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

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

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

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

Ban Ki Moon decision:

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

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

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Key Strategic lacking will to act on Commands:

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

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

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

Recommendations:

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

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

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

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

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

Reference:

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

Uganda: MUK Letter – “Payment of Salaries of Staff” (25.11.2016)

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Population Displacement Continues to Rise in South Sudan (25.11.2016)

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The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) continues to rise, and has now reached an all-time high of 1.87 million since December 2013, according to recent UN figures.

JUBA, South Sudan, November 25, 2016 –As the armed conflict in South Sudan approaches its fourth year, civilians continue to flee the violence that has gripped much of the country and resulted in vast humanitarian needs.

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) continues to rise, and has now reached an all-time high of 1.87 million since December 2013, according to recent UN figures. Over 212,000 IDPs are hosted in UN protection of civilian (PoC) sites across the country.

The IDP population at the PoC site in Bentiu, Unity, has reached more than 108,300, representing an increase of over 14 percent since August, and matching levels not seen since April of this year. More than 7,300 people have arrived at the site since the end of October, largely from Koch, Leer and Rubkona counties.

Insecurity and corresponding increases in humanitarian needs in these parts of Unity are likely driving the increase in displacement to the PoC site. Fighting, particularly in Leer, is likely to continue prompting people to move to the Bentiu PoC site or more stable areas in Unity.

“Worsening trends of insecurity are preventing IDPs from returning to their homes in many parts of the country. While civilians are grappling with deteriorating humanitarian conditions, access constraints are making it more difficult for IOM and relief agencies to deliver aid to the most vulnerable, particularly in recent weeks,” said IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission William Barriga.

As camp manager at the Bentiu PoC site, IOM tracks entries and exits at the site. It also registers IDPs for the efficient delivery of humanitarian services, and supplies relief agencies with data to inform response planning.

Displacement figures also remain high in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, the site of heavy fighting in June and ongoing insecurity. Over 41,000 people, the highest number since June, are sheltering at the PoC site adjacent to the UNMISS base and in collective centres across Wau town, according to IOM-led population counts.

Of the 174 IDPs who arrived at the Wau PoC site last week, all cited security concerns as their core motivation for seeking protection at the site.

Outside the town, IOM and humanitarian agencies have been unable to consistently provide assistance to populations in areas south of Wau, due to bureaucratic constraints and blockages since early July.

Violence also continues to drive increased displacement in other parts of the country, including areas around Yei, Central Equatoria.

Nearly 3 million South Sudanese have fled their homes in the past three years. With over 1.1 million refugees in neighbouring countries, over 362,000 people have fled the country since July, according to the UN Refugee Agency.

IOM continues to coordinate with relief partners to provide multi-sector humanitarian assistance to displaced and conflict-affected people across South Sudan.

South Sudan: PDM Press Statement on recent Massacres following the President’s Inflamatory Rhetoric against Equatorians (24.11.2016)

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Uganda: Letter on Officer’s of the ‘Food Security and Rainfall Awareness Country Campaign’ (18.11.2016)

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Opinion: President Museveni decree ordered closure of Makerere; which is the reason for the deceased innocent new-borns at Kawempe!

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This saddens me and eats my heart out, as much as the knowledge of the famine in Isingiro and the lacking systemic enterprise or structure of the Ugandan Government, which is continuing to faltering, not serve the public. This has proven earlier in the year of other hospitals without X-Ray machines, lacking medicines and ordinary sanitary products. Together with the only Cobalt 60 Teletherapy Machine in the country at the Uganda Cancer Institute at the Mulago Hospital Complex we’re broking down and not having planned to be changed.

On the 1st November the President Yoweri Museveni closed down the Makerere University and its affiliated programs because of strikes that have occurred during the year. This is happening since the staffs at the Academic Institution haven’t gotten paid for months upon months, while the students want their lectures to be paid. What the outcome of it came quickly as the Mulago Hospital we’re telling that their programs of interns we’re suspended together with the closure of the University.

