Somali Special Forces Strike Destroys Alshabab Training Base in Middle Juba (12.06.2017)

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 12, 2017 -President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s statement on the dawn strike on Alshabab training base near Sakow.

“Earlier today, I authorized our special forces with the support of our international partners to conduct a strike against an al-Shabaab training camp near Sakow, Middle Juba region. This was a successful strike which destroyed a key al-Shabaab command and supply hub. This will ultimately disrupt the enemy’s ability to conduct new attacks within Somalia.”

“I said when I took office that security will be top priority for my administration. This strike will enhance security and reduce the threats of Alshabab.”

“We have long suffered at the hands of Alshabab which is supported by global terror networks. We and our international partners will take every possible precaution to protect our civilian population from harm during these operations while targeting terrorists.”

“All of us know somebody from our youth, our village, our families, who has been killed or injured by the senseless violence of al-Shabaab. I have personally met the families and the victims of several Alshabab attacks. For those who have suffered under al-Shabaab, and for the rest of Somalia, I want you to know that we are committed to defeating al-Shabaab and uniting our people.”

“To the members of al-Shabaab, I tell you that we are bringing the fight to you. If you, however take advantage of my amnesty offer and denounce violence, we will integrate you into our reform program. You have no future with the terrorists, but you can still be a part of Somalia’s future; a peaceful and prosperous future.”

#QatarCrisis: Somaliland officially embargo it’s land and sea towards Qatar, while a Qatar delegation have dialogue with FGS in Mogadishu!

The Federal Republic of Somalia are under continued pressure from the Kingdom of Somalia to cut their ties with Qatar. This happens as Qatar and Turkish representatives are in Mogadishu on talks. While the KSA and Gulf Cooperation Council members are adding threats and sweetening the deals with possible pledges of aid if they do cut their ties.

If the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) are accepting to be bamboozled by the KSA pressure, as the Somaliland state has already done. This is happening after the Somali delegation who had a meeting in Saudi Arabia, which didn’t go well.

So the neutrality in the conflict in the gulf is tightening up, as the regional aspects seems dire. Since Yemen, Djibouti as well has cut ties. While Ethiopia haven’t formally done anything, but promising a statement. Eritrea doesn’t want to take stand and stay neutral. While Sudan has sided with Kuwait and wishing to support a dialogue between the Gulf nations.

Today, supports of Somaliland said this: “Somaliland interest first; supporting UAE & Saudi is the right decision for our country while #Somalia “supports” Qatar Turkey & Iran” (Somalilanders, 11.06.2017). The Somliland officials has even made directions today on how the cut ties will be put into effect:

In his post cabinet presser at the presidency in Hargeisa minster Dr Saad Ali Shire the anti Qatar decision was not taken lightly but made after strenuous discussions as pertains the political, economic and diplomatic relations existing between Somaliland and Gulf Countries.

To this effect the foreign minster announced that the cabinet unanimously concurred that

1. The republic of Somaliland fully stands behind the decision taken by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Countries as pertains relations with Qatar.

2. As from 10th June 2017 nobody without explicit authority form the government of Somaliland princess shall be allowed to this countries airspace

3. Somaliland is fully responsible and in charge of its air, land and sea, thence those securing authority for use of such from Somalia shall be liable to due process of the law” (Hasan, 2017).

This is happening while Farah Maalim says: “Farmaajo is restoring Somalia’s image in the international arena. Resist dictation by Gulf fat cats. Maintain Qatar as a friend regardless” (Farah Maallim, 11.06.2017). So the dialogue today with Qatar, bring the internal problems into hot-air. As the Somaliland authorities are defying the Mogadishu government, the federal government of the republic. This is worrying as all parts of Somalia needs each other as the battles between government and Al-Shabaab continues, as well as droughts regions of the nation.

The FGS doesn’t need defiance, it needs collaborations in it’s quest for better future. The Somaliland decision to work on their own, proves that the power of investment in the port are clearly more important than inner works between all the Somali government bodies. Peace.

Reference:

Hasan, Yusuf M. – ‘Somaliland: Government warns against Airspace Transgression, Backs Saudi Against Qatar’ (11.06.2017) link: http://www.somalilandsun.com/politics1/government/10531-somaliland-government-warns-against-airspace-transgression,-backs-saudi-against-qatar

#QatarCrisis: Somaliland cut ties with Qatar, and rumors that the Federal Government of Somalia plans the same!

