A Quarantine Memo Part V: A New Normal

27^th May 2020 Oslo

Well, we’re are here again. The world is still not back to standard settings and is work in progress. In some parts, that will never change, because we always need to aspire for greater and better things. Not only for ourselves, but for everyone else, also for the next generation to come. As we are leaving this world behind to them to pick up the pieces where we left off.

So, with that in mind. We are in these times seeing whose the leaders, whose the PR persons in-charge and who matters. Why do I say that? Well, the pandemic like the COVID-19 or the Coronavirus has uncovered the importances of several of functions of society. That has always been vital and had its place. However, now people are clapping for them, cheering them on and even praising their work. Before this, who would have been to pleasant to a shop-clerk? Who would have clapped for nurses and doctors? You would have avoided to do that, just like the plague. Ironically saying that.

We are now at a stage where there is configurations for a new normal. As there are no definite cure yet to the disease, which is still ravaging earth. There is still a steady stream of deaths occurring because of this. It is still spreading and not fully contained. Both because of lack of leadership, discipline and care. However, also because the lack of testing and tracing of it. This in the context of leaders whose reckless and whose self-centred to their position, instead of actually leading their respective nations.

That is why we’re at a stage, where the disease is still “on-the-loose”. There is still unanswered at what stage everywhere is. As there are so many uncertainties. Yes there are areas where there is getting no positive tests for a few weeks. However, this doesn’t change that their deaths worldwide and the curve is going down.

Still, we are risking a lot by re-opening a lot of places. When there been no en-mass testing. Neither been secured anti-body testing either. There are so many loose bottlenecks. That there is issues of what we are succeeding or not. It is true that many places the amount of cases is going down. However, behind the numbers are also the defaults, the ones who wasn’t tested and had symptoms early on and could spread it asymptomatic. That is why this is a grand issue and a disease that will linger on.

When the borders opens up and the travel will come back. Then there will be a surge, especially from places where the nations has been reluctant or haven’t tested on a grand scale. As there are possible a bigger spread than initially reported and the back-log will come at a later date. Just like the changes of numbers of COVID-19 deaths, as the way of announcing and testing of this haven’t always been as accurate. That is why these numbers has been revised and even more damaging than first reported.

Therefore, we are living in troubling times. Yes, this virus has shattered the global tourism industry, airline industry and closed ordinary life for a while. People are still in quarantine, are still Netflix and Home-Office. I am still on home-office, even as I know will travel to the office a few times a week, but not daily as before.

That’s why the new temporary new normal is coexisting now. As we awaits the trials, the tests and possible cure. There are few snakes-oil salesmen who tries to come with something, but these has not been proven. They are selling hope in a bottle and could just have sold a beer instead. The beer at least makes you happy a small moment. After that your giddy, but with a placebo your just getting hurt. When you figure it out doesn’t do it and hasn’t the effects to conquer this beast.

This is why we have to wait and live in this new normal. This semi-quarantined and home-based working life-style. Its fine for now, been months with this. Since Mid-March and we’re in the end of May.

2020 wasn’t as anticipated. No one foresaw this virus and its effects on life. We have lived through and have to carry on. There will be an aftermath, but what will happen with that is unknown. The leaders and representatives who didn’t act, who saw and didn’t follow the concerns early on. Should be questioned, the ones with intelligence and reports from China. They should be questioned and the late lockdowns needs inquiry into. However, expect that not to come from the ones in-charge, but opposition or outside forces pressuring it. Because, they will not take causalities or responsibility unless they get burned.

So, the rest of 2020 will be semi lockdown stage, will be COVID inspired and will have new regulations. Also, we just have to hope the 2^nd wave won’t be a copy of the ones of the Spanish Flue in the early 1900s. Because, then were in for a devastating fall. A fall, that will make this spring and early summer look like a walk in the park. The sad thing about that, is that we have already to many deaths and people catching the disease in this wave. Because, we didn’t do enough collectively here on planet earth. Peace.

Opinion: The government have money [unless your not a priority]

Let me just say, that tonight, this evening I am tired of reading headlines from various of Republics and Countries where they state they don’t have funds for pledges nor supposed basics during this global pandemic. Yes an global pandemic of COVID-19 or the Coronavirus isn’t a planned affair, unless your a conspiracy theorist who makes up ghost stories out of thin air. The rest of us lives in reality and try to figure the best way out of this.

What is boring in these troubling times is when the state says they doesn’t funds for PPE, Masks, Medicine, Salaries for Front-Line workers and whatnot. It is just an endless stream of costs, payments, allocations and expenditure the state has to carry. The imports of sudden extra equipment, ventilators and such. By all means its an expensive enterprise to cover this and ensure enough of the basics. Still, if the people, the citizens and the well-being of them matters. Than this should be shielded first.

