Senegal: Patriotes Africains du Senegal pour le Travail, l’Ethique et la Fraternite (PASTEF) – Le President Ousmane Sonko en Danger !! (16.03.2023)

Senegal: Coalition Yewwi Askan Wi – Coordination de la Jeunesse – Communique (14.03.2023)

Opinion: Macron should atone for Mitterrand’s sins

“Since 1994, sorry to say it in such crude terms, you have never been able to restore the military, security or administrative sovereignty of your country. It is a reality. We must not look for culprits outside, in this case” (…) “Don’t blame the France for something that depends on you” – President Emmanuel Macron (04.03.2023).

Sometimes, hubris and arrogance takes over. In essence, that’s maybe what happened in the Joint Press Conference with French President Emmanuel Macron and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi. The French thought he could humiliate and act naive about the past. However, the French has to take responsibility here… their choices and power in the Great Lakes has cost lives and insecurity. Not their actions alone, but they have amplified. That was all done in favour of one ruling elite and regime in the early 1990s in Kigali. This is why there is issues to this day.

In Kinshasa yesterday, Macron could have answered and offered relief for the mistakes of the past. Instead, he pins the blame on the rulers today and brushes of the involvement in the past. That is arrogant and forgetful. Like if “Operation Turquoise” wasn’t implemented and didn’t have any sort of outcome to begin with. While we all know the aftermath and what occurred after the French gave the ex-FAR and “interahamwe” a safe-haven in the DRC. Many of us know the continued bloodshed and insecurity that has persisted ever since. Therefore, the French should take blame, but we see the entitlement of Paris in these regards. Seriously, it is infuriating.

Just read snippets of assessments and writings on the matter!

“That is why, in addition to the major concerns outlined above, we share with you a copy of a memo that we gave to members of the delegation of the Security Council of the United Nations who visited the DR Congo on May 19, 2009 – a memo which tells the tragedy suffered by the Congolese people. This memo can be summarized as follows:

“Since 1994, the superbly armed Hutu, fleeing the advance of the Rwandan Patriotic Army crossed the Congolese border with support of UN operations called ‘turquoise’, headed by France. These Hutus settled in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu in flagrant violation of all international standards governing the right of asylum or refuge. Known as the “Interahamwe” or FDLR, Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, and so on, these Hutu particularly stand out in DR Congo by practicing acts of looting, rape, massacre and so on. And since they became a pretext for the authorities in Kigali to justify the presence in DR Congo of their regular army, the results are the current massacres and atrocities suffered by our people at Makobola, Kasika Katogota, Lemera, Nindja, Kaniola , Kalambi, Bunyakiri, Kaziba, Luhwindja, Kalonge, Bukavu, Uvira, Kiliba, Katumba Kalehe, Bwegera, Kamituga, Mwenga, Shabunda, Lugushwa, Ngando, Ndola, Kigulube, Bijombo, Masango Tubimbi, Kakungwe, Mushago, Kitutu, Lubuga , Mutambala, Fizi, Minembwe, Bibokoboko, Baraka, Kagabwe, to name a few, as regards the South-Kivu. Moreover, Rwanda’s history is punctuated by cyclical and fratricidal wars driven by a spirit of intolerance and retaliation between Hutus and Tutsis. Hence, when it is the Rwandan Tutsi ethnic group that is in power, their countrymen who are in the majority, the Hutus, are in exile: and vice versa. DR Congo has become each time, the country of pilgrimage for them” (Rev. Aniedi Okure, OP – Letter From Congolese Elected Officials to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, 26.08.2009).

“That the French government be careful not to use the excuses made to the Rwandan regime to join the club of looters of DRC resources; That the French government take a position on the genocide and serious crimes committed in the Congo by the Rwandans and their accomplices since “Operation Turquoise”; That the French government in turn come out clearly in favor of the creation of an International Criminal Tribunal for the DR Congo, responsible for prosecuting the perpetrators of the genocide and serious crimes committed in the Congo since “Operation Turquoise” in 1994; That the parliamentarians friends of the Congo, introduce these concerns of the Congolese people in their questions to the government and before the European institutions” (Hamuli RETY – ‘CRID MEMORANDUM ON THE CONSEQUENCES OF “OPERATION TURQUOISE” AND THE CONGOLESE GENOCIDE IN THE DRC’ 08.03.2010, CRID).

“The escape of many of these Hutu extremists was enabled by the French safe zone, concealed by the flood of refugees. To fight these rebels, the new Rwandan government supported the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL), which also aimed at overthrowing the president. This caused a violent emergency in the DR Congo in October 1996. Therefore, the intervention did trigger instability in a neighboring country, however, the conflict did not occur within two years after the end of the intervention” (Rwanda 1994, Teresa Leiendecker, Karolina Schmid, 21.12.2018).

When you read these things and from very different sources. You understand the deep underlying sentiment. Alas, the French has responsibility for the insecurity in the DRC. It is partly their fault and it cannot hide from it decades later. The choices made by the leaders of Paris has haunted the DRC. It still does and the remains of these decisions are costing lives today. Therefore, Macron should be more humble and understanding.