The Qatar crisis continues as the diplomatic meeting announced yesterday, that the Federal Republic of Somalia where together with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). So they were reports that the KSA would stop giving aid to the Federal Government of Somalia. This would really hurt the Somalian government. Therefore, this meetings was really crucial for the Somalian government and their funding. This is something the KSA counterparts know. That is why the reports from the KSA trip hasn’t gone as the Somali representatives should expect.

Reports from the credible Harun Maruf reports: “Somalia ministers return to Mogadishu after KSA trip; reports suggest they were given a “cold shoulder” but ministers insist it “went well” (…) “Diplomatic sources: Saudi Arabia asked Somalia to either cut ties with Qatar or downgrade relations; Somalia rejected both propositions” (Harun Maruf, 09.06.2017).

While Somaliland has now sided with KSA and UAE. “Foreign Minister Saad Ali Shire made the announcement at Somaliland’s Presidential Palace, following an emergency cabinet meeting. Many expected Somaliland would side with the Saudi-led coalition, as the UAE was granted permission to build a military base in Somaliland in February, and has close relations with the Government of the Republic of Somaliland” (The National Somaliland – ‘Breaking: Somaliland sides with Saudi Arabia and UAE against Qatar’, 10.06.2017).

So while earlier this week the Federal Republic of Somalia called for dialogue on the 7th June as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) diplomatic squabble in the gulf-states that they are exporting to add pressure other places. This as Djibouti already has sided. Sudan has sided with the dialogue of Kuwait, while Eritrea doesn’t want to be involved. Ethiopia has invested in Djibouti, so that might be their way into this. Therefore, the report from Fana is clearing the way for what they will do: “Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn held talks today with Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court Adviser Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb on issues of common interest. The two sides discussed about ways of further strengthening mutual ties”(Fana Broadcasting Corporate – ‘PM meets Saudi, S Sudanese envoys’, 10.06.2017).

That Somalia is under fire, as even one of their states are now partial and has taken sides, it is not unexpected as Somaliland already has agreements of running their ports through a UAE run company. This was about to come, but when it was happening was about to arrive. Now it has and the Mogadishu government has to decide, as their partners in Hargeisa. While Ethiopia, Djibouti and Yemen has taken sides with KSA, UAE and Bahrain. It is now only Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia who has talked about needing dialogue between the Gulf nations.

The politics of the Horn of Africa has been implicated in Qatar crisis and in a heavy way. The Somalia representatives even was back-slapped in Saudi Arabia, even if they don’t want to say so. The threats of cutting of aid and making it hard not to cut from Qatar. Proves how far the KSA will go to settle the stand with smaller and poorer nations. They will bait them to even make it hard not to cut the ties to Qatar, as the funding and support of the GCC allies will be suspended as well.

You can wonder when the GCC partners will ploy into South Sudan, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Tanzania and Kenya. They are the next in line. We just have to wait and see. The UAE and KSA will certainly want Somalia to cut ties as Somaliland have already done. Pea

#QatarCrisis: KSA Blackmailing Somalia and while Eritrea & Ethiopia wants to stay ‘Neutral’!

Today, the on-going crisis between the Qatar and its neighbors continue. That United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The diplomatic spat continues. As the nations in region also uses their foreign partners and development countries to put pressure on Qatar. The newest victim is the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Today in a meeting with Saudi Diplomates, the National Representatives from Somalia was meet with this hostile message: “Cut ties with Qatar & we’ll give you what ever you want”. Also, since the Federal Government of Somalia hasn’t delivered on that wish or command by the KSA. They have ultimately done this: “Saudi Arabia refuses to give any financial support to Somalia govt until it cut ties with Qatar”. This come within short hours that the Somalia Republic statement talks of wishing for peace between their Arab partners. Clearly, the KSA doesn’t accept that sort of regime and arrangement. Therefore, the Somalian representatives and also state who needs financial support. That is why this sort of reaction show’s the power of their financial reach and they want to impose their aid with control of the foreign affairs of Somalia.

