Today is a weird news day, the news from Uganda are scattered and shows the ability of nobility from Ugandan Government isn’t there. The impunity from Uganda Police Force continues as the loyal men to IGP Kayihura doesn’t cares about the law. While President Museveni drops a few coins, while his MPs ask for millions shillings worth of cars themselves; and there over 400 MPs so the amount of money used on the cars are huge. At the same time the news of Danish Tax Payers have built most of the Courts, the NRM steady progress is in the hands of foreigners and not in the hands of the allocations done by Ugandan Parliament. If so, then they would have contributed some cash for the cement that constructed these buildings. And so it goes on!
Just as Dr. Kizza Besigye goes to Court to be allowed to leave for United Kingdom for his meetings with Ugandan Diaspora, FDC P10 and others who support his cause abroad. The former District Police Commander Aaron Buguma showed his disgrace for Law and Order with not joining his own court trial as his own boss Inspectorate General of Police (IGP) Edward Kale Kayihura the other day. So the law is different it seems depending on who it is served upon, especially the ones who supposed to guard it can run away from their brutal behavior against citizens.
While the riches of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the walking budget, showed his mercy at the Bwebajja Fruit Sellers SACCO got Ush.100m and also giving away tools. This came today as Court Justice Bart Katureebe said this in Parliament: “Danida built almost all the courts in Uganda, but why isn’t gov’t not taking interest in this. You have courts sharing offices with bars”. That means the Danish Tax Payers monies built the Courts of Uganda, not used the extended revenue made Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) or the generate tax that President Museveni so proudly speaks of. EU spokesman Kristian Schmidt: “Praise for Denmark by Chief Justice: “Danida built almost all the courts in Uganda”.
Members of Parliament procurement of cars:
“Each of the 427 MPs will receive UGX150m by October to buy new car to travel to their constituencies, according to Speaker Rebecca Kadaga. Parliament will have to process a supplementary budget amounting to at least UGX64bn to finance the MPs car grant. This comes after Parliamentary Commission rejected proposal by finance ministry to finance MPs car grant in shifts with priority given to newly elected MPs” (WBS TV Uganda, 17.08.2016).
If the greed of the Members of Parliament wasn’t big enough their road safety fears are extended as the men and woman have discussed building a fly-over to make sure they are well. While the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) need to do this instead of securing better roads so there is less accidents and incidents to secure road safety. The road projects are most likely to be fulfill are the ones where foreign donors dolce out money or grants through bilateral and multinational organizations as International Monetary Funds or World Bank instead of through the ordinary budget of the allocated funds in the fiscal year. So that the MPs have the balls to order fresh from the factory SUVs and ask for fly-over to secure their working place is disgusting.
Another issue today: “Appearing before the parliamentary committee on ICT, minister of ICT and National Guidance Frank Tumwebaze admitted that the NRM government has finally given up trying to control the internet especially social media usage in Uganda. Tumwebaze said “every time government tried to block social media, within a few minutes, Ugandans were already back on after invoking VPNs “(virtual private networks)” (The Observer, 18.08.2016). So the VPN shows the sanctions for national security doesn’t work… so the reality is that the Ugandan Government are beaten by technology and their own public will to do what they do. The only danger this is to the Ugandan Government is that the NRM cannot be only source of information and where the intelligence they are gaining. Therefore the Opposition will have a place to share information without fear online and on social media even if the Ruling Regime bans it or tries to shut it down.
I should have commented on the closure of Greenhill Academy for being World Bank and Mark Zukerberg (Facebook Founder) donated school for having books with explicit content; while the reports that most UPE schools lacks books or equipment. So the ironic side of the closure is amazing and foolery from the state. But wanting to take control of private institution is not strange in the context of micro-management style of the present day NRM.
There are always more, this my little update on today’s Movement news and the Parliament of Uganda. This has been hazardous… this has been special and would not be the last. Because this government cannot help themselves and we who follows now it! Peace.
