Zimbabwe: Evan Mawarire – “Zimbabwe has let her down but she’s finding strength everyday to get up and face life” (Footage)

“On a road in Harare today i met Beula. This 23 year old young lady is tough and full of hope. Zimbabwe has let her down but she’s finding strength everyday to get up and face life. We MUST UNITE and change this nation. Register to vote when the time comes” (Evan Mawarire, 30.05.2017)

Revealed: 29th April 2017 Presidential Call – President Trump really begged Duterte to visit the White House!

As the stories has gone, there is time release parts of the phone-call between the world leaders President Rodrigo Duterte and United States President Donald Trump. This one happen on the 29th April 2017. Already some of the parts had been released, but the whole document have been leaked. Therefore, the whole part of the their conversation is possible to reveal. What is the key from this conversation, it is that President Duterte acts an executive and President Trump begs Duterte to visit the Oval Office. And that they are both discussing how to deal with North Korea, which is interesting reading, since you see what sort of weak leader President Trump is.

To prove I have taken the stories from an official document, it was labeled with OAA-919-MASA-2017 and it was from Marshall Louis M. Alferez and the document was dated on the 2nd May 2017. So if you wonder, which document it is, than surely you have to find the whistle-blower. Well, let’s take some key statements between the gentlemen.

On North Korea:

Trump: “What’s your opinion on him, Rodrigo? Are we dealing with someone who are stable or not stable?”

Duterte: “He is not stable, Mr President, as he keeps on smiling when he explodes a rocket. He even has gone against China which is the last country he should rebuke. But it seems from his face – he is laughing always and theres as dangerous toys in his hands which could create so much agony and suffering for all mankind”

Trump: “Well, he got the powder but doesn’t have the delivery system. All his rockets are crashing. That’s the good news. But eventually when he gets that delivery system… What hunk do you have about China? Does China have power over him?”

Duterete: “Yes at the end of the day, the last card, the ace has to be China. It’s only China. He is playing with bombs, his toys and from the looks of it, his mind is not working well and he might just go crazy one moment. China should make a last ditch effort to tell him to lay off. China will play a very important role there”

Trump: “We have a lot of firepower over there. We have two submarines – the best in the world – we have two nuclear submarines – not that we want to use them at all. I’ve never seen anything like they are but we don’t have to use this but could be crazy so we will see what happens”

We can see that Trump has to get involved and doesn’t really listen to the advice, as he has to answer through the submarines of the United States, even as the Philippines President is putting the responsibility of North Korea on the Chinese Authorities. This proves the difference, as Trump doesn’t even really listen, as he even explains of the lacking arms technique the North Koreans have for the moment. So the way it is expressed, you see who is reflected and who just want to shot out of the hip. In this regard it is Trump, who even says it is no issue to use nuclear submarines against the Pyongyang authorities.

On wished visit to the Oval Office:

Trump: “Please call China and tell them we all counting on China. Tell the President – we became friends for two days – he was great. On another subject, I am coming to see you I guess sometimes”

Duterte: “November hopefully, we will be happy to see you”

Trump: “Thank you Mr President. You are a good man. Yes, certainly in November. Welcome and thank you and we will be happy to see you, Rodrigo. I look forward to seeing you. If you want to come to the oval office, I will love to have in you in the oval office. Anytime you want to come. I will be in the Philippines in November, but anytime if you are in the DC or anywhere, come see me in the oval office. Work it out with your staff. Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know. Just take care of yourself, and we will take care of North Korea. Keep up the good work, you are doing an amazing job. Say hello to people of the Philippines for me”

Duterte: “They know you are calling. It is the last day of the ASEAN Summit and everyone was asking. Sultan Bolkiah just left but I will tell remaining guys here what you told me. We are all peace, there is no secret about that”.

Trump: “Good, you take care of yourself, come see me before November, you are invited anytime”

Duterte: “I will do that Mr. President. Thank you for your concern. God bless you Mr. President”

Trump: “Take care of yourself, Rodrigo. God bless you”.

If you wonder what boggles me here, is the deal-maker and the art-of-the-deal trying to get President Duterte to visit the White House. It is amazing how he was begging Duterte to travel to the White House. He said he was welcome about 5 times in a short span of time. Donald Trump was nearly kneeling in the oval office to get him there, even calling him a good man. Even if he was just passing by Washington DC, he could just pop-by for biscuits and tea. The frankness of the invitation seemed more like beer-buddy, than a conversation between two Presidents.

