



Communiqué of the Consultative Meeting of IGAD Member States on the Current Drought Situation in the Region (31.03.2017)









“We don’t want to just cut for the sake of cutting. There are places we can cut. Everybody knows there’s fat at the U.N. Everybody knows there’s fat in the peacekeeping missions. So that’s why we’re taking each one.” – Nikki Haley U.S. Ambassador to the UN (Westcott, 29.03.2017).
There is something very wrong with our current day of leadership and their pride. If a mission had been finalized and done, than I would understand why they decided to change the mandate or suspend it. What happen at the United Nations Security Council this week, the 31st March 2017 is a mystery to me. It is a unique act of ignorance and lack of understanding, as if the less is better when the acts of oppression and killings happens on a day-to-day basis. When villages and towns are silenced by either government forces or rebels. That the UNSC see it fit to cut their mandate and have less soldiers to be there monitor and control the acts against the civilians. Take a look!
The worrying news from the United Nations:
“The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for another year but reduced the number of troops” (…) “In a resolution unanimously adopted, the 15-member body decided to keep the UN Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO) until 31 March 2018, but approved 16,215 military personnel, 660 military observers and staff officers, 391 police personnel, and 1,050 personnel of formed police units” (…) “In a previous mandate extension, the Council approved 19,815 military personnel, 760 military observers and staff officers, 391 police personnel, and 1,050 personnel of formed police units” (MONUSCO, 2017).
That the United Nations Security Council cuts with 3,600 military personnel into the MONUSCO Peacekeeping Operation mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is like a wrapped Christmas gift in early March. Also the cut in in military observers by a 100, only keeping the same amount of police personnel and police units, shows the lack of understanding the fragile situation inside Congo. The Congolese Authorities are oppressive and silencing the citizens, while citizens are dying and even mass-graves are appearing in Kasai-Oriental, as M23 have resurfaced, the Mayi-Mayi creating issues, Kamwina Nsapu rebellion, the ADF-NALU inside the Kivu’s. There are so much violence and killings, still the International Community play foul by stepping down their mission as the situation isn’t becoming clearer or better.
There been issues in North Kivu and South Kivu for long as Rwandese and Ugandan based rebel groups, together with relics of the great-wars of the 1990s are still at large, these are done in systematic oppression, as well as the resources have been exported through channels that even lead to the building of gold refinery in Entebbe recently. Still, this is all happening under the nose of the United Nations Security Council, they know this as of late two of the UN Experts together with their interpreter lost their lives while following up on the mass-graves of Kasai-Oriental. Therefore, that after months of killings in yet another province, that the MONUSCO getting weaker is gift to President Kabila and his violent oppressive army FARDC.
Important cuts of MONUSCO according to the U.S. Ambassador to the UN on the DRC Mission:
““We can reduce the troops tremendously,” Haley would later tell a gathering of foreign-policy mandarins and reporters at the Council on Foreign Relations. President Joseph Kabila’s “corrupt” government, she suggested, may be unworthy of international support from the United Nations. And the U.N. mission, she added, might be compromising its integrity by “aiding a government that is inflicting predatory behavior against its own people.” (Lynch & McCormick, 2017).

Well, what the new Ambassador Haley doesn’t see that if the UN didn’t have a genuine mandate and forces there, than the escalation and the possible worsen efforts from the government could have appeared, as the price of power from the central government hasn’t really showed lack of use of excess force in the past. As well as giving way to rebels to steal and take resources so they can export it to Rwanda and Uganda. That has happen over a decade and shaped the mineral industries, as well as the relationship between the Republics. But I am sure that Haley haven’t read the bloody history or the extended warfare and warlords that has affected the Congolese heartland. That would surely make her think of other than corruption, but also of the amount of innocent people killed. She and the U.S. can replicate their dollars and drop silver dollars again to crash economies as they did in the past. But, to use economy as a reason to give way to President Kabila, seems futile and like monkey-wrenching the UN Peacekeeping mission.
