RDC: Declaration Politique de Direction Politique Nationale de L’UNC (23.10.2017)

MONUSCO calls for the immediate release of opposition activists arrested yesterday in Lubumbashi (23.10.2017)

Two incidents involving the use of firearms against the homes of Joseph Olengankoy and Alphonse Ntumba Luaba have also recently been reported in Kinshasa.

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, October 23, 2017 – The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) condemns the arrest of many members of the Rassemblement des forces politiques et sociales de la République démocratique du Congo acquises au changement by Congolese defense and security forces yesterday in Lubumbashi, in the province of Haut-Katanga.

The members of the Rassemblement were attending a private meeting at the headquarters of the Union pour la démocratie et le progrès social (UDPS). Three vehicles of the Police nationale congolaise (PNC) surrounded the venue before calling on a commando unit of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) to force entry of the meeting venue, where the members of the Rassemblement had barricaded themselves. The defense and security forces proceeded to arrest many individuals.

“I urge the Congolese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release those arbitrarily arrested yesterday in Lubumbashi,” said Maman Sidikou, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO. “I also wish to remind the Congolese authorities of their obligations to respect the fundamental freedoms and civil and political rights of all persons, in accordance with the Constitution and the international obligations of the DRC “.

MONUSCO is deeply concerned by ongoing acts of intimidation against opposition members. Two incidents involving the use of firearms against the homes of Joseph Olengankoy and Alphonse Ntumba Luaba have also recently been reported in Kinshasa.

MONUSCO recalls the primary responsibility of the Congolese authorities to ensure the protection of all citizens under all circumstances, and to take the necessary measures to shed further light on these incidents.

MONUSCO further deplores the restrictions on freedom of movement which have been imposed on Kyungu wa Kamwanza, the national president of the opposition political party Union nationale des fédéralistes du Congo (UNAFEC), who has been under de facto house arrest for several months.

“Such restrictions on fundamental freedoms are incompatible with ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and to establish conditions conducive to the holding of free, credible and independent elections in a timely manner” said Maman Sidikou.

“Once again I urge the Congolese authorities to urgently implement confidence-building measures, and to open up democratic space for all”.

RDC: Tripartite CNSA – Gouvernment – CENNI – “Sur l’Evalution du Processus Electoral” (18.10.2017)

RDC: LICOF – “Concerne: LICOF & Allies Demandent aux Congolais de ne Plus Obeir a Joseph Kabila et a la Communaute Internationale de le Sanctionner Severement” (13.10.2017)

Security Council Press statement – Democratic Republic of the Congo (11.10.2017)

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the peacekeepers killed, as well as to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, and to MONUSCO.

NEW YORK, United States of America, October 11, 2017 – The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attacks perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on 9 October 2017 in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, against a base of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), which led to the death of two peacekeepers from the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as the injury of eighteen other peacekeepers.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the peacekeepers killed, as well as to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, and to MONUSCO. They wished the injured peacekeepers a speedy recovery.

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all attacks and provocations against MONUSCO by armed groups.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to swiftly investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. They called on all armed groups in the country to lay down their weapons and underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for MONUSCO and expressed their deep appreciation to MONUSCO’s troop- and police-contributing countries.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Maman Sidikou, and to MONUSCO to fully implement their mandate.

MONUSCO repels deadly attack by suspected ADF in Mamundioma; reinforcements deployed to secure the location (10.10.2017)

The injured peacekeepers have been evacuated to Goma for medical assistance.

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, October 10, 2017 – In the early hours of Monday morning, MONUSCO repelled an attack by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on a MONUSCO position in Mamundioma, North Kivu province, during which the Mission sustained casualties.

Initial reports suggest two peacekeepers are dead and several are wounded. The injured peacekeepers have been evacuated to Goma for medical assistance.

This follows an attack in the same region earlier on Sunday where presumed ADF ambushed a convoy of civilians on motorbikes on the road between Kamango and Mbau. According to initial reports, up to 20 civilians were killed.

“I strongly condemn these cowardly attacks targeting the civilian population and United Nations peacekeepers in the Beni area”, said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Maman Sidikou.

“This region has seen more than enough violence already, including horrific massacres of innocent civilians. I reiterate to all these armed groups who continue to threaten and kill civilians, MONUSCO will respond, and it will respond strongly”, added Sidikou.

MONUSCO has immediately deployed reinforcements, including a Quick Reaction Force and attack helicopters, to secure the location, ensure freedom of movement for the civilian population as well as protect the nearby villages

DRC: The G7 Party hires Ballard Partners to lobby in the U.S. for Elections!

The Party G7 under the leadership of Vice President Oliver Kamitatu hired Ballard Partners 3rd October 2017 as their United States lobbying partner. The Group of Seven and using the partnership with one aim: “To bring about free and fair elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo”. This agreement was signed by Brian Ballard.

The G7 will compensate the firm for their lobbying of the United States government. This will cost $ 50,000 a month. The firm will be paid by June 15th 2018 will get total $600,000 by the Political group to lobby in the US. So the millionaire and presidential candidate Moise Katumbi plans to get noticed other places then in the DRC and Belgium.

What is interesting is that the opposition in the DRC are now using the same tricks that the lingering President Joseph Kabila, who never seem to leave. Not that its any sign of an election. Other than rampant militias in different regions like in Kasai, North Kivu, South Kivu and in Katanga. There are enough violence and killings that has happen on this presidents watch. The insecurity that is created is giving the President time, so he has excuses to postpone it.

This shows the steps of the opposition who has to flee away, that they have to go to this step to spread their news. As the Kabila government has spent fortunes on lobbyists to not create sanctions and stop their militant ways. The same sort of acts is happening through Ballard Partners. We can wonder about their connections in Washington DC. If they have the right connections to the State Department and close associates with Rex Tillerson. If they do have this, than they might have power, but if not. Then the money will be wasted. Maybe G7 Party feels that they have nothing to lose.