However, he met an inept and unprepared President. The leaders of Kinshasa wasn’t prepared or ready for yesterday. They didn’t think it would play out like it this week, but it has. Macron trying to act like the “hot shot” and “big man” but not account for the past transgression of his nation. That’s something he should acknowledge, but if he does… he knows he will have to pay consequences right now, but also possibly at home. That’s why he doesn’t have the courage or the heart to do so. Peace.

Senegal: Organisation National des Droits de l’Homme (ONDH) – Communique de l’ONDH sur la Situation Politique au Senegal (17.02.2023)

Senegal: Patriotes Africains du Senegal pour le Travail, l’Ethique et la Fraternite (PASTEF) – Communique (12.02.2023)

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): Memorandum to the Colonial Government of France (25.05.2022)

Repubulique Gabonaise: Parti Democratique Gabonais – Mise en Garde a l’Interdiction Formelle de tout Appel a la Candidature du Distingue Camarade President, Ali Bongo Ondimba, a l’Election Presidentielle de 2023, en dehors du Parti (11.05.2022)

Opinion: A Political Commentator was fired for violating the Ghost of Geneva

“The French Cameroun political commentator had been invited to sing the normal CPDM praises on Biya who turned 89. However, the outspoken Dieudonne Essomba instead told the world via Club d’elites that Biya is now unable to lead Cameroon. Essomba furthered “At 89 years old, one cannot manage a country. Biya who is 89 years old is at 25% of his capacity.” (…) “In a statement published by the Groupe L’Anecdote accompanied by Essomba’s picture, Vision 4 said Dieudonne Essomba’s contract had been terminated. “We would like to advise the public that Dr. Dieudonne Essomba, who was a consultant, in the capacity of guest speaker in Club d’elites, is no longer a member of staff with immediate effect. Vision 4 disassociates itself completely with any statements, be they political or of any other nature, that he has made in the past or may make to the press in the future.” (Daily News Cameroon – ‘Who decides if President Biya is unfit to serve?’ 16.02.2022).

We know that Cameroonian President Paul Biya have been the President since 1982 and was the Prime Minister from 1975. With this knowledge, we know that Biya have been the head of state and the in the inner-circle since mid-70s. Biya has with this been 39 years in power or 471 months in office.

With this in mind… we know that Biya has had his time… and he could have expressed a fair successor or someone to takeover for him. Yes, we know the son Emmanuel Franck is in the works, but certainly the Republic of Cameroon isn’t a monarchy. Nevertheless, he hasn’t ensured that or made the preparations for it. As his family lives lavish in Geneva and only temporarily visit the republic now and then.

The ones to look out for and the ones who is really the driving force in this government. That isn’t the old and advanced aged Biya. It is true he doesn’t have the capacity and his busy eating in Switzerland anyway. So, there is other people who is running it for him.

These are most likely the likes of presidency’s secretary general, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh and minister of territorial administration, Paul Atanga Nji. The third fellow who could be recognized in Cameroon Joseph Dion Ngute. In this regard, the two first should be the ones to really look out for because they have real power and influence.

We are clearly seeing that the state is vindictive and reactive towards the dissenting voices. Which I am sure is a reflection of the sentiments in Cameroon. It isn’t like the ruling regime is delivering any sort of services or fruitful peace. There is still brewing conflict in the Anglophone region. Not like any of the conflict or lack of progress has been resolved. No, Biya has ruled with an iron fist from afar and that’s evident here.

That’s why the journalist who spoke out got fired and lost his job. Because, he dared to question the competence and ability of the ageing President, which anybody can understand. It is not like your growing stronger and has more abilities with advanced age. Instead your reflective mind stagnates and body winds down. That’s why retirement age is an important tool to ensure people are fit for the jobs they are working. The same should be for the heads of state too. As they are the representative and the executive with massive powers in a territory.

Biya is only prolonging the agony and there will only be more of this. It will not stop and people will question him even more. As his age and the ghosting from the Republic is so apparent. We know he lives most of his days in his “retirement” home in Switzerland. While other rules on his behalf in Cameroon. That’s why he could practically retire and let new blood rule the Republic. Since, he has served and his dictatorship should cease to exist. However, I know that is a dream, which is a nightmare for the family of Biya. Peace.

Benin: Talon is cracking down on everyone in his way

The 2^nd Term President of Benin, Patrice Talon has clearly decided to use all his power and the state, which he operates to besiege all of his enemies. The President and the State is targeting all opposition with political motivated charges and sentencing. It is as clear as day.

Talon have only been the President since 2016 and was re-elected earlier this year in 2021. Still, his manners and his moves could be of the old guard of “liberators” turned dictators. Since, this is using the justice system and the state apparatus to go after the ones who seeks his office. Talon and his government is clearly very systematic in who they go after and who they sentence for long sentences. The ones in exile cannot return without entering the court system or becoming jail-birds.

That is a worrying sign and signal. The one causing the headlines today and yesterday is presidential candidate and opposition Reckya Madougou, but she is just following a long line of opponents who in legal trouble. This is clearly deliberate and usage of power to benefit Talon. When everyone on the ticket and people who possibly challenge him gets charged and sentenced. You know the gig is up and the state is sanctioning this on the behest of the President.

