African Union’s support to the Somali Transition Plan and the upcoming AU-UN Joint Review of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) – (07.05.2018)

The Commissioner for Peace and Security – Amb. Smail Chergui and the Prime Minister agreed that AMISOM should continue engaging and contributing to political processes in Somalia.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 7, 2018 – The Commissioner for Peace and Security – Amb. Smail Chergui and the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia – H.E. Hassan Ali Khayre exchanged views on AU’s support to the Somali Transition Plan and the upcoming AU-UN Joint Review of AMISOM. During the discussion, Amb. Smail Chergui made reference to the Communique of the Peace and Security Council adopted at its 769th Meeting held on Monday 30 April 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia which commends the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) for the finalization of the Somalia Transition Plan. The Communique further appreciates the critical role of AMISOM in the transition process which should ultimately enable the FGS to take over primary security responsibility of Somalia.

Relatedly, the Commissioner and the Prime Minister agreed that AMISOM should continue engaging and contributing to political processes in Somalia. In this regard, AMISOM will extend its civilian presence across AMISOM’s area of responsibility to provide support to inclusive political processes. It was also agreed that the role of the AU is critical in providing capacity building support, including training and mentoring, to the Somalia National Army (SNA) and Somali Police Force (SPF). Additionally, AMISOM will continue to support stabilization and other related activities as provided for in the Somali Transition Plan.

Based on the above, it was reiterated that the upcoming AU-UN Joint Review of AMISOM as per UNSCR 2372, should consider enhancing the existing capacities and capabilities of both AMISOM and Somali Security Institutions to effectively facilitate the Transition.

South Sudan: Press Release on the reunification of the SPLM Factions (07.05.2018)

IGAD: Letter to South Sudan Opposition Party (06.05.2018)

Somalia: United Nations expert urges action to stop children being kidnapped and used as fighters (07.05.2018)

Mr. Nyanduga welcomed the adoption of the first-ever Joint Programme on Human Rights in Somalia and urged the international community to support the ground-breaking initiative.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, May 7, 2018 – The Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Bahame Tom Mukirya Nyanduga, has condemned recent terrorist attacks in the country, and called for the immediate release of all children kidnapped or recruited as fighters in the country’s armed conflict.

“The abduction of children by the Al Shabaab group and their recruitment and use by Government security forces in the armed conflict constitute a grave violation of the children’s rights,” the expert said in a statement at the end of a six-day mission to assess the human rights situation in the country.

Mr. Nyanduga commended the Government for measures taken so far to rehabilitate children captured in combat, and for recognizing that such children were victims, but he urged the authorities to act now to stop children being used in the fighting. The expert also called on the Government to build rehabilitation centres to address the plight of children associated with Al Shabaab.

He welcomed action by both the Government and the international community to reduce loss of life from famine, but made clear that more had to be done urgently to help thousands of people forced to leave their homes because of flooding.

“The Government must commit itself to addressing this recurring problem by adopting a range of durable solutions, including the relocation of victims to higher ground,” the expert said.

He hailed the Government for some human rights improvements, including ending the practice of executing in public those convicted of terrorism-related offences, but made clear there was still much more to be done to improve human rights more generally in Somalia.

“There has been a considerable improvement in the right to freedom of expression and opinion compared to the previous year, but I am still receiving reports of harassment, intimidation, arrest and detention without trial of journalists.  I call on the Government to ensure respect for the right to freedom of expression and opinion, and a free media,” the expert said.

Mr. Nyanduga also called for measures to halt the marginalisation of minority clans and people forced to move from their homes to other parts of Somalia. He also urged the Government to provide a legal framework to protect people with disabilities.

The expert called for a comprehensive review of the country’s traditional dispute resolution framework and urged steps to ensure that traditional elders protected women against female genital mutilation, rape and other sexual and gender-based violence while respecting international human rights standards.

The Independent Expert also wanted to see a strengthening of the justice sector, in particular the police, judiciary, related ministries and other institutions crucial for underpinning security sector reforms.

Mr. Nyanduga welcomed the adoption of the first-ever Joint Programme on Human Rights in Somalia and urged the international community to support the ground-breaking initiative.

During his visit the Independent Expert met a range of people including ministers, members of the judiciary and those representing civil society. He will submit a report with recommendations to the Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2018.

Opinion: Why I have a hard time believing Museveni as a mediator in South Sudan!