“Today we managed to have lunch with Mr Dave Emberton, one of Zimbabwe’s icon Newsreaders and ZBC personalities. Yesterday a very unfortunate incident took placein one of our stores, so here is a short video with more information and how we can all chip in to help Dave at this tough time. #SPARThereForYou” (SPAR Zimbabwe, 2016)
Message of Consern from This galg:
“Yesterday we saw David Emberton in cuffs, humilated! He put a sad FACE to the huge tragedy facing our Senior Citizen in ZImbabwe. Dave should be enjoying his pension, like all our other hard working Grand Parents who are left destitute! To see a big celebrity News readers of the 80’s and 90’s in Zimbabwe reduced to stealing is heartbreaking! There are MANY MANY Senior Citizens in Zimbabwe suffering UNECESSARILY like David. HARSH reality. #ThisFlag” (#ThisFlag, 2016).
“History complete, Fiji becomes the first pacific Island nation to win an Olympic medal and GOLD at that ! What a way to do it, absolutely blowing GB off the park. Fiji be proud, this is your day and will be one of my favourite memories from these Olympics.! A nation will go nuts today with joy. GoNuts FijiRio 2016 Fiji win it 43-7.” (Veitchy on Sport, 12.08.2016).
One of the stars of Fiji:
“Captain Kolinisau has scored in the Rio 2016 final, but it’s on the world series he has been putting tries in for Fiji for years! Check out some of his best on the series…..” (World Rugby Seven Series, 2016).
Banks we’re closed during the finals:
Picture pre-match:
What it means:
Another Clip:
Fun fact for your interested in the Olympics, the sport of Rugby haven’t been part of the Summer Olympics since 1924. So the chances for the Fiji to win we’re slim as the favorites of World Series and such we’re surely supposed to be ahead. This is a big deal and the Rugby Team from Fiji deserves praise for their achievement. Be proud! Congratulation on your victory and GOLD medal! Peace.
As there been a leak of documents that are addressing the Bilderberg conferences that have been silenced and been a not well-known public affair between the European Government and also the World Affairs,as they have been set invited to discuss the affairs and deal with the present takes of issues.
Like on the Bliderberg Conference of 1954 that we’re on the 29th – 31st May. When the Chairman for the Conference we’re Prince of the Netherlands Prince Bernhard and his Vice-Chairmen we’re John S. Coleman and Paul Van Zeeland. While the same Conference had rapporteurs on the subjects that we’re discussed, these men we’re from USA, Belgium, Netherlands, France and Italy, but half we’re from the United States. Of attenders there we’re from all across Europe, like from Norway came Leif Høegh; UK had a dozen attendees, but the one standout we’re Sir Harry Pilkington; From Germany Rudolf Mueller, Penagiottis Pipenelis from Greece for instance. This proves the importance of the conference as the nations didn’t send some random citizens.
They held the conference in hope for the American that the European Countries could through the NATO partnership have the military arm inside the European Defense Community, while German and French didn’t have faith in or could be part of the EDC. While the unity within unions like Steel and Coal we’re possible, as the sacrifices we’re not feasible, even if the American wished for something more than a European answer, but a Atlantic Pact, that we’re combining the European and American, not only trade, but also Defense. There we’re a general agreement between Europeans at the conference to work against the Soviet propaganda and advantages from the Communists.
One key pieces from the 1954: “The difference between America and Europe with respect to the problem of overseas territories emerged from the discussion as minor by comparison with the areas of agreement. The obvious objective to be sought is an agreed policy of the West to work towards colonial self~government as rapidly and safely as is possible. Such a solution serves the interests of the West and of the dependent peoples. It thwarts the imperialistic interests of Communism”. Second piece: “It was recognised that this conflict sprang largely from the differences in the emotional reactions to the Korean war in America and Europe – differences which it was thought had recently diminished. It was hoped that the negotiations at present taking place on the list of controlled exports would do much to eliminate them”. Third piece: “European unity in some form has long been a Utopian dream, but the conference was agreed that it is now a necessity of our times. Only thus can the free nations of Europe achieve a moral and material strength capable of meeting any threat to their freedom”.