While the meeting has lead to this relationship with Somalia. They have not tried to change the minds of Ethiopia or Sudan. Since their reach there isn’t as powerful as they could be in Somalia. That proves the power of petrodollars and the wealth of the Saudi Kingdom. Ethiopia has also taken a neutral stance, but has not been hit with pressure yet.

Ethiopian Statement:

The Ethiopian foreign ministry has yet to comment, there is a strong feeling among officials in the ministry that they are caught in the middle of a bewildering regional dispute, according to sources. “Ethiopia is acting with great caution and it will come up with a statement urging for dialogue,” a senior diplomat told Ethiopia Observer. Ethiopia’s dilemma is that it trying to develop political and economic ties with Qatar, while also trying to develop strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries” (Fantahun, 2017).

While the Eritrea statement says this:

Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release said that in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are requested to contact the Eritrean diplomats to cut ties to Qatar. Policies that Eritrea has been completely rejected it. Eritrea said the Qatar share a good relationship, and it is not practicable to apply due to its relationship to the cut. Policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea’s president has called for a negotiated end to the tension between Qatar and countries in conflict” (VOASomali – link: https://www.voasomali.com/a/3893751.html).

So if they do this to, than the KSA might come with similar threats and pressure as they have now done to Somalia. Certainly if it wasn’t for President Omar Al-Bashir talks with Kuwait and their dialogue, the KSA might have given him a decree too. Certainly, the KSA and their allies are using their leverage and ability to oil-money to sway people to go against Qatar. Peace.

Reference:

Fantahun, Arefayne – ‘Ethiopia and Sudan remain neutral in Saudi-Qatar rift’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/06/ethiopia-and-sudan-remain-neutral-in-saudi-qatar-rift/

President Farmaajo: “We will pursue them, and we will defeat Alshabab terrorists” (09.06.2017)

The president has termed the fallen soldiers as the true martyrs, as they died protecting their people and their country.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 9, 2017 – President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has sent his condolences to the families and the people of Puntland following today’s ambush on a military camp in Af-Urur, near Galgala Mountains.

The president has termed the fallen soldiers as the true martyrs, as they died protecting their people and their country.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a number of our gallant soldiers in today’s attack in Af-Urur, Puntland. They fought hard and bravely for their country, to keep their people safe during this holy month of Ramadan. We will forever remember them, they are the real martyrs.”

The president assured the citizenry that his administration would not show mercy in dealing with Alshabab terrorists who have no regard for the sanctity of life and the holy month of Ramadan.

This once again proves that the enemy we are facing is dangerous, is bent on causing harm to the peace loving people of this country and must be fought with by all means. We must show no mercy in dealing with Alshabab.”

President Farmaajo promised Alshabab would be pursued and would pay for today’s attack.

“We promise that Alshabab won’t get away with this. As of now, our troops are in hot pursuit of the enemy; they will pay for today’s attack. I am confident our forces would defeat this abhorrent enemy.”

President Farmaajo spoke on the phone with the president of Puntland and assured him that the Federal Government would stand by the administration and people of the region.

#QatarCrisis: Tchad cuts diplomatic ties with Qatar!

This one continues the diplomatic spat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that are adding more pressure on Qatar. That is done by the bilateral co-operations and with the allies of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the nations that has already reacted and cut their ties are KSA, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Djibouti, Mauritania, Libya, Maldives, Yemen, Comoros, Jordan and Senegal. These has all followed the Saudi Arabian accord on the GCC spat, as well as reacting to the problematic dispute between UAE and Qatar. Therefore, in this dispute and diplomatic tension, another country has decided to react as well.

Tchad cut diplomatic ties:

“Following the diplomatic tensions between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Bahrain, Egypt and the State of Qatar, the Government of the Republic of Chad has decided to recall its Ambassador to Doha, Qatar for consultation. The Government of Chad calls on all the States concerned to give priority to dialogue in the resolution of this crisis and also calls on the State of Qatar to respect its commitments by ceasing any attitude likely to harm the cohesion of the States of the region and the Peace in the world. “The statement said” (Tchadinfoes, 2017).

So now the Republic of Tchad has done their part now, just like all the other countries that has cut their ties and their relationship with Qatar. Therefore, the added countries acting towards the troubled country. While Sudan has said it will not take side, just like Sudan did yesterday, both talking about restraint. Some tries to neutral, an expect more to be so now. Peace.