So the cutting of the fat, will also cut the will and possible effects of the UN Mission in the DRC. They are maybe saving some funds, but even creating most likely unknown effects where the stakes are higher than a service adjourned and continues peace. The Kabila Government are far likely fearing the UN and their MONUSCO while knowing that the UN will cut their support and their mandate to save U.S. Tax payers monies. Instead of seeing the benefit of securing the peace in the Congo. Certainly, the nation who was partly involved in the killing of President Patrice Lumumba, should feel their needed support of a peaceful transition and recognize that they also kept the funding of President Mobutu Sese Seko for decades upon end. So the US history in the DRC comes with a price and they should not talk budget, but talk on how to strengthen the MONUSCO’s mandate to secure the civilians, who are used as pawns on the chess-set, while the leaders are trading favors and finding paths to stay in power. Kabila knows this and using all tricks to be able to stay without holding an election or respecting the CENCO agreement. Therefore, the weaken MONUSCO by 3,600 military personnel is gift, a splendid gift to Kabila and his cronies.
Kabila, should be delighted and have an afternoon delight with some liquor and prime cut beef. However, the US administration shows that they are not thinking long-term in policies in their respects to the UN. This will cost more and take more time on their involvement in peacekeeping mission in the future, as the resolving mechanisms and the results of stifling the powers are gone. The mission themselves sometimes doesn’t deliver great results in change, but they keep the violence at bay and also make sure the governments doesn’t extended their power grab. That would change if the weaken mandate of MONUSCO would be even more axed. Peace.
Reference:
Lynch, Colum & McCormick, Ty – ‘Nikki Haley Threatened to Withhold Backing for U.N.’s Congo Mission, Then Blinked’ (30.03.2017) link: http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/03/30/nikki-haley-threatened-to-withhold-backing-for-u-n-s-congo-mission-then-blinked/
MONUSCO – ‘DR CONGO: SECURITY COUNCIL EXTENDS PEACEKEEPING MANDATE, BUT REDUCES TROOP STRENGTH’ (31.03.2017) link: https://monusco.unmissions.org/en/dr-congo-security-council-extends-peacekeeping-mandate-reduces-troop-strength
Westcott, Lucy – ‘U.N. AMBASSADOR NIKKI HALEY: ‘I BELIEVE YOU WILL SEE CUTS TO THE U.N.’ (29.03.2017) link: http://www.newsweek.com/nikki-haley-un-budget-cuts-peacekeeping-575967



I don’t know if I should laugh or cry, but what sort of discussion should be from people who gave us IKEA, Volvo and tiny meatballs. We know that the Swedish needs to prove their worth in the world on other venues, than the Eurovision and hair-styles of Zlatan Ibrahamovic. Still, the recent of willingly sending Pro Bono people to mediate between the long serving, self reliance and thief in chief, the National Resistance Movement wizard, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Opposition leader, creator of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Dr. Kizza Besigye are supposed to talk between cups of tea and biscuits provided with Swedish hospitality.
“The Swedish Government has confirmed that it has been approached and, has accepted, to mediate planned talks between President Museveni and former presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye” (…) “The government of Sweden is involved in supporting and promoting dialogue in many parts of the world, as part of its policy of conflict prevention and support to peace processes. Sweden has been asked to facilitate a possible dialogue in Uganda,” Swedish Foreign ministry spokeswoman Katarina Byrenius Roslund, noted in reply to email inquiries from this newspaper. The “discussions are still at an early stage”, she noted, adding: “When there is concrete progress to communicate, we will do so” (…) “Ms Annika Söder, the Swedish state secretary, has been agreed on by the principals as the mediator for the expected talks. She flew into the country last week and held separate back-to-back meetings with the President and Dr Besigye on Thursday and Friday, respectively, in what knowledgeable sources described as “exploratory” (Butagira, 2017).
First and foremost, can the Swedes explain the content of tear-gas into public meetings, police blocking, detaining of FDC Youths, falsified charges against the FDC leadership, the Public Order Management Bill who is created to stop meeting of anyone else, than the loyal men of Museveni. How can there be talks between the parties?
