A short timeline before the Coup d’etat in Burundi

 

Timeline until the Coup d’etat in Burundi! 

The Minister of Internal Affairs publicly stated thus: “My advice to politicians planning to vie for the presidency is to prepare to knowing that they will contest against the current President.” On 21st March 2014 both the CNDD-FDD and the Presidency spokesmen announced that is was only the party congress that was empowered to nominate a presidential candidate.He was simply hoodwinking Burundians while buying time the same way Museveni is hoodwinking Ugandans.

In January 2015 CNDD-FDD Senator Richard Nimbashe gave a press release opposing Nkurunziza’s third term bid and went further to state that the same view is held by many party members. He was immediately expelled from the party, senate and his position at the Land Commission (CNTB).

On 13th February 2014 the National Intelligence Service (SNR) issued a Memo warning the President against attempt to seek a third term. It advised him to cede power at the end of his second term for the good of himself, his family and the party. Instead, the Director of SNR Gen Godfroid Niyombare was dismissed from service.

On 1st March 2015 former CNDD-FDD national Chairman escaped from the main prison after serving for 8 of the 13 years. He later told a foreign radio station that he had been assisted by top government officials and some fighters who were in the bush. He claimed that he had supporters in all government institutions.

On 6th March 2015 the Catholic Bishop of Bujumbura Evariste Ngoyegoye preached against the 3rd term thus: “After analysis of the Arusha Peace Agreement and the constitution, by questioning our hearts as citizens who love their country and as shepherds of the church, we say that Burundians have agreed that the person elected to lead Burundi can not go beyond two terms of five years each”. The statement sent shock waves throughout the country given Burundi’s religious structure where 62% are Catholic, 6% Anglican and the remaining being shared by different smaller christian denominations and a significant number of Muslims. Right from the inception of the country’s violent history, the Catholic church was accused of being a “church of silence” for its liberal stand. The Bishop declared nine days of prayers for peace and transparency in the elections.

On 11th March 2015 CNDD-FDD Chairman Pascal Nyabenda told the BBC that opinions polls had indicated that CNDD-FDD supporters, the Bagumyaibanga (those who keep a secret) want President Nkurunziza to seek reelection. Immediately after, the party Spokesman stated that there had not been a survey for such opinion polls and that the party had other people who could stand for the presidency.

On 14th March 2015 the CNDD-FDD Council of Elders which is the highest body of the party met in the presence of President Nkurunziza and overwhelmingly rejected his third term bid.

On 23rd March 2015 a statement signed by 17 members of the CNDD-FDD top executive body urged Nkurunziza not to seek a third term. Among them were the Spokesmen for both the party and the presidency. Two days later ten of the seventeen dissenters were sacked from the party and their positions. The statement from the Presidency accused them of conspiracy to destabilise the party and the country. This is what happened with the likes of MP Ssekikubo and group and all others suspected of being pro-Mbabazi.

The Imbonerakure – a paramilitary and armed youth wing of CNDD-FDD has been at the forefront of the push for third term for President Nkurunziza throughout the country. Their equivalency in Uganda is the Crime Preventers and patriotic clubs members whom the Police is providing with paramilitary skills in exchange for supporting Museveni’s sole candidature.

On 26th April 2015 the CNDD-FDD congress nominated Nkurunziza as the party’s flag bearer. The following day 27th April, protesters opposed to his third term took to the streets of the city’s suburbs. The general elections are scheduled for May 26th 2015 while the Presidential elections are scheduled for June 26th 2015. Just as is the case with Museveni,separating the two elections is designed to give the incumbent an added advantage over other contenders.

The Constitutional Court quashed the objection to his reelection by upholding that he was eligible for reelection. The Vice President of the constitutional court Justice Slyvere Nimpagaritse who was one of the 7 man panel that determined the petition fled to Rwanda citing that the government had coerced the Justices
with death threats.