However a reason for the lack of funds is that the state hasn’t this as a priority. This isn’t their breadwinner, this isn’t their ballpark. No, this is a side-show, a show where donors, where foreign donations and other comes in to cover the basics and the needed cover. In sunny days this is usually enough, because the ones getting hurt isn’t an priority and the ones whose VIP gets treatment abroad anyway.

That is why the Health Care system isn’t fully functioning nor has the capacity it should have in consideration per capita. The lack of enough beds, ICUs and such are now a contrast to the amount people in the dominion. Therefore, the state has lost the battle, if it gets bad quickly. The state cannot assume they will get help from elsewhere. Since they are already hurting themselves and are damaged by the virus as well.

So in this regard, when the state is complaining and stating lack of funds for this now. Its all about priorities. These states usually has no issues getting loans, grants and donations to cover deficits. They have no issues getting loans and supplementary budgets to secure new revenue-streams in sunny days for infrastructure and development projects. However, securing the well-being of the citizens and their welfare. That is burden it cannot shelter. Not to the max, not to the appropriate levels. That is just to expensive. Unless, a drunk uncle, snappy-nephew or an in-law is kicking in some remitted funds to shelter its own family at family. That is how this goes.

The governments can run their coffers dry, they can create huge deficits in the times of needs. They can boost their stimulus and use the credit, the forecasted revenue and the sales of treasury bonds. All of that cover it in the future, as the government and state can in practicality never cease nor get bankrupt. That as a sovereign state and therefore, has more gains and possible future income to cover debt and deficits.

That is why in these times of need, the government can prove where their loyalty lies. Either its with their citizens or its with the corporate agenda. They can show that solving it and investing in the Health Care system matters.

We can see if it is a priority or just talk. We can see by the pounds sterling, the US dollars or whatever currency spent on it. That its a priority or not. If they priorities it, they are risking a bigger deficit for now. If not, they are shielding the hurt and hoping it just goes back to normal quick. Peace.

A Quarantine Memo Part III: It’s now modified (10.05.2020)

“Kick in the door, waving the four-four

All you heard was Poppa don’t hit me no more

Kick in the door, waving the four-four

All you heard was Poppa don’t hit me no more” – The Notorious B.I.G aka Biggie – ‘Kicking in the Door’ (1997).

Oslo, Norway 10^th May 2020

Well, so here I am at this very moment preparing for yet another week with home office. Things are changing. In my home town they are serving beer and alcohol at the pubs, restaurants are slowly opening again. The normalcy is sort of returning, but with modifications. Less public transport, more home-office and adjustment in concern of cleaning of public spaces.

There are less death, less transmitted disease, the fear and worry of going to the grocery is sort of gone. Even if the knowledge that this could be a temporary state. Because, these sort of pandemics goes in cycles. Even we are going down on the curve as we speak. There is still a possibility of second wave, which can hit as hard or harder. Since people took it easy after the first measures and lockdowns.

We are not the only one, because the economy is the blessing that rules earth. “Cash Rules Everything Around Me, C.R.E.A.M Get the Money, Dollar Dollar Bill Y’All” (Wu Tang Clan). The words of the wordsmiths of Wu Tang still resonates with me too this day. With every living day on this earth, the addiction and the needs for currency gets ever so real.

That is why in the midst of a pandemic. Rising numbers of deaths. The still current escalations around us. Still governments tumbling to fix it. South Korea tried to re-open some functions, they closed them, when there cases connected them to them. They we’re open a hot minute before closing. Therefore, the project re-open needs to be done with care and consideration. Not only to the powerful dollar. That will not solve anything, maybe monetary liquidity of failing enterprises, but lives will be lost over the saving grace of silver coins.

We can wonder for ourselves, if the re-opening will be another social experiment. Where the state with an app and adjustments hopes that lesser people catches the sickness. Less people interact and uphold the social distance, washing of hands and such. Because, sooner or later these lessons might go astray. Since, there is no signs or effects in the open. As everything is normalizing. Has that been considered?

That is the risk of opening, even with the measures at hand. People will behave like people. That is just the way it is. This is the reality. We can hope that all the sanitizers, the cleanliness and all other efforts sticks until a vaccine is on the horizon. However, until then the reality needs to be caution. We have not been under lockdown, under self preserved quarantine for months and not ensured safety of more people. Neither, not having results of public change.

It is easy to forget, but for me… I have been stuck in my own home since mid-March. I am grateful to be as healthy as I went in. However, we can’t loose the end-game here. That we have remedy and cure, that he a fix for the issue. Because, right now, we are losing up for the mighty dollar and not because lives matters. Yes, these months has been a burden on companies, organizations and the state. But, money they can print new every single day, but, but a person only lives once.

