Sudan: The Uprising against Al-Bashir Continues!

The bullet doesn’t kill, what kills is the silence” – Sudanese Protesters Chanting Today!

This isn’t about bread prices, about fuel or the financial bankruptcies of the Sudanese Government. It is now totally clear, that the public is tired of the Presidency, the President Omar Al-Bashir and his Party. They want freedom, liberty and justice.

As the President was trying to deliver a speech about his achievement. The public threw enough chants and words of displeasure, so that the National Broadcasting of the speech was cut off. This is clear evidence.

Today as the authorities are getting frightened as they have ordered a thousand of the Rapid Support Force (RSF) or the Janjaweed to guard the streets, ahead of the speech of the President. Clearly, they have seen the amount of people in the streets. The same people has been demonstrating in the recent days. The voices have been heard and their resilience have been answered with more force.

The live-bullets and the killings should be remembered. All of the lost ones who has been killed for standing up against the authorities and the President. The Self Serving Individual, who is only serving his interest and planning to stay there for life. That man is who the Sudanese people are tired of and demonstrating against.

We know how much the President fears his own people, when he orders snipers on the roofs, get his soldiers on Toyota Pick Up Trucks with heavy artillery ahead of his speech, combined with road-blocks and the RSF. All of this, is sign of indefinite will to stay in power.

What is ironic about it all, as the guns-shots and the killings persist. Not long ago, the US-Sudan relations have been normalized and the sanctions been lifted. However, the government never really changed their way. Even if Juba University gave an honorary doctorate in Peace and Diplomacy to the President Al-Bashir earlier this year.

Nevertheless, his true actions are proven as the people are chanting against the man, who has ordered soldiers against civilians for decades and been in-charge of killings, causing atrocities again and again. That is the man, they are chanting against. Their spiteful chants against a man, who is not their overlord. Even if he acts that way.

It is time for change, it is time for a better leadership and someone actually serving the Sudanese people. Not just a dictator and his clientele. It is time to stop, time to resign and get removed. The people is speaking. They are even doing it close by the Presidential Palace in Khartoum. They are even daring him by his home. That is a sign of the possible end, they are not fearing him, they are arriving on his doorstep, telling him to leave. Peace.

Foreign Embassies in Sudan – Memo to the African Union: “Status: Important and Urgent” (23.12.2018)

Sudan: Riots continues on its fourth day!

In Khartoum and elsewhere in the Republic, the riots against the state continues. This being against President Omar Al-Bashir and his party, which has controlled the state for over 30 years. The government have lacked financial control, as the bread prices are souring, the lack of fuel and also empty ATMs.

The dictatorship of thirty years, has during its recent four days shown it oppressive behavior. With leaked videos of the live-bullets against citizens. Today, there are even soldiers with machine guns doing shooting against the public. All of this shows again, that President Al-Bashir doesn’t care about other people’s lives. As he orders total destruction. Just to stay in power.

The official death number of today is 9, while other claims to 22 people who lost their lives.

We also know that the state is afraid of this riots, as the Universities are getting closed indefinitely as a result. The closure is to stop the youth and disembark them from the cities where the Universities are. However, the share size of the demonstrations and the people assembled, is from all walks of life, even police officers have dropped their uniforms to join in. As they are tired of the dictatorship itself.

We don’t know to much about the riots and demonstrations, as the state has slowed down internet, blocked social media sites and the biggest telecommunication company Zain has been blocked earlier in the week.

Still, with doze measures done by the state, still some vital information are leaked about the state activity and repressive acts against own citizens. However, this is not new, as the state under Al-Bashir has been violated human rights and crimes against humanity in Darfur, South Sudan and within South Kordofan. Therefore, that he would do such things to stay in power. Isn’t exactly new.

There is also reports of opposition leaders being arrested as a result of the continued riots, but that hasn’t been verified at this point. But that wouldn’t be dramatic or out of question. As the same state is shooting directly with machine guns against the demonstrators.

Time will tell how this one goes, but what we do know is that the people are rising and not accepting to be silenced. By the regime that has taken them for granted and thought they could spark fear in them. They are speaking up on the streets and saying what they feel is justified. It is about time.