Immediately after the court’s pronouncement, President Nkurunziza registered as a Presidential candidate seeking another term in the upcoming June 2015 Presidential elections.

 

The International events that happen on the Burundian the third-term proposal:

On 27th February 2015 the USA Deputy Secretary of State had cautioned thus: “We hope that the presidential elections will follow the Arusha Peace Agreement concerning term limits”.

Just a few days into the protests, Foreign Affairs Ministers from the East Africa Community member states visited Burundi.

Rwanda’s President Kagame told a convention in Switzerland in reference to the protests in Burundi thus: “If your own citizens tell you that we do not want you to do that or to lead us, may be they are saying you have not done enough for them.”

Russia blocked a proposal by the UN Security council to issue a statement on the crisis in Burundi by arguing that: “its not the business of the security council and the UN charter to get involved in constitutional matters of sovereign states” said Russia’s Ambassador to UN.

South Africa’s President appointed the Minister in the Presidency Jeff Rodebe as his special envoy with a task of carrying a special message to Nkurunziza for him to step aside from running for a third term.

On 5th March the EU warned that running for a third term was risky.The AU Commission Chief said that it was clear that there shouldn’t be a third term for the incumbent adding that; “prohibition and repression of peaceful demonstrations expressing legitimate concerns would violate the conditions necessary for a credible and transparent vote”. The head of the EU election monitoring mission in Burundi expressed concern over violence.

The USA Secretary of State criticised Nkurunziza’s desire to cling to power.

The ICC Chief Prosecutor said that his office was closely following events in Burundi. The UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes appealed for calm.

Belgium has suspended funding for the elections and support to the Police while the USA has threatened sanctions.

The UN denied earlier reports that Secretary General Moon had requested Uganda’s Museveni to intervene in Burundi: “We dont have any comment on what the Uganda authorities said and we did not put out a read out of the meeting. our efforts in Burundi involve getting the parties to engage in dialogue with each other and have nothing to do with military intervention”.

The Presidents of the Four Presidents of the East African Community member states met yesterday in Dar Es Salaam over the crisis in Burundi.

To see more EAC reactions look at the following blog-page: https://minbane.wordpress.com/2015/05/14/eac-secretariat-and-heads-of-state-consulted-on-the-situation-in-burundi-13-05-2015/  

Peace.

Memo 15/3046: EC – Lithuanians are getting used to Euro Cash

Statement/15/2920 – 02.01.2015: Comissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos on the smuggling of migrants in cargo ships

Corruption ahead…

I am back at telling tales from the last week. That involves corruption or allegetion of it. Some will be big news. Other will be quotes from people who knows their dirt. And for those who follow these people. Will have a little laughter today. But this all is all part of giving a little enlightenment on a subject which should be taken serious everywhere. Because if we believe trading and sharing goods in a certain way, then it has to be done right. So all the actors and benefiters from lowest level to highest part of the hierarchy. Should get their shares of the spoils and gains of a product that have been sold. Not just the mid-level or the ones that are giving opportunities to exploit the market. Like civil servants, corporate officials or daughters of presidents. Either I am sidelined by my ideals or completely wrong, but that is up to you! So here we go…

2 Cents on FIFA:  

The recent week we have read about the FIFA and Sepp Blatter. How they have made a fantastic fairytale report of the bids for 2018 and 2022 Football World Cup competition. That both Russia and Qatar won. Everybody knows by now the legitimacy of the international governing football body. FBI has even started to investigate the governing body to look into it. I will not talk about that today, other corruption cases that need a tiny view and perspective to prove that there other crooks out there… or people trying to earn legal tender on a pursuit to happiness without a real cost. And then get the fed some extra bucks for doing so.

Telenor in a Uzbekistan business issues:  

Telenor the Norwegian state-owned telecom company under fire again. Økokrim the Norwegian Special Police Unit on Economic Crimes has already had the director Baksaas in for questioning. This corruption issue is because of the deal between Vimpelcom and Telenor in Uzbekistan. Also the Council leader Svein Aaser and Commerce Minister Mæland has only been questioned by the Special Police Unit on Economic Crimes (Tv2.no, 2014).