That is why that unique person should be valued more than the currency. Yes, we all got to live, have a livelihood and a working society. However, for a short while trading away the perks, the benefits of 2020 and the socialization we are used too. Might do good, because we might extend someone’s life, who has medical conditions, which easily can harm that person even more if it gets COVID-19. That’s why its worth it and that’s the pivotal thing for the self-quarantine.

Not because the challenge was big for me or for anyone else sticking to home office. To not take public transport and follow advice. However, the greater good, the achievement of serving everyone as a citizen and as a person. Yes, it cost, but it is meagre compared to the ones whose really suffering. I just stayed in my home and only went to the grocery. This is nothing compared to others who fought in wars or faced starvation. We are lucky in that sense, that this was our way out of the pandemic for now. Because it could have been much worse.

We just have too see. Never give up and continue on. A luta Continua. Never give up. Never give in. Have hope for a better tomorrow and not let COVID-19 win. Peace.

A Quarantine Memo Part II (26.04.2020)

It’s about that time…

Well, we have gotten this far and still we’re far from over. If you think the sacrifice, the estimated time sitting on your coach revisiting movie classics, reading dusty books and dodging burnt bridges on Social Media will save your ass. Well, this hurdle will take more than that. Even you got more knowledge of binge watching, new shows and seen some low-budget TV shows made in their homes. Still, no reason to zappy. We are here for a reason, it is the COVID-19 season.

I have been in home-office since mid-March 2020 and will be too mid-June 2020. So, my time with this … is sort of only beginning. Washing my hands, social distancing and not seeing my colleges in the flesh, except on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. That is the life now. Nothing to blame, just life I guess. Just like, because of advice from authorities and the state. I’m not taking public transport. Only done it like two-three times over the last month to have a breather to the near mall. To also buy more needed gear to the home, than what I get at the local grocery.

Well, if your thinking I’m complaining. No, I am not. I’m just expressing my lifestyle. As I make the dinners for the wife, as she’s working in the store and I’m at home anyway. So, it feels like my duty to make the home shiny, as best to my ability. Therefore mixing between answering emails, calls and writing things for work. While washing dishes, cleaning floors and dusting. Also, thinking of what to make for dinner. It is life these days.

This quarantine has made life different. Reading the steady stats, seeing the curves. Seeing the amount of fatalities, the discredited groups of people taking up arms and battling the disease. The ones who are on the front-line now, but are not properly compensated. While the bailouts goes to the rich CEOs and the ones skimming the profits in non-crisis.

Well…

Some things never change, the richer get richer, while the peasants stays the pawns on the chess-set. The first ones to send in the battle and the first ones to sacrifice. That is just way it is. We are seeing industries are failing across the board. This because of the lockdowns, not only hotels, tourist hot-spots and whatnot. No, farmers are hurt, their produce is not getting sold. Oil is worthless, airlines broken down and so-on.

We don’t know how things will be post-COVID19, but know that the hardships isn’t over. After the shut-down, the lock-down and closure. The revamping systems, the needed stimulus and new features from the states is needed. Not more austerity, structural adjustment programs and whatnot. That will create more destruction, privatizations will only cuss out more funds from the states, instead of making real deep development. We should know this, but the politicians might trade away today with promises of changes in future. If not they are getting a cut, to cut and stifle the public. That is not new either, but they will rename a run-down car and say its like a 2021 Caddy fresh out the factory. We know the car doesn’t smell new or the engine is pumped. It just missing the ability to get the rain through the windows and clunky sounds from the doors. So, don’t try to sell us this.

This is just what I am thinking, as I am stuck in my home. Working, living and getting by. I am lucky to be in this position. I am blessed and I know it. However, we still need to question the powers to be. As much as we can. Peace.

A Quarantine Memo (13.04.2020)

It was bound to happen, at one point I had to write a piece like this. Just to clear my mind, as the reflections of my windows get boring. The COVID-19 Special Reports, the deaths, the recovered, the contagious disease continues to spread and I’m self-quarantined by the authorities and my employers. Well, that is all good for now, but it makes a brother reflect on life. As I have been in this state for 30 days or about a month.

I know we have seen pictures of P.Diddy, Puff Daddy or Diddy where he turns a lot older than he usually does. I am sure many more looks older now. Because, they don’t have the team around them to give them make-up and fresh new clothes straight from the factory.

However, for the most of us. The days goes in checking emails, the twitter feed and Facebook feed. Listening to the news, talking to the close family and friends. Keeping in touch and letting the day go by. While the numbers are rising. More death, more horror and a worry of a second wave. While states, nations and whatnot plans to open up. We are looking wonder, who will be caught in the second wave, as the old people’s home is so hardly hit in the first wave and God knows who will be next in line. As doctors, nurses and front-line workers are catching it or even in quarantine themselves.

This is not easy times. The mind rumbles. The questions remains, as we don’t have vaccine, nor any sufficient medicine to cure this disease. We can think that the spoils of the American President and other gutsy people has the tricks. But then again, we would fool ourselves or let us be fooled by another fool.

