of the Lords decision to amend the withdrawal as the days before the Theresa May starts the process of revoking the membership. This will be rough and the agreements, the rhetoric and the slander will be at all-time high as the uncertainty along the way will be unbearable. The European states and the United Kingdom would like to have decent deal and reasonable end to the affair. What we can wonder if the UK and Brussels will cope with trying to think about the future and not just present runs of elections an popularity today, as this withdrawal will put in order the way it works to walk-away from Brussels paradigm, as it has only really been put in order how to become a Member State and what the State has to do to become a Member.

Let the tricky days come. Peace.

Reference:

United Kingdom – House of Lords – ‘European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill’ (01.03.2017) links: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/business-papers/lords/lords-divisions/?date=2017-Mar-01&itemId=1&session=2016-May-18

UNSC Report of February 2017 on the Burundi Crisis: Staggering human rights violations has unfolded since 2015!

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The Burundian crisis as described by the United Nations and a report delivered to the United Security Council on the 23rd February 2017. This is the most recent compiled report on the situation of safety, human rights and peaceful work in the East African republic. Where the President Pierre Nkurunziza, decided to run for a third term, even as the constitution after the Arusha Peace Agreement, was set to be possible to have two terms.

So we are in March 2017, as the crisis has been going on since 2015. The Burundian government have continued to assassinated, detained and intimidated their population, as much they have also created a political climate where the Nkurunziza regime is hostile to foreign interference, as well as the toil of the crisis, also creates a vacuum in economic and fiscal funds for the state.

All of this is reports made to the United Nations and found by the UN Human Rights Observation Group that been stationed in Bujumbura and had to request and notify the government of their arrival. The Government are keeping their hands more tight and controlling as they want to supervise even the experts from the UN. Therefore the report has been criticised by Burundian government as expected. Because who would like to have these sorts of allegations and reports about their government. When you put the Burundian government acts together you can see a systematic oppression of the citizens of the republic. That is not a look any government want to be put in the public space, but this sort of aggressive police state and use of political youth wing to oppress the people. Just take a look!

Political Crisis:

“Nearly two years have passed since the beginning of the political crisis in Burundi, which was sparked by the decision of the ruling party, Conseil national pour la défense de la démocratie — Forces pour la défense de la démocratie (CNDDFDD), to support President Pierre Nkurunziza ’s candidacy for a third term. Since then, the political impasse has only deepened. Political space has been narrowed further through repression. In lieu of meaningful dialogue, the exchange of political views, primarily in the form of accusations and counter -accusations, is taking place across social media and in public communiqués. I n a new development, President Nkurunziza suggested in a statement at the end of 2016 that he might seek a fourth term in office “if the Burundian people decide to change the Constitution according to their wishes” (UNSC, P: 1, 2017).

Violations of the State:

“While the Government insists that the situation in the country has normalized, political opposition and civil society leaders continue to appeal for urgent international action to avert the risk of further deterioration, widespread violence and mass atrocities. Despite a decline in overt violence and fewer incidences of armed confrontation, reports of human rights violations and abuses continue, including killings, enforced disappearances, gender -based violence, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill -treatment, along with the discovery of unidentified bodies. The allegations of more than 200 cases of enforce d disappearance since October 2016 are of particular concern. From April 2015 to 31 December 2016, OHCHR documented 593 violations of the right to life, and hundreds of people continue to be arrested every month” (…) “Many Burundians live in fear as a result of widespread repression and increasing intimidation by the Imbonerakure, the ruling party’s youth wing. There are also unconfirmed reports of attacks and human rights abuses committed against Government supporters and security forces” (UNSC, P: 2, 2017).

Establish a new Constitution in violation of the Arusha Peace Agreement:

“On 16 November 2016, the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of a constitutional review commission mandated to study amendments to the Constitution. The commission is reportedly tasked with analysing articles of the Constitution to be amended for Government consideration and, with the latter’s agreement, proposing an amended draft Constitution. It further stated that the Council’s decision had been informed by: (a) recommendations on constitutional amendments contained in reports of the National Independent Electoral Commission, the National Independent Human Rights Commission and CNDI; (b) the resolution adopted at the 11 October meeting of political parties and leaders; and (c) the need to harmonize certain articles with EAC law. Opposition political parties and civil society criticized the Council’s decision, warning that any deliberate violation of the Constitution and the Arusha Agreement would only worsen the current political crisis” (UNSC, P: 3, 2017).

Security Situation:

“The security situation remains fragile. While incidents of overt violence and clashes between armed groups and Government security and defence forces had ebbed for some time, daily allegations of arbitrary arrest, ill -treatment, torture and enforced disappearance, along with the discovery of bodies, continue to be reported” (…) “The Imbonerakure reportedly also routinely participate in joint operations with the police and intelligence services and are reported to have been implicated in numerous cases of arbitrary arres t and disappearance, ill-treatment, killings and some cases of sexual violence” (UNSC, P: 5, 2017).

