Igihe

Author: b_igi_adm1n

  • Sudan Opposition Calls to Overthrow Bashir

    As opposition forces in Sudan call for the overthrow of Field Marshal Bashir’s regime, the Sudanese Armed forces attacked a disputed border zone inside South Sudan killing four people.

    The attacked which was repulsed by the SPLA troops, occurred Tuesday.

    The Commissioner of Manyo County in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, Mr Al-Taieb Okeij Ajang, said Sudanese troops attacked Kaka Al-Tijaria, one of the six disputed border zones.

    Sudanese opposition forces slammed the recent austerity measures announced by Presient Omer Al-Bashir to overcome the severe economic and called to overthrow the regime.

    In a call to topple the regime, the Sudanese Communist Party said the plans announced by Bashir last Monday are only “administrative measures” that do not bring true and radical solutions to end the economic collapse the country is witnessing.

    The communist party called on the Sudanese “to take to the streets to overthrow the regime”, stressing the government did not leave any other alternative.

    The opposition forces say the austerity plan announced by the government did not affect the huge budgets of the army, police, security apparatus, and sovereign sector which acquire 70% of wages and salaries line or 56% of the whole 2012 budget.

    The communist party said only 30% of the budget is concerned with the drastic measures including the cut of 380 constitutional positions.

    Students continue to protest against the government for the fourth day in Khartoum chanting “the people want to overthrow the regime” while the riot police use tear gas to break up the demonstration.

  • Ghana President Proves He is Alive

    Although Ghana President John Atta Mills confirmed that he is indeed alive at a press conference, rumours of his death are still spreading within Ghana.

    President Atta Mills condemned rumours of his death doing the rounds in the country.

    The President had been out of the public limelight for more than a week.

    The rumours claiming he was in a coma, were ignited after the President scheduled a trip to the US where he was to undergo a medical check-up.

    Just before his departure on June 16, President Mills called a press conference at Accra’s international airport to quash the rumours, adding that he would be back home “after a few days”.

    The fact that President Atta Mills was going for a medical check-up seemed to back up those who were saying he had fallen sick.

    Until then, phone-ins and social media sites had been humming people seeking to verify the rumours.

    It is not the first time speculation on President Mills’ health had been flying about.

  • Massai Warriors Kill Six Lions

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    Masai warriors of Kenya have reportedly fled to Tanzania after they killed six lions in the night of Wednesday.

    The lions had allegedly strayed from the Nairobi National Park into a home in Ilkeek-Lemedungi Village, Kitengela killing 28 sheep and goats.

    The battle between the Lions and Massai warriors lasted about five hours.

    One warriors arm was mauled by a lion during the fearce battle. Two lions managed to escape.

    When the Lions attcked a home, the livestock owner raised an alarm and about 50 young men turned up with spears, pangas and swords.

    Others came in vehicles and used full lights to herd the eight stray lions into a miniature tomb where the warriors butchered them.

    The massai warriors are known to be fearless normads who have traditionally fended off Lions attacking their livestock.

    Witnesses said three armed Kenya Wildlife Service game wardens arrived at 3am and for about an hour, they prevailed in vain on the warriors not to kill the animals.

    The warriors grew restless waiting for game wardens, veterinary officers with every passing second, and turned on the animals in what they said was “Operation Linda Ng’ombe”.

    “We killed them in less than 10 minutes because game wardens were slow to act. Why do they (lions) kill our animals and they are our only source of livelihood?” asked a resident who refused to give his name for fear of reprisals.

    The warriors vowed to kill more lions until the government fenced off the park and compensated them for losses running into millions of shillings.

  • Experts to Craft EAC Final Arms Treaty

    The East African Community (EAC) partner Statesare finalising plans to craft a common position that the region will present next month at the UN ArmsTrade Treaty (ATT) in New York.

    Ahmed Wafuba, the coordinator of Uganda’s National Focal Point (NFP) on Small Arms, says that the move will enhance efforts aimed at ridding the region of illegal firearms that have led to loss of innocent lives.