Just like the people hooked on the 5G thingy, that is the same peddlers who are selling vitamin-cures to heal your skull, your dildos and whatnot. The same folks who sold Pizzagate and went mayhem on Clinton’s emails. However, the same folks will not cry loud for the thousands of dead because of the lack of preparation and concern about the virus itself. That is just so rich.

The headlines, the drama and the diplomatic squabble are bound to happen. The lack of funds, the stolen allocated funds, the ghost foundations and everything is bound to happen. The ghost workers and the grand corruption, as there was no transparency with COVID-19 Funds. There was no clear oversight nor care to look over the transfers of funds. Only spending because there was a dire need, not even look into tenders or reasons for procurement of needed goods too.

It is all just clear magic, the magicians in office using the space to enrich themselves on a tragedy. The death, the failure of state and the lack of protocol. The staring darkness of it all. While we are told to be hopeful. Be giddy and be cautious. Wash our hands, social distance and listen to guidance. However, we should still be woke.

These people who has power, needs to be regulated and questioned. They shouldn’t automatically get a pass, because of a pandemic. Yes, there is need for new measures and security of life. That is understood. However, that doesn’t mean they have a “free for all” or can “burn bridges” to secure wealth for post-COVID. We all see that.

This is a quarantine memo. It doesn’t have any answers, but just thoughts. Which you can either take as good or dismiss. However, be woke, ask questions and ask yourself if you see it as right. But remember, common sense needs to be common. Peace.

Ethiopia: Will Abiy use this State of Emergency to crack-down on others?

I tend to support ‘State of Emergency’ measures put forward by a state or a government, when it will be done to battle insurgency or against epidemic. I understand them both. The Prosperity Party and Prime Minister Ali Ahmed Abiy is issuing his first one. It is not new with “State of Emergency” in Ethiopia. Therefore, I am sceptical and hesitant.

Even if this State of Emergency is issued for 5 months. The plan is to be delegated and controlled by the Council of Ministers, instead of the Command Post. Because of the history of Command Post. Just like people doesn’t trust the Liyu Police in the Ogaden Region. It is reasons for that, the violence, the crack-down and misuse of power towards the citizens. The same is the worry of the soldiers stationed in Amhara beating on supports of FANO. Just like the soldiers going against the querro in Oromia and so fourth. This sort of State of Emergency usually tends to be like that.

Even if this State of Emergency is placed because of the COVID-19 or Coronavirus. I have a feeling it will be used to get people more submissive to the Prosperity Party and the leadership of Addis Ababa. Expect Gondar, Jigjiba, Dire Dawa and Bahir Dar to be hit in these times. I wouldn’t be shocked to see leaked viral clips of assaulting soldiers to innocent civilians. Even reports of arrests and burning houses. Because, that is how these things to spiral out.

I’m awaiting blocked phone-lines, expect social media black-out and internet blockage, which the state has used rampantly in the Oromia region. Therefore, now that they have a legal basis. Have orders from the Central Government, the PP can act like the EPRDF did in the past and can shield information will suppressing the voices of the various regions. While using the COVID-19 as a excuse to do it. It is the perfect storm. The way of preparing the violence before the postponed elections and ensure supremacy. Without having to battle the alliances elsewhere.

The social distancing, the washing hands and the closure of state has happen elsewhere. The world is under a near global lockdown and states has issued similar means. However, the PP and its predecessor EPRDF has misused this in the past and that is not in ancient times. But it was done in the last decade and lots of systemic violence to stop the eruption of protest against the regime. Therefore, with the knowledge of that. I am worried. That is done to dismantle the voices against the government and not stop the spread of the virus itself.

The pictures of soldiers walking in the streets of Amhara, the voices of concern from Ogaden and the arrests of OLF leaders in Oromia. Shows the reasons for fear and worry. If your not, your ignorant to the way the leadership in Addis Ababa has controlled the Republic.

I hope I am wrong, because this COVID-19 is no joke. It is dangerous and contagious. It spreads so quickly and kills. While we have no direct cure or have vaccine for it. Therefore, there is a need to drastic measures to await the possible cure. However, the state who uses lockdown measures has to do it transparently and do it in the open. So the public can trust and live with it in hope, that the government act for their best interests.

Well, in this regard, I am worrying. I hope I am wrong. Because, that would have been nice. However, history teaches us things and the way people operate. Leadership can do reforms, but the reoccurent theme is that only goes skin-deep and is in rhetoric. Not in actual change of protocol nor actions. This is why I fear things. The TPLF is maybe out of the PP. However, the PP is still more of the same and they might strike with vengeance. Now that they have the opportunity. Peace.

The world is under lockdown… Part II

I wrote a piece on this on the 20^th March, at that point I had a week under lockdown where I live. This is now further extended around the world. More and more nations have done this. Their borders are closed, airports closed, international flights close to zero and only needed transport across the world is happening.