 VS

The Real Baltimore:

This isn’t HBO’s ‘The Wire’. No Avon or Stanfield, but instead the gangster named Tavon White leader of the Black Guerrilla Family (BGF). White has made a plea deal where shaved off a few years on his time in the correction facility at Baltimore City Detention Center. Mr. White could tell stories where they got charged with racketeering. The number of defendants is 8 people – 5 of them correction officers and also a kitchen worker. And it was a wiretap that could also tell the stories for Mr White. Defense attorney could also tell that the administration of the correction facility was corrupted and therefore looked to the blind side of the business lead by inmates. Tavon White is the living Avon Barksdale (Fenton, 2014).

Romania:

The Chief Prosecutor Alina Bica has been taken into custody by anti-corruption agents. “The case is part of an investigation that so far extends to two of Bica’s former colleagues as well as at least one businessman and an ethnic Hungarian MP”. So this is just so wonderful the head that is heading the business of cracking the illegal business down. Is she into custody and has to answer for corruption… (Euronews, 2014) Wonderful world!

Uganda’s President Museveni talks:

“Corruption and maladministration are inconsistent with the rule of law for which we fought and the fundamental values of our constitution.  They undermine the constitutional commitment to human dignity, achievement of equality and the advancement of human right and freedoms. If corruption is allowed to go unchecked and unpunished, it will pose a serious threat to our country” (…)”Having independent offices will save auditors from sitting with people they audit every day, which risks compromising auditors and luring them into corruption” (…)”It is pleasing to note that Uganda is one of the few countries in Africa and the world which has fully complied with the UN resolution. This is not an accident, but our deliberate commitment to support institutions responsible for ensuring a corrupt free county” (Baguma, 2014).

In Ghana another story is happening:

Elizabeth Ohene the former Minister of State was attending a Occupy Corruption event at Christ the King Hall in Accra. She was saying at the event: “It seems to me that stealing is for little people, small people, and corruption is for the big people” (…)”When they say you’re corrupt, you’re invited to be chairman of the church harvest and when they say you’re a thief, you go to jail” (…)”Let’s call a spade a spade” (Ghanaweb, 2014).

Well, if those stories, events and quotes don’t give you a peace of mind or make your mind wonder where we going in this world. I don’t know. Telenor has a history of involving themselves into corrupted behavior so that they get a quick earned buck in a new market. FIFA has gotten the world running wild. So I will not at this moment address them. Avon Barksdale made a plea deal, sorry, my bad, Tavon White has told through a wiretap and also plea deal that he actually could lead 8 people in and also proves corruption at a Baltimore detention center. Museveni talks crap today – we all know the stories and recently are with the Oil industry and also the road building to Katosi Road Saga. Elizabeth Ohene tell us that in Ghana there is a difference between small peoples crimes and big peoples corruption. Mrs Ohene I can tell, its world wide, it’s just more obvious some places.

Peace!

Links:

Baguma, Raymond – ‘’Unpunished corruption a threat to the country’’ (21.11.2014) New Vision Uganda, Link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/662081–unpunished-corruption-a-threat-to-the-country.html

 

Euronews – ‘Irony as organised crime prosecutor arrested for corruption in Romania’ (21.11.2014) Link: http://www.euronews.com/2014/11/21/romania-organised-crime-prosecutor-arrested-for-corruption/

 

Fenton, Justin – ‘BGF leader at city jail to testify for government at corruption trial’ (19.11.2014), Baltimore Sun

Link: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/blog/bs-md-ci-bgf-trial-opening-statements-20141119-story.html#page=1

 

GhanaWeb – ‘No difference between corruption and thievery – Elizabeth Ohene’ (21.11.2014) Link: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=335903

 

TV2.no/NTB – ‘Telenor-sjefen: – Vi har nulltoleranse mot korrupsjon’ (19.11.2014) Link: http://www.tv2.no/a/6252338

John Kamara told the truth this week

John Kamara a player for PAS Lamia got suspended by the club for health reasons after travelling to Cameroon. He played for the national team of Sierra Leone against Cameroon. He was supposed to be quarantine against Ebola by the club! Which is so disrespectable.