    “We have come up with a position and it remains to be sent to the council of ministers,” Wafuba said during the launch of the global week of action against gun violence in Kampala early this week.

    The awareness week in Uganda has been coordinated by the EAC secretariat in collaboration with the German International Development Agency (GIZ) and the Eastern Africa Action Network on Small Arms (EAANSA).

    Wafuba said that EAC partner States would support the UN arms trade treaty that is legally binding for it to achieve the highest common international standards for transfer of firearms.

    “The issue of conventional arms and small arms plus the ammunitions should be regulated,” he said, adding that Uganda had so far destroyed 97,000 pieces of assault and firearms over a period of three years. Many governments have voiced concern about the absence of globally agreed rules to guide their decisions on arms transfers.

    Citing Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer who was once dubbed the “Merchant of Death”, Uganda’s State minister for Internal Affairs James Baba, urged that the treaty should stop manufacturers of weapons from giving them to wrong hands.

    “Our people aren’t killed by tanks or any sophisticated weapons, they are killed by light weapons supplied by these merchants of death,” said Mr Baba.

    Uganda’s minister of Internal Affairs Hillary Onek said that his government is now in the process of reviewing its laws on firearms and ammunitions to ensure that issues of small arms are expressly addressed to include severe and deterrent measures for offenders.

    Martin Ogango, an official from the GIZ-SALW programme on promotion of peace and security wondered why up to now there is no law that globally controls the movements of arms from the manufacturing stage to the final user.

    Preparations to address the absence of globally agreed rules for all Countries to guide their decisions on arms transfers have been underway since 2006, and are culminating into the UN Conference in New York to run from July 2–27 this year.

  • Baby Ineza Flown to India for Heart Operation

    Ineza Umugisha Ange is a young baby girl of 18 Months. She was born with a hole in her heart and this has been the cause of her frequent illnesses.

    Her condition can only be handled by specialised hospitals found outside Rwanda.

    It’s upon this realisation that a campaign was launched to raise funds for her treatment abroad.

    Good samaritans managed to raise the required funds and Baby Umugisha flew out of Rwanda to India on Tuesday.

    She is expected to spend between two weeks and two months at the hospital undergoing this specialised treatment of her condition.

    Her father Tuyizere Jean Baptiste thanked all the good samaritans especially the staff of the central bank of Rwanda who raised funds to ensure that Baby Umugisha would undergo a specialised heart operation in India.

  • New Microsoft Surface Windows 8 tablets Arrive

    Microsoft has unveiled Surface – its own-brand family of tablets.

    The touchscreen computers will be powered by its upcoming Windows 8 system and contain a choice of an Intel or ARM-based processor.

    It allows the firm to challenge Apple’s bestselling iPad with a device that can run standard applications such as its own Office programs and Photoshop.

    But it puts Microsoft in competition with other manufacturers planning to release tablets designed for Windows 8.

    The company’s chief executive, Steve Ballmer, said he had wanted to give the software “its own companion hardware”.

    The devices have 10.6 inch (26.9cm) displays, built-in kickstands and are housed in magnesium cases – which the company described as the first of their kind.

    The ARM-based tablets are 9.3mm (0.4 inches) thick – slightly less than the iPad – and run the Windows RT version of the new system.

    The Verge reported that the chipset will be built by Nvidia. Third-party developers must rewrite programs from scratch to run on the system’s Metro interface to work on these devices.

    The versions using Intel’s x86 technology run Windows 8 Pro and are 13.5mm (0.5 inches) thick. These can run Metro and an updated version of the “classic” desktop meaning they can use software designed for earlier editions of Windows, although some programs will need to be updated to be compatible.

    The specifications mean the Surface tablets have bigger screens than the iPad but are heavier.

  • Who Will Pick Up The Pieces?

    When Presidents Kagame and Kabila met in Goma on August 9th 2009, marking the end of more than a decade of hostilities between Kigali and Kinshasa, it was historical.