Reference:

Tchadinfoes – ‘Le Tchad rappelle son Ambassadeur à Doha au Qatar pour consultation’ (08.06.2017) link: http://tchadinfos.com/politique/le-tchad-rappelle-son-ambassadeur-a-doha-au-qatar-pour-consultation/

#Qatarcrisis: More Nations are cutting their diplomatic ties with Qatar!

The list of nations involved in the Qatar diplomatic dispute is becoming very long and shows the power of the Gulf Cooperation Council and their Member States. As the already long list of nations ceasing their diplomatic ties are Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Now, in the last 24 hours there been even more nations reacting to it. As the Federation of Somalia, Sudan, Seychelles and Gabon speaking in diplomatic terms and wants peace between the Gulf Nations. Also, that the state of Kuwait has tried to involve as negotiations partner between Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain towards Qatar. Still, this hasn’t helped the situation, as of yet.

As a military reaction to it all, even if the US. has an army base in Qatar. The Turkish Parliament has passed a bill fast-tracking the possible troops in Qatar, these will be a battalion of 5,000 in a military base there. In the United Arab Emirates if you write in solidarity to the Qatari people and government, you might face jail, this is the official stance of the UAE government now.

So now, there are other nations who has decided to join the leaving party and show reactions to the allegations of sponsoring terrorism. These are Comoros, Djibouti, Jordan, Mauritania and Senegal. Take a look!

Comoros breake ties:

The United Republic of Comoros decided today to sever diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar. This came in a memorandum sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Moroni saying, “This decision is effective from today, Wednesday” (Saudi Press Agency, 2017).

Djibouti breake ties:

The Government of the Republic of Djibouti officially announces that it has decided to reduce the level of its diplomatic representation in Qatar. The decision of the Government of Djibouti was taken in solidarity with the International Coalition to Combat Terrorism and Extreme Violence as well as the Gulf countries and the Arab countries. The Government of the Republic of Djibouti, which remains committed to good relations with the Arab brother countries concerned, calls on the parties to resolve the dispute through dialogue and cooperation among the Arab countries” (Djibouti, 2017).

Jordan break ties:

Jordan will downgrade its diplomatic representation with Qatar, it said on Tuesday, after examining the “cause of the crisis” between Doha and several other Arab states, Reuters reported. Jordan also revoked the license of Doha-based TV channel Al Jazeera, government spokesman Mohammad al Momani said” (Saudi Press Agency, 2017).

Mauritania break ties:

According to the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the Mauritanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in a statement today, announced Mauritania’s firm commitment to defend ultimate Arab interests and steadfast adherence to the principle of respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs and its relentless efforts to consolidate security and stability in the Arab homeland and the world. “Qatari policy in the region,” the statement added, “was linked to support of terrorist organisations, the promotion of extremist ideas, the spread of chaos and instability in many Arab countries, resulting in great humanitarian tragedies in those countries, in Europe and across the world. It has dismantled the institutions of sisterly states and destroyed their infrastructure,” the statement continued. “In the light of the insistence of the state of Qatar to persist in these policies it pursues, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania decided to sever diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar,” the statement concluded” (WAM, 2017).

Senegal break ties:

Senegal has stood on the side of Saudi Arabia and its allies in the crisis that shook the Gulf in recent days. Dakar has decided to “recall in consultation his ambassador to Qatar”, informs a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese from outside received in Seneweb. The same source stresses that “Senegal expresses its active solidarity to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt”. These countries have broken diplomatic ties with Doha, which they believe supports terrorism. “The Government of Senegal is following with deep concern the situation in the Gulf region,” the statement said” (Seneweb, 2017).

This crisis is far from over, how this will turn and who will react is not easy to know. That Greece would offer a hand in the dialogue between the GCC nations, shows how little the world is and how many are involved. As the trading partners and the ones getting grants from Qatar are reacting as well. Even FIFA and Barcelona FC are involved in it, as they both are implicated with the state. Therefore, Qatari problem, becomes not only an issue for Al-Jazeera and the Airport hub of Doha, but for the general shipping and exports of resources. The involvement of Iran in Qatar is also one to keep in mind. As they are both enemies of Saudi Arabia and United States. This can be a main reason for the sudden diplomatic spat. So with the knowledge of transport planes with necessities from Tehran today. Shows there acts behind the scenes that are compelling. But we cannot know all the reasons for this, as things will unravel. But what we do know, is that the allies of KSA and other GCC Member States are throwing their weight behind and putting even more pressure on Qatar. Peace.