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Key Information from 11th November:

“Dr Asuman Lukwago, the outgoing ministry of health permanent secretary, said the education ministry was responsible for the university and therefore, there is nothing his ministry could do to save the situation. “We would be contradicting ourselves. Ministry of education is responsible and not us as ministry of health. There is nothing we can do,” Dr Lukwago told daily Monitor in a phone interview” (Namagembe, 2016).

So because of First Lady Janet Museveni lacking integrity and ability to sort out the issues internally in the Ministry of Education the biggest Hospital and others are hurt. It is visible that the decisions have repercussions of the lacking leadership in the Ministry of Education and under Minister Janet Museveni who hasn’t carried out her position; since she hasn’t been able to sort out the allocation and the central leadership of the famous University.

“The initial health care is available but there is a shortage of specialists,” Dr Bangirana said. To improvise the available staff, Mulago hospital spokesperson, Enock Kusasira said the hospital has resorted to giving more attention to critical cases considered as life threatening.“We are concentrating less on out patients especially those whose cases are not life threatening,” Kusasira said. At the hospital, patients have to wait for hours before seeing the health workers. The case is not different from other affiliate hospitals and health facilities” (Namagembe, 2016).

Certainly the situation at the Mulago and affiliated Hospitals has been put into trouble with the suspension of Makerere. When the Ministry of Health Sarah Achieng Opendi has to defend the records of the actual numbers of deceased infants you know the system, the structure is rotten to the core. This isn’t really working and the innocence is dying. They are just read the statement in today’s Monitor!

31 New-borns deceased:

“The reports, according to Hon. Opendi asserted that the issue arose after the closure of Makerere University and the subsequent withdrawal of Senior Health Officers (SHOs) from the facility. “The Ministry of Health would like to strongly refute these allegations as baseless and a total misrepresentation of facts,” she said” (…) “Since the withdrawal of Senior House Officers on Nov 1, 2016 to date, Mulago Hospital has unfortunately lost 31 newborns,” she said adding that the deaths were majorly as a result of severe birth asphyxia and complications associated with prematurity” (…) “Severe Asphyxia is largely caused by prolonged labour, which is a consequence of late referrals. According to this statistics, Mulago Hospital has lost approximately one newborn per day due to unavoidable circumstances,” she added” (Mugume, 2016)

There is surely and have been deceased infants and babies during the famine and cause of the Isingiro, where the Republic and the government have dropped sorry loads of food-relief to the staving public; which has waited for months upon end. Sort of the same way the empty pockets of Makerere University lectures has been short-changed for months upon end. This is systemic maladministration from the head. What is worst is that the ones that are in charge are walking away, but the ones affected are being hurt. It is the innocent, the kids, the rural families; the ones are not MPs with flashy cars, lavish salaries but no taxes and all other perks. The same month that Makerere is closed the Income Tax Amendment that stops MPs for getting tax and the same month the MPs add-on more fees for “service car” in their duty.

The new-borns are dying at Kawempe Hospital, a Hospital that is affiliated with Mulago Hospital Complex. The Promise from Enock Kusasira we’re more a pre-warning than facts of their mission. They couldn’t control the effect of the closure of Makerere, as the President didn’t think of the effects or knew of the effects. His micro-management has caused severe effect for dozens of lives, not only the students that have their studies postponed and their degrees put-on hold. But the lives at Mulago and affiliates have been hurt.

The innocent children born into the world, doesn’t care about misrepresentation, taxation without representation or skimming funds. They care about their sanitary, loving mother and father; and occasionally food. They don’t care about the flashy cars for the MPs or the Ministry of Health Sarah Opendi’s resignation to the force of Janet Museveni.

Each family that has been affected by the decision of the President should be asked for forgiveness from the state, they lost their new-born. They lost their kid and the future of new-born something that should been made sure by the state. The State lost their way when they are responsible for the neglect of taking care of the mother and her baby at the hospital. That is supposed to be a safe-zone and make sure the families are in good hands. Each one of them are one too many to lose. The President has their souls on his hand, since he caused the effect and made the decision to suspend Makerere University. That has in return cause the innocent loss of lives.