    Both leaders had decided to turn the page and literally work together towards making this region a conflict free zone, prosperous in nature and conducive to mutual business opportunities. According to many well-advised observers, this was to be the first step of a long and difficult journey.

    To make this a reality, both sides had to make a show of goodwill towards the other, and by doing so prove that they were ready to go the extra mile for the sake of common interests.

    This was the logic behind Rwanda’s intervention when Laurent Nkunda was marching on Goma during the war between Kinshasa and the CNDP. Rwanda would later go a step further by supporting the idea of casting aside General Nkunda for the sake of better integration of the CNDP in the new Congolese landscape.

    The message was loud and clear: Kigali wanted nothing more than being in the best of terms with Kinshasa and proved it.

    But with so many casualties and victims of war, so many people displaced and so much hate propaganda for so long, who in their right mind would bet on such a horse? How do you reconcile a people in such a context of fear, hate, ignorance, and worries of possible revenge killings that could potentially escalate in a never-ending cycle of violence in the region?

    The leadership of both countries did in fact put in place different mechanisms meant to monitor and reinvent the future for both countries. The joint military operations and the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) are the results of this vision. And both sides have appreciated the deliverables.

    The FDLR has been pushed back and partially neutralized, the CNDP case was resolved through political means and their combatants integrated in the FARDC and the road for a closer economical integration is well underway thanks to the JPC.

    The DRC, being only at the early stages of a post conflict society, has been under constant pressure from the International Donors Community through their local representatives; external powers that differ most often than not in perspective and vision on how to handle the “under reconstruction” DRC.

    Even the best intentioned amongst them seems to only focus on areas of self-interest and fail to consider the local and regional dynamics and contexts.

    Their failure to do so constantly puts at great risk a much too young and fragile peace. Case and point: Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch. In a show of absolute disregard to the more than inappropriate timing, this not so ‘gentle’ man tweeted President Kagame to encourage the arrest of General BoscoNtaganda during the 18th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide of the Tutsi.

    The timing chosen by MR. Roth goes way beyond insensitivity towards the plight of survivors of the Genocide (as this was his only message addressed to Rwanda from that organization); it was clearly meant to create a buzz at a time where all eyes were on Rwanda.

    Ultimately, this move only goes to show the mercenary nature of such organizations claiming to be guided by humanitarian sentiments for the greater good of mankind.

    A heavily criticized presidential election in DRC gave the Western donors’ society the opportunity to exercise quite some pressure and maintain a grip on the newly re-elected President Kabila.

    France for instance threatened to cut back on development cooperation and to move the next Francophonie Summit scheduled to be hosted by the DRC to another country. Really?!!! As if France was a criminal free country! Last time I checked, it was and still is a safe haven for genocide perpetrators and war criminals.

    The pressure on President Kabila went up ten levels when he was asked to hand out General BoscoNtaganda who had previously integrated the National Army three years ago alongside other CNDP combatants as part of the process to restore the authority of the central government and peace in the Kivu.

    Despite the presence of so many UN troops on the ground, the international community was not ready to do the job; the responsibility was left to the Congolese. Amani Leo, UmojaWetu, the integration and pacification of Eastern Congo was to be sacrificed on the altar of Western Donors.

    The war that ensued from this pressure is today indeed jeopardizing the process of pacification and reconstruction started in 2009. The number of victims, deaths and rapes and the displaced populations has simply skyrocketed as a result of this.

    Is this the outcome expected by the ICC, HRW and the West?
    How will this all end? Who will pick up the pieces of a broken down DRC? How close are we of falling back to square one? For now Kinshasa is not healing the wounds but rather deepening them.

    More actors have now taken center stage. FDLR fighters are very active again and so are the militia, the Mai Mai and others, putting the Congolese populations of the Kivu at more risk, while making life impossible for President Kabila.

