UNSOM condems suicide bombing in Gaalkayo as attempt to derail reconciliation process (28.04.2018)

The United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) condemns today’s suicide bombing in the city of Gaalkacyo, which reportedly killed government security officers and civilians.

“This attack occurred because extremists feel threatened by the progress that is being made with reconciliation efforts in Gaalkacyo,” said the head of UNSOM, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating.

“The country has suffered enough violence and bloodshed; it is time for reconciliation,” he added. “The people and authorities in Gaalkacyo are courageously finding a way forward; they should not be derailed by this assault on their chances of a peaceful future.’’

According to initial reports, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives in an area of the city known as Jiiro Abdullahi Yusuf, where security forces were stationed, earlier on Saturday morning, killing at least two senior security force commanders as well as civilians. Al-Shabaab has reportedly claimed responsibility.

UNSOM expresses its condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery.

South Sudan: Letter to Undersecretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – “Subject: Eviction from the Embassy in DRC 1st May 25th May 2018” (25.04.2018)

UNMISS: Escalation of fighting in South Sudan puts thousands of civilians at risk and compromises peace process (27.04.2018)

UN – OCHA: Ten aid workers missing in South Sudan (26.04.2018)

Statement of United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on South Sudan Meeting (27.04.2018)

The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) leaders expressed concern at the continued deterioration of the human rights, humanitarian and economic situation in South Sudan.

NEW YORK, United States of America, April 27, 2018 –

The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, met with the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) leaders in New York to discuss the ongoing crisis in South Sudan.

The SSCC leaders expressed concern at the continued deterioration of the human rights, humanitarian and economic situation in South Sudan. They observed that the parties to the conflict, including Government forces, continue to commit serious violations against the civilian population, including killings, rape and pillaging that in some cases could constitute atrocity crimes. They urged the international community not to abandon South Sudan, but rather to intensify advocacy with the parties to immediately end the conflict. They also underscored the need for the international community to prioritize accountability for the serious crimes that have been committed since the conflict broke out, noting that impunity continues to fuel the violence and serious violations and abuses.

Mr. Dieng commended the SSCC leadership for their peace initiatives and pledged full support for their work. He reiterated the importance of accountability to peace and reconciliation in South Sudan. “The parties to the conflict in South Sudan should not hide behind peace negotiations to protect perpetrators of serious crimes. I call on the Transitional Government of National Unity and the African Union to expedite the establishment of the Hybrid Court”, the Special Adviser said.

Since the conflict broke out in 2013, thousands of civilians have been killed in targeted attacks, women raped, homes and means of livelihoods destroyed. Most of the attacks are ethnically and politically motivated. More than 1.5 million South Sudanese are living as refugees in neighbouring countries and more than 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living under the protection of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Protection of Civilians (POC) sites across the country.

Tanzania: Massive military activity ahead of tomorrow’s opposition protest!

Today, there has been something out of the ordinary, today the military and police has taken over the streets of Dar Es Saalam, a day ahead of the planned demonstrations on Union Day. This is a collective effort of the government to shut-down dissidents. This is happening all over the republic. This the answer from the government run by President John Pombe Magufuli, who has had issues with anyone questioning him and critiquing him. Over time he has shown his true color and ways! 

Yesterday arrests of people behind the demonstrations:

At least seven people have been arrested in Arusha for interrogations in connection with their role in possible political demonstrations across the country on 26 April 2018 (Union Day). The acting Regional Police Commander for Arusha, Mr Yusuph Ilembo, told journalists on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 that the arrests follow investigations conducted by the police force” (Juma, 2018).

Therefore, the precautions of the state is already involved, as the state whose now on the streets with guns, battalions of soldiers and such. To really signal, that demonstrations and protests are not allowed by this government.

As further reported:

The Dar Special Zone police chief, Sweethbert Njwele told an association of bodaboda operators on Wednesday that ‘there will be no demonstrations’” (…) ‘‘Everybody should go about their work as they usually do,’‘ Njwele said” (…) “ The city’s deputy police boss, Yusuph Ilembo, told journalists that the “government will not allow an illegal protest being planned by a few people to destabilise the country”(Mumbere, 2018).

So today, they put up the anti, they pulled the guns. Not only arresting fellow people involved in arranging the protest, but also telling motorcycle taxis and the public in general. To stay away, while ordering the police and army to intervene.