You know he really does what he can, when he even had to say to Duterte as well, that he has to take care of himself twice. Like a friendly relief. Just like Duterte isn’t a grown man who can tuck his shirt. You would think that President Trump got advice on how to discuss matters and how to be cordial on the phone with world leaders. Instead, Trump sounds like he is trying to hard and not with a serious manner towards a fellow President, as Trump cannot wait to see him in November, which seems to be long time for him. Peace.

South Africa: National Assembly Question 996 on Public Spending at Nkandla estate w/reply of Min. Nhleko (22.05.2017)

“BREAKING: In a reply to my Parliamentary question, Minister of Public Works Nathi ‘firepool’ Nhleko, has said that there are no upgrades planned for Zuma’s Nkandla residence. Meanwhile, The chief director of Public Works, Barnie Ntlou told the Sunday Times that work will go ahead at the Presidents residence. Who’s fooling who?” (Mmusi Maimane, 22.05.2017).

Opinion: President Duterte shows strength towards the EU!

Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.”George Orwell (1984).

Another former sore point in the Republic of Philippines. This being the critic and the internal squabble of internal affairs by foreigners in the Republic of President Rodrigo Duterte. These has been the United States of America, Spain, European Union and others. Now the President stands up to them, also as the power-shifts to other alliances and diplomatic partnerships. This is certainly knew to a few, but since the first days in office, even President Obama got a mouthful for the interference in the internal issues and military operations in the Philippines.

The United States and European Union have been critical of the President Duterte and his administration. Therefore, that the Duterte Administration acts now upon the European Union warnings on the Extra Judicial Killings in the Drug War is expected. That is because the European Union want their donations and their grants to have more power. This is what worries Duterte and his administration, as they want to continue their popular work in Philippines. That is the reality, even if it is controversial and the methods seems rough. The Philippines and the public are understanding why President Duterte uses those sort of Police tactics to undo the controlling drug-lords and cartels in the Republic. But take look at the reporting!

Preemptive strike by Duterte:

A government source privy to the meetings said administration officials agreed to preempt any move by the EU to cut off aid “by refusing to receive it.” Malacañang on Thursday said Duterte had already approved the recommendation of the Department of Finance to reject grants from the European Union that “may allow it to interfere” in the country’s internal affairs” (Bencito & Ramos-Araneta, 2017).

Abella explain the cutting of Grants:

The Duterte administration announced yesterday it will reject new grants from the European Union (EU), possibly forgoing some 250 million euros or roughly $278.7 million in funds for development projects in the country, particularly in Muslim Mindanao” (…) “The President has approved the recommendation of the Department of Finance not to accept grants from the EU that may allow it to interfere with internal policies of the Philippines,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told reporters at Malacañang” (…) “The Philippines reserves the right to accept loans and grants that help attain its objectives of promoting economic development, inclusiveness, and reducing poverty, attaining peace within its borders and with its neighbors, and fostering a law-abiding society,” Abella said” (…) “It also reserves the right to respectfully decline offers that do not achieve these goals and offers that allow foreigners to interfere with the conduct of its internal affairs,” he added” (Lee-Brago & Mendez, 2017).

Text Message from Jesus Dureza Dominguez:

In a text message forwarded by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Dominguez said Duterte “approved the recommendation not to accept the EU’s offer of a grant (of) about $280 million which would involve review of our adherence to the rule of law. That specific grant is considered interference in our internal affairs.” (CNN Philippines Staff, 2017)

So the Philippines authorities was thinking instead of being slapped and humiliated by Europeans donors and their grants. They would cut it off and not accept the donations to the projects. As the possible condemnation of the Police Brutality and Drug-War would assault the works done to create more peaceful atmosphere for the citizens. This is how it can seen, as the Philippines and their President Duterte, also has a closer relationship with ASEAN and China than before. They are also more key allies than the Europeans. They are also not putting to much strains in the relationship and saying how the government of Manila are supposed to work.

The preempt strike is because the Duterte administration want space and wants to make sure their respected. Maybe, the European Union are not used, neither is the United States. But they are not someones to toy around with and show-off. The Philippines and their government deserves credit for pulling their strings and stopping from being muffled with. Many doesn’t have the courage and the pride of the Republic.

No-one would expected this as the Philippines has usual just accepted the donation and the grants with the decided perks it had, since they had too. But now the Chinese and other friends are helping the Republic out with infrastructure grants and other development projects. They are certainly not questioning the will of internal security or stopping the strong administration of Duterte. They are accepting it and also being cordial about it. One thing no-one should do, is to underestimate the President and his will. It might seem rough and might seem strange. But not all is humble subjects of other nations, and that is refreshing, as Duterte administration actually stands-up to the ones no-one anticipated.

This isn’t a new morning, but still time to smell the coffee. Peace.