Since they have seen the insurgency and the militias uprising in various states, while the President are confident in Kinshasa. Where the President are acting like a king and waiting to see when he can officially become President for his third term. He don’t want to leave power and leave the Republic for someone else. That is why G7 see it needed to use funds to get the United States to care about the uncertain future election in Republic. Clearly, they know that this is not in the interest for Kabila. That is why it hasn’t happened and seems likely not to happen during 2017, maybe 2018. Who knows?

President Kabila is not feeling the opposition or fearing anyone. He feels secure and safe. Even as the regions are in trouble by militias and guerrillas in the provinces. While MONUSCO and FARDC are letting go on rampage. This is benefiting Kabila and its sad that it does. All the killings and insecurity are giving him time, so he can save the day and let the election be postponed again. That is why the G7 wants to try lobbying and hopefully get political pressure from Washington on Kabila. Then, things might change. Peace.

DRC violence drives more than 3,300 Congolese into Zambia in a month (03.10.2017)

They are mainly from the DRC provinces of Haut-Katanga and Tanganyika.

GENEVA, Switzerland, October 3, 2017 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is concerned about growing violence in parts of south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has driven more than 3,360 refugees into northern Zambia since 30 August. This is the largest influx of Congolese refugees into Zambia in the past five years. UNHCR is worried that the insecurity in the DRC may lead to further displacement.

The refugees and asylum-seekers are escaping inter-ethnic clashes, as well as fighting between Congolese security forces and militia groups. Those arriving in Zambia report extreme brutality, with civilians being killed, women raped, property looted and houses set alight. They are mainly from the DRC provinces of Haut-Katanga and Tanganyika.

Many were already displaced internally before they crossed the border. The lack of roads and the long distances at the areas from where they are fleeing make it difficult to monitor the situation and provide them with assistance. With the rainy season approaching, UNHCR warns that the humanitarian needs of those displaced could intensify on both sides of the border.

Some 60 per cent of those arriving in Zambia are children. Many show signs of malnutrition. Malaria, respiratory problems, dysentery and skin infections are common among the refugees, who are in urgent need of protection and life-saving support. After they are registered by the Zambian authorities, most are relocated to the Kenani transit centre in Nchelenge district, about 90 kilometres from the border. Some of the new arrivals remain close to the border, waiting for their families to cross.

The Zambian government, UNHCR and the Zambian Red Cross are distributing hot meals and identifying those with specific needs, as well as providing psycho-social support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The humanitarian response team is delivering basic items, including tents, plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, blankets, buckets, hygiene kits and soap. Temporary shelters are being erected, boreholes are being drilled for drinking water and temporary latrines are being constructed.

Because of overcrowding, UNHCR has started work on a second transit facility to receive the growing number of new arrivals. A more permanent settlement will also be developed, with a social infrastructure where new arrivals will be able to stay for longer and develop some self-sufficiency.
Since the beginning of 2017, about 5,761 Congolese have crossed the border into Zambia. In total, there are 27,338 Congolese refugees and asylum seekers in the country, among a population of 60,606 refugees and asylum seekers.

RDC: Communique du Rassamblement (30.09.2017)

Opinion: It’s ironic that President Museveni is talking about disciplining the government!

The three arms of government and their sub-branches must have discipline. For example I have been involved in disciplining the army. We should do the same for other sub-branches of government. If the Judiciary is also disciplined in fighting corruption, citizens will lead a good life. – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 1st October 2017, State House Entebbe.

Its just one of these days that hearing the news and seeing the tweets of the President, makes me laugh and wonder if he listen to himself. He knows his system and has made his garden. The way the government steers and govern is because of his policies, his regulations and his support. It is not like there been other ruling for last 30 years in Uganda. The Republic has been under the control of Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The NRM has suffocated all other free-will and control. Therefore, Ministers, Members of Parliament and others seek guidance and funds directly at the State House in Entebbe. Even foreign investors meet there to make agreements. Everything is nearly sanctioned out there. The Discipline now is more on the narrow-minded government that is run from there. The institutions and the procedures are not so important. Since most things happening is with the words from “above”, meaning the President and his close advisers.

It is not rocket science to know where the benefactor or the reason for lacking structures. That is because government waits for their go sign by the State House, they are waiting for funding of the projects and institutions from the State House. The projects and the works of the State House and under the Prime Ministers Offices are the key organizations within this government. They might say all of the massive cabinet has part to play, but that is the facade.

Therefore, it is ironic for a man so controlling and so disorganized that it gives sometimes way to the unthinkable. Just like the Presidential Handshake, that was sanctioned by the State House, but taken form the wrong account. That was the problem for the President, not that the corrupt behavior was occurring on his watch. Its like he talks against himself. Because he has no problem speaking anti-corruption, but if corruption benefit his cronies – its fine and dandy!

I am not surprised by him at this point of time, its fit his narrative. He says what he expects and wants out of others, but the next day he finds a way to benefit or use the loyalty of his cronies. Not like he would have excepted the UCC not to listen and stop the suspended MPs to hit the airways and be broadcast on TV. He rather being himself on radio and in the spotlight, but will accept anyone else sharing the same space.

President Museveni is the proof of someone saying something noble, but doing opposite. He might say something insane, but act rational. Therefore, you never know where you have him. I will never believe him actually disciplining the government, if doing so. It means they are all blindfolded and following his guidelines. It does not mean building proper governance and protocol, neither is institutionalize the departments and ministries, it is all about his will and his stature.

When it comes to Museveni, discipline is about following him. Not building transparent and proper government institutions. Peace.