President Al-Bashir, your time is up. Peace.

Sudan: The people are revolting against the government!

The Republic of Sudan is in flames, as the public is tired of the Omer Al-Bashir regime and his reign. As the lack of economic progress or stagnation as it is. The bread-prices are rising and the Sudanese Pound is weakening towards the US Dollar. Therefore, the public has had enough this week, as demonstrations and protest has erupted through the Republic.

We know the government is alerted, as they have killed just during the last 24 hours at least eight demonstrators in Khartoum alone. Who knows the real numbers or fatal occurrences, as the state has blocked social media and internet through ZAIN Sudan and other companies.

We know the situation is dire, when not only the bread prices are sky-rocketing, but the fuel prices too. While the government has not given higher salaries or secured the public for the added costs of living. The soldiers are also lacking basic salaries, therefore, the whole system from the top is defunct.

We know the state is serious, when the state has blocked WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter, in a game of trying to black-out information from the Republic to the world. As the world has to anticipate the next moves.

While the death has occurred, thanks to the Authorities cracking down on the ground. The Spokesperson and Minister of Information Bushara Aror claims the Police Force have been civil in their duties. Surely, the public outcry says something else.

The demonstrations, protests or riots are not only in Khartoum, but all over the republic. Its been in Nuhood, Post Sudan, Atbara, Damar and Hasaheesa. That was on the 19th December, but yesterday, it spread to Dongola, Kareema, Beber, Gadarif and beyond. Therefore, this a national protest against the state, not just the ones suffering in the capital, but in general.

This has to known, that the Sudanese are demonstrating against the decades after decades of reign for Al-Bashir, his cronyism and corruption, that his lack of respect for justice and rule of law. Is not under stated. That the man who has ruled with an iron fist. Is know seeing that the people are revolting against him. They have had enough. Peace.

Sudan: Pre-Negotiation Agreement for the Resumption of the Peace Process in Darfur (06.12.2018)

Communique of the 813th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on the Draft AU Policy on Conduct and Discipline for Peace Support Operations, as well as the AU Policy for Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Peace Support Operations (03.12.2018)

Gabon: A Constitutional Coup to divert Power because of the illness of the President

There now been three weeks of illness, sickness and  hospitalization of the President of Gabon, Ali Bongo. Who is the second Generation President of the Republic. Clearly, the severe situation is more dire, as the power-vacuum is visible.

Because this week, this was reported by Le Gabon:

By ruling only on a vacancy of power, the Gabonese Constitution and Article 13 revealed a flaw that the country would have done well. With the vacancy of the power which is well taken into account by the Constitution, the judge François de Paul Adiwa-Antony added a paragraph very useful in the circumstance. “In the event of temporary unavailability of the President of the Republic, certain functions devolved to the latter may be exercised either by the Vice-President of the Republic or by the Prime Minister on special authorization of the Constitutional Court seized by the Prime Minister or a tenth of the deputies, members of the government whenever necessary “. Thus, the Vice-President of the Republic, Pierre Claver Maganga Moussavou, was able to preside over the Ministerial Council of this Wednesday, November 14, 2018. The Constitutional Court “as a regulating organ of the functioning of the institutions, authorizes the vice-president of the Republic to convene and preside over a council of ministers which will focus exclusively on the agenda attached to the request of the Prime Minister “in the words of its president. The Gabonese policy is not blocked by the temporary absence of the head of state, but this will not stop the rumors. Only images or a declaration of Ali Bongo can calm the most fertile and the most sorrowful spirits” (Le Gabon – ‘Pas de vacance du pouvoir à Libreville’ 15.11.2018).

So, because of the illness of Ali Bongo and the lack of protocol in the Constitution, the Constitutional Court has ordered an Amendment, which fits the current regime. Where the Vice President or the Prime Minister, can preside over the governing functions, as an interim effort. This leading the Council of Ministers and other functions to secure the running day-to-day government. That has been done without elections or even a democratic gesture.