When it comes to a political disagreement like we have here (South Sudan), we must have a scientific approach to its resolution, should it be resolved by force or other ways? Force should be reserved for the enemy. A disagreement among brothers should not be resolved by force,” President Museveni said” (…) “Some people have been coming to Uganda. Malong [Paul] and others. They come and talk to our people. They want to start a war because they claim Salva Kiir is being controlled by some elders. But should that be cause for war?” Museveni asked” (Kasasira, 2018).

It is okay, that anyone want all the stakeholders, all the opposition militias, all the war-lords to a sit-down and settle differences. That is cool and that is good, if there was a substantial effort for doing so, but a leader like President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Is not believable in this grace. He is not the kind of man to this himself. He rather get rid of his enemies and settle the score in his favor. That is what he has done in the past and is known for. He peddles a fake-peace, signs agreements and when the opposition, thinks all is golden. He strikes with fierce force and takes it all. That is Machiavellian leader Museveni is. Instead of having a proper sit-down in Kasese, he burned the Royal Palace and killed guards like their where vermin. So, that the Ugandan President said this, is sort of poetic.

But if we go further down into history, into when he was still a warlord himself and not a 32 year long life President, he was still just mere guerrilla leader, which used force for his own benefit. This was the Nairobi Talks accord and agreement, which he first signed and later dropped like a cold stew.

Mr. Museveni never helped to carry out the peace accord, refusing to take his post as vice chairman of a reconstituted military council or to nominate members to the council” (Rule, 1986). “Mr. Museveni, who signed a peace accord last month in Nairobi with General Okello in an effort to end years of bloodshed, characterized his participation in the peace talks as ”very painful” because he was sitting there ”with the criminals across the table.” He said he agreed to the accord because of pressure from other nations, which he criticized as being more interested in opening roads for trade than in the future of Uganda. He said his followers had made it clear they would not take part in any government in which ”criminals” were involved. The accord was never put into effect, and Mr. Museveni moved on Kampala a month after it was signed” (Rule, 1986).

That is why I have a big trouble with Museveni as a mediator. Not only his army is involved with the SPLA and even has a defense agreement (MoU) with them. Which means he is impartial and is indirectly a trading-partner and weapon-brother of President Salva Mayardit Kiir, which should be a no-no for anyone. However, that is not the worst issue, its a serious breach. But its the knowledge of how he himself was to settle the score and take Kampala in 1986.

In 1985 December, as the Okello Government was finalizing the Cease-Fire’s and putting down arms as the Nairobi Peace Agreement was supposed to do. Museveni armed to his teeth, continued to fight the government army and within a month took Kampala from him. That was the immoral acts and securing his NRA/M the power. Which he haven’t ceased since. So he calls the other parties and the other politicians at the talks in 1985 as criminals, however, he didn’t follow the agreement either. So, he isn’t as noble as he think he is. He used force to get his way, when he needed it. He used force against his brothers to take power and never let it go.

That is why he is the wrong guy to mediate anything. He will kill the ones who steps in his backyard and tries to take his cattle. A man who signed an agreement, but never had plans to follow it. As he wouldn’t be muffled in a coalition, which he couldn’t control. Is a man whose supposed to mediate in a conflict between various parties with different interests and motivations? Nah, you cannot be serious.

President Museveni shouldn’t be the one to trust this with, he will make sure President Kiir gets a head start and gets the weapons he needs to smash the opposition, to smash the rebel outfits and make sure the militias are dying. That is what Museveni does, he doesn’t speak peace. Unless, you leave him in peace in power. Than, you can do whatever you want. Please, remember to him your tax too. Peace.

Reference:

Kasasira, Ridsel – ‘Why Museveni is urging Kiir, opposition to hold talks’ (06.05.2018) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/-Museveni-Kiir-opposition-South-Sudan-SPLM-Igad-Machar/688342-4546986-30js91/index.html

Rule, Susan – ‘REBEL SWORN IN AS UGANDA PRESIDENT’ (30.01.1986) link: https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/30/world/rebel-sworn-in-as-uganda-president.html

Rule, Susan – ‘REBELS IN UGANDA TAKE CONTROL OF CAPITAL, BUT BATTLES CONTINUE’ (26.01.1986) link: https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/26/world/rebels-in-uganda-take-control-of-capital-but-battles-continue.html

Somalia Security High Level Meeting – Joint Declaration by the Co-Chairs, Brussels, 2 May 2018

Ruto snubbed at Kabarak: Next time have an official Plan B!

Marcus Burnett: Is this still plan B?

Mike Lowery: Naw, this is definitely plan C!” (Bad Boys 2, 2003).