There should be understanding from the government behind this arrests, as the window for free speech, freedom of expression and even dissident voices are oppressed. If a paper write negatively or against the president. It will be suspended, if someone write a song that has certain illegal messages in it, it will be banned from being broadcast on the radio. If an opposition MP says the truth about the President’s behavior. He will be detained and taken hostage by the government, before being served with new jail time. That is the state of affairs under Magufuli. This has been happening over time.

Magufuli went from being praise for his goodness and his acts against corruption. However, he control-freak and lack of integrity, real leadership skills and understanding of his role has President. Is evident in the actions against the ones planning to protest, also against the media, singers and opposition MPs, that has all tasted: “What Would Magufuli do?”. Well the answer is: “He would punish you!”.

It is with warning, the demonstrations and nationwide demonstrations, as the evident soldiers in the street and the Police warning the public. The truth of the dictatorial actions are already there, with how the government has pursuit people in the past year. Therefore, not expect a comfortable result tomorrow.

What we are seeing now, is a man that thinks he understand his role, but he doesn’t, instead of leading, he is ordering. Instead of delegating and working with consensus. Instead, everyone is supposed to sing his tune, dance to his steps and praise the glory of all the United Republic of Tanzania, President Magufuli. Peace.

Reference:

Juma, Mussa – ‘Tanzania: Seven Arrested Over Union Day Protests’ (24.04.2018) link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201804240687.html

Mumbere, Daniel – ‘’No protests tomorrow’: Tanzania police tells citizens to keep calm’ (25.04.2018) link: http://www.africanews.com/2018/04/25/no-protests-tomorrow-tanzania-police-tells-citizens-to-keep-calm/

Rwanda: Amazing Grace Christian Radio 105.1 FM Press Statement – “Re: RURA Ordered Me to Plead Guilty” (25.04.2018)

South Sudan: Even more proof of a deep Warlord mentality from President Kiir!

“But when I watched television after I released them on the same day, I saw them being received on the red carpet by that country and they started talking politics after leaving Juba, so that’s why I regretted for saving their lives,” (…) “The same in 2016, when Machar went to my office with his cooped pistol trying to finish me in the office to declare himself as the president of South Sudan, which he didn’t manage,” (…) “After all when Machar’s bodyguards were completed during J1 fighting, I asked Vice President James wani Igga to offer protection to Machar by covering him with our bodies until we escorted him to his car and we saved him and now Riek is alive. I saved him just like the same way I saved his colleagues who participated with him in a coup attempt in 2013,” – President Salva Mayardiit Kiir (Radio Tamazuj, 24.04.2018).

Well, it is just weeks ago, when we heard that the state paid Gen. Paul Malong 5 million United States Dollars as a bounty on the head of SPLA/M-IO Chairman Dr. Riek Machar. Therefore, hearing this, you just know how bloodthirsty the regime is. There shouldn’t be any question about it. When the President speaks like this and the revelation of bounty on the head of Machar in 2016. You know what the forces behind it all does.

This just shows again the mentality at the top of the food-chain, that the President has no scruples in detaining or killing off opponents, as he sees himself as a Godly person who saves life, he doesn’t kill them off. That is very insulting and also shows the blatant disregard for other partners in the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), it couldn’t be serious, when one of them is putting bounty on the other. Even if the SPLM/A-IO would be wrong with what it did in 2016, it could been talked or negotiated upon, not trying to pull the trigger. There is no sense of remorse or consideration, just that I saved these lives, because I could have ordered their deaths.

Just as this is happening, the Republic of South Africa is continuing to get new deals with the government of South Sudan. Therefore, the sanctioned army of SPLA are getting not only support from Uganda, but now also the RSA. It states:

“Defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has provided more details on the defence agreement signed with South Sudan in January this year. Responding to a Parliamentary question posed by Sibonakaliso Phillip Mhlongo of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Mapisa-Nqakula on 11 April stated that “according to Article 1 of the MOU, the Parties shall cooperate in the use of defence resource[s] and promote joint research and development, including procurement of defence equipment, promote cooperation in the field of training, promote mutual support by encouraging and facilitating the exchange of defence related information, cooperate in the field of military medical services including the exchange of medical personnel and information regarding military health aspects, encourage the exchange of military personnel visits at all levels and promote sporting and cultural links between the Armed Forces, identify and promote defence related activities, including peace support operations and disaster management which would serve the principles of standardisation and inter-operability, foster cooperation between their respective defence-related industries, and act only in advisory and training capacities and will under no circumstances take part in hostilities or operations of a warlike nature by any armed force of the Republic of South Africa or the Republic of South Sudan, nor any operation of any force concerned with the enforcement or maintenance of peace, internal security or law and order.” (Guy Martin – ‘More detail on SA’s defence agreement with South Sudan’ 24.04.2018, DefenseWeb.co.za).

