IGIHE

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  • China Economy Offers iron ore Hope

    {{A rally in iron ore prices to five-month highs has spurred optimism a stabilizing economy may help top buyer China absorb rising global supply, prompting some analysts and traders to raise their estimates for the second half of the year.}}

    But other forecasters stuck to their price projections, convinced the recent upturn would be short-lived and could quickly falter if Chinese steel demand fizzles out during an anticipated peak season that starts next month.

    Still, a rosier outlook suggests that the second-biggest shipped commodity after oil will remain a boon to top miners Vale SA (VALE5.SA), Rio Tinto (RIO.AX)(RIO.L) and BHP Billiton (BHP.AX)BHP.L, although prices remain well below record highs near $200 a tonne (1.1023 ton) reached in 2011.

    Surprisingly upbeat Chinese trade and factory output data last week pointed to a stabilizing economy after more than two years of slower growth, fuelling hopes steel demand, which has been firm at the start of the second half of the year, could strengthen further.

    “We see stronger-than-expected iron ore demand in the second half since mills have to replenish supplies after destocking in the first half,” said Graeme Train, a commodity analyst with Macquarie in Shanghai. “Stronger steel demand will support ore.”

    Train sees iron ore at around $125 to $130 a tonne in the second half, up from a previous forecast of $120, with the possibility of even stronger prices in the fourth quarter.

    Heavy restocking by Chinese steel mills has boosted spot iron ore prices .IO62-CNI=SI by 29 percent from the year’s low at end-May to hit $142.80 a tonne last week, its loftiest since mid-March. The price stood at $139.20 on Monday.

    Before the rally, analysts polled by Reuters on July 4 had expected prices to fall to an average $116 a tonne in the second half, from $136.70 in January-June.

    Standard Chartered has also lifted its third-quarter price forecast, to $130 a tonne from its July estimate of $112, and upped its average full-year projection to $133 from $128. Commonwealth Bank of Australia sees upside risk to its forecast third-quarter price of $119 a tonne.

    Two traders at big trading houses said they see iron ore averaging about $130 a tonne in the second half of the year.

    “Underlying steel demand remains resilient,” said an iron ore trader in Shanghai. “As long as the economy continues its recovery and Beijing ramps up infrastructure investment, steel production will grow strongly.”

    agencies

  • CIA Admits Role in Iran’s 1953 Coup

    {{The CIA has released documents which for the first time formally acknowledge its key role in the 1953 coup which ousted Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadeq.}}

    The documents were published on the independent National Security Archive on the 60th anniversary of the coup.

    They come from the CIA’s internal history of Iran from the mid-1970s.

    “The military coup… was carried out under CIA direction as an act of US foreign policy,” says one excerpt.

    The US role in the coup was openly referred to by then US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in 2000, and by President Barack Obama in a 2009 speech in Cairo.

    But until now the intelligence agencies have issued “blanket denials” of their role, says the editor of the trove of documents, Malcolm Byrne.

    This is believed to be the first time the CIA has itself admitted the part it played in concert with the British intelligence agency, MI6.

    Mr Byrne says the documents are important not only for providing “new specifics as well as insights into the intelligence agency’s actions before and after the operation”, but because “political partisans on all sides, including the Iranian government, regularly invoke the coup”.

    The documents were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the National Security Archive, a non-governmental research institution based at George Washington University.

    Iranians elected Mossadeq in 1951 and he quickly moved to renationalise the country’s oil production, which had been under British control through the Anglo-Persian Oil Company – which later became British Petroleum or BP.

    That was a source of serious concern to the US and the UK, which saw Iranian oil as key to its post-war economic rebuilding.

    The Cold War was also a factor in the calculations.

    “[I]t was estimated that Iran was in real danger of falling behind the Iron Curtain; if that happened it would mean a victory for the Soviets in the Cold War and a major setback for the West in the Middle East,” says coup planner Donald Wilber in one document written within months of the overthrow.

    “No remedial action other than the covert action plan set forth below could be found to improve the existing state of affairs.”

