Tchad: Communique du Gouvernement (09.04.2020)

Ethiopia: Will Abiy use this State of Emergency to crack-down on others?

I tend to support ‘State of Emergency’ measures put forward by a state or a government, when it will be done to battle insurgency or against epidemic. I understand them both. The Prosperity Party and Prime Minister Ali Ahmed Abiy is issuing his first one. It is not new with “State of Emergency” in Ethiopia. Therefore, I am sceptical and hesitant.

Even if this State of Emergency is issued for 5 months. The plan is to be delegated and controlled by the Council of Ministers, instead of the Command Post. Because of the history of Command Post. Just like people doesn’t trust the Liyu Police in the Ogaden Region. It is reasons for that, the violence, the crack-down and misuse of power towards the citizens. The same is the worry of the soldiers stationed in Amhara beating on supports of FANO. Just like the soldiers going against the querro in Oromia and so fourth. This sort of State of Emergency usually tends to be like that.

Even if this State of Emergency is placed because of the COVID-19 or Coronavirus. I have a feeling it will be used to get people more submissive to the Prosperity Party and the leadership of Addis Ababa. Expect Gondar, Jigjiba, Dire Dawa and Bahir Dar to be hit in these times. I wouldn’t be shocked to see leaked viral clips of assaulting soldiers to innocent civilians. Even reports of arrests and burning houses. Because, that is how these things to spiral out.

I’m awaiting blocked phone-lines, expect social media black-out and internet blockage, which the state has used rampantly in the Oromia region. Therefore, now that they have a legal basis. Have orders from the Central Government, the PP can act like the EPRDF did in the past and can shield information will suppressing the voices of the various regions. While using the COVID-19 as a excuse to do it. It is the perfect storm. The way of preparing the violence before the postponed elections and ensure supremacy. Without having to battle the alliances elsewhere.

The social distancing, the washing hands and the closure of state has happen elsewhere. The world is under a near global lockdown and states has issued similar means. However, the PP and its predecessor EPRDF has misused this in the past and that is not in ancient times. But it was done in the last decade and lots of systemic violence to stop the eruption of protest against the regime. Therefore, with the knowledge of that. I am worried. That is done to dismantle the voices against the government and not stop the spread of the virus itself.

The pictures of soldiers walking in the streets of Amhara, the voices of concern from Ogaden and the arrests of OLF leaders in Oromia. Shows the reasons for fear and worry. If your not, your ignorant to the way the leadership in Addis Ababa has controlled the Republic.

I hope I am wrong, because this COVID-19 is no joke. It is dangerous and contagious. It spreads so quickly and kills. While we have no direct cure or have vaccine for it. Therefore, there is a need to drastic measures to await the possible cure. However, the state who uses lockdown measures has to do it transparently and do it in the open. So the public can trust and live with it in hope, that the government act for their best interests.

Well, in this regard, I am worrying. I hope I am wrong. Because, that would have been nice. However, history teaches us things and the way people operate. Leadership can do reforms, but the reoccurent theme is that only goes skin-deep and is in rhetoric. Not in actual change of protocol nor actions. This is why I fear things. The TPLF is maybe out of the PP. However, the PP is still more of the same and they might strike with vengeance. Now that they have the opportunity. Peace.

Uganda: State House Anti-Corruption Unit – Press Statement (09.04.2020)

EFF Statement on Premiers placing their faces on Sanitizers distributed to Combat COVID-19 (09.04.2020)

Update on the COVID-19 Outbreak in Uganda (08.04.2020)

Keeping Up With Kaguta S1E8: A Work-Out Plan and Social Discipline

I saw a video of so many people on the Northern bypass walking and running around that, they are exercising. This should stop. If you want to exercise, you can do that indoors. I will show you how it is done tomorrow. I will do a video for you” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (08.04.2020)

There is never a dull moment in the lectures of President Museveni. Because of the reports of the people running on the roads in Kampala. The President is now stopping that, as the social distance isn’t followed. He will now make a copy of Kanye West’s “Work-Out Plan” Music-Video. Surely, he will do it in a way. Who knows whose of his team who will help him. This can be as funny as the parodies of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”. Since his not that athletic nor a sporty.

We can see more of this speech or National Address, as the COVID-19 Lockdown continues. The President continues show his ways. The micro-managing. Surely, somewhere, someone is printing papers and writing new guidelines. Internal Circulars within the LDUs, Police Force and Soldiers are trying to comply to the new regulations. This is the way they do it.

Our job was to scatter the dry grass (gatherings) but on the other hand block the people with the matchbox or stress those who have entered (Infected people). But actually this virus is easy if you follow the guidelines” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

The house is on fire.. People should stop talking about normalcy in a time of abnomarlcy.. We are not fighting with the disease, we are fighting with social indiscipline” – Yoweri Kaguta Musveni

Clearly, the President is tired of the ones not complying to his words, his orders and the lockdown itself. He is clearly angered and unhappy. That is why his saying people is indisciplined and need to listen. That is why his saying its serious and people needs to listen. In this instance it is true. As the contagious disease of COVID-19/Coronavirus is dangerous. Stay home, stay safe and wash hands. Use social distancing measures, only go out if you need and get groceries. That is how it is around the globe. Even as the President is limiting even more.

However, his continuing to pound on the needs of cars. Like cars can heal the sickness. The state are having trouble if this disease gets big or start to spread hard. The Health Care system isn’t prepared for that. That is why the President is going out so hard. However, his key thing to beat this except for social discipline is cars.

We need 1,400 vehicles to cover all districts” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

So, he keeps on hampering on this one. The cars given is clearly not enough. He is addicted to cars, not ventilators, nor PPE. Neither sanitizers or anything else. Because Uganda is prepared like he also said in the Address. His steady addressing of the state. Still, his not heavy with legislation nor with written word on the needed changes within the lockdown. Like he thinks its better to point out small changes all the time. Instead of pushing further restrictive legislation. That is why he even stops the Boda-Boda from operating after 2 am now. That is how it is!

Let’s see how his doing and how this will play out. There is always one Authority, one other leader who has jump hoops after an address. Since, they were not prepared for the work ahead. Just like the stickers last time. Peace.

Gabon: Communication du Ministere de l’Interieur (08.04.2020)

Burundi: Communique de Presse du Ministere de la Sante Publique et de la Lutte Contre le SIDA sur le Suivi des Actions de Prevention et de Riposte Face au COVID-19 (08.04.2020)

Ethiopia: Notification Note on COVID-19 Situational Update (08.04.2020)

Kenya: Ministry of Foreign Affairs letter to the Embassy of Republic of South Sudan on Medicial Evacuation of Hon. Malek Kuoc Mayom (06.04.2020)