The President fate is still uncertain, there are outlets proclaiming his death, even today. There was the same two weeks ago in Cameroon. Where the media-house was practically closed by the Cameroonian Authorities after it did so. Therefore, the lingering doubt is in the air.

It does not help that the African Union (AU) comes out with this statement yesterday:

Chairperson Faki is deeply concerned by unfolding developments in Gabon linked to the state of health of President Bongo. Chairperson Faki further calls on all political stakeholders and institutions in Gabon to show the necessary collective leadership during this time in order to preserve unity, peace and stability in the country. Chairperson Faki further reaffirms the African Union’s strong commitment to the full respect of constitutional order in the country. The Chairperson will deploy a fact-finding mission to Libreville in the shortest delay” (African Union – ‘Communiqué on the situation in Gabon’ 17.11.2018).

We can expect Pierre Claver Maganga Moussavou to be in-charge and set-up shop without any elections. As he takes control while Bongo’s uncertain fate in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the amendment and the change this week. Shows that the ones inside the Cabinet and the closest to power was ready to take control. This they by technicalities and not by a popular vote, not even ensuring a clean process. The Gabonaise people have been used as pawns again. Just like they did when the father of the President died and his son took over.

Now the Courts decided and changed the structure without any consideration of the implications and even checking who was most eligible. Again, the regime has taken the power and left the opposition out. They are locking Jean Ping out by any means. Even changing the constitution by Court Orders. Just to ensure the continued rule of the One-Party.

With Moussavou there will be continuation of the dictatorship and no imminent change. Just another French supported puppet to secure the French Businesses and Corporations, while the Gabonese are struggling. This is the deep reality, that Paris and Libreville are seeing. This done by a mere Court Order and not ushered change by the public. If they stand up against the regime. They are usually thrown behind bars. Therefore, the regime are pushing through and not giving way.

This is a constitutional coup by Moussavou and the ones in inner-circle. Who have awaited their turn. They are barring others from power, as they are feasting on the opportunity. Since Bongo is in the hospital in Saudi Arabia. Where his fate is still uncertain. Peace.

The US Midterms Elections 2018 are missing one thing: Some EOM’s from abroad!

As the United States Midterms are going to the polls, I am disappointed the world around me. That there are no Election Observer Mission from the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), Union of South American Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Not to mention the Commonwealth, they should have also participated with some of mission there too, because the United States of America is a previous colony of United Kingdom. It should be necessary for them to participate and ensure these elections.

Alas, this is not the case, in the midst of voter oppression, disenfranchised voters, lack coherent ID laws, possible misuse of incumbents power and investigations into opponents. There would be a space for these EOM to bring scruitiny and tell where the US System lacks. Because clearly it lacks certain fundamentals.

This is a Republic, where people are automatically enlisted to the army and the citizens are monitored and having the information in the Department of State and within the Department of Defence (DoD). But these same outlets cannot let this information go directly to the Federal Election Commission, so they follow the advice of these bodies. To ensure that everyone votes are respected and also counted for. That the laws are justified and that they are for the betterment of the democratic values, the Republic is supposed to have.

We know it varies from state to state, but the media output, the usage of state resource from the Republican Party. Like the use of Air Force One for the President to travel to any rally of his choice. The way the state is paying for the GOP in the campaigns and the possible violations of both electoral law, but also of government resources should be looked into by outside entities.

When the United States can send the Carter Center to look over the Kenyan Election. Why shouldn’t NGOs from the other continents come to the US and do a study. Observer the events in Ohio or Iowa and write up reports of the ques, the lack of openness of the counting and other possible aspects. Where these NGOs could see something to point out and say that the these elections are lacking certain aspects and needs to be configured to be credible.

Because, that is what the foreign NGOs does elsewhere. It is time for them to go and look into the United States too, as the US system cannot be perfect, when the winner of the popular vote are still losing. There got to be a better way and who knows what that is.

I would have faith in the elections, if there was EOM from EU, AU, ASEAN USAN and other bodies, writing preliminary reports and coming with warnings of hate-speech and terrorism before the polls. That would have been sign of health, as the US cannot live alone in Supreme, as they are not that anymore. That has been proven again and again. It is time, that they get outside forces overlooking their acts and questioned their behaviour. Their Election Laws and their attitude towards their citizens. So, the balanced perspective, could be fruitful.