Burundian and Rwandan Relations:

“Relations between Burundi and Rwanda remain tense. Throughout the reporting period, isolated border incidents, as well as trade and movement restrictions, were witnessed. On 29 July, the Council of Ministers decided to stop the export of all food products to neighbouring countries, repo rtedly in response to insufficient domestic production. On 23 August, the East African Legislative Assembly decided to investigate issues affecting trade and free movement of citizens between Burundi and Rwanda. Burundian security forces frequently arrested individuals travelling to and from Rwanda, as well as the United Republic of Tanzania” (UNSC, P: 6, 2017).

Political Rhetoric:

“Since the beginning of the crisis, political figures have used inflammatory and hate-filled language in speeches, on social media, in communiqués and in the press, calling on the population to “protect” the country against so-called traitors and plotters allegedly trying to destabilize Burundi. Rhetoric has included incitement to violence, as well as attacks on the opposition and against civil society, while neighbouring countries have been accused of involvement in attempted assassinations” (UNSC, P: 9, 2017).

Effects of the Crisis:

“There has been a four-fold increase in the number of people who are food insecure — from 730,000 to 3 million — owing to the rising prices of basic food items, the seasonal rain deficit during the 2016 agricultural season, chronic poverty and poor harvests. According to the World Health Organization, some 8.2 million Burundians (73 per cent of the total population) were affected by malaria in 2016; 3,826 died. The number of internally displaced persons is estimated at 170,000, while the number of spontaneous returnees identified so far in some targeted provinces is approximately 37,000. The monthly rate of arrival of refugees in Neighbouring countries from August to October 2016 doubled from previous months, and the increasing trend was confirmed in the first weeks of 2017. As of early February 2017, the number of Burundians who had fled the country since April 2015 stood at 387,000” (UNSC, P: 10, 2017).

Human Rights Observers:

“As of February 2017, only 45 African Union human rights observers, 32 of whom are funded through catalytic funding provided by the Peacebuilding Fund, have been deployed to Burundi. Twenty-three African Union military experts have been deployed; however, owing to a scheduled rotation, there were only 10 African Union military experts in the country at the time of reporting. Despite months of negotiations, the Government has yet to sign a memorandum of understanding guiding the African Union deployment in Burundi” (UNSC, P: 12, 2017). “The Office of the Special Adviser and OHCHR are not alone in experiencing Government restrictions. Some members of the United Nations country team have been affected by the Government’s decision to require 10 days’ notification ahead of any in-country travel. There have been delays in the processing of visas, and some local staff have faced intimidation, including instances of arbitrary arrest” (UNSC, P: 13, 2017).

If you read this you couldn’t be shocked as the reports of this actions has been in media, but when you collect them, you can see the evidence of the systematic oppression of the people. This is the reason for the refugees and the hard-hitting report that we’re delivered this February. People should know what is happening in Burundi and not let it pass-by all the other scandals and the atrocities happening in the world today. Peace.

Reference:

United Nations Security Council – ‘Report of the Secretary-General on Burundi’ (23.02.2017)

South Sudan: Save the Children strongly condemn the looting of its compound and warehouse in Northern Jonglei (28.02.2017)

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February 28, 2017, Juba Save the Children strongly condemn the looting of is compound and warehouse in Waat former Jonglei State, allegedly by both armed groups and members of the community in the area.

Mr. Peter Walsh the Country Director for Save the Children in South Sudan said, “To be honest this is the most extreme act by the very people we are trying to help, to rob more than 1500 malnourished children of the much needed assistance we have been providing in our feeding centres.” …even the nutrition supplies that are for very sick children were looted, this is totally unacceptable” he added

Save the Children is the only nutrition partner in Waat providing life-saving services to children, an area classified by the recent IPC as phase 4, at the brink of famine. “The looting means right now we can no longer provide life-saving assistance to thousands of acutely malnourished children.” he further said

“We strongly urge the local authority in the area to investigate the incident and ensure that all supplies are returned” Mr. Walsh further stressed

“As we battle to counter the spread of famine declared last week, it is critical that parties to the conflict provide unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected community to avoid famine becoming their death sentence.” He further said

Waat and other parts of former northern Jonglei remained largely peaceful following the outbreak of the conflict in 2013 and thousands of civilians from former Upper Nile, and central Jonglei sought safety in Waat and Akobo. The escalation of conflict in these already vulnerable communities is a big concern for the host community and the Internally Displaced Persons, (IDP) some of them have already been displaced multiple times in the course of the 3 years of conflict.

Insecurity and lack of access have left some 100,000 people facing starvation in parts of South Sudan where famine was declared on 20 February, and a further one million are on the brink of famine. By the height of the lean season in July, it is expected that some 5.5 million people will be severely food insecure across the country. Since December 2013, about 3.4 million people have been displaced, including nearly 1.9 million people who have been internally displaced and about 1.5 million who have fled as refugees to neighbouring countries. Humanitarian organizations are urgently appealing for funding to respond to the escalating crisis, with US$1.6 billion required to provide life-saving assistance and protection to some 5.8 million people across South Sudan in 2017.

For further information or to arrange media interviews with Peter Walsh, please contact Emmanuel Kenyi +211 922407209 or Emmanuel.kenyi@savethechildren.org