The next conference we’re on the 18th– 20th February 1955 at Barbizon Conference. The Chairman of the Conference we’re H.R.H the Prince of Netherlands. Honorary Secretary we’re J.H. Reitinger and American Secretary Joseph E. Johnson. Interesting people’s attending we’re Sir. Colin Gubbins of United Kingdom, H.J. Heinz of United States and Alberto Pirelli of Italy.
Sir John Kotelawala
This was the second conference and here is the key issues and quotes from the report: “We had created the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to oppose Stalinism all Its aspects, but today that Organisation had a very difficult task. Set on foot to meet the possibility of an attaque brusquee it now found itself facing the long struggle of the cold war, perhaps to be prolonged through many decades to come” (…) “Anti-Colonialism: “A European speaker discussed the important psychological aspect of the uncommitted peoples of Asia and Africa, and a number of Latin Americans. He had been very much struck during the last General Assembly of the United Nations by the fact that so much jealousy and resentment was pent up beneath the mostly polished exteriors of representatives of these countries. This was particularly so with the Asians and to a lesser degree there was something of the kind at work in the minds of quite a few South Americans” (…) “There were Asians who, being ardent nationalists and in many cases instrumental in forging the independence of their countries, nevertheless understood the West and all it had to offer to Asia and Africa well enough to interpret it. Names of men like General Romulo sprang to mind, or Sir John Kotelawala” (…) “There was a dangerous tendency on the part of United Nations commissions, after short visits to territories under European tutelage, to recommend periods after which independence should be given. There had been continuous attacks on the Belgian position in Ruanda-Urundi, in East Africa. In this case the Commission had recommended a course which might transform the territory directly from feudalism to“peoples’ democracy”. It must be remembered that the more the Western powers were weakened in Africa the more would their political, economic and even moral powers of resistance to communism be weakened” (…) “The United Nations had entered into the discussion by way of the problem of colonialism. But in terms of the broad relationships between the West and the East the United Nations was an instrument of the greatest importance. It had been said that international law was a generalisation of British foreign policy of the nineteenth century. Whether that was true or not, there was written into the preamble and articles 1 and 2 of the Charter a set of propositions about international order which were entirely congenial to the foreign policies of all who sat there in the room and these had been agreed by sixty governments, including the uncommitted peoples whom we were discussing” (…) “One of Europe’s greatest responsibilities today was to find new formulae for getting over nationalism and in that the speaker agreed with the views of a participant who had suggested that some sort of federation might be the solution. We must find some form, whether it was of federation or of any other juridical term which one might give it, which would be a European-invented by-pass for European-created nationalism”.
The next conference we’re in Garmish-Partenkichen conference at the date 23rd – 25th September 1955. When the same leaders as earlier in the year at the Barbizon Conference as this was a continues effort on the common work. The key things to take from this one we’re this: “The discussion on this subject revealed general support for the idea of European Integration and unification among the participation from the six countries of the European Coal and Steel Community, and a recognition of the urgency of the problem” (…) “The six countries of the Coal and Steel Community had definitely decided to establish a common market and that the experts were now working this out was felt to be a most encouraging step forward and it was hoped that other countries would subsequently join in”.
In 2 Years the next conference happened on St. Simon Island on the 15th – 17th February 1957. Where most of the usual suspects showed up again, when even a Turkish representative Muharrem Nuri Birgi; Jean De La Garde, French and David Rockefeller, United States. The discussion of this conference led to this: “Several speakers urged that patience was essential in the present Suez crisis. Situations like that which developed in Iran in 1951 and was now being repeated in Egypt could not be dealt with in a hurry. A dictator who is impervious to external influences must be allowed to run through his cycle. For a period his personal pride and the demands of his position will render him insusceptible to advice or pressure. The point at which this cycle begins to turn is very delicate and needs careful watching, since a dictator like Nasser might well take desperate measures” (…) “According to the best available estimates, the expansion of oil sales in the years ahead would bring greatly increasing revenues, in fact within the next ten years the oil-producing countries of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrein should receive 5 billion dollars in oil royalties; yet it was calculated that. over this period they would not be able to spend more than a third of this amount inside their own frontiers. This would leave a surplus of about billion dollars to dispose of” (…) “It might be possible and desirable to change NATO’s present strategic!’ posture and to develop a military organization and doctrine which would free Europe from total . dependence on the threat of massive atomic retaliation. But until or unless this was done the contradictions of our present policy were damaging and dangerous. Because the peoples of NATO did not believe in the possibility of an effective shield against attack, they were reluctant to make the sacrifices required to provide for the forward advance strategy was official doctrine at present”.