Therefore he gave the message to them all: ” We are West Africans (with the three West Africa nation’s flag) we are not a Virus”.

The countries that are affected with the virus is Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, also the flags on his T-shirt.

 

Links:

Morris Jr, Sahr – ‘Kamara makes Greek league with a message as Lamia triumph’ (29.10.2014) Link:  http://www.sierraleonesports.com/news/kamara-makes-greek-league-with-a-message-as-lamia-triumph#.VF_vwvmG-So

Putin flexing with sanctions on the Western-hemisphere and their reactions to it.

Well, we knew it was coming. We all did who have followed recent events. Putin is a big-man in his own way. He leading his country and does it in his style and fashion. It is understandable that the western-hemisphere is reacting to. They see the action of the Kremlin and Russians as stepping a bit too far, the same does the Russians who seem to think the European involvement in Ukraine. Well, to be honest I am not going to grind directly on the matters of Donetsk, Crimea or separatist or Russian involvement in certain districts of Ukraine. This piece will be about the certain new press releases and their press statements from nations and boards on the matter of new Russian sanctions as counter to the ones set by the EU and Western nations.

Russian Press release on the 6^th August:

“Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Special Economic Measures to Protect the Russian Federation’s Security” (…)”Russian state bodies of power, federal authorities, local self-government bodies, legal entities established in accordance with Russian law, and physical individuals under Russian jurisdiction shall, in carrying out their activities, respect for a duration of one year following this Executive Order’s entry into force a ban or restriction on foreign economic operations involving the import to Russia of particular kinds of agricultural produce, raw materials and foodstuffs originating in countries that have decided to impose economic sanctions on Russian legal entities and/or physical individuals, or have joined such decisions”(…)” The Russian Federation Government has been given instructions accordingly. In particular, the Government has been instructed to take measures to ensure balanced goods markets and prevent accelerating price rises for agricultural products and foodstuffs; to organise together with regional authorities timely monitoring of goods markets; and act together with associations of goods producers, retailers and organisations to take measures to increase supply of domestic goods” (Kremlin, 2014).

“The Executive Order takes effect upon its signing” (Kremlin, 2014).

Bernama reports that Prime Minister Dmity Medvedev said at a cabinet meeting:

“The current situation as it is, the Russian government is considering a number of retaliatory steps” (…)”I will mention some of them, but that does not mean that they will be introduced at once. The measures include a ban on transit flights by European and US air carriers to Southeast Asia, to the Asia-Pacific Region” (Bernama, 2014)

German response to the sanctions from Russia:

The Federal German government gave its statement. This through deputy government spokesman Christiane Wirtz, here is their statement:

“that the massive presence of troops at the border is not helping de-escalate the situation” (…)”The German government would thus naturally welcome a withdrawal of the Russian troops from the border in this area” (…)”to stabilise and further de-escalate the situation” (…)”The presence of troops in the area is not a step towards making the situation more peaceful” (…)”particularly help bring about the called for de-escalation,” (…)”to do nothing that could further destabilise the situation in Ukraine” (…)”We demand the greatest possible transparency” (…)”The UNHCR does not have any first-hand figures for the number of refugees that have left Ukraine for Russia” (…)”currently no legal basis” (Bundesregierung, 2014).

The EU measures:

• Imposing an arms embargo
• Russian state-controlled banks will have it more difficult to get funds in the EU capitol market.
• Export of Hi-Tech goods and oil equipment stopped.
• Export of Duel use goods which is used by the Russian Army is stopped.