Just take a look!

It was reported yesterday that Benin opposition politician and former justice minister Reckya Madougou was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Saturday before a special court in the capital Porto-Novo

On the 8^th December 2021:

“A court in Benin has condemned academic and political opponent Joël Aïvo to 10 years behind bars” (Hauwa Mustapha – ‘Benin court jails opposition leader’ 08.12.2021, Von.gov.ng). “His co-defendants, Boni Saré Issiakou and Ibrahim Bachabi Moudjaïdou, CRIET pronounced each of them a fixed prison sentence of 10 years with a fine of 5.7 million CFA francs (approximately 9 thousand euros). “There was never any question of a coup d’etat according to the defendant Boni Sarè Issiakou”, reported Benin Web Tv, specifying that it was a fraud operation mounted with the aim of extorting money to businessman Arnaud Houédanou” (Zaman Times – ‘Benin Presidential opponent Joël Aïvo sentenced to 10 years in prison’ 08.12.2021).

In April 2021:

“Meanwhile, businessman Sebastien Ajavon, who came third in the 2016 presidential poll, was convicted of drug trafficking in 2018 and sentenced to 20 years in prison, while another potential rival, ex-finance minister Komi Koutche, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for embezzlement. Ajavon lives in exile in France, while Koutche lives in Washington, DC” (Al Jazeera – ‘Opposition sidelined as Benin votes in presidential election’ 11.04.2021).

So, Talon has sidelined and gotten Madougou, Aivo, Ajavon and Koutche have all now been charged and sentenced to long prison sentences. Which makes it clear that Talon had this all planned out.

This is showing the world that Benin government and Talon isn’t offering democracy, but wants to control everything. While he wants to silence the ones who opposes him. That is very obvious and the world shouldn’t just see the arrest of Madougou, but of all of them. The only reason she is significant is because of her gender and that she stood tall in the previous election.

Alas, Talon is showing his ruthless behaviour and acts of which will not redeem him. Instead, he shows a sinister side and how power corrupts a man like him. A businessman turned head of state. A man who is willing to double-cross and use the law-books against his opponents. That is what sort of actions he has and it’s clear as day. Peace.

Opinion: The Françafrique countries should question it’s need for France

The last two weeks or recent days the French President Emmanuel Macron have proven how the elites of Paris is disregarding the former colonies, if it is Mali or Algeria. I am sure behind closed doors and within trusted associates the words could be even striking. Because, these words has been said in public and with no proper excuse.

In that regard, when the Head of State of France is saying that. The previous colonies should question the need to be bound by mechanisms and by agreements tied to Paris. Since Paris clearly don’t respect you or honour you.

Françafrique consist of Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad (Tchad), Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Comoros, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia. That is lot of counties and huge part of continent. The French are involved also in republics and nations, which they were the colonial power over. However, this here piece about them. Since they have still a significant place and plays a role for the power-balance in these countries.

About the “Colonies Francaises d’Afrique”:

The countries still bound by a monetary union and a common currency, which is Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo, These are all part of West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). The second monetary union of the CFA Franc are based on these countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. These countries are a part of the Central African Economic and Monetary Union (CAEMC).

The French and some of their allies tried to relaunch it as “Eco” in 2019 and that has gone nowhere. That should say a lot. I doubt that is only happening, because of regime changes. Nevertheless, I don’t expect any serious movement on this matter anytime soon.

We know Benin said it wanted to leave CFA Franc … that hasn’t happened either. Paris and the elites there has a way of keeping everyone under their control.

What would be healthy would be for all heads of state and parliaments, ministries and such evaluate the relations, agreements and ties with it’s former colonial master. Since, as an independent nation it is nothing saying that you should be there forever or have to be mocked on a irregular basis by Heads of State of France. Neither, should the French has trade advantage or mineral extraction agreement, which other nations companies couldn’t have. That could possibly make it more profitable and earn more tax-dollars to the state reserves in any given republic.

It is time for all of them to consider this. Everyone has some sort of ties and this is why they are still indirectly having influence. That is why everytime something happens or in regards to French interests. Things gets tense and you never know when things will pop-off. This is why the Republic’s need to oversee and have a proper oversight of it. It is like this has have never been done.

All mechanism and statutory bodies, which is connected needs also to be looked into. This here will take time and needs to be inquires. There is a need to directly investigate and also see what sort of affects it has had over the years. If there is a beneficial relations or one-sided. Since, there might be some good parts, but a lot of it is a way of the French to never let go.

After everything Macron has done. The Francophone Africa needs to react and not accept this sort of acts. Right now he does this to Algeria and Mali. Who knows when the “wrong” head of state get elected somewhere and he will use his power to stifle them. Even if that was the will of the people and not the will of Paris. That is what is striking here and that is why these republic’s needs to see over everything. We know the French will feel insulted and infuriated. Since they are entitled to it all. However, this wasn’t their to begin with. This isn’t Marseilles or Bordeaux, but it’s Yaounde and Lome. Peace.