South Sudan: The Episcopal Church of South Sudan’s Communique (15.11.2019)

South Sudan: SPLM/A-IO kicks out representatives from Juba Hotels, the ones whose not part of any peace mechanism (01.11.2019)

Uganda-Rwanda Tensions XVII: Kagame warning and now postpone the 2nd Ad-Hoc Meeting!

You cannot be here benefitting from the peace and security that we have created, that we have paid for in blood over many years and then you do things behind our backs and cause us problems. We will put you where you belong, there is no question about it” – President Paul Kagame (14.11.2019).

Today is yet another snag in the relations and the growing tensions between the Republic of Rwandan and the Republic of Uganda. Where the two big-men’s pride continue to stride and cost for the public. This is after yet more questionable deaths at the border point between Rwanda and Uganda this weekend.

In September 2019, the parties had agreed to hold a second Ad-Hoc Meeting, but by mid-October there was nothing in sight. The Rwandan diplomats and such was crying foul, but nothing happened about it. They were awaiting an invitation for a meeting, but now that it has come. The Rwandan parts has cancelled the Second Ad-Hoc Meeting in mid-November 2019.

This is all happening after the Luanda Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties on the 21st August 2019. Therefore, the whole time after this there been no change between the parties. As the border points are closed. The lack of trade and the closure of movement, which has happen because of allegations and finding of illegal arrests of Rwandan citizens inside Uganda. And the support of militias to undermine Kigali. Clearly, the parties have a lot of things to work with combined with the measures made by Rwanda, with closure of border, suspend trade and also violent attacks across the border points towards Ugandan citizens. This is all creating a uneasy field and tensions between the Republics.

This has now happen during most of this calendar year, since the start in about March 2019. That is why this is an continuation of the policies and the acts of both governments. The lack of trust and the playing games. Doesn’t make this better and shows the value of an MoU. Which is at this point worthless, as the Ad-Hoc Commission is doing nothing to settle the score nor making the parties work together. That is why since September 2019, there been no progress or proof of finding any middle ground. To stop either insurgencies, to support militias, to stop the policies of trade and everything else. The supposed aliens and spies from Kigali in Kampala too. All of this is creating an uneasy atmosphere.

What we are learning with time is that the egos of Museveni and Kagame is strong. As none of them is backing down and is warning each other. The Republics and the egos are now spiralling this out. They are not only testing the grounds, but there are already victims there. That has been on both sides of border and this will continue. As long as they are doing this to each other.

Today’s revelation of the cancellation of the second Ad-Hoc Meeting isn’t only a worry, but shows that Rwandans are answering the warning note after the fatalities during the weekend. This is happening after mid last month, they were awaiting an invitation to another meeting. Therefore, the last Kigali meeting of September is the last word for now.

Both Kagame and Museveni needs to talk, sit down properly, kiss and make-up. They got to not only make a worthless document and a process, which creates nothing. That is futile and a waste of time. They need to negotiate and actually iron these things out. Since, this cost innocent civilians, this costs trade and also suspects illegal activity by both parties. Which is again infusing more uncertainty between the neighbours, which should be more friendly between brothers. Now, they are making small battles and small tiny victories, but nobody is really winning. As they are just postponing either diplomacy or filling the chambers with guns.

We rather hope for peace, not war. But these two are warlords who rules the Republics. They are known for militias, warfare and using armed personnel to get their way. Back-in-the-day, they worked together, but now the pride is going to their head. They want to be on top and be the big-man of the region. Neither want to look small compared to the other. That is how it seems. Instead of settling the difference and just talk. Peace.

Opinion: Uhuru, wananchi are broke because of you…

“The President wondered where all the money being used to construct government projects is going. In fact, he specifically asked us the question: Why are people broke; why is it that there is no money in their pockets?” the official reported to be a parastatal head was quoted by the publication” (John Wanjohi – ‘I Don’t Understand Why Kenyans are Broke, Uhuru Says’ 12.11.2019, Mwakilishi.com).