    How deep do we have to descend in horror? If the Congolese government persists in this conflict it will be even more difficult to move out of it; like quicksand it will drag the DRC deeper into problems. And a small movement like the M23 or otherwise will have all the reasons to grow and challenge Kinshasa.

    During the last High-level meeting of the JPC in Kigali, the Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister said, and I quote: “…if love exists, it needs to be shown or materialized”, end quote. What more can Rwanda do to show the “love”?
    Rwanda’s support went far beyond what normally is expected from a close friend.

    Reasonably, President Kabila should know that in the short or the long run he can count more on Rwanda and the region than on the International Community.

    A homegrown solution is worth much more than Washington, Paris and Brussels, ICC or HRW’s vision of the future for the DRC. On that inevitable day when the eventually turns away from them, the Congolese will be left with only their neighbors to contend with. So I ask you again: “Who will pick up the pieces?”

  • Final joint communique between Rwanda & DRC

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    As part of ongoing dialogue between Rwanda and DR-Congo held from 18 to 19 June 2012 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in DRC hosted a bilateral meeting between Congolese and Rwandan delegations.

    The delegations were respectively led by Their Excellencies Raymond Tshibanda Ntungamulongo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie of the Republic of Congo, and Louise Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda.

    This meeting is the materialisation of the desire of both countries to restore and maintain an environment of peace, security and mutual understanding between the DRC and Rwanda, two neighbours and brothers.

    The two delegations exchanged information on security problems in the region and considered the concerns of each Party in connection with the situation in eastern DRC.

    Both delegations reaffirmed the commitment to continue working together for peace, stability and development in the sub region. They agree that their respective territories do not form the basis of destabilization of one or the other.

    They also agreed to operationalise the Joint Verification Commission whose duties include investigating suspicions of outside support to the mutineers and other opportunists.

    In the same vein, both sides reaffirmed the need to find lasting solutions to fundamental problems at the root of the prevailing insecurity.

    They therefore, renewed their determination to continue efforts to complete eradication of the terrorist group FDLR and other armed groups all skimming the sub region.

    A meeting for consultation and evaluation is provided for that purpose June 28, 2012 at GOMA between the defense ministers of both countries, which will be accompanied by the Chiefs of General Staff of the FARDC and RDF.

    In addition, both Parties expressed their wish to continue and intensify the existing cooperation in revitalizing all existing bilateral mechanisms of cooperation.

    The meeting took place in a constructive spirit of sincerity.

    The Foreign Minister of Rwanda thanked her Congolese counterpart for the warm and fraternal welcome which was reserved for her and the Rwandan delegation.

    Kinshasa, 19 June 2012

  • African Tobbacco Farmers Oppose WHO Ban

    Tobbacco has for several decades been produced in Africa and contributing to rural employment and economic development on the continent.

    African tobacco growers are lobbying their governments to resist the World Health Organisation’s ban on tobacco arguing that it will affect them economically.

    This came up at an International Tobacco Growers’ Association-Africa meeting held recently in Zambia.

    Tobacco growers opposed the ultimate eradication of tobacco growing as recommended by WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control draft policy.

    The growers emphasised the need for African governments to assist tobacco farmers that are affected by the drop in demand for the crop as a result of smoking reduction strategies and changing consumer preferences.

    “By restricting the available land for tobacco farming, denying farmers political and commercial rights to engage with governments through tobacco boards or commissions and ban leaf auctions, these advocate groups directly threaten jobs and livelihoods of millions of farm families worldwide,” said ITGA in a statement.

    “We are concerned that, while some working group members push for a cap on tobacco production and restriction on the amount of land available to tobacco farming, the FCTC has failed to provide credible options for governments seeking to help farmers diversify to other viable crops or livelihoods in anticipation of a potential reduction in demand for tobacco.

    “We note with great concern that the working group responsible for these proposals is being driven by health officers with little to no real world knowledge of agriculture, tobacco farming, or the challenges faced by farmers and farm workers living in rural areas,” said ITGA.

    The ITGA challenged the FCTC to involve the tobacco farming communities at every stage of policy development and implementation.

