Opinion: Did Gen. Muhoozi forget the “sports”? [the M23 tweets can damage the trust between Kampala and Kinshasa]

“If he was tweeting on sports — things which are not controversial — that would not be a problem; but to talk about other countries or even the partisan politics of Uganda, that he must not do” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (14.10.2022).

“KINSHASA, May 28 (Xinhua) — The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has decided to classify the March 23 Movement (M23) as a terrorist group, a DRC government spokesperson said late Friday. “The M23 is now considered as a terrorist group and will be treated in the way (we treat the terrorists),” Patrick Muyaya said at a press conference after a national security committee session chaired Friday by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi” (Xinhua – ‘DRC classifies M23 rebels as terrorists’ 28.05.2022).

Again and again, General Muhoozi Kainerubaga goes on a rampage on social media and yet again on his Twitter page. This time he isn’t saying it’s easy to invade Kenya or speaks of admiration of ladies. No, his going in again and deliberately taking part in diplomatic works in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The General today has defended the Mouvement du Mars 23 (M23) which the FARDC is fighting in North Kivu province. While the UPDF is together with the FARDC is in a mission going after the ADF in the DRC. So, we are seeing the General is openly going to war against one rebellion and one militia, but defending another. The other has already the origins and support from both Kigali and Kampala. Therefore, the latest support of Muhoozi can question the regime’s direct support of the M23 within the DRC.

We know the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and even President Museveni will end up with writing a letter to President Tshisekedi. There is no reason for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the Government of Uganda for that matter to support M23 in public. We know the UPDF and the GoU has supported the M23 in the past. The cantonment of former soldiers or combatants was stationed in Uganda. That happened after the Nairobi Accords and later these has been able to flee or re-locate in the DRC. Therefore, the General is maybe saying the silent part out loud.

In this regard… Muhoozi is playing with fire. He is humbling an ally, which they are fighting together with elsewhere in the DRC. If Kinshasa is coming out with a hasty press conference or even wanting an answer from the Ugandan ambassador. That all makes sense.

Since these words are not only from the Son of the President. His the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operation and former Commander of Land Forces. He has relevance and means within the army and the government. A man of his stature should know how Kinshasa looks and has designated M23. That Muhoozi says M23 isn’t a terrorist group is directly challenging Tshisekedi.

Will Kinshasa accept this? Is Kampala in on it all along? There was all sorts of speculations when M23 came back into the picture. The M23 is and has been supported of both Kigali and Kampala. That is proven and no one can deny that in 2022. However, who is behind them right now and who has financed it this time around.

Now with the latest rant of Muhoozi. We can wonder if there was something more directed from Kampala. That wouldn’t shocking or earth shattering, but the ones in-charge in Kinshasa should be worried. Since, the UPDF is participating and already allowed within it’s borders. If a General and a High Ranking Official is defending a militia and a terrorist organization on your soil. You know there is more to this…

President Museveni has soon to fly out to Kinshasa. He got to meet President Tshisekedi and make amends. This sort of statement or uttering is only deteriorating the relations. When these are supposed to be strengthen by the joint operation. Instead, Muhoozi is acting like this and recklessly too. Peace.

Opinion: Kenyatta will miss his old office very quickly…

It has been announced that the former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has been appointed to mediate and be a “Special Envoy” to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia. He will have to partake in the insurgencies in the DRC and the conflict in Northern Ethiopia (Tigray). Therefore, he has a massive take and lots of responsibility overnight.

The Former President be working with Heads of State in the DRC. Where he has to be working directly with the authorities in Kinshasa. That’s the place he has a shot and possibility to make a difference. Kenyatta already has a working relationship with President Felix Tshisekedi. Therefore, if there is hope for any substantial progress or delivery. He should hope to get somewhere in the DRC.

The M23 latest peace agreement was already made in Nairobi with the Nairobi Declaration. That’s why, Kenyatta has goodwill and could use the working relations from his years in office to make a difference, but we shouldn’t have to high hopes. However, we have to take what positives there are before downplaying this role and office.

On the other hand, in Ethiopia and Addis Ababa, is a place where Kenyatta might not be so much welcome. There won’t be much fanfare or acceptance of him. He will be a nonce and nuisance quickly. The Addis Ababa government have to already work with the African Union Envoy for the Horn, Olusegun Obasanjo. The former Nigerian President have struggled to bring any dialogue or talks between the stakeholders. This work has been stifled and his had an unforgiving role, as the FDRE and the Government of Tigray has both ceased talks or negotiations in general.

Obasanjo have tried and his hands are tied. We know the FDRE is directing how the AU Envoy can operate. While people will quickly question the mandate and what sort of mission Kenyatta has. This was quickly launched, as Kenyatta retired from the Office of Presidency. It is a way of softening the blow and give him a purpose. Though, what will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tell Kenyatta and what is his anticipated to do?