Secondly, when every travel and meeting of FDC and Besigye is met with heavy police force, blocking of main roads and tear-gas when they congregate. What is there to discuss? What perimeter of Kasangati he is allowed to leave before it is an issue? What sort of ideas do the Swedes have in mind, except selling Volvo and SAAB to Uganda, instead of Isuzu and Toyota!
Seriously, that the Government of Sweden must either be blind or ill-minded if they think this will give way. If they know the history of Nairobi Talks of 1980s. When the National Resistance Army and the other parties gathered to iron out the differences. Than that was used to forge more way for the NRA agenda and silence the others with guns and ammo. Not generate peace without knowledge of Museveni landing on top. So this is in his blood and the blood that is shed for him to gain all power.
Global IDP Database wrote this about his negotiations:
“In July 1985, conflict between some Langi and Acholi soldiers led to the overthrow of the Obote regime. The coup, which brought General Tito Okello to power, shattered the military alliance between the Acholi and Langi and escalated ethnic violence. The Okello regime invited all fighting groups and political parties to join the military government. Every armed group and political party, with the exception of the NRA, joined the administration. The NRA, however, engaged the regime in protracted peace negotiations held in Nairobi. In December 1985, the Nairobi Agreement was signed under the chairmanship of President Moi of Kenya. However, the Agreement was never implemented and Museveni seized power on the 25th January 1986” (Global IDP Database, P: 18, 2004).
So will the Swedish buy into the mantra that everything can be reassembled and rebuilt? Since they want to forge a relationship between Besigye and Museveni. Museveni, who rather take up guns and get rid of opposition and vowed last year to destroy the opposition. Well, I am sure the Swedish we’re busy finding ways to export designer materials, than following the post-election dogma of Museveni. Since a man who only believes “he is the only man with a vision”. That is the man who is supposed to co-operate and negotiate with an advisory! Really?
A man who doesn’t want to talk about succession and doesn’t want to speak about his lingering in charge. A man who has run a country and nation since 1986, has nothing more to win or to gain by playing soft. If he does so and the Swedish is dumb enough to buy into the fake wood and think they get mahogany, than they will offer donor-funding and possible other prices for the so-called negotiations between the NRM and FDC. Even as the FDC Headquarter we’re a year ago a crime scene and many members and leaders we’re detained on manufactured charges.
There shouldn’t be these sort of talks at this point, if so, than the Swedish are legitimizing the thieving of Museveni and his NRM elite. Does the Swedish government want that on their plate? Is that the Swedish people’s prideful mission to support and trust in a corrupt and militarized government, while they at the same time is using Besigye as pawn?
The Swedish government, if they care should back-off, go home to Stockholm. Cut their aid and stop the talks. As they will only give more way to dictator and his clientele at the Okello House. There aren’t anything else to give.
Did the Swedish government do any research and care about the track-record of the Museveni regime? Have they seen how many mysterious deaths and men who has worked close who has either had to flee or been detained by his regime? Have the Swedish considered their implications in establishing legitimacy of the current leadership? Who doesn’t care if they bankrupt their country? While they are driving expensive cars on the State coffers?
Does the Swedish government need this win or this talks to gain international recognition, and not only sell IKEA furniture? Time to take the dozens pieces and assemble that the chairs in Umeå, and step away from Kampala.
Or do the Swedish government and their team no problem with losing their credibility for helping a fellow dictator? Peace.
Reference:
Butagira, Tabu – ‘Sweden to mediate Museveni, Besigye talks’ (29.03.2017) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Sweden-to-mediate-Museveni–Besigye-talks/688334-3868674-b3fqil/index.html
Global IDP Database – ‘PROFILE OF INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT : UGANDA’ (17.06.2004)

That the Democratic Republic of Congo State Official Lambert Mende today confirmed that the UN Experts taken hostage earlier this month, we’re found in a shallow grace in Kasai-Oriental, he confirmed that the UN Staff Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, we’re found together with their interpreter Betu Tshintel. This happen on the 28th March of 2017. That is worrying sign, but the province has already been hit by dangerous violence that been deadly to villages. So that the men and woman from the United Nations lost their lives while reporting to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
That the death of Michael Sharp, Zaida Catalan and Betu Tshintel, is a sad view of the dire situation in the province, as this is proof of the killings and the armed interference in the daily life.