Reference:

Djibouti – ‘URGENT/COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.djibdiplomatie.dj/index.php/8-communique-de-presse/660-urgent-communique-de-presse

Saudi Press Agency – ‘Comoros severs diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1638089

Saudi Press Agency – ‘Jordan downgrades diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (06.06.2017) link: http://www.spa.gov.sa/viewstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1637905

Wam – ‘Mauritania severs diplomatic relations with Qatar’ (07.06.2017) link: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302617938

Joint NGO letter on Renewing the Mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea (05.06.2017)

Geneva, 5 June 2017

RE: Renewing the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea

Your Excellencies,

We, the undersigned civil society organisations, write to urge your delegation to co-sponsor a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea at the forthcoming 35th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. In view of the ongoing crimes under international law, including torture, enslavement and enforced disappearances, and violations of fundamental freedoms committed in Eritrea, the Special Rapporteur’s mandate remains an indispensable mechanism to advance the protection and promotion of human rights in Eritrea.

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur was established at the 20th UN Human Rights Council Session in 2012 to monitor the human rights situation in Eritrea. From June 2014-June 2016, the mandate was also represented on the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea (CoI). The mandate of the Special Rapporteur was extended in July 2016 to follow-up on the recommendations of the CoI. It has been instrumental in monitoring the dire situation on the ground, highlighting on-going violations and the failure to implement the recommendations of the CoI and in providing a crucial platform to help amplify the voices and concerns of victims.

The findings of the CoI and UN Special Rapporteur reveal that the Eritrean authorities have continued to impose a broad range of unwarranted restrictions on fundamental human rights, precipitating mass migration, including of unaccompanied children. Despite commitments by the State to reduce national service to 18 months, indefinite national service and forced labor persist throughout the country. [1] Persons who attempt to avoid military conscription, take refuge abroad, practice an unsanctioned religion, or who criticise government officials continue to be arrested and imprisoned for lengthy periods. [2]

The absence of an independent judiciary means that victims of these human rights violations have no recourse to justice at home. As a result, in Eritrea impunity persists and those who have been subjected to enforced disappearances remain unaccounted for.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully request your delegation to co-sponsor a resolution during the 35th UN HRC session that renews the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, provides the mandate holder with all necessary support, and urges the Government of Eritrea to cooperate with the mandate holder including allowing unencumbered access to the country.

Sincerely,

Africa Monitors
Amnesty International
ARTICLE 19
Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea
CIVICUS
Connection e.V
DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
Eritrean Diaspora in East Africa
Eritrean Lowland League
Eritrean Law Society
Eritrea Focus
Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights
Eritreans for Human and Democratic Rights – UK
FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights)
Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Human Rights Concern – Eritrea
Human Rights Watch
Information Forum For Eritrea
International Fellowship of Reconciliation
International Service for Human Rights
Network of Eritrean Women
PEN Eritrea
People for Peace in Africa
Release Eritrea
Reporters Without Borders
Stop Slavery in Eritrea Campaign
War Resisters International

South Sudan: Resolution Arising from Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Mediation Meeting Held at State House Entebbe (26.05.2017)

[The Arms supplier to SPLA] President Museveni are involved in developing a work-plan for peace in South Sudan!

Entebbe State House 26. May 2017

There are something very wrong when an arms supplier of two decades like President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, are involved in the mediation and peace negotiation in South Sudan. Even if President Salva Kiir Mayardit are wanting him. They have had a longstanding relationship, which is the proof of the arms trade and helping each with armies when needed be. Therefore the impartiality with having Museveni isn’t there. Museveni will secure Kiir and his fraction as that pays him in the long-run and not necessary the best for South Sudan. Just take a look!