The amounts of people who has catched the disease is above a 1,000,000 and rising amounts of confirmed deaths, which has been caused by this. The social distancing, the washing of hands and the lacking coverage of supplies for the Health Care Systems are striking everywhere.

The trading of the needed equipment is stretched. The US is blamed for blocking and taking goods from others like Canada, Barbados and United Kingdom. They are clearly selfish in this, as they have never been prepared for it and not followed the CDC in the various of states either. Therefore, the US is mismanaged from the top and the White House has acted irrationally in concern of this pandemic. The US should be careful to strike nations across with this, as this will be remembered and we shall not forget that the state who couldn’t salvage itself. Put more hurt on innocent people elsewhere.

The republics, kingdoms and nations are most in Lockdowns, National Emergencies and in State of Emergencies. As the public are in shelters, not allowed to walk out or travel. Expected to work from home and be careful of your movements. That is what most of the citizens of the world does. There are some who isn’t following their quarantines, that isn’t following their isolations and the self-quarantining of ourselves.

It is not like were enjoying weeks on ends inside our homes and not even crossing town to shops, restaurants, bakeries and cafe’s. While the Multi-National Companies are scrambling to find ways of triggering commerce and e-commerce especially. The companies are suddenly starting to produce health care equipment and needed things for the pandemic. That is not made out of donations, but of possible profits. That is the mere reality, unless the governments are using their powers to overpower them to produce it. If not, it is a motive to earn since the rest of the portfolio is struggling as the world is heading for a new recession.

We are home and not spending as normal, which we shouldn’t do anyway. All of that damage various of industries from clothing, tourism and whatnot. All of these is job-losses, lay-offs and while the CEOs and stakeholders has gained a lot of profits over the years. They suddenly need public money to bail them out and save their livelihoods. They didn’t save or think of a rainy-day, they are too big to fail. So, the states needs to save companies whose paid to much to the owners and their leadership, which is really insulting when they are barely giving higher pay or salaries to the ones making it possible to be profitable company in the sunshine days. Now that it rains, these folks needs the public coffers to cough up an umbrella, since they are getting wet without having invested in the needed gear to shield them from the rain.

Just as the lockdown made the Central Business Districts, as the workplaces into ghost-towns. The Zombie, post-Apocalyptic movie where just a few selected professions are still at work. This being cleaners, shop-clerks, nurses, doctors and whatnot else that let the community run smoothly. Many of these jobs are badly paid, they are risking a lot and still the big multi-national companies will not add hazard pay or anything else to safeguard their employees. This is showing the disgraceful side of this lockdown.

This lockdown is showing the ills of this world. The conspiracy theories, the ignorant folks who still goes en-mass to churches without considering the implications of doing so. God gave these people a thinking mind, can you please use it? I say it as fellow Christian, use your mind, be woke and “not be stupid, stupid” (Phillip DeFranco impression there).

As this lockdowns continues, the businesses are hurt. However, the bigger picture is the spread of disease to areas of the globe with less of function health care systems. Who are far behind from the European hospitals and American ones, who has certain features and also support network. Where the state has invested and built up a sort of measure for the public. They are on its knees and struggling because of the amount of sickness and needed care patients.

What I worry about is the Low-Developed Countries, the LDCs and whatever term you call it. Where the state has bigger entourages around the Presidency, cronyism and grand-corruption. Where the Health Care has been a back-burner, as the elites and high ranking officials could always pay off their salaries and off state budgets travel to another hemisphere to be treated for their illness. Therefore, the lack of investment will hurt this Republic’s as the citizens are catching the disease.

The lockdown might stop the spread, but the struggle of testing, affordability to get to the doctors and the ones who lacks funds to eat. They are usually living hand-to-mouth and suddenly has live in their own quarters without any direct help. The states might help with some items here and there. But that will run out at one point, unless they have a steady circle for the timeline of lockdown and plans of supplements. So, they can get the needed diet and shelter in this time of need. This means the running water, the wells, the sanitary or latrines, the steadiness of electricity and stop blackouts at this time.

It is o many pieces of this puzzle. We all have to en-mass together, we all have to show solidarity. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t question the powers to be and their bailouts. That we shouldn’t question the lack of proper planning nor acts in time. Not taking the warning signs and awaiting it to the shit hit the fan. That is what has been done and the lockdown undress the matters.

The Lockdown will reveal what matters, will reveal what priorities and what values that the leadership concern. The days and days on end at their homes, just buying groceries if you can. The rest are awaiting help, waving at neighbours, clapping for the great people at the frontline. However, we should do more than clap at them, but secure them and their families. Since we are all right now counting on them. This means they should be not only compensated monetarily, but also with all equipment without question. If the system does so, we can beat it quicker. As well as seeing that out leaders put good plans, plans with structures and funding for the post-Corona time too. That will come, but this is what we have now.