17 Mass Graves in Kasai-Oriental:
“The violence in the former province of Kasai, shaken by the rebellion of the militiamen of Kamuina Nsapu, was invited to a meeting of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on Wednesday 22 March. While the Congolese authorities confirm overflows, the indictment of seven military personnel for crimes against humanity and an investigation into two mass graves in the former province of Kasaï, the United Nations, on their part, are worried about the The alleged existence of at least 17 mass graves in the central and eastern Kasai, as well as barriers to access to these sites and the exercise of their mandate” (RFI, 2017).
Congolese Policemen killed:
“A Congolese National Police (PNC) has revised down on Monday, the number of policemen killed on Friday, March 24 in an ambush strained by the alleged militiamen Kamuina Nsapu. According to Colonel Pierrot Mwana Mputu, spokesman of the Congolese National Police, thirty-nine policemen were killed in this ambush” (…) “From Kinshasa to support the police units in Kasai province and on two trucks of troop transport police near Tshikapa, the policemen were ambushed by the militias claiming Kamuina Nsapu, at the village of Kamuesha, 77 km from Tshikapa,” said Colonel Pierrot Mwana Mputu, in a message read on Monday 27 March in the evening on national television” (…) “These policemen, who left Kinshasa on the morning of March 24, were buried by their executioners in a false commune instead of the massacre, said the same source” (Radio Okapi, 2017).
Kabila warned about Kamwina Nsapu:
“It is with this message that he urged the base of the PPRD of the federation of the Eastern Kasai to enroll massively and to arm itself morally in order to face the elections at all levels and to win them. He welcomed the resolve of the PPRD, MP and all Kasaiens to prevent any insurrectionary attempt to put the country in chaos and delay the momentum of its development given by the Head of State And moral authority of the MP, Joseph Kabila Kabange. He warned the pockets of resistance of some militias operating under the label of Kamwina Nsapu, whose ruling family has agreed to lower arms and work for peace in this space. “All those who commit crimes under the Kamwina Nsapu label will be treated like criminals and will have to answer for their actions,” he said. This exchange took place in the presence of the governor of this province and federal president of the PPRD Kasai Oriental, Alphonse Ngoy Kasanji and other cadres of this party. Deputy Prime Minister Shadary visited Mbuji-Mayi on March 15 from Mwene-Ditu, Lomami province, to pacify the province in the face of the threat of ex- Militia Kamwina Nsapu. This mission was notably crowned by the surrender of this militia to the authorities, it is recalled” (ACP/FNG/KGD, 2017).
That the death of the UN Experts and the interpreter are bad enough, it is sad that innocent men and woman dies in the DRC. No matter where they come from and how they got there. Still, the deaths of locals, the Congolese citizens in Kasai-Oriental by either the rebels Kamwina Nsapu or the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The battles and skirmishes of these in the province, proves the who’s deaths that matters.
That the UN Experts are known men and woman who has connections abroad and inside power. They are important in that sense, but still the FARDC massacres and the Kamwina Nsapu rebellion, as the alleged mass graves, together with the killings of Policemen in short time span. This has all been revealed in the matter of this month, March 2017. This proves that the Kabila Government, the Central Government of Kabila, have forgotten to govern or to rule with care of their citizens. That the government are using their army to kill their own and instead of only fighting the rebellion, they are also killing off their own. The rebels killings is bad as it is, but the FARDC isn’t creating a better situation.
All of these unknown men and woman dead in recent months in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a tragedy, that is created by the Central Government, as the postponed elections and unwillingly to leave the power. That the Policemen dies, the citizens and foreigners in a region lost to rebels, who knows and has skills to take life. Certainly, this is a deadly area and is in the deepest crisis. A crisis that has been created and as a reaction to the volatile situation that President Kabila wanted to leave, so that he can come in as the savior and save the Kasai-Oriental. However, the foul play is in order and without consideration of the villages, the citizens and the strength of Kamwina Nsapu. Therefore, the MONUSCO, the United Nations and other Organizations doesn’t have the skill set or manpower to silence the guns.