President Uhuru Kenyatta must think people are gullible and ignorant to the facts. That they are not understanding the bigger picture nor the consequences of the actions made by the central government. Because, going around asking this sort of question, opens the door to wonder, how stupid does the President think the wananchi is?

President Kenyatta, first and foremost. It is your reign and your decisions that has made people out of pocket and broke. It is your government policies, your actions as head of state and the reactions to that. Which in the end, accumulate to the result of unemployment, poverty and the lack of cash to go-around. That is all because of you and your yes-men.

People have tried to blame Henry Rotich for this, but lets be clear. His the scapegoat. The Cabinet Secretary or the Minister, which is easy to aim at, but he has just sanctioned and followed protocol made by the President and his patronage. There is nothing else too it.

That is why with the growing corruption in the reign of Kenyatta, the added debt and the new cap or celling for debt. Just shows what it is all about. The free money of loans to shield the over spending government, which builds pipedreams and white elephants like there is no tomorrow. While wondering why people doesn’t earn coins on it. That is because, they don’t get the tender through shady companies like with the NYS Fund, neither do they get any direct benefit of the SGR. Secondly, non see the money for the maize scandals nor the sugar cartels too.

That’s why its like this, just like the crack-down betting firms, where the state banned one and opened up the gates for another one. There is no development, only more shady tricks. Just like the trade of milk and the standards put on that, which is ironic. Since the President himself is involved and owner of that. Plus all the estates, hotels and whatnot, both the President and the DP now owns. They have created empires while being in office, also ensuring the cronies get a cut too. While the state suffers a bondage and will have for generations, because this one borrowed fiscal stimuli like their was no tomorrow to begin with.

So, its better for Uhuru to not act a fool, but to actually do his job. He has been globetrotting and a vagabond as the President. Maybe time to cool down, not do PR stunts and empty pledges of the Big Four and the Building Bridges Initiative, but actually deliver something that matters. Not just empty expensive containers, which someone inside the Ministry of Health could profit from. Since, that is how the Jubilee government have operated on a large scale, with Grand Corruption in their veins and borrowing money at large too. Therefore, the lack of fiscal responsibility, nor any substance of development for the poor.

That’s why Kenyatta, that’s why you have not succeeded. You have reigned supreme since 2013, but your not leaving anything positive behind for 2021. Only more loans, bigger corruption scandals and a questionable legitimacy, as you rigged the last election and used Cambridge Analytica to massage your message to the masses. Which will not be forgotten. Peace.

Uganda: A Protest Note to the Rwandan Security Personnel at the Uganda-Rwanda Border Point (12.11.2019)

Kenya: Inspector General of Police Mutyambi – Press Release (12.11.2019)

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on South Sudan (12.11.2019)

The Secretary-General also urges the Government of South Sudan to support the process by releasing the pledged amount of $100 million.

NEW YORK, United States of America, November 12, 2019 – The Secretary-General welcomes the decision of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Council of Ministers, further to the agreement by the South Sudanese parties under the auspices of Uganda and Sudan, to extend the pre-transitional period for an additional 100 days.

The Secretary-General urges the parties to use this extension to make further progress on critical benchmarks, including security arrangements and the number and boundaries of states, to allow for the formation of an inclusive transitional government of national unity. The Secretary-General also urges the Government of South Sudan to support the process by releasing the pledged amount of $100 million through a transparent and accountable mechanism.

As IGAD has underscored, face-to-face meetings of the leadership of the parties will continue to be crucial in maintaining momentum. The Secretary-General reaffirms the critical importance of the role of IGAD and the African Union in the political process, and the continued readiness of the United Nations to support their efforts.

Kenya: Nairobi Police Service – Press Release (12.11.2019)

Kenya: IPOA launches Investigation into the Alleged Assault on University Students by the Police (12.11.2019)

Rwanda National Police: Press Release (10.11.2019)