Will he make phone-calls, conduct field-work or even try to get stakeholders to meet each other? A man of peace can do a lot. He can do little or a lot. If any of the 10 years in Office will tell us. The former President could easily create a scandal or a way of using the office for enriching himself. However, it would be hard to find a way to make this happen. Nevertheless, people shouldn’t be shocked, if he found a way or a scheme to get some additional funds. That is his way and how he has run his government.

Ruto surely sent him on his merry. Giving him a token of appreciation and an honourable task. Kenyatta should use all diplomatic channels and shouldn’t expect much. It isn’t like his through IGAD, AU or any other body. No, his just appointed by the incumbent Kenyan President and that isn’t setting a strong mandate.

This is sort of like the mandate or role Stephan Kalonzo Musyoka had in the South Sudan in the previous term. He was the Special Envoy to South Sudan and he surely cannot show much, if anything He got a few free trips to Juba, but cannot be said to helped the process significantly.

This here office should be gazetted and the mandate should be set forward. Also, the current President should give a time-frame and possible plans for it. Since, it shouldn’t just be something to keep Kenyatta busy. Kenyatta should have a target to work towards in coordination with Kinshasa and Addis Ababa. However, time will tell if they will let him or see him as outside noise. Peace.

Burundi: Force de Defense Nationale du Burundi – Etat Major General – Point de Presse portant sur l’Envoi des Militaires Burunddais en Republique Democratique du Congo (26.08.2022)

Joint Communique between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Zambia for the Establishment of a Value Chain in the Electric Battery and Clean Energy Sector (Battery Precursors) – (29.04.2022)

Oyo Mini-Summit Communique (12.02.2022)

Opinion: The UDPS where Fatshi is king and everyone else can fall-out like Kabund

The fall of Jean-Marc Kabund is resounding, it is absolute and devastating. It is a long time since I have seen such mockery and disgraceful fall someone within it’s own party. As everyone and anybody with a role or place has dismissed and praise the President. While at the same time calling Kabund all names and ridiculed him.

If that can happen to a man of stature and prominence within the ruling party, Union pour la démocratie et le progrès social (UDPS) and the alliance of Union Sacrée. What can happen to anyone else who falls out of favour?

However, it shouldn’t be shocking either. We saw Fatshi and the state served fellow ally and CACH party leader Vital Kamerhe (Union for the Congolese Nation – UNC) who helped the President and the UDPS into power with their power-broking and deal making with Kabila’s (Front Commune pour le Congo – FCC).

Therefore, with the knowledge of how Fatshi is playing these political games. He shows that he has no mercy or plans of redeeming anyone in his midst. No, Fatshi will bury anyone and use the office as his saving grace. UDPS will use all tools and everyone will show loyalty to the President. That is the message, which is spread across the Republic and in the diaspora. As anyone or everyone with a pulse within the party have pledged their loyalty to Fatshi by all means.

Kabund has fallen to the self-belief that his role in the party and his achievements would matter. As long as his in the shadow of Fatshi and his merry men. What he has done or even contributed will not matter. If that would have mattered, the UDPS and the state wouldn’t have targeted Kamerhe like it did. Since well, Kamerhe was one of the reason Fatshi was able to become the Head of State.

Fatshi might never say that or give the honours, but he knows perfectly well that he needed the alliance and the conning dealer of Kamerhe to get ahead. Fatshi isn’t that smart or brilliant that he does it on its own.

I cannot believe that Fatshi is that smart. When he buries someone alive like he has done to Kabund and got Kamerhe sentenced to 20 years in jail. This is his allies and his supposed political affiliates. This is not his enemies or the ones who wishes him death. No, these are the comrades and partners in crime. Therefore, when he does this to his friend and allies. What will Fatshi do to anyone who is a real enemy?

That should worry anyone, as Fatshi is preparing for a second term. This shows his way of moving and getting ahead. The way Fatshi is politicking isn’t for the weak-hearted, as the man can easily destroy you and all your future dreams as well.

It is clear the UDPS is only Fatshi domain now and anyone differing from him is out of bound. There is only one line and nothing else. Fatshi is the king and anyone else is supposed to bow their knees to his majesty. That is the clear indication of what happened to Kabund. The warning should have been how Kamerhe was treated and taken out of office.

Now that everyone should realize that anyone can be left behind and dismissed from the party. When titans and vocal voices like Kabund can be so quickly thrown into the mud. There is enough proof of how toxic and quickly you can go from hero to zero. In the UDPS it is either Fatshi’s way or nothing. Peace.

Opinion: Dott Services is a scandal in the making in the DRC

It is now official that Dott Services will have a majority of the roads that’s getting upgraded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Dott Services was awarded 60% funding to it. While the Ugandan state will have another 20% and the Democratic Republic of Congo has another 20%. So, a private company has 60% and the governments has 40%. That says a lot.