    The association urged governments to defend the interests of tobacco farmers that provide employment and income for many African farmers and families by rejecting the draft policy recommendations for Articles 17 and 18 and urging other governments to reject recommendations that destroy tobacco farmers’ livelihoods;

    “We urge governments to request the Working Group for Articles 17 and 18 to revise its draft policy recommendations, to seek input from tobacco farmers’ organisations and agricultural policy specialists on specific, detailed and credible options for diversification with alternative crops,” ITGA said.

    The association challenged tobacco farming communities to collectively defend their land, jobs and livelihood from efforts to deny the right to produce the legal crops that better assure their economic pros-perity.

    “We reaffirm the right of farmers to choose to grow tobacco for a living and recognise that tobacco provides a secure and stable income for hundreds of thousands of African farmers,” said the association.

    The ITGA represents millions of tobacco workers and farming communities in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.

    The association recognises that tobacco has been produced in Africa for generations and acknowledges its contribution to rural employment and economic development.

  • New Book Offers Tips on Doing Business in Africa

    A Book presenting a Guide to Business and Investiment opportunities in Africa has been published by a financial Writer David Mataen (pictured).

    The book explores the growing investment opportunities in emerging Africa.
    The book “Africa — The Ultimate Frontier Market: A guide to the business and investment opportunities in emerging Africa” is an investor’s guide to the transformations that have occurred in the African business landscape in the last 60 years and the key areas of interest for the future.

    It should be of particular interest to individuals and corporations interested in doing business with the continent. Sub-Saharan Africa is now one of the world’s most talked about regions in terms of emerging investment opportunities and sources of new growth.

    Its economies represent a quintessential frontier market and they are set to develop into an area of long-term investment interest.

    “Africa — The Ultimate Frontier Market” provides a detailed but lucid look at the changing trends in social life, government and business since the 1960s.

    It explains the background to consumer market developments and why they have occurred, the enablers that have been laid down within Africa that ready it for business expansion, and the sectors where there is opportunity for investment and growth.

    By following the long-term developments described by Mataen, investors will understand the pace of change in Africa in the past and gain an appreciation for how its business and economy will progress in the future. At this time of great opportunity, this book is an essential addition to anyone’s investment library.

    With the launch of the Mobius Africa Fund set to test investor interest in this emerging market, Mataen’s book could not come at a more crucial time.

    Mataen says of his book: “What motivated me to write this book were two major factors which were mutually perpetuating. The growing interest in Africa as a business proposition or destination for investments which has been generating overwhelming inquiries and demand for information and appetite for knowledge on the continent and its economic attractions. This is about the demand.”

    “The second factor was the frustrations of the aridity and barrenness everyone quickly encounters when they embark on the search for organised and quality information on the continent. It is just not there. This is about the supply.

    “Hitherto, a dynamic stalemate has reigned between these two opposing forces. And this is where ‘Africa — The Ultimate Frontier Market’ comes in. It has sought to close the gap between the two forces, to bridge the chasm dividing demand for and supply of premier content on the emerging African economic appeal,” he said.

    Mataen was born and educated in Africa and has spent 13 years working there in financial services, including time in commercial and investment banking, stock brokerage, and management consultancy.

    He also spent two and a half years as a contributing columnist to Business Daily.

    In the course of his working life he has picked up invaluable insights that have become a foundation for his expert knowledge of business and investing in the continent; he is perfectly placed to comment on African society and business growth within it.

    He is currently the head of corporate finance at Faida Investment Bank in Nairobi, Kenya.

    “What makes this book most relevant at this moment in time is the time itself.

    It is by any measure Africa’s turn — the attention of the world has finally successfully turned to Africa as the ultimate and final source of long-term growth opportunities.

    Anyone not looking at Africa now may be making the same mistake made by those who ignored China and India 15 or 20 years ago.

    This book may well be the beacon light to this global pursuit and contest for Africa’s economic soul,” said Mataen.