The Second conference that year was in Fiuggi, we’re still the usual suspects we’re in control of it and the men behind it. Special names registered at this one we’re Henry A. Kissinger we’re a U.S. Representative and Major-General James Jr. McCormack a U.S. Representative. Key issues and quotes from the Fiuggi we’re this: “Participants from the countries directly involved, however, felt that these fears would prove to be unfounded. The Common Market would be implemented by easy stages and, if the experience of Benelux was any guide, trade With the outside world would increase together with internal trade. They were confident that the Common Market would be a step towards greater freedom in world trade as a whole. This was the purpose of the plan, although in some cases adjustments had had to be made so that particular interests would not be too drastically affected. Now that the internal pattern had been settled in the Common Market Treaty attention would concentrate increasingly on relations with third countries; the Free Trade Area would be the next step in the process of European economic integration” (…) “the main obstacle to British and Scandinavian participation in the Common Market was its function a step towards political union among the countries concerned” (…) “there was also the problem of including agriculture, which for countries like Denmark was of fundamental importance”.
At the 1958 Buxton Conference on the 13th September to 15th September 1958; which was run by the usual suspects yet again. Other representatives worth noticing from this ones we’re E.N. Van Kleefens from the European Coal and Steel Community, Jaques Rueff, European Economic Community (EEC), C.V.R. Schuyler, S.H.A.P.E., Sakari Tuomioja, UN Economic Commission for Europe and Sir. Gordon Archibald of the United Kingdom; other key quotes from this conference are these: “Nationalism could well yield positive results, as was the case in Turkey under Ataturk. It was objectionable, however, when it reached beyond its own borders hurting the interests of others. In such cases we had the right to protect ourselves, and should be firm about it” (…) “The Common Market was due to come into operation on a January 1959, and it was feared that, if no solution were in sight by then, the first appearance of discrimination would produce a schism between the Six and the rest of Europe” (…) “Further the speaker suggested that the Free Trade Area proposals were not the only alternative to theEuropean Economic Community. The notion of association had a technical meaning, and various degrees of rights and obligations were conceivable and could be worked out between the European Economic Community and individual countries on a bilateral basis” (…) “Another major problem facing the European Economic Community was the co-ordination of monetary policies. As one of the participants pointed out, the economic integration of the Six required the co-ordination of all fields of economic policy”.
So there you have it and this is just outtakes, the Soviet problem is a key picture on every single conference, but that isn’t that important now. As the proof of the cold-war and the escalated influence U.S. policy had in Europe. That with their will of a more unified Europe; this being more valid for me, as the proof of the works behind the scenes from the Bliderberg group and their supporters from both United States and Canada; as they even wanted a federal solution to issues between the nation and their integration of monetary and trade-agreements on the continent.
Also the worrying views of Europeans wish to hold-on to their colonies and the liberation of the nations under British and French rule. While the Americans actually wanted a quicker liberation, while they had the worry of Soviet and Communist influence in the new “territories”; the leaked documents really reflect the dominance and arrogance of the Europeans at the time as their paternalistic threshold came under question. Another key we’re the usefulness of NATO and the place of military operations as a countering for peace in Europe, as the fear of Soviet was a reason for the alliance after the Second World War.
Next time I drop on the subject, I will go through the 1960s documents of Bilderberg conferences. To see what else that came up in the next decade. Peace.
Let it be clear the race for leaving the European Union will not be an easy on for the United Kingdom and their noblest of men. They need to be calm, steady and hope that none of the other in their Union abandoned the ship called the UK. If they do so… it is not a United Kingdom, but British Isles. And that is a downer being the PM when the mainland got chopped in half and 300 year old Union went bonkers.