This is after the second range of sanctions made by the EU on the 28^th July from the European Commission.

(Bundesregierung, 2014)

Writz comments on the sanctions:

“that the European Commission does offer assistance for special cases and special situations” (…)”It should surprise nobody that sanctions come at a price – especially those who have for months been declaring that harsh sanctions are a test of the credibility of European politics. The German government is in touch with the German private sector, I have been in contact with businesses since March, so as to keep the consequences to a calculable level at least. It should also be possible to adapt and scale back sanctions if political progress is made in efforts to resolve the conflict”. Frank-Walter Steinmeier comments on the matter as well: “That is why, in spite of all difficulties, we are keeping channels to Russia open” (…)” Experience shows that whoever increases political pressure to convince the other side to negotiate, must himself also be willing to negotiate” (Bundesregierung, 2014).

It needed only less than 24 hours before the world is answering this. The first one I will show is the EU.

Statement by the EU Commission spokesman on the 7^th August:

“The European Union regrets the announcement by the Russian Federation of measures which will target imports of food and agricultural products. This announcement is clearly politically motivated. The Commission will assess the measures in question as soon as we have more information as to their full content and extent. We underline that the European Union’s restrictive measures are directly linked with the illegal annexation of Crimea and destabilisation of Ukraine. The European Union remains committed to de-escalating the situation in Ukraine. All should join in this effort. Following full assessment by the Commission of the Russian Federation’s measures, we reserve the right to take action as appropriate” (EU, 2014).

This is not the only appropriate comment have been sent out after the Russians decided to retaliate the measures made by the west. At this point the UK Government had to give a response.

The response comes from the United Kingdom HMG with the Honor Phillip Hammond MP of Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Honor of David Lidington MP of Business, Innovation and Skills. Here is what they say:

“Russia has no grounds to impose sanctions and should use its influence with violent Russian-backed separatists to stop destabilising Ukraine” (…)”We have been pushing for a strong and determined international response to Russia’s unacceptable behaviour in Ukraine. We have been clear that we are prepared to play our part and that there will be costs, but this does not diminish our commitment” (…)”Instead of retaliating, Russia should be using its influence with the violent Russian-backed separatists to stop destabilising Ukraine” (…)”We are still considering the impacts of the ban but we do not expect it to have a significant overall effect on our agricultural industry – the affected agricultural exports to Russia account for some 0.2% of our food, feed and drink total agricultural exports” (…)” We will continue to work closely with trade associations and industry to help them monitor the impact of this ban on their business” (UK,2014).

Norwegian counter to the Russians:

Norwegian Foreign minister Børge Brende has also addressed the matter. Børge Brende is saying: “That Russians import embargo is unreasonable. That the Russian goes to this measures show how important that we as allies and partners react to the Russian destabilization of Ukraine. I am agreeing with the EU and the way portray their actions as a political motivated” (…)”We will take the Russian measures seriously, but it’s still early to see the outcome for the Norwegian businesses. We are going through the measures with EU and other who have been targeted. With them are we trying to find the best solution to deal with this” (…)”instead of reduction of the conflict in eastern-Ukraine, instead Russians to uphold it and escalating it. There going significant numbers of arms across the boarders from Russia to Ukraine. It is essential that the Russians will be met with clear and sound reaction from the international community. And out of the regarding the Norwegian state in foreign and security political, we have to stand by our partners and allies” (Regjeringen, 2014).

Lithuanian response to Russia on the 7^th August:

President Dalia Grybauskaitė says: “Such reaction from Russia was predictable. But the impact on our economy will not be significant. Lithuania has already gained much experience during the economic blockade in the first years of independence, the crisis, and the last-year sanctions on our carriers and manufacturers of dairy products. Our business already knows how to counter the hostile challenges of our big neighbor. It is able to find new markets and hedge against risks. This makes us even more flexible and strong” (Lithuania, 2014).