Before politics, William Ruto was a walking preacher, who later joined in with the Orange Democratic Movement. Until he got tired and couldn’t eat enough. So he launched the United Republican Party in January 2012. In December 2012 he went into an alliance with Uhuru Kenyatta. That led to the victory of the 2013 General Election and also the formed alliance, that became a joint party now named Jubilee Alliance Party. With this in mind, Ruto has been playing the cards as he has seen fit.

When he was on the rise to power, before becoming someone to mention, he used the platform of Raila Odinga to become someone. While he didn’t rise enough or eat enough. He went out of that party and created his own. That he did just in time to join the The National Alliance of Kenyatta and create the Jubilee. So he could live among the allies and secure the battlefront against his former allies.

This weekend, as the bridging gaps between ODM and Kenyatta is in full affect. The handshake that has put torn in the flesh of many and also far from patching the hurt. Still, Ruto want to be the big-man and be someone you respect. Therefore, he doesn’t want to seen as a leach, but someone who can carry himself and importance. This weekend has shown how much power he really has.

When Gideon Moi, the KANU leader, the son of former President Daniel Arap Moi. Everyone of some relevance visits him and have talks. The likes of Odinga and Kenyatta has recently been there in the home in Kabarak. This weekend the Deputy President traveled to Kabarak with his helicopter. However, the doctors appointment was more important, than seeing Ruto and shaking his hands.

Whatever reasons for the snub, this is still showing the obvious. That Ruto isn’t as all powerful, he didn’t become the victor of the handshake between Kenyatta and Odinga. That was the first thought coming to mind. As it seemed that the grand-big-man, with his little village project of houses and expanding businesses, he is clearly not respected. That is accurate to say. Because, the reports of Gideon Moi being behind the snub. Shows that KANU has respect for Kenyatta, but not Ruto. He is lucky enough to be DP, but not lucky enough to visit and have lunch with the former President. Wonder if the same would happen if he visited Mwai Kibaki?

Because Odinga went there too… Ruto might have made a Public Relations impact, as people feels sorry or people are disgusted in Gideon Moi’s actions to block him from having lunch in Kaberak this weekend. However, I just feel that this shows lack of power that the Deputy President currently has. Secondly, he is disrespected and also shown the door. Therefore, a man with his office and stature can be blocked like a bloke asking out a girl and getting the door shut in the face. Instead of eating out and having a decent date. That is what happen to Ruto. Which is for all reasons humiliated.

But it also make Gideon looking giddy for the wrong reasons, as he knew that Ruto was coming, but sent his father to Doctor. Such a gentleman.

This is the first shot from Gideon, as people are speculating about 2022. However, this shows just how fickle the roads to power are. Even when your on the top, you can still get shade like everybody else. That has been seen with the sudden Kabarak visit from Ruto. Maybe prepare a believable Plan B? Because, you cannot trust anyone I suppose. Peace.

South Sudan: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – SPLM, National Liberation Council – NLC Meeting – Resolutions (04.05.2018)

Agreement to stop fighting in South Sudan needs to be upheld (03.05.2018)

Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations mission in the country (UNMISS), David Shearer said UNMISS would continue to fulfill its mandate.

JUBA, South Sudan, May 3, 2018 –  The surge of violence in South Sudan’s Unity region “looks set to continue despite the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement that was signed last year,” according to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations mission in the country (UNMISS), David Shearer.

He made his comments during a visit to Leer and Dublual in the Unity region to see first-hand the impact of the deteriorating security situation on communities.

“The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement needs to be fully implemented. All sides need to abide by what they agreed to and their actions on the ground carefully monitored and scrutinized,” he said.

“The intensification of the conflict is having a serious human impact. Hundreds of people are sheltering next to the UN base. We saw tukuls (huts) burnt to the ground. We were told that elderly people and children had been killed and medical clinics ransacked,” said the Head of UNMISS.

“I met a little girl who had been shot through her stomach and back. She is just one example of dozens of people injured and killed over recent weeks,” said David Shearer. “We also know that hundreds, if not thousands, of people have fled into the swamps and are surviving on wild vegetables and fruit.”

David Shearer and a team from the UN Mission in South Sudan met with both Government and Opposition leaders in the area, urging them to lay down their weapons, reconcile, and work together to build durable peace.

He said the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement last year had given the peace process momentum, but that it was at risk of unravelling without genuine political will.

“Earlier this year it felt like we were moving in the right direction. But after seeing the effects on civilians of this conflict, I believe there is a real risk that the situation will deteriorate further and undermine the chance for lasting peace.”