Not only Nicola Sturgeon in the SNP that doesn’t want to be disfranchised from the European Union and its graces; as the Scottish people are people who export their trade of either salmon, oil or something else. Not only getting Trident in their backyard as the defence with nuclear weapons happens to be there… I am sure Theresa May doesn’t want a backhanded slap and feel snubbed by a fellow British politician. Since Sturgeon has her loyalty in Glasgow and Edinburgh, not in the City of London, therefore the struggle for PM May to understand that she doesn’t get votes from Norfolk or Suffolk, but from Scottish constituency.
The same issue she has with the Republic of Ireland and their leadership as they don’t want to leave other Irish people behind, as the Northern Ireland and their leader Gerry Adams is not interested in losing the greener pastures of EU, than being even more controlled by London. So that him speaking of possibility of leaving UK, is even more worrying of PM May as she doesn’t only has disregard from Edinburgh, but now from Belfast as they are courted by Dublin and get into the European Union by unification of the Irish people and the whole Irish island. From a split and divide island into one united Irish Republic, something that must boggle the post-colonial British and minds of Boris Johnson.
It is so weird to see Boris Johnson trying to have tact and bravado after disgracing the British public and addressing fellow human beings wrong on the African Continent and disregarding the European Union, but he is not the only partner in softening the relationship with the world. As PM May also appointed Brexit Minister David Davis. David Davis must work slowly nowadays as the Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, gives ability for a country to disembark from the European Union as the Membership. So as long as that is put on the back-burner and trying to negotiate with fellow allies. The UK PM May have not a lesser hard road, as she cannot bully her own as she done with Jeremy Corbyn; while trying to win sympathy around the island.
The PM May might been a hard an stubborn Minister in the PM Cameron’s cabinet, but as PM she should be careful as the Scottish and Northern Irish counterparts that has another play might not give in to the treats of London. The Treats of London lost their value when they accepted to willingly while getting free-trade and open borders with the Schengen-Treaty. While she has not even tried to discuss with new Mayor of London Sadiq Khan who wants more autonomy from the United Kingdom as they voted like Northern Ireland and Scotland. Secondly City of London, the business and bank trading is based with investors from abroad and with more closed borders. With more closed border equals less investors who aren’t really welcome since they are foreigners now and not as welcomed as before. They rather invest in Madrid or Paris instead of London.
The mind-set of sweet-talking of future plans with Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Francois Hollande can speak for themselves. But having a PM trip around Europe to be smiling and looking like she takes it seriously, while downplaying the terms of Article 50; seems more like play for the façade than actual actions to honour the pledge of the British Referendum vote of 2016.
The business that went down right after the Vote have come back, but the corporations and such are in worry of the signs of the future. What will bring and how long with the negotiations and how far the taxations will, the exports and the limitations be between United Kingdom and the European Union. Certainly, the problems are coming as even Michael O’Leary of Ryanair have today said he would less flights from Standsted (London Airport) to Europe in relation to the Brexit. Even if the Bank of England agents said to the Guardian yesterday that they had resumed to ‘Business as Usual’. The reality is that for a time being there will be limbo between the vacuum of being an EU Member State and becoming maybe part of the European Economic Community or the European Free Trade Association. With this they will maybe secure more their borders, but the trade-off will not be cheap.
The reason I say so is that European Parliament that have been under fire from Nigel Farage and UKIP. An all the other nationalists in Europe as they want to see France, Netherlands and other nations also out of the Union; still with that in mind EU Commissioner Jean-Claude Juncker of Luxembourg might become more diplomatic and act more of statesman. Since the Brexit blunder and the promised leave the Union the acts from him as been measly and worrying.
If the clause of possible leaves we’re only made in the Lisbon Treaty to be there as fulfilled agreement; then the Lisbon Treaty we’re a compromised to fit the bill of the Member State without seriously considering anybody actually would leave. To be frank: if you have a clause in an agreement, than one party who agreed to ratify the agreement, might eventually use and write upon it to the collective. That is what will happen when the UK initiate the Article 50. Than the negotiations are there to retract the place in Parliament, Commission and all the forums of the European Union; as they will be an outsider.
