South Sudan: Dr. Riek Machar Appoints Cde. Henry L. Odwar and Cde. Peter Regibigo Tingo into Central Leadership roles in SPLM/A-IO (01.12.2016)

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Kenya: Internal Memo – “Re: Scaling down of Trainings in the Judiciary” (29.11.2016)

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South Sudan: CTSAMM Team Sucessfully reaches Yei Town (30.11.2016)

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South Sudan: Humanitarian Coordinator deeply concerned by bureaucratic impediments and access constraints (30.11.2016)

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Some 91 humanitarian access incidents were recorded from 1 to 28 November.

NEW YORK, United States of America, November 30, 2016 – The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan is deeply concerned by a recent series of bureaucratic impediments and access constraints that have negatively impacted humanitarian organizations’ ability to assist people in need.

“Humanitarian organizations in South Sudan are striving every day to save lives and alleviate suffering across this country,” said Mr. Eugene Owusu, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan. “Yet, they continue to face obstacles and challenges which hamper their efforts. This must stop.”

Some 91 humanitarian access incidents were recorded from 1 to 28 November. Of these, 70 per cent (64) involved violence against humanitarian personnel/assets, while 20 per cent (18) involved interference in humanitarian action, including interference in administrative matters (4), illegal or arbitrary taxation (4) and expulsion of staff (2). Also in November, aid workers were denied access to areas outside of Yei town in Central Equatoria and Wau town in Western Bahr El Ghazal, where tens of thousands of people are in need of assistance and protection.

“I am appreciative of the steps taken by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to tackle the impediments we face on a daily basis, including through His Excellency the President’s establishment of the Humanitarian High-Level Oversight Committee,” said Mr. Owusu. “However, these recent events are a major concern and it is vital that we see the commitments made in high-level fora fully translate into real, tangible and immediate improvements in the operating environment for aid workers on the frontlines of humanitarian action.”

Humanitarian needs in South Sudan continue to rise as a result of conflict and economic decline. Nearly three million people have now been displaced since fighting first broke out in December 2013, including 1.9 million who are internally displaced and more than 1.1 million who have fled to neighbouring countries as refugees. To date in 2016, humanitarian organizations in South Sudan have reached more than 4.1 million people with assistance and protection across the country, including in some of the most remote areas.

“I am tremendously proud of the aid workers across this country who are working tirelessly day-in and day-out to help people in need,” said Mr. Owusu. “I call on all parties to allow free, safe and unhindered humanitarian access so that our colleagues can reach and assist people whose lives have been torn apart by this crisis. Regardless of where they are in the country, civilians in need have a right to receive help.”

Kenya: The Nairobi Law Monthly Versus Dr. Patrick Njoroge (28.11.2016)

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Uncovered: Not lacking leadership, but other reasons for the axing of Lt. Gen. Ondieki from UNMISS

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“All the peacekeeping missions which have been established after 1992 are complex, multidimensional operations involving military, civilian police and civilian components. Their mandates are also very broad, covering a broad range of issues from traditional peacekeeping, to civilian protection to post-agreement peacebuilding” (International Policy Group, P: 14, 2016).

We have read, seen pictures and footage of the atrocities that happen in July 2016 in Juba as the SPLM/A and SPLM/A-IO went from each other in the stirring conflict in South Sudan, where the two leaders President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar has gone back to battlefield instead of dialogue. This happen as the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) we’re about to be set-up and the peace-agreement we’re to be honoured by both parties.

Than the skirmishes and battles in the capital started, some of the action happens near the UN House of Juba and the Camp-site of Internally Displaced People together with the looting of the UN World Food Programme there as well. This was all evidence of the lacking management of the Kenyan Military Officer, but now there a report countering that argument for the sacking. It is worth dropping the knowledge to see if the Kenyan Government had it right to feel unjustifiable sacked from his position.  The man that had to fall on his sword was Lt. Gen. Johnson Ondieki.

Ban Ki Moon decision:

“The decision by the Secretary General was argued to have been made based on an independent investigative report conducted by the Danish Major-General Patrick Cammaert on the violence that had occurred in Juba from July 8 to 25 2016. However, after a careful investigation of the situation that surrounded the conflict, the independent report and its recommendations, and the systematic problems in the UNMISS framework, it is evident that the firing of Lieut-Gen Ondieki was not only unorthodox and a blatant violation of UN procedures, powers and processes, but was also an expedient political decision by the Secretary-General to turn the Kenyan soldier into a sacrificial lamb in order to appease and ward off pressures from some Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council, mainly the United States of America and Britain” (International Policy Group, P: 12, 2016).

“Independent investigations into the Juba conflict have revealed a clear cover-up, with the USA mishandling the safety of its citizens and agents by not offering the proper protection when requested, leading to the violation in the Terrain compound. This investigative report on the circumstances leading to the removal and replacement of Lieut-Gen Ondieki as UNMSS force commander relied on a comprehensive review of official and non-official documents from the United Nations available on its website, UN documents on rules of engagement and procedures governing the code of conduct and dismissal procedures were consulted” (International Policy Group, P: 13, 2016).