    The documents show how the CIA prepared for the coup by placing anti-Mossadeq stories in both the Iranian and US media.

    The coup strengthened the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi – who had just fled Iran following a power struggle with Mossadeq and returned following the coup, becoming a close ally of the US.

    The US and UK intelligence agencies bolstered pro-Shah forces and helped organise anti-Mossadeq protests.

    “The Army very soon joined the pro-Shah movement and by noon that day it was clear that Tehran, as well as certain provincial areas, were controlled by pro-Shah street groups and Army units,” Wilber wrote.

    “By the end of 19 August… members of the Mossadeq government were either in hiding or were incarcerated.”

    The Shah returned to Iran after the coup and only left power in 1979, when he was overthrown in the Islamic revolution.

    Source: BBC

  • EU Sets Gibraltar Mission as Tensions Simmer

    {{European Commission is to send a fact-finding mission to Gibraltar to examine the legitimacy of border controls imposed by Spain in a growing dispute over the British Mediterranean enclave.}}

    It broke out after Gibraltar’s construction of an artificial reef using concrete blocks in the bay off the tiny territory. Gibraltarian authorities say the move was necessary to help marine life recover from overfishing.

    Spanish fishermen counter that it hampers their access to certain waters. Spain, in turn, has toughened its border checks, leading to long queues for workers and tourists entering Gibraltar.

    While Spain has threatened to take its claim on Gibraltar to the United Nations, Britain last week called on the Commission, the European Union’s executive, to send in monitors to check whether Spain’s controls breach EU rules.

    And on Monday, as British warships arrived in Gibraltar on a previously scheduled, routine port of call, Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy spoke by telephone.

    “They agreed that a Commission fact-finding mission should as soon as possible examine in loco the border control, movement of people and goods questions,” a Commission statement said.

    “President Barroso expressed his hope that Spain and the UK will address these matters in a way that is in line with their common membership in the EU.”

    The British Foreign Office declined to comment.

    wirestory

  • Pakistan’s Musharraf indicted in Bhutto murder case

    A court in Pakistan has formally indicted former military dictator Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday with the murder of former premier Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in 2007.

    “He should be tried,” the public prosecutor, Mohammad Azhar, told reporters after a brief hearing in the city of Rawalpindi during which the three charges of murder, conspiracy to murder and facilitation of murder were read out to Musharraf.

    The indictment of the army chief who seized power in a 1999 coup – once Pakistan’s most powerful man – is an unprecedented event in a nuclear-armed country ruled by the military for half of its 66-year history.

    The case has also shattered an unwritten rule that the top military brass are untouchable as the South Asian country tries to shake off the legacy of decades of military rule under the new government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    Musharraf, who made no public remarks during his appearance, denied all the charges against him, a lawyer from his defense team told Reuters. Journalists were not allowed in the court room for the hearing which lasted just about 20 minutes.

    “All the cases against Musharraf are fabricated. He denied all the charges,” said Afshan Adil, the lawyer. The next hearing was set for August 27.

    Bhutto was killed in a gun and suicide bomb attack after an election rally, weeks after she returned to Pakistan from years in self-imposed exile.

    The government at the time blamed Pakistani Taliban militants and Musharraf has said he warned her of the danger she faced.

    Hundreds of police were deployed along the main road leading to the court as well as on rooftops as Musharraf’s car arrived.

    On August 6, the court delayed the widely expected indictment because it was too dangerous for Musharraf to attend the proceedings due to threats to his life.

    reuters

  • East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF) Appeals for Immediate Rescue to Victims of Karagwe Evictions

    • The Heads of State, EAC.
    • The Speaker, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
    • Hon. Members of EALA.
    • The President, East African Court of Justice.
    • The Council of Ministers.
    • The Secretary General, EAC.

    {{Your Excellencies, Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Ministers, Hon. Members of EALA and fellow citizens of the EAC Partner States,}}

    The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights prescribes that “Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, color, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status” (Art,2).

    It further covenants that “The mass expulsion of non-nationals shall be prohibited.
    Mass expulsion shall be that which is aimed at national, racial, ethnic or religious groups” (Art. 12 (5).