PM May better act upon the vote and not be too proud and giant politician that she has acted as in recent week or so. As she trying to disenfranchise Labour Corby and the backbenchers, while trying to silence the wish for a another Scottish Referendum against the will of Holyrod; the real will of Northern Ireland and their Irish people as the Dublin government trying to reunite the lost brothers on the island.
I got nothing against Theresa May, but her ways are more in the spotlight and her actions will be described by pundits like me, if she likes it or not. I will never forgive her for appointing Boris “Doughnut” Johnson as Foreign Secretary in her cabinet. To show humility for the campaigners for the Brexit; if not it was to go and punch Michael Gove for his dagger against the opportunity for Prime Minister Johnson, which would be even more worrying for Europe and for the United Kingdom. The Northern Irish and Scottish would suffer in his reign, as he has the baboon traits and not noble statesman over him.
With this there are only one thing too, not sweet talk, but actually act and prove to business and people that being outside European Union goes well. I am not a fan of European Union, but I don’t like lying to the public for political gain by smooching princes and parliamentarians on the continent. The reality is that the Article 50 better be a focus and making sure a real team of negotiation are ready to make agreement between British and rest of Europe. Peace.
Africa one of the only two regions in the world achieving growth in FDI project numbers over 2015
Seven percent rise in FDI projects for Africa
East Africa the biggest gainer, while other key economies recover ground
US remains the leading investor into Africa
According to EY’s (EY.com) 2016 Africa attractiveness program 2016, Staying the course, despite a relative slow down, Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the fastest growing regions in the world. This is reflected in the foreign direct investment (FDI) levels in 2015, where FDI project numbers increased by seven percent. Although, the capital value of projects was down year-on-year — from US$88.5b in 2014 to US$71.3b in 2015 — this was still higher than the 2010–2014 average of US$68b. Similarly, jobs created were down year-on-year, but, again ahead of the average for 2010–2014.
Ajen Sita, Africa Chief Executive Officer at EY, comments, “Over the past year, global markets have experienced unprecedented volatility. We’ve witnessed the collapse of commodity prices and a number of currencies across Africa, and with reference to the two largest markets, starting with South Africa, we saw GDP growth decline sharply to below one percent and the country averting a credit ratings downgrade; in Nigeria, the slowdown in that economy was impacted further by the decline in the oil price and currency devaluation pressure.”
Sita adds, “The reality is that economic growth across the region is likely to remain slower in coming years than it has been over the past 10 to 15 years, and the main reasons for a relative slowdown are not unique to Africa. In fact, Africa was one of the only two regions in the world in which there was growth in FDI project levels over the past year.”
East Africa closes the FDI gap, with Kenya a big gainer
In 2015, East Africa recorded its highest share of FDI across Africa, achieving 26.3% of total projects. Southern Africa remained the largest investment region on the continent, although projects were down 11.6% from 2014 levels. The West Africa region saw a rebound in FDI projects by 16.2%, and interestingly in 2015, the region became the leading recipient of capital investment on the continent, outpacing Southern Africa.
North Africa experienced 8.5% year-on-year growth in FDI projects. Furthermore, while projects are increasing in North Africa, they are increasing at a much faster rate in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Michael Lalor, EY’s Africa Business Center Leader, adds, “In a context of heightened concerns about economic and political risk across the continent, FDI flows remain robust, and in line with levels we have seen over the past five years. A key factor here is the structural shift in FDI — from a high concentration of source countries and destination markets and sectors, to a far more diverse FDI landscape. As a result, risks and opportunities are being spread much wider, and there is no longer an overdependence on a limited group of investors or sectors to drive FDI performance.”
Historical investors gain strength, new investors emerge
The US retained its position in 2015, as the largest investor in the continent, with 96 investment projects valued at US$6.9b. During 2015, traditional investors such as the UK and France, as well as the UAE and India, also showed renewed interest in Africa.