I am still under lockdown. Still home-office and awaiting orders of otherwise. I am hopeful, but also want to see the right things being done. We are a human and we do fail, now and then. That is why we have protocol, institutionalized the emergency procedures and trying to configure our means after that. If we don’t, than we doing hack-work and patchwork, which only will be guessing the steps ahead. Which will in the end only cause more harm and trouble, than actually listening to experts, to the professionals and the ones who is educated to work with this.

Salute you and yours. Be strong, be safe and continue to have faith in these darks days. After this rain, there will be sunshine again. Peace.

The Invisible President goes for another term: Abelaziz Boutefika!

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the Algerian President since 1999 and whose 82 years old. Who is now seeking re-election for his fifth term. The current day president has been staying in power and part of government until coups in the past. He used a Coup in 1965, when he helped Houari Boumedienne unto power, which also gave him a noble ministerial post of the Foreign Minister. From 1965 until 1979 when the President died. Bouteflika lost power, as the army picked another man for the presidency and an corruption case in 1981. Put him in self-inflicted exile.

However, his time in power and ability to gain office wasn’t over. After waiting from his return in 1987 until 1999. He won an election and never looked back. After that he has won elections, in 2004, also in 2009. The third term was made possible, because they changed he Constitution so he could stand another term. While the latest election done in 2014 was marred with rigging and 90% of the votes. Also, there was already speculation of his heath back then, as the President was known for his stroke during April 2013. Which means, that his deteriorating health has been an issues since 2013 and is now 6 years of it.

Therefore, with the knowledge of 2013, there was reporting of him going on periodical medical treatment in Geneva, Switzerland. That is why his condition does sound stronger, but with age, it shouldn’t get better either. That is part of ageing. Your body is weakening, and with one stroke already. The weakness and tiredness is already possibly in the bones. That is why he need specialized treatment.

What is special, as that the President is such a vital person in the Republic. Bouteflika is the Head of State and the President. He has already been mentioned as the Invisible President and that might be righteous. Since, he isn’t really mentioned for anything in the recent years.

Who knows what the invisible guy does in Algeria. As he is the supposed rule since 1999, the former Foreign Minister of old. The 82 year old man, who plans to rule another extended term. Who knows whose the big-man behind him and who possibly controls the situation. As the ageing and the lack of health clearly cannot ensure the vision nor the energy to run the Republic.

Also, this President will be known for lifting the State of Emergency in 2011, as the President gazetted it in February 2011, to end the one that had started back in 1992. Therefore, he has done something, but that doesn’t justify his continued rule. Like he is the only man who can rule Algeria. Certainly, there are plenty more fish in the sea, who has as much capacity as him.

It cannot only be him dictating life and controlling it, by force or by being invisible. The President is really special, as there is a planed election in April 2019 to continue rule. That is a man who want to be President for life. A man who took power after massacres and made dozens of amnesties. Seen several of killings over the years and total silence. As the state controls the media and everything else.

We can wonder if the reconciliation and peace deals made during his presidency will matter, if the unanswered questions on all the disappeared people before and after he took power. The pardons and the other agreements done with the military. All of the deals that ensure the President power and keeps him there. Also, when will be his next press conference and a public speech?

When and what gives really?

Who will dare challenging him?

And when is final day in power?

Peace.

The sorry state of the nation of WaBenzi!

You are now entering into an alternative universe, where we have a nation called WaBenzi. Where the elites was eating of the state reserves, where the elite was there because of their connections with the political elite. A political elite made by patronage and nepotism. This political elite was made out a liberation battle done decades ago, either from a foreign force or from some dictator, whose legacy was murder of ethnic groups or even expelling others. The leader on top would be seen as a hero back in the day, but with lingering time, the party (the Movement) and the President would tarnish his own reputation for lingering on.

While that is happening, the written word is losing meaning in WaBenzi. Because the political are afraid of challenging the President and his party. They might have some newspapers, but their circulation isn’t on the basis for anyone outside many urban townships of the nation. Neither is the social media sites. The intelligence that has been leaked, has made the elite to shut-down, arrest and revoke the licenses of these media houses. Therefore, the media is careful and awaiting approval from the elite before publishing. They are careful with how they address the President and his movement. Because they don’t want to question his rule. At least not too much, because they don’t want to suffer. They got families to feed. Even if there is an inflation, even if the economy is in shambles. Even if the rising debt and lack of foreign exchange is hurting the economy.

The patronage is destroying the state, the lack of institutions that is meaningful is shown from anything from SIM-CARDs, or even as foolish as monitoring porn. The boards are busy bodies, while the state is eating the funds for the top-class. The state owned enterprises are giving away tenders to developers without any oversight of the contractors or their delivery. If this get public scrutiny, the President will offer them a new chance after a short suspension. Because someone he knows are eating of this plate.