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Key Strategic lacking will to act on Commands:

“A UN investigation on the attack showed that it took UN peacekeepers more than 12 hours to intervene, despite being next to the camp. Moreover, the investigation found that the Indian contingent refused to deploy troops or heavy armor to the area of fighting to defend civilians; the Ethiopians slept through the entire incident; while the Rwandan contingent insisted on written approval before acting. Finally, it is only the Rwandan contingent that responded to the violence and protected civilians. The investigation committee recommended several changes to the mission. Whether the UN or UNMISS implemented the recommendations is remains unclear: What is clear is that no action was taken against the Force Commander, the SRSG, or any other senior mission staff” (International Policy Group, P: 17 ,2016).

“Pressure from the UNP5, especially members from USA and UK, made the SG to make the decision without taking into consideration the investigations or recommendations made. The evidence, points to a clear gross violation and misconduct by the Secretary General’s decision, which was not only discriminatory against Lieut-Gen Ondieki, but was also an expedient political decision violating UN procedures and regulations” (International Policy Group, P: 21 ,2016).

“Lieut-Gen Ondieki had no direct control of deployment or response of the troops who were in the areas, according the UNMISS commanding framework. According to the rules of engagement, Lieut-Gen Ondieki could only send an order to the lead commanders who were in Juba, but they did not accept it. Therefore, Ban Ki-moon’s dismissal of Lieut- Gen Ondieki is not only an error in judgment, it is also unjust discrimination and a gross violation of his rights” (International Policy Group, P: 23 ,2016).

Recommendations:

UN Reformed to Ensure Effectiveness: UN Missions in Africa need to be reformed because without fundamental restructuring, particularly to counter UNMISS structural and systemic dysfunction, similar crises are very likely to recur. These reforms are therefore a critical consideration that must feature in future UN mandated missions in Africa.

AMISS – African Mission in Southern Sudan: An Africa Mission in Southern Sudan should be formed to replace UNMISS. A UN and AU-mandated Africa Mission in Southern Sudan (AMISS) may be the best mechanism for peace operations today. Such a mechanism will be more responsive and better anticipate emerging trends and solutions therein and in line with the African Union’s maxim of “African solutions to African Problems” (International Policy Group, P: 38, 2016)

It seems that Lt. Gen. Ondieki we’re picked out because of lose procedures between the different nations and their brigades in the UNMISS operation in the Republic of South Sudan. Is also questionable that the Danish leader Løj pulls itself out before the internal investigations before the Military Leadership are investigated; therefore the blame fall all on the Kenyan Lt.Gen. Ondieki get the blame, instead on the one that we’re on the top who was Løj at the time. Secondly that the leadership of the battalions we’re not reacting to the command and will of the general to get in line when the skirmishes between the South Sudanese forces happen in July.

We are allowed to question Ban Ki Moons reason for the sacking that he didn’t follow procedure and didn’t do a thorough decision when he made arrangement for termination of the contract of Lt. Gen. Ondieki, he we’re even offered a trip to New York for orientation, as he was new in his leadership role in the UMISS in June, so it wasn’t like he had a long time to settle before the battles started again between the South Sudanese forces.

The procedures should have been in place and it seems to be easy to put the blame on the Kenyan General instead of trying to swallow pride and says that the UNMISS needs amends that even been asked for since 2011. Peace.

Reference:

International Policy Group – ‘Children of a lesser God – Report of the investigation into the power politics behind the removal of the Kenyan Force Commander of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) – November 2016

Victims of police brutality in Mumias speak out – Interview (Youtube-Clip)

“The brutal search for missing arms in Mumias has been stopped. The order was made by the Mumias West area deputy county commissioner Philip Soi.  This comes after a public uproar on police brutality during an operation to search for 7 guns stolen by armed men last week.  Residents have accused police officers of using unnecessary force. Soi, stated that the police force will employ other alternatives in the search” (Kenya NTV , 2016)

Kilifi Governor Kingi before EACC (Youtube-Clip)

“Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi is at this hour being interrogated by the ethics and anti-corruption officials over claims of embezzlement of millions of shillings of public funds in his county. Kingi who arrived at the integrity centre an hour ago is accompanied by a host of ODM leaders and is expected to shed light on the spending of 51 million shillings in unexplained expenditure as well as 308 million shillings meant to acquire an 11 acre land for a bus park in Kilifi. Sam Gituku is at the integrity centre and Sam, what should we expect from the grilling session?” (Kenya Citizen TV, 2016)

Kenya: Kilifi County Govt has filed civil cases against 5 companies that stole 51M from county’s CBK accounts. Case to be heard on 1st December

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Weekend Prime: FORD Kenya endorses Wetangula as its presidential candidate (Youtube-Clip)

“Ford Kenya’s general council has endorsed its party leader, Moses Wetangula as its presidential flag bearer and given him greenlight to battle for CORD’s presidential flag bearer’s ticket with his coalition partners Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila Odinga. However, the function saw opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Wetangula himself bash Jubilee administration which they accused of condoning and perpetuating corruption blatantly as they warned of dire consequences including bringing the country to a standstill should Jubilee scuttle IEBC reconstitution process” (KTN News Kenya, 2016)