Latvian response to the Russia sanctions:  

In another Baltic state Latvia, Prime Minister Aimdota Straujuma has called in for a emergency meeting on the Russian sanctions. The date hasn’t been set yet, but the report says it’s likely to be on Monday the 11^{th of} August. At the meeting they will evaluate and asses the sanction and calculate the result and change it could have on the economy of Latvia (Leta, 2014).

The Finnish response to the Russian sanctions: 

In Finland Prime Minister Alexander Stubb has commented on the matter: “It was to be expected that Russia would respond to the sanctions issued by the EU. The impact of the Russian sanctions on the Finnish economy and Finnish businesses must be carefully examined before the government budget session. I will give a Prime Minister’s announcement to Parliament as soon as it convenes. The measures will affect a number of other EU countries and the Russians themselves, too” (…)”Finland will continue diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis both with its EU partners and through bilateral means”. The Finnish MP of Agriculture and Forestry Petteri Orpo is saying: “Russia is our food industry’s main export area. Dairy products account for about 87 per cent of our exports to Russia as regards the products on the list of banned imports. We will hold a meeting today at the ministry to discuss measures to minimise the effects of the Russian import ban and to open new export markets”. Lenita Toivakka the MP of European Affairs and Foreign trade says: “I am very concerned about the effects of the Russian retaliatory sanctions on individual companies. I will personally visit the companies that are hit the hardest by the measures” (Finnish, 2014)

After thought:

We can see and I am sure if I did more digging, there would end up more rabbit out of the hat. Because all the ones that are hit by the sanctions would response to it and make sense of it. Therefore we see now that all this governments’ officials and MPs and spokesmen are telling how it is in their area and how they see the whole conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We could dedicate ourselves to see into the difference between and glean the various contexts and how the boarder countries are reacting compared to those who are further away from Moscow. Still, the tone is subtle, and honest. Also, even some seem heartbroken and disgusted by the flexing from Putin. The EU Commission, German Federation, Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, Finnish and UK, I have complied today. I hope you have seen it and gotten something out of it.

Links:

Bernama – ‘Russia Working On Measures To Close Its Airspace To Asia, Pacific-bound Flights’ (07.08.2014) Link: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/wn/newsworld.php?id=1058640

 

Bundesregierung (Federal German Government) – ‘Russia must withdraw troops’ (06.08.2014) Link: http://www.bundesregierung.de/Content/EN/Artikel/2014/08_en/2014-08-06-ukraine-eu-sanktionen_en.html

 

Kremlin – ‘Executive Order on special economic measures to protect Russia’s security’ (06.08.2014) Link: http://eng.kremlin.ru/acts/22780

 

Leta – ‘Emergency government meeting called in connection with Russia sanctions’ (07.08.2014) Link: http://www.leta.lv/eng/home/important/CFEA7FFD-D875-4B81-89E4-C4D173021D14/

 

Lithuania – ‘Kremlin sanctions will hit Russian people’ (07.08.2014) Link: http://www.president.lt/en/press_center/press_releases/kremlin_sanctions_will_hit_russian_people.html

 

Finnish – ‘Government to assess effects of retaliatory sanctions’ (07.08.2014) Link: http://valtioneuvosto.fi/ajankohtaista/tiedotteet/tiedote/en.jsp?toid=2213&c=0&moid=2217&oid=422109

 

Regjeringen – ‘Brende: – Beklager russisk importforbud’ (07.08.14) Link: http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/ud/pressesenter/pressemeldinger/2014/Brende—Beklager-russisk-importforbud.html?id=765590

 

EU – ‘Statement by Commission spokesman on the announcement of measures by the Russian Federation’ (07.08.2014) Link: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-249_en.htm?locale=en

 

UK – ‘HMG reaction to Russian sanctions’ (07.08.2014) Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hmg-reaction-to-russian-sanctions