In WaBenzi, the elite can get away with murders, they can get away with thefts and even land grabbing. As long as the State House is informed, it doesn’t matter if the house is a colonial masterpiece or a grand-farm. Everything can be taken, even evict whole villages for foreign investors, for factories which is promised on the land. The state can take away land for roads and for rail projects, even if the building is only on planning stage and not even the tenders of building it is open to the public. Therefore, if a garden estate for one of the elites is built there instead, it doesn’t matter. The elite of the Movement can do whatever they want.

The people of WaBenzi is so used, they are used that the President can what he wants and say whatever he wants. He can contradict himself, he does that weekly and yearly. If you followed the President. You know he talks against corruption, but let his ministers who is caught in international fraud walk around like nothing happen. The WaBenzi is so used to lied to, that their ignorance and lack of care is natural. They are tired and praying for the ending of the President. Because the President doesn’t plan to leave.

The WaBenzi are used to that the government talk about fair share of resources and development projects, even if the elite in West is getting more, than the Central, Eastern or Northern Regions. The Western has the best schools, the most Cabinet Members and the best infrastructure. The networks of hospitals and other needed government structures are there, but not in the others in that extent. The schools are decapitated, the police stations are unworthy shacks and the government offices for higher officers are looking like mansions for high-end business-men. The mayors and councilors are well-fed, the police-officers are beating on the public to get fed, the school-teachers are having side-jobs or even farming on the side. The civil servants are asking for kick-backs and fill their plate to do their civic duty, because the salary hasn’t risen in decades. If paid on time, it still would barely be enough for the rent of their home.

The hospital are lacking basics, politician of opposition parties are trying now and then to help out. They use their salaries to buy sheets, beds and even medicine. As the national medicine importer and delivery system is understaffed, lack preparation and even the tools to have enough medicine for all institutions. The lack of funding and governance is hurting the hospitals. As they cannot afford to pay their bills, as black-outs and lack of oxygen are common place.

The Electric company is run by private contractors and also private investments from abroad. The development of the energy companies and the plants are all based on either multi-national funding or possible foreign investments. These are done in random, while the different part of the sector is underfunded and also because of the issues from within, is overpriced, hard to get good rates on the electricity and also often blackouts. This hurts the industries, the public, who has to have generators and cannot trust the government run company to deliver enough and stable enough electricity.

The WaBenzi is hurt by the Western, little Elite whose eating of everyone’s plate. They are grabbing it all, while all part of society is hurting. They are not even caring about the Parliament, where the laws are rubber-stamped and secured in favor of the will of the President. The legislation is to favor his agenda and not the good-will of the people. The Elite is more busy securing tenders and their own future, than securing the better institution and society for the public.

The WaBenzi has strict laws on political gatherings, the laws are to secure that no-one will ever have the power or possibly can topple the President. No one should be able to create a protest or demonstrations that could take him down. He has the army and the police on his side. They are keeping people at bay, even invade the Parliament to get his will served. The Courts are listening to him and the orders are happening to his service. Opposition leaders can easily find themselves behind bars, the ones who voices against the Movement will easily get into trouble. That is the state of WaBenzi. Where the thieves and murders walk free and the opposition is the real criminals. Therefore, the trust in the Police and Security Organizations are not there. Because they are misusing their powers to arrest innocent people, activists and youths who are standing up against the President. He cannot manage that.

The government is usually fixing issues that doesn’t matter that much and making sure to make a stamp. Has some sort of campaigns, and making taxes on ordinary stuff, but not making sure the taxation is used properly. That is because the existence of the regime is because they feed the elite. The WaBenzi elite needs the President and the President needs the elite. The chronic patronage and nepotism combined with grand corruption is like daily. The Executives, the funds misused and the mismatch behind the use on programs and what is left to the public is staggering. The President claps his hands and gladly take his percentage of it too.

This is just a story about WaBenzi, how a country became a hostage of an elite that lives on the goodwill of the President. They are there and don’t want change, because they eat. Even if the people starve, even if they cheat on levels of poverty, even if the elite cheats on the amount of people living there and how many projects they have for development. The aid is still coming, the United Nations will still show up and pay for the supper of the poorest of the poor.

While this continues, the liberator who promised to never rig elections. The President has appointed and made sure the Commission who controls the elections are in his favor. The Election Laws are always amended and changed just before. So that the so-called opposition has another disadvantage. Not only that the state is busy giving away gifts to the public during rallies, even busing them to the stages if they have too. Paying off the popular musicians to perform and also pay-off journalists to write favorable coverage. The President is also busy paying the clan-leaders, the religious leadership and even some appointed leadership in the districts. They are getting cars and houses, as a token of their good work and making sure the President is elected again.