Investors diversify focus across sectors
Over the past decade, there has been a shift in sector focus in FDI from extractive to consumer-facing industries. Mining and metals, coal, oil and natural gas, which were previously the key sectors attracting major FDI flows, have given way to consumer products and retail (CPR), financial services and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), accounting for 44.7% of FDI projects in 2015. In 2015, further evidence of sector diversification came through, with business services, automotive, cleantech and life sciences all rising in significance and becoming the likely “next wave” for investors.
Striking a balance between growth, profitability and managing risk
Sita concludes, “Given the growth potential in and relative underdevelopment of many African markets, the primary focus for many companies over the past few years has been on entering new markets, capturing market share and driving revenue growth. A combination of factors — including tightening economic conditions, increasingly well-informed consumers and citizens, intensifying competition, a heightened sense of global geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting priorities from global or regional HQ — is now driving a change in focus toward striking a greater balance between growth, profitability and risk management.”
Malawi is one of the countries in southern Africa worst affected by El Niño-related drought.
NEW YORK, United States of America, July 20, 2016 – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has begun a new round of life-saving relief operations in Malawi where as many as 6.5 million people – nearly 40 percent of the population – may require emergency assistance in coming months. This is set to become the largest ever emergency food relief operation in the country’s history.
Malawi is one of the countries in southern Africa worst affected by El Niño-related drought. Its food security crisis is not only due to this year’s unprecedented drought but to the impact of severe flooding and prolonged dry spells last year.
Across southern Africa, as many as 18 million people will require emergency assistance in El Niño affected countries between now and March, with needs peaking in January. Of these, WFP is planning to reach 11.9 million people with food assistance. Malawi is one of half a dozen nations in the region which has declared drought-related disasters in recent months.
Malawi’s already strained food security situation is worsening following the most recent harvest which suffered widespread failure, particularly in the south. Some 80 percent of the affected people are smallholder farmers who rely on what they can produce to feed themselves and their families. This is a country with high levels of stunting – low growth for age – as a result of malnutrition, as well as high rates of HIV/AIDS infections and related deaths which have left many orphans and child-headed households.
“This is a dire situation, one that the world needs to take notice of right now before it’s too late”, said WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin who today concluded a three-day visit to Malawi. “I’ve talked with women in rural areas who told me they have enough food for just a few more weeks, after which they will have nothing. We must urgently assist the people of Malawi and those affected by the drought in neighbouring countries, before food insecurity spirals into hunger and starvation.”.
WFP concluded its last round of food and cash-based relief in Malawi in April. Seasonal relief for the poorest and most vulnerable is normally offered between January and March at the height of the lean season – that period preceding the harvest during which domestic food stocks become increasingly depleted.
Following floods and drought last year, WFP responded to needs during the last lean season as early as October. This year, however, emergency relief is starting now – that is because the lean season has already begun in many districts or is soon to start in others. The number of people currently in need in Malawi is two and a half times higher than last year, already a bad year.
For part of her visit, Ms. Cousin travelled with Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States, who has been visiting Malawi as part of a three-nation African tour focusing on economic empowerment and educational opportunities for women and girls, and on partnerships on global health and food security.
Dr. Biden and Ms. Cousin together visited a primary school in Zomba district where students receive WFP school meals which are funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. They met farmers whose harvests have suffered badly because of the drought. The WFP Executive Director also met Vice President Saulos Chilima and other government officials.
“It’s very important that we save lives in emergency situations.” said Cousin. “But it’s also vital to offer people hope and opportunities so that they’re better able to withstand shocks and cope for themselves in the future. That’s why we’re working with government and other partners including the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on programmes like school meals and support for smallholder farmers – these are initiatives that change lives in the long-term.”
WFP’s regional funding requirements for the most drought-affected countries from now until April next year is US$ 535 million; US$217 million of this is required to cover Malawi’s needs alone. There is a particularly urgent need for funding for Malawi to ensure that food stocks can be procured, transported and pre-positioned before seasonal rains start in November, making many roads in remote areas impassable.