This is how much that the President cares about the civil service, his teachers, his ministries and the citizens. He offers a Visitations Committee instead of allocating funds and giving way so that the Makerere can open and save life. More the public display of utter nonsense is more casual than actually acting on the loss of life. The innocent lives dies while the President orders are lingering, not only at Kawempe Hospital, but at the regions of Isingiro and Karamoja; the President couldn’t care less as the help showed has to be shown on the NTV and UBC before he cares.

The reckless policies and ineffective are now insulting to the public in Uganda, time for President Museveni to take charge and show leadership; has to make the right decisions and might even have to cough up some ghost-monies, some other shadow funding to pay his civil servants at the Hospitals and at the University! Peace.

Reference:

Namagembe, Lilian – ‘Health ministry stuck as Mulago crisis deepens after Makerere closure’ (11.11.2016) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Health-ministry-Mulago-crisis-deepens-Makerere-closure/688334-3448994-747buj/index.html

Mugume, Paul – ‘Minister Opendi Speaks Out on Neonatal Deaths at Kawempe Hospital’ (23.11.2016) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/minister-opendi-speaks-out-on-neonatal-deaths-at-kawempe-hospital/

UPC Reminds EC of the Agreed IPOD Posistion on the Electoral Reforms (23.11.2016)

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Uganda: Mak Visitiation Committee 2016 – Inaugural Press Statement (22.11.2016)

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Ugandan farmers praise UN report citing flaws with Bidco (22.11.2016)

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The report acknowledges that a partnership with Bidco “could adversely damage UNDP’s reputation and the communities it seeks to help”

KAMPALA, Uganda, November 22, 2016Embattled Ugandan farmers fighting threats and land grabbing by Bidco have praised a draft report by U.N. investigators that calls into question the company’s business practices.

The report is the result of a complaint by the Bugala Farmers Association to the U.N.’s Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU).

The report can be found on the following link: APO.af/cWkh3e

In the complaint, the farmers stated that the United Nations had not performed sufficient due diligence on Bidco before inviting it to join Business Call to Action, which is part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The farmers provided evidence that Bidco has engaged in human rights, labour and environmental violations in the Kalangala District of Bugala Island, Lake Victoria, Uganda, where Bidco has grabbed land from smallholder farmers and cut down over 18,000 acres of rainforest to make way for a large-scale palm oil business.

The U.N. investigators found fault with the decision to invite Bidco into partnership with UNDP: “After the fieldwork and additional research, SECU concluded that the processes employed by UNDP for admission of Bidco were not consistent with UNDP policies.”

The report acknowledges that a partnership with Bidco “could adversely damage UNDP’s reputation and the communities it seeks to help”, and Bidco’s activities “may be considered risky”.

Kenya-based Bidco has tried to distance itself from the allegations of land grabbing and environmental destruction in Uganda, but the UNDP investigators found there is a clear link between the company’s corporate structure, overseen by CEO Vimal Shah, and operations in Uganda.

The investigators also determined that Bidco’s claim of not being involved in land acquisition in Uganda is not accurate. Bidco “knew of, relied on, and encouraged the purchase (of land) by the government.” Bidco Uganda also was “engaged in decisions and discussions related to the purchase,” the report says.

John Muyisa, a representative of the Bugala Farmers Association, commended the work of the U.N. investigators, who visited remote Kalangala District as part of their research.

“We are very pleased that the United Nations has performed an objective evaluation of its internal processes and determined that it is risky to partner with Bidco. The United Nations is a globally admired organisation, and it is absolutely correct that, as the report says, ‘Communities should be empowered’ and not be trodden upon by predator corporations like Bidco.”

In light of the report’s findings, the Bugala Farmers Association has called on the United Nations to terminate its partnership with Bidco.

Any member of the public can comment on the U.N. draft report until 7 December. The report can be found on the following link: APO.af/cWkh3e