    The Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community, which was signed in November 1999 and came into force in July 2000, espouses: …” adherence to universally acceptable principles of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, observance of human rights and social justice”, as some of the main criteria for admission into EAC membership ( Article 3.3a)

    In the Common Market Protocol (Art 7), EAC Partner States guaranteed the free movement of persons who are citizens of the other Partner States, within their territories and covenanted that each Partner State shall ensure non‐discrimination of citizens of other Partner States based on their nationalities.

    According to eye witnesses who reported to EACSOF, by August 13 2013, more than 7,000 people of Rwandan ancestry had been forced out of Tanzania. Elderly women are being rounded up at gun point with nothing on them, and forced out to the Rwanda-Tanzania border.

    The children they had with Tanzania men are remaining, because the children are Tanzanian and not their mother. The same thing is happening to men married to Tanzanian women.

    Those being forced out include unemployed youths born in Tanzania, but have Rwandan origins; women and men who left Rwanda as babies in 1959; babies and teenagers born in Tanzania; elderly women/men who crossed into Karagwe long before Tanzania was born.

    According to press reports, people claiming to represent Tanzanian government areholding meetings with local leaders from which a simple message is given: “ALL RWANDANS OUT”. First, the targeted people are forced to give up their official Tanzanian documents, and since they no longer have documents, everything is taken.

    It is incomprehensible that such actions, which are in gross contravention of theTanzanian Constitution, Tanzania Citizenship Act (1995), The EAC Treaty and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights can take place at this stage of East African integration.

    EACSOF therefore appeals to His Excellency, President Kikwete to come to the urgent rescue of these people whose identity has been stripped from them and with it, fundamental rights plundered!

    Justice will only be seen to have been done with immediate stoppage of evictions, unconditional redress for victimized people to help them recover their right of residence, family life and property and nothing less.

    Martin Mwondha,

    Chief Executive Officer
    East African Civil Society Organizations Forum
    PO Box 12583 Arusha Tanzania
    Tel:+255 687 491 489 / +256-772 33 14 39 / +256 702 33 14 39
    Alt. Email: eacsof@gmail.com / mmwondha@eacsof.net

  • BBC Journalist Brandvold on Being Embedded with M23 Fighters in DRC

    {M23 Fighters onguard at their Base in Eastern DRC}

    {{A BBC Journalist Neil Brandvold was recently embedded with the M23 Rebel fighters based in Eastern DRC. The Journalist and other western journalists spent ten days in the rebel controlled territory.

    Despite the recurrent accusations that Rwanda provides support to the Rebels, the BBC journalist did not find any form of help extended to the fighters.

    During their stay, the journalists were struck by the hospitable recieption granted to them by the fighters whom they observed as well trained and strictly organised.}}

    Below is an excerpt of the conversation Neil Brandvold had with a BBC Radio presenter. {The original message is in audio format.}

    We are a team of three film makers and had been building contacts and confidence with different M23 commanders and Finally we got a go-ahead. Later we were able to access the rebel territory through Rutsuru where we interviewed Bertrand Bisimwa and Colonel Ernest kainan and were granted access to spend 10days inside M23 territory.

    {{Not many Journalists have that open access}}

    Not many. They were actually very open once we were let in there but I think it was just the process of putting this together that was difficult and building confidence.This was the first time they have granted such access to journalists.

    {{So once you reached there what struck you most about the M23 rebel Movement?}}

    Initially its a very tense situation. They were very open and welcoming to us. They were very welcoming to western Journalists and were very organised and are very well trained.

    {{When you say welcoming, does that mean you were given a place to sleep and food to eat? Could you give us an idea of how that worked out for you.?}}

    Yeah. We ate well- three meals a day. They took us to Rutsuru at government buildings they have turned into their base and we slept there. They also took us to the frontlines just North of Goma where we stayed for about four days.

    {{What food were you eating?}}

    Beans, goat meat, pasteur, rice and things like that.

    {{The Journey must have