The Kasai-Oriental crisis, is much bigger than the deaths and murders of UN Experts and Interpreter, FARDC and MONUSCO cannot handle Kamwina Nsapu, that is proven by the massacres, that either is provoked by the rebels or created by the army. No matter what it is the innocent people who dies in the bloodshed. The Congolese men and woman, the Congolese Authorities that doesn’t act upon the war-crimes and let it escalate. The world wasn’t really caring about 17 reported Mass Graves, but a two UN Experts, will make many cry havoc, more than a dozens policemen. Because Zip-Codes matters in this cynical world, as if the innocent civilians of Kasai-Oriental hadn’t deserved a better fate, than being prey to either Kamwina Nsapu or the FARDC. That the MONUSCO couldn’t intervene or act in mercy of civilians proves the lacking mandate of yet another pack of Blue Helmets. Peace.
Reference:
ACP/FNG/KGD – ‘Emmanuel Shadary réaffirme la volonté de la MP de respecter la Constitution’ (27.03.2017) link: http://www.faapa.info/en/2017/03/27/emmanuel-shadary-reaffirme-la-volonte-de-la-mp-de-respecter-la-constitution/
RFI – ‘RDC: l’ONU soupçonne l’existence d’au moins 17 fosses communes dans les Kasaï’ (23.03.2017) link: http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20170323-rdc-onu-fosses-communes-enquetes-kasai
Radio Okapi – ‘Kasaï : 39 policiers tués dans une embuscade à Kamuesha (Police)’ (28.03.2017) – link: http://www.radiookapi.net/2017/03/27/actualite/securite/kasai-39-policiers-tues-dans-une-embuscade-kamuesha-police#sthash.PWiIjaHw.dpuf

They express deep concern over the grave situation in the Kasaï provinces, as illustrated by reports that, between 23 and 24 March, about 40 members of the Congolese National Police were killed, during an ambush by the Kamuina Nsapu militia on the road between Tshikapa and Kananga.
WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, March 28, 2017 – The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie continue to follow developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) closely. They express deep concern over the grave situation in the Kasaï provinces, as illustrated by reports that, between 23 and 24 March, about 40 members of the Congolese National Police were killed, during an ambush by the Kamuina Nsapu militia on the road between Tshikapa and Kananga.
The four partner organizations condemn this despicable act and express their condolences to the families of the victims. They further condemn all other acts of violence and violations of human rights that have recently taken place in the Kasaïs.
The levels of violence as well as reports of human rights violations witnessed in some parts of the DRC require an urgent response from the country’s political leaders. In this context, they urge the defence and security forces to exercise restraint in the efforts to restore order in the Kasaïs, and encourage the continuation of the recently-initiated dialogue between the Government and the Kamuina Nsapu militia, in order to find a peaceful solution to the situation in the Kasaïs. They reiterate the need for a credible investigation to shed light on human rights violations and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. In this regard, they welcome the steps announced by the Government and look forward to their follow-up.
The four organizations underscore the urgency to fully implement the 31 December 2016 political agreement facilitated by the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO), including the appointment, in line with the relevant provisions of that Agreement, of a Prime Minister from the Opposition. Such progress will help facilitate the country’s stabilization, the restoration of law and order in areas affected by violence and the holding, within the envisaged timeframe, of the elections that should conclude the transitional period agreed to by the Congolese stakeholders.










There is an ongoing civil-war inside the Kasai-Oriental, a region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there has been battles between rebels, militias and foreign mercenaries in other regions like North and South Kivu. That Beni, Goma and other towns has been embattled for a decade or more. There are now more worrying reports from Kasai-Oriental province where there are now questioning of the result of the skirmishes and running warfare between rebels against the Kabila government in Kinshasa. This is the militants of Kamuina Nsapu who have fought the civil war against Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
“The violence in the former province of Kasai, shaken by the rebellion of the militiamen of Kamuina Nsapu, was invited to a meeting of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on Wednesday 22 March. While the Congolese authorities confirm overflows, the indictment of seven military personnel for crimes against humanity and an investigation into two mass graves in the former province of Kasaï, the United Nations, on their part, are worried about the The alleged existence of at least 17 mass graves in the central and eastern Kasai, as well as barriers to access to these sites and the exercise of their mandate” (RFI, 2017).