The President is also busy using the army and police to harass the opposition in the run-up to the election. Even make them illegal to make a point. The ministers and the Security Organization will defend it as constitutional and say the opposition are making war, not only campaigning. The President will use vile language and say people are fools if they trust anyone else. The Police will bar people, will be more into politics during campaigns, than actually doing police work. The Police will defend their monitoring and the micro-managing of the people. This is all to install fear and secure the President, that people will not really challenge the Presidency.

So after months of campaigning, the elections usually ends with days of tensions. While the Commissions are cooking the numbers, the ballots and the paper-trail, the police is busy chasing the opposition and the civil society. Offices are raided, the media are under attack, the internet is blocked and the observers are watching idly by, while silently saying the process has to move-on and electoral laws can be changed later. It is still progress for society. That WaBenzi had an election, even if it was rigged and the President took total control. He left nothing to coincidence. The public of WaBenzi was props to buy legitimacy for the Presidency, the Commission was another tool and the international observers was there. Just to secure the display of elections was shown. That people could que and wait in line before being registered to vote. Even if there was pre-ticked ballots. Even if the police officers was working and making sure the district got the right result. As the Police arrested people entering or even being party officials registered to be looking over the tally and getting copies from the return officers at the Polling Stations. That doesn’t matter. Because the result has to be in favor of the incumbent President in WaBenzi.

That is just WaBenzi, we are all happy that this what WaBenzi has to offer. This is what the WaBenzi gives of governance, of institutions and of lacking taxation without representation. We are all looking idly by, why the WaBenzi is taken for granted. The President knows this and lives on, happy and ready.

If you demonstrate or try to strike, he will catch and make a treacherous human being, because no one has the power to question the power of the army and the liberation. Even if the liberator only liberated himself and his cronies. The rest has to be hostages in the President’s will and President’s vision. That is the decision of the President, who can get away with anything and no-one cares. Therefore, the nation of WaBenzi is misused and the people are too. Every single day. Peace

Opinion: We never learn, the conflicts doesn’t stop!

This year has been bloody and the doomsday switch is itching. The trigger fingers are used on dozens of battlefields. Some places with hope of peace and of just rule. It is other places, which is in dire need of change and quickly. The are continuation of wars and conflicts. Internally and across borders. There are possible new problems and making it more hectic. As so many nations have porous borders where militias and armies are floating in between. Since also even with supposed arms blockade to certain conflict zones, the merchants of death is delivering their loads.

The battles continues, the ramifications of innocent lives, villages burnt and kids disappearing. The utter violence and crimes against humanity. That get touched and burned for war-lords, generals and Presidents to stay in power. While AID and NGOs are afraid of sending help and often also stopped. The United Nations might have troops in the nearby area, but easier to get a towing vehicle, than armed supported of a IDP Camp. The insurgency and the escalations, the results is death.

It happens, as the world is looking at Premier League, NBA and Formula One. It is happening while Miss Universe is lost on a God-Forsaken Island. We never know why these innocent lives had to die. We just read the numbers in small notices in the papers and moves on.

That is not justice, that is not right. We didn’t learn anything. Nothing. It continues daily in South Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Yemen, Burma, Burundi, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Nigeria and the list goes on. To many nations have internal conflicts or conflicts across their borders. Where merchants are securing the deaths of the innocent.

It happen all through the year. It didn’t stop. It continues and we just watch. We let it happen right under our nose for all sort of different reasons. This isn’t the big-man complex within me, this is the man who questions the world order and wonder when will it stop. We should not accept these deaths. It could be me and next time you. Who knows when conflicts will strike our shores and our clan. We never know, the future is not written yet, but we can make sure that doesn’t happen to them. That we shield and stop the aggressors. The endless violence and death. The destruction of society, of families and of basic functions.

Where the men and soldiers with the guns are respected and the law, where the respect and protocol is bypassed. Where the institutions and the general code of law is undermined at any moment. Where the bullet has the final say, where the use of weapons and ammunition; is the final outcome to any trade. The justice is what the guns say and the ones that uses them. The ones that is supplying it, is making sure the vote get heard and the War-Lord get signed off.

The determination and the lack of will, the mismanagement and the international community lack of acknowledge the reality. The blood-thirst and the power-hungry individuals who rule and who uses this to silence the public. Send them packing and fleeing. Take their lands and the resources. Secure their future, while the majority is in utter disgrace in foreign lands. They fear and wonder when peace will be in their village and around their home. If it is safe and if the government will promise their safety.

This is what we should be afraid of, that people are afraid of their homes and their lands. That they are afraid of returning, because they know that they might lose their lives and also their children. This is the evidence of the crime that is committed. What is taken from these people. We learned nothing in 2017, as the conflicts are continuing and no peace in sight. No justice and no respect for human dignity, as more innocent lives are taken away everyday before their time. Peace.