David Shearer said UNMISS would continue to fulfill its mandate.

“Our job is still to protect people and help them get through these dark times so that the peace process can work and we can find a durable solution. We will do all we can to support the people of South Sudan,” he said.

Kenyatta apologized, but will he patch the hurt?

In the State of the Nation Address, the fifth of his kind, President Uhuru Kenyatta did go into the expected territories, however, he went in one direction I didn’t anticipate. He asked for forgiveness. But as a leader, I hope he acts, because he knows how he came to power for the second term in 2017. We know how he was the loudest voice of discontent, the one who has blatantly disregarded the rule of law, the one that has used the army and the police to hurt civilians. Therefore, the ones that was in-charge of doing these ills should pay for the hurt they caused. Not just, apologize and move-on. Just as if Rail Odinga got his handshake and his role in government, so now he does not care how the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) rigged the game. Here is the part of the speech I felt had some values, worth mentioning.

“We also learned, again, a hard truth. Neither peace nor unity are a given; we have to work for them. I say so because last year taught us that if we don’t put an end to unrestrained political competition, it will put an end to Kenya. You saw what happened. In the heat of the campaign, words of anger, malice, and hatred were spoken. Politics was no longer a debate between opponents on issues; it was a clash of irreconcilable enemies. You saw the consequences: lives lost, property destroyed, our unity sapped. I want to be clear here: never again should Kenyan life be lost for politics’ sake; never again should Kenyans’ property be destroyed on account of politics. But that will not just happen on its own. All of us, and in particular we leaders here, will have to admit that last year, we failed in our duty to preserve the unity of this country. And we must make amends. First, I pray that all of us will spend the days and weeks after this address repairing the bonds that frayed last year. Let us apologize for our words, and for the anger and malice that Kenyans heard. From Mandera to Maseno, from Mbita to Mvita, from Lodwar to Lunga Lunga, let us shake hands and embrace our neighbours, and let us celebrate the diversity that is God’s gift to us. Let every leader in the country reach out to our sons and daughters, and remind them that they have it in them to forge a Kenya that speaks gently, that criticizes constructively, and that embraces and respects dissent and competition as healthy and civilized ways of collaboration. And since leadership is best done not by exhortation but by example, let me do as I have asked you to do. If there was anything I said last year that hurt or wounded you, if I damaged the unity of this country in any way, I ask you to forgive me, and to join me in repairing that harm” (Uhuru Kenyatta – State of the Nation Address in Parliament, 02.05.2018).

It is good to hear this from the President, I just hope it is sincere, but if it is, then there is need for action. Not just handshaking Odinga, give him some coins and thinks the families, the tragic deaths that occurred on your watch goes away. All the Extra-Judicial Killings, the big shots who sudden killed days ahead of the elections. Those will be remembered, they will not be forgotten, even if you ask forgiveness. They are still bloodstains on the hands of the President, who hasn’t really done anything to investigate or more like a cover-up to not look into those who has lost their lives. So that he could rule a second term in office.

I wish it was differently, but it wasn’t only innocent civilians that passed away because of protest, police-brutality and electioneering. There was people who mattered and was high upon the food-chain, still the deaths of these lingers on. With many unanswered questions, into the levels, of who paid who and who ordered to send for who? As long as those questions are open, you can wonder if the highest command want it die down and go silent. So that they wont be questioned for their role in their demise.

It is hard to forgive, when your not even trying to cover-up or trying to patch the hurt. You don’t even try to forge or change. Seems like all talk and no play. Since, everything you have done is to pay-off your worst enemy. However, not look into the systemic indifference nor the activity that lead to the demise of the people during the elections. That is because that will hurt your own allies and the dark shadow of your presidency.

Therefore, I don’t expect President Kenyatta to really look into the Police Service, the Military or the Government institutions involved, even investigate into the Cambridge Analytica, the tenders of electoral frauds and the rigging of himself. Since, that will delegitimize his role as the President. It will humiliate him and his allies. He can talk about apologizing, but will state offer more condolences to the ones who lost their loved ones during the skirmishes of the police in and after the Presidential elections? Will he offer them a trust-fund, something to secure the families of the ones who lost their lives? Will the kids get support for their education and a safety net for the ones who were betrayed by the state in the run-up the fresh presidential elections?

Because, I hate to say it, its easy to apologize, but takes courage to investigate himself with a independent body and also use the coins you self have gotten to help the lives of the ones you hurt. That would have been mature, that would have been righteous. However, I doubt it would happen. Since this government is all about PR and not about delivering service to the community. Peace.