Yesterday, the Presidents officiate the road development project and the joint cooperation of the nations. Where the Ugandan government is spending billions of shillings on this. To a company awarded the building of it without any tenders out or open bidding. This was a operation and deal written behind closed doors.

Dott Services will be in-charge and honour this agreement to upgrade three roads. These are Kasindi-Beni (85 Km); Beni-Butembo (54 km) and Bunagana-Rutsuru-Goma (89 km).

We know these constructions and such will be shoddy. They will be a cash-grab. There will be no accountability and the funds will go missing. The Dott Services have gotten off the hook and lack of due diligence.

The government funds put into this will be lost. At one point or another. The quality of the works will be shoddy. The roads will have issues before the gravel is actually put. Don’t expect magic, but a disregard of accountability, as well as calling it a “smear campaign” and such.

Dott Services is shielded by the Gods. They are allowed to operate without any real scrutiny. Not expect the roads to be built. If it is… it will take years and years. The roads will take forever and the company will need additional funds. The equipment will be lacking and there will be mismanagement.

So, don’t expect this project to be great. When you are giving it to a company like Dott Services. Expect it to end in a tragedy. The UNRA couldn’t even keep their head above water with this company. How do you think the DRC authorities will struggle with this? Why does President Tshisekedi accept this and not a respectable company? Or is it because the Ugandans are paying for the party and he gets it for free?

We can wonder, but this shouldn’t be celebrated. It is a scandal in the making. This is public wastage of funds and nothing good will come out of this. That’s because the states has allowed Dott Services to be the main company working with this. Peace.

Rwanda: Joint Communique of the Defence and Security Meeting between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda (14.02.2021)

Communiqué Final qui a sanctionné la deuxième session de la consultation ministérielle bilatérale sur la paix et la sécurité entre la République du Burundi et la RDC (05.10.2020)

Opinion: Reminiscing about Maj. Gen. Kazini [and will Museveni launch a “new breed” of military entrepreneurialism in North Kivu?]

This isn’t a far fetched, ancient history and such. Many of the men behind the ills of the past is still lingering around. They are in the chambers of powers, having titles and being called “honourable”. These men used their opportunities in the past to earn fortunes on the misery of others. They created massive networks, supported local militias and forged companies to ensure wealth. These was Generals, High Ranking Officials and Associates of the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

This they did across the Democratic Republic of Congo. These men in question was Gen. Salim Selah, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and Maj. Gen. James Kazini. They we’re all participating in the plundering, the looting and the illicit resource flight from the DRC to Uganda. They ensured the military presence and their allies could extract, steal and operate illegal businesses to profit out of. That was all done with the blessing of the “High Above” in Kampala.

Today, I started to reminiscing about Maj. Gen. James Kazini, the late General who was killed by his girlfriend in 2009. That was year after the war in the DRC ended. The man who had together with various of factions, barriers to market and usage of force made it possible to enrich himself on the conflict. He together with Gen. Salim Selah secured companies like Victoria Group. Victoria Group even had as one of their shareholders being Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga. That’s why this enterprise was supported, all from the top!

The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) used the power they had in the region to exploit the mineral resource and re-export it. Like selling diamonds, gold and coffee as Ugandan, but it origins was from the DRC.

Therefore, knowing all this, as the news of the Cabinet Meeting in Entebbe on Monday this week. Which stated building road-network in the North Kivu Province. I cannot help to think, that it’s not only a wet-dream for road-scandal with tenders, lost funds and ghosts. Also with the history of the UPDF. The history of men like Maj. Gen. Kazini. There could be people willing to profit from the sins of the past again. Especially, profitable mineral resources as cobalt and others, which happens to be in North Kivu.

So, if Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is building the roads in North Kivu. Then, the President and his team will come excuses that the UPDF need a battalion to ensure the safety of contractors and engineers. While, the same army will also configure ways to participate in more military entrepreneurialism in the province. That would be a way to kick-back and make it profitable.

That the UPDF and UNRA would do this wouldn’t be shocking. There is to much resources and possible exploits for them to not grab it. Even if it is a illicit business and illegal. Still, to this day the Ugandan government is exploiting Congolese gold as they are minting it at the Gold Refinery in Entebbe. Which is why, I am thinking there is more plans ahead in North Kivu.

They are not just going there to tarmac some roads and build a bridge or two. No, they are not compensation for the past hurt and looting. No, these men are finding a new way to exploit and profit of the situation. This is the same government that has used Kisoro as a base and supported para-military groups in the DRC. The same government that was a safe-haven for M-23 soldiers. Therefore, I have little trust of the goodwill…

Until proven otherwise. Peace.