On the 26th May at the State House:

Chaired a meeting of three different South Sudanese factions, seeking to reunite the South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. The meeting at State House, Entebbe was attended by representatives of the SPLM in government, SPLM in opposition and former detainees. This followed a request by His Excellency Salva Kiir that I help in the mediation process. The meeting agreed to establish a working committee that will develop a workplan on implementation of the Arusha Accord, end the war and plan for peace. The meeting tasked as me as mediator, and new chair of the East African Community to determine time and venue for the next meeting, which I will do” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 26.05.2017).

The relationship between Museveni and the conflict in South Sudan, can go back in to old libraries like the report from the Independent paper in the United Kingdom:

The Nigerian-owned Boeing cargo plane was forced to land at Larnaca on Tuesday during a flight from from Tel Aviv to Entebbe in Uganda. According to the Cypriot civil aviation authorities, it was carrying weapons to Uganda. A senior Ugandan official said yesterday it was the first his government knew of the consignment, and there is speculation that the weapons may be destined for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, struggling for survival in southern Sudan” (…) “The Sudanese government seems to regard Uganda as a supplier of the SPLA. Reliable sources in the area say Khartoum has been supplying dissidents elements in Uganda who have mounted random attacks near Sudanese refugee camps in northern Uganda” (Dowden, 1994). So Museveni has supplied the SPLA weapons for over 20 years and the recent reports show similar activity with Ukraine plane and pilot, instead of being a Nigerian one like the old report. Therefore, with the history of supplying weapons and ammunition to the SPLA. There isn’t like Museveni has chosen side in the conflict. The National Dialogue, which isn’t allowing Dr. Riek Machar and therefore excluding the real SPLM-IO, as well as the newly forged rebel-groups. Which is either dissidents of the SPLM-IO or the SPLM/A in the recent year.

So with the sanctions of who is taking part of the National Dialogue, it will not be sincere, since all of the parties are not involved. The rebels and their leaders are not in communication with the government. Therefore, President Kiir has an ally in the negotiation instead of mediator without any inside agreements. That means that President Museveni will be on the side of Kiir and not on a genuine peace-talks.

Like the interview of SMC in mid-May:

Q. What about IGAD efforts now in South Sudan?

A. For the South Sudan crisis the IGAD was also supported by the international community. In fact the agreement is ‘IGAD-plus agreement’. The IGAD on the one hand and on the other hand, the members of the international community including the TROIKA and a number of other countries were involved in bringing the government of South Sudan and the SPLA together in agreement. So on the ground there is an extensive understanding and cooperation between the IGAD and the international community” (SMC, 2017).

So even if it is a ceasefire now, the attacks and skirmishes still happens in different states. The situation is still dire and my faith in the National Dialogue isn’t there. As the IGAD-Plus Agreement haven’t been respected, by neither party. As the turmoil and crisis is in the matter of the current leadership. Both from the rebels and also from the central government.

With all this in mind, what will be President Museveni motives to make a work-plan for the mediation and implementation of the Arusha Accord. Will it be to generate a real peace or for the help of his friend in troubling time. With the knowledge of the connection between Ugandan Army and the SPLA, Museveni is more important to keep Kiir as an ally, than generate a real peace. The National Dialogue is flawed and it doesn’t help that you have a partial motivated leader like Museveni helping out. It is not to give the mediation any credibility. Since the weapon-brother and the ammunition supplier of the SPLA would not be sincere in wishing peace. He has made sure that President Kiir could battle his enemies and had enough bullets to silence them.

I never had faith in Museveni to deal with this, might the rest of the world do, but then they are naive and not thinking of the implications of selling guns and than discussing peace afterwards. It doesn’t seem to be real and fit. Like a beer producers are promoting careful drinking is insincere as they are in the business of trading the brew and not safety. Peace.

Reference:

Dowden, Richard – ‘Israeli weapons ‘bound for rebels’ in southern Sudan: Arms may be destined for SPLA fight against Khartoum’ (19.03.2017) link: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/israeli-weapons-bound-for-rebels-in-southern-sudan-arms-may-be-destined-for-spla-fight-against-1430077.html

The Sudanese Media Center (SMC) – ‘Interview: IGAD Special Envoy in Khartoum Lissane Yohannes’ (15.05.2017) link: http://smc.sd/en/interview-igad-special-envoy-khartoum-lissane-yohannes/