“After the revelations about the massacres perpetrated by the Congolese army, the Voice of the Voiceless for Human Rights association is asking the judiciary to extend its ongoing investigations to similar crimes it has documented in the Kasai Oriental. Rostin Manteka, the executive director of La Voix des sans voix, spoke about abuses in the Kabeya-Kamwanga and Miabi territories” (…) “In these two territories the FARDC soldiers have also perpetrated many crimes. Several militiamen were killed there, including innocent people. There were even entire villages burned and people buried for several weeks in forests and bushes. So we want these crimes to be taken into account as well, and I believe that an international investigation would be essential in order to fight against the impunity of crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and that all victims of these crimes The injury suffered ” (RFI, 2017).
Executed Rebels:
“In a report released on Wednesday (March 23rd) in Kinshasa, the NGODH revealed that 33 people were summarily executed and shot in the territory of Kabeya Kamuanga by soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo sent to the scene. “The victims were buried, piled up like cattle in latrines with feet or hands outside in order to terrorize the rest of the population and prevent young people and children from joining the militia. Any bereavement organization was formally banned under pain of suffering the same fate, “regrets Rostin Manketa, executive director of the VSV” (MCN Team, 2017).
That the State and Republic can create 17 Mass Graves and can be in-charge while these crimes and deaths are committed, than we know something is wrong. President Kabila and the Kinshasa regime are now hostile to their own citizens. Citizens that acts upon the unjust behavior and the use of army to oppress their voices and their ballots. The Kabila government are on overtime and doesn’t seem interested in stepping down, as the Presidential Election of 2016 didn’t appear.
Therefore, the violence and killings in Kasai-Oriental province is a proof of the injustice and the illegitimate regime. That they have to kill and bury the reactionary men and woman in the province. 17 mass graves with militia-men and the villages that are burned down. This all done with the force of the Republic Army. An army who has suppressed their own. There was not to long ago a video-clip of the use of killing innocent villagers, that the Kabila government called “Hollywood”, but with the UN findings of 17 Mass Graves! Proves that these video isn’t a rare incident, but more mere fact of the killings done by government.
The villages burned, all men and woman killed, while the world haven’t really acted, as the spiral of violence and all the loss of life. The uncertainty, the fragile situation as the army and rebels are killing each other. There are so many members of families, friends, uncle and unties that has lost their lives and is buried in the mass graves. This is acts of civil war that is occur there.
Clearing Kasai for explosives:
“Central DRC has a legacy of explosive remnants of war (ERW) that limit the safe access to certain locations. Thanks to the generosity of the People of Japan, UNMAS, along with its implementing partner MAG, conducted ERW survey & clearance operations in Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental, Lomami, Maniema provinces. In one year, 124,872 m2 of land have been cleared and over 6,000 ERW and 20,000 rounds of ammunition have been destroyed to avoid potential misusage and proliferation towards armed groups, such as the militias currently operating in the area” (UNMAS, 17.03.2017).
So the violence and armed battles happens with all sort of arms, as there are even use of mines and explosives to explode on civilians and army battalions. All of this together with the other acts of harm, shows the ability to warfare that is in the province of Kasai. Peace.
Link:
MCN Team – ‘Affaire Kamuina Nsapu : la VSV appelle la justice militaire à élargir ses enquêtes au Kasaï Oriental’ (23.03.2017) link: http://mediacongo.net/article-actualite-24995.html
RFI – ‘RDC: l’ONU soupçonne l’existence d’au moins 17 fosses communes dans les Kasaï’ (23.03.2017) link: http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20170323-rdc-onu-fosses-communes-enquetes-kasai