These sort of bodies shouldn’t just come to Kenya, Uganda and Sierra Leone. No, they should go to the United States, until everything is all and the above. It is needed so the public know they can trust the process and the laws of the elections. As the 2016 was marred with foreign interference and ploys from Russian agents. That is why it is more needed then ever. Peace.

Opinion: President Al Bashir given a doctorate in ‘Philosophy in Peace and Diplomacy’? This should be satire, not real life!

You are blacks, no blacks can stay here, and no black can stay in Sudan…The power of Al BASHIR belong to the Arabs and we will kill you until the end”Omar Hassan Al Bashir

There is very little peaceful ways in the ways of Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir, who for all strange reasons was getting an honorary doctorate of Philosophy in Peace and Diplomacy. The same guy that has been violently oppressing his own people. The man that has caused massive bloodshed in Darfur, Kordofan and the Blue Nile. Also, supporting proxy-war inside of South Sudan. Even keeping the Civil War with South Sudan as long as he could. To have the whole Republic as his and not have parts of it seeding from Khartoum.

Will show that some proof, but first lets shows the utter nonsense!

Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Juba on Wednesday in recognition for his role in bringing South Sudanese warring parties to sign a peace deal. University of Juba Vice Chancellor Proffessor John Akech while presenting the award said the university’s Senate decided to honor President Bashir with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Peace and Diplomacy from the Institute of Peace, Development and Security studies” (Radio Tamazuj – ‘President Bashir awarded an honorary degree at University of Juba’ 31.10.2018).

Now, that we have seen what the University of Juba did on the Peace Celebration in South Sudan today. As they celebrated the newly minted peace deal and even gotten SPLM/A-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar to return the capital from exile. Clearly, there are hope in the air and we can hope. Even as many parts of the party today, haven’t been all truthful and even following the cease-fire. As the CTSAMM have shown violations in Wau and other parts of the Republic since the latest peace agreement.

However, this is more about the Doctorate of Peace, that first took over his Republic by armed coup d’etat in 1989. Al Bashir have been in-charge since then and that is soon 30 years. That the man given this doctorate are in-charge of the massive killings and creating prolonged war-zones. This isn’t just words, but the civil war, which started before he took power in 1983, but he kept it going until 2005.

The reports of the costs of lives was 2.5 millions who died either by the Sudan Government Forces or by Sudanese People’s Liberation Army. This is the numbers of what was lives taken within today’s South Sudan. However, there are also studies into the cost of live within today’s Sudan, which: “Burr published a second working document in 1998,[xvi] following similar methodology, and adding information about government aerial assaults, and attacks on the Nuba Mountains, in Equatoria, Upper Nile and Bahr al-Ghazal, which, he wrote, ‘suggests that no fewer than 600,000 people have lost their lives since 1993” (Mass Atrocity Endings – ‘Sudan: 1985 – 2005’ 07.08.2015).

This is not mentioning the reported numbers of 38,000 died because of his conflict in Darfur, 2,8 million displaced by this. That is why it is hard for me to take University of Juba seriously, when they offer someone of the stature of Al Bashir a doctorate in ‘Philosophy in Peace and Diplomacy’. If it was practical joke or satire. I would have understood. But this man is legendary war-lord, who has blood on his hand. He has ordered direct killing and destruction of communities. Just because he could and had the ability to it.

No one that has caused this much bloodshed, to stay in power deserves a doctorate of this kind. If it was doctorate in warfare and combat, even in militia training. It would have made sense. But right now, it is just foolish and a mockery of the University of Juba. The Professors there cannot think in their right mind.

They have made a butcher and meat-lover, saying that he is vegan for the day. Let’s get real, if the Sudanese President had the option, he would continue the proxy war to secure the profits of the oil-fields in South Sudan. We know that and that is why he back-in-the-day sponsored the Nasir Rebellion. Peace.

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.