So the Warlord Kiir got a grand old deal in the midst of sanctions with the RSA. When his saving grace, hasn’t killed off his enemies. That just shows his planning and I doubt that the RSA will only gain peaceful training of the South Sudan counterparts as they are busy in various districts to fight off opposition. Which the SPLA has done for years already. It is not like this MoU between the nations was signed in peace-time, no its in the midst of Civil War and with a President who has no plans of giving way to others.

The Warlord mentality of Kiir Continues, the evidence is in the pudding. There are nothing this man will not do or say, that counter that at the moment! Peace.

Kenyatta brought one of his “Best-Of” Speech to the Devolution Conference 2018!

Left unchecked, our political intrigues can grow into a big tree under whose shade nothing can take root. We must all agree there will be a season for politics, but that season is not with us now,”(…) “It is now time to work to create wealth and prosperity for our people“(…) “There is absolutely no time to waste: Kenyans want to see results, not recrimination; they want integrity, not corruption; and they want prudence, not profligacy” – President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Address to the 5th Annual Devolution Conference 2018 (24.04.2018).

Well, it seems like a broken record, like something we have heard before and sadly it is. This is a speech that Kenyatta has on repeat, the initial message have we all heard before. There was no breaking news, no shocking vision or something profound. Because this is just a managed message from the President.

That President says the time for Politics, is a line he has been saying since the 26th October 2017 elections, it has been his punchline. Its sort of catchphrase at this point. It has lost all meaning, as I have written before, as a politician, you deal with politics. You are directly involved in politics, just as the fish in the water/ocean. If the fish is out of the water and ocean, it dies when it comes out of that sphere. Its habitat the ocean, therefore, its the same kind of foolishness to say as a politician, that politics is over. That means his career and his work is done, since he has nothing left to do. Campaigning is over, but, never the less, the consensus and the work for policies are in full gear.

That is why these speeches and quotes are supposed to matter, but here is just rewind of old topics and usage of the same. This is like the best of hits, the McMusic of Kenyatta. That the state has to create wealth, has to see results, fight corruption and give the public trust in the government. However, the way that Kenyatta got elected counters that. That is why the IEBC, the Electoral Commission that announced his victory is having internal battles, while the Politicians are looking idly by.

Kenyatta are talking about acting on corruption, however the amount of grand-corruption and growing debt. Doesn’t seem like the talks amount to anything in his time. On his watch that been repeated, just like he has talked about fighting it. I am just awaiting his another best of hit, that the Supreme Court of law and Judges are partisan, since the verdicts are not in his favor.

So, today wasn’t staggering, but it is tiring to see a man of his supposed stature. Where his team and Press Unit is coming with the same old story. With the same speech with the same quotes. Fight Corruption, stop politics and be honorable men. Well, you have been into this for so long now. I don’t you we’re such a broken record when your were in opposition. The guts and glory has dwindled and the hunger to fight is gone. We know your eating, we know your whole team is eating and that is not a secret.

I should not be alone of the best-of-hits from Kenyatta. If he was a real Statesman, these issues wouldn’t be like that, there would be signs of changes, after all this is his second term? He pledged practically the same sort of things before the 2013 Elections. There isn’t anything significant. Unless, he would actually fire, change cabinet members and make sure the DPP and other bodies get to hunt down the ones are corrupt culprits. But if he does, then he hit his own power-base and he cannot do that.

Therefore, what he can do, is to talk about it, but not act upon it. That is why it is easy to come with Best of Kenyatta! I don’t know which volume this is, but certainly there been plenty before. Peace.

South Sudan: Dr. Martin Ella Lomuro appointed as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs (23.04.2018)