Reference:

Bencito, John Paolo & Ramos-Araneta, Macon – ‘Duterte rejects EU aid’ link: http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/237044/duterte-rejects-eu-aid.html

Lee-Brago, Pia & Mendez, Christina – ‘Rody junks EU aid for Philippines’ (19.05.2017) link: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/19/1701437/rody-junks-eu-aid-philippines

CNN Philippines Staff – ‘Cayetano: PH will decline any foreign aid with conditions’ (20.05.2017) link: http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/20/cayetano-ph-decline-aid-with-conditions.html

Zimbabwe: I’m not putting #ThisFlag down (Youtube-Clip)

“It is not illegal to carry the national flag. We must not allow the criminalisation of patriotism” (Evan Mawarire, 20.05.2017).

President Mugabe is sleeping abroad because he is tired, yet another reason for him to step-down!

Some people talk in their sleep. Lecturers talk while other people sleep”Albert Camus

President Robert Mugabe really have loyal cadres and a ZANU-PF elite who deny the real fact about their leader. That President are old and weaker now is expected, Robert Mugabe is 93 years old. He has ruled the Republic for decades upon end without any relief or any plans for successor. Someone has said in recent times that he will gain the votes, even when he is dead. Another fellow ZANU-PF did say that he was biblical and his reign was written in bible. So the despotic and belief in the old-man has gone to far. As today’s defense of his sleeping in international conference and when visiting dignitaries abroad. Just read the statement!

Speaking on Zimpapers’ Capitalk radio Charamba said:

It has to do with his eyes and often I have felt very, very pained. In fact, I feel like a failure when there is this reading that the President is sleeping in conferences, NO. At 93, there is something that happens to the eyes and the President cannot suffer bright lights. If you look at his poise, he looks down, avoids direct lighting. In the case of Mandela, if you remember, you were not allowed to even use flashes whenever he was in the room. That is what happens at 93 and Mandela, I do not think lived as long as the President did. Let us disabuse ourselves” (Maveriq, 2017).

We all know that President Mugabe doesn’t care about anyone’s opinions, since he has his own ideas, where he defends his records and supposed achievements. Because it now overshadow that falls asleep during Press Conference with Shinzo Abe, at a conference in Kenya reported falling asleep 11 times, at the 60th Independence Parade in Ghana, at the inauguration of President Buhari in Nigeria and latest in South Africa at the World Economic Forum there. So there are many times he has fallen asleep. The old tyrant, who has grabbed power and never let go. He is tired of the international gatherings and public appearances, his aging body cannot cope with it. Even if he is biblical and will get votes after death, he apparently, can fall asleep.

He should bow down to the sleep, rest and give the helm to someone else. Who actually is awake and caring about the Republic. Not only eating the state resources, emptying the state reserves and spending on the ZANU-PF. There is a need of good governance and someone that actually feel they need deliver public services and safe government institutions. So that the state can deliver public goods and the welfare they need. Not the sleeping beauty!

Sleeping is for tired and weak, President Mugabe has done his deal and done his part, long time ago! Therefore, the fatigue and sleep is needed. Someone else should represent the great republic of Zimbabwe. A man or woman who will fight for the people and their plights. Not the ones who eats of the state reserves and state resources for their own gain. That is what the ZANU-PF has done and will be their legacy. Not that President Mugabe falls asleep abroad and makes a bad figure.

That shouldn’t worry the world, what should worry us all, is the efforts and the plans of what comes next. What is the steps ahead and what will be left behind after the sleeping executive leaves the scene. President Mugabe is 93 years old, all of draconian laws, the fragile institutions and the misuse of power, all stems to his reign. The sleeping abroad at conferences and press briefings are only proof, that he should retire and give in. But the ZANU-PF will not let that happen, nor his elite. Peace.

Reference:

Maveriq – ‘President Mugabe does not sleep at conferences, he will be avoiding bright lights says Charamba’ (11.05.2017) link: http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2017/05/11/president-mugabe-does-not-sleep-at-conferences-he-will-be-avoiding-bright-lights-says-charamba/#.WRRws9KGPIU

Zimbabwe is apparently a high developed country, who knew?

Zimbabwe is one of the most highly developed countries in Africa and after South Africa, I want to know which country has that level of development that we see in Zimbabwe,” (…) “We have resources, perhaps more resources than [any] other country in the world,” he said. “We are not a poor country. We can’t be fragile country. We’ve got these resources.” – President Robert Mugabe appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in South Africa – 4th May 2017 (Mail & Guardian, 2017).

President Robert Mugabe have never been casual and clearly understating his rule. As a ruler he wants to be certain to leave a legacy of prosperous society. Even as the Republic has an economy that been called an albatross by Governor Dr. J.P. Mangudya of the Zimbabwe Reserve Bank. Whose report earlier this year said the country lagged behind with debt repayment, deficits, lacking trust in bond-notes and the unbalanced economy. So when the Governor of the state bank of ZRB are saying this, the President of decades upon decades knows this. If not he is trying to lie. Think the world is blind and stupid on the fragile situation in Zimbabwe.

There has in recent years struggled to have fiscal funds to pay teachers, soldiers and civil servants for months on end. The hospitals have been lacking needed medicine and having equipment. So the developed state is falling. Even if President Mugabe and Gucci Mugabe are buying expensive treatment of health-care abroad and buy luxurious goods there as well.

This together with the patronage and the Zanu-PF elite who are driving expensive SUVs on the streets on Harare, Vice-President Phelezela Mphoko has lived months on end on hotels on the tab of the government. It is not like this ones will criticize the President, as they are living on his will and because they get paid for loyalty. Therefore, the Zanu-PF are trying to defend the long-staying rule and their ruler, who is apparently biblical and supposed to be President even when he is dead. Surely, tomorrow someone in Harare, a Minister or a loyal Zanu-PF spokesman will defend the words of the President.

Since Zimbabwe is so developed, since Pastor Evan Mawarire are in the courts, the flag and camouflage wear is banned. The patriotism and the #ThisFlag are a problem. Well, the movements and public demonstrations are a reaction to the open theft. The thievery done by the state, as they are selling away diamonds and other resources. The problem is also on the possibility of cash and foreign cash reserves. This is together with missing foreign currency and lack of trust in the Bond-Notes. Also with the deficit and the growing debt, are creating possibility of higher inflation. So the value of the currency will go down. If this is all true and the reality is so… than the President Mugabe was deluded in South Africa.

President Mugabe is right, Zimbabwe has resource and could have positive agricultural output, but that was if the Republic was governed properly and did other things than feeding the Zanu-PF elite. Instead of building positive policies and institutions to support and facilitate life for all Zimbabweans. That is something that hasn’t been done by the current leadership that is very close-knit by loyalty towards the President and not laws. The draconian laws and the failing economy will not create a better Zimbabwe. It will not be developed and clearly not the second after South Africa. That is just in the mind of Mugabe, who cannot help himself. Certainly, the Republic of Zimbabwe has a future and could become prosperous, but the Republic need leaders who doesn’t eat, but serve their citizens with services and policies. Peace.

Reference:

Mail & Guardian – ‘Robert Mugabe: We are not a fragile country’ (04.05.2017) link: https://mg.co.za/article/2017-05-04-mugabe-we-are-not-a-fragile-country

Opinion: President Duterte isn’t one call away! President Trump: If you want an ally you need to be cordial about it!

Its might be true that the political game of President Rodrigo Duterte is rough, harsh and brutal. That might be true and so, the people should maybe, also study why he acts like he do and why he is still gained massive respect in the Philippines. That the drug-war has been bloody, the new rules on curfew among others has hit hard. Still, the realm is calm and the business has moved-on. As well as his friendship with China, Brunei and other partners in Asia. Therefore, it is not like the Island state has fought or created issues abroad.

On the other hand, you have an erratic and irresponsible figure as Commander-in-Chief in the United States, which does not play any rules or understands any sentences deep enough to grasp the implications to his actions. He bombs in nations without any plans and start covert missions without any forewarning or any get-go from the United Nations or fellow partners on the ground. His sudden approach to bombing an airstrip in Syria, which was open again a few hours later. The bombing in Afghanistan, that might have damaged some installations of ISIS in the mountains, but not gotten rid of them. Then you have the golden pocket of all, the Yemen strike that killed civilians and innocent, while not even determine the consequences and losing lives of American soldiers. Therefore, President Trump has his battles and has his own issues.

Donald Trump has also enforced the ICE, the Police and Department of Justice in the battle on immigration, his executive orders and his acts against fellow human beings is not sincere and humane. It is more degrading certain individuals and then trying to deport them. Even stopping them from entering. So when people call President Duterte all sort of killer and such, President Trump is not much better, they are similar, but have different approach.

That President Duterte is ruthless when it comes to his drug-war that everyone should know by now. The same could you say about the hatred and concern for immigrants and uncertain warfare approach the Trump Administration have. Therefore, that this happen is not something be concerned about:

President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. It was a very friendly conversation, in which the two leaders discussed the concerns of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding regional security, including the threat posed by North Korea. They also discussed the fact that the Philippine government is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs, a scourge that affects many countries throughout the world. President Trump enjoyed the conversation and said that he is looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November to participate in the East Asia Summit and the U.S.-ASEAN Summit. President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction” (White House, 29.04.2017).

So out of the phone call, President Trump invited him without any protocol or guidelines behind him. Just after a friendly chat, this has happen before, they talked together in December 2016 as well. But then more cordial as you should do with foreign leaders. That being an official invite and not just brief talks.

Speaking to reporters in Davao City, Duterte said he has not made any confirmation due to other commitments” (…) “I’m tied up I cannot make any definite promise…I’m supposed to go to Russia, Israel…” he said” (…) “ Asked for more details on their phone call, Duterte said he expressed Manila and other Southeast Asian leaders’ concerns over tensions between the US and North Korea” (…) “It is the concern of everybody not only us but the ASEAN guys,” Duterte said” (…) “I said Mr. President, you cannot scare Kim Jong Un with firepower,” he said” (Merez, 2017).

So President Duterte didn’t just follow the erratic President Trump, as he shows that he is sovereign himself, also that he has loyalty other places. The Philippines are not only allied with the Americans more, they have also agreements with China and others who helps and develops the Republic without interference. Therefore, for Duterte the United States are less important as the Chinese and others are offering more for less. Especially, knowing that Trump only tries to get fellow leaders who can help him, since he doesn’t know anything about North Korea. If he knew he might have said and done things differently, but Trump doesn’t know better. He wants to take a shortcut and an use Duterte in his short-con.

Certainly, if the United States wants to have the President of the Philippines to visit Washington D.C. they should invite him with due process, he runs a nation as well and isn’t the lap-dog of the USA. That is how they have acted towards the Asian Republic in the past. With President Duterte they have to show some more tact and be more cordial. Certainly, he will not buy into the bullshit of Washington. Which, shows the changing ways of diplomacy is now between Manila and Washington D.C. Peace.

Reference:

Merez, Arianne – ‘Duterte says he has yet to accept Trump invitation’ (01.05.2017) link: http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/01/17/duterte-says-he-has-yet-to-accept-trump-invitation

Eritrea must free prize winning journalist, says UN human rights expert (03.05.2017)

Mr. Isaak was arrested in September 2001 during a political crackdown on the so-called G-15, a group of politicians, and journalists critical of Government policies.

GENEVA, Switzerland, May 3, 2017 – The Government of Eritrea must free journalist Dawit Isaak who has been awarded a prestigious press freedom prize some 15 years after he was detained, a United Nations human rights expert says.

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, Sheila B. Keetharuth, is also calling on the authorities in Asmara to release unconditionally all others detained unlawfully.

“The Eritrean authorities should stop the practice of arrests and detention carried out without legal basis instantly,” said Ms. Keetharuth, welcoming the award of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2017 to Mr. Isaak.

Dawit Isaak, who is 52 and a playwright, journalist and writer, moved to Sweden in 1987, where he later became a citizen. He returned to Eritrea only after independence in 1993 and was one of the founders and reporters of Setit, the first independent newspaper in the country.

Mr. Isaak was arrested in September 2001 during a political crackdown on the so-called G-15, a group of politicians, and journalists critical of Government policies. Some were detained and tortured, others disappeared. The last known sighting of Mr. Isaak was in 2005. His whereabouts now are unknown.

“The case of Mr. Isaak is emblematic of all those who have been subjected to enforced disappearances by the Government of Eritrea and remain unaccounted for,” said Ms. Keetharuth.

The Special Rapporteur recalled the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea, which concluded that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Eritrean officials had committed crimes against humanity, including the crime of enforced disappearance, in a persistent, widespread and systematic manner since 1991.

“The Government of Eritrea has an obligation to urgently provide information on the fate and whereabouts of all those deprived of physical liberty. This would be a first and long-overdue indication that the Government is committed to rebuilding trust with the Eritrean people,” Ms. Keetharuth said.

“By allowing independent monitors immediate and unhindered access to all places of detention, official and unofficial, the Government would send a strong signal that it acknowledges human rights violations of the past, while taking steps to improve the situation on the ground now.
“The arrests of Dawit Isaak and his fellow journalists remain the most visible sign of repression of freedom of expression. The Eritrean authorities continue to stifle all forms of expression that could be perceived as critical of the Government and its policies,” she said.

Ms. Keetharuth reaffirmed that freedom of expression was a basic human right, and a free press one of the tenets of a democratic society, providing a valuable check on potential excesses by government.

Statement of Crisis in Zimbabwe by Citizens of the Republic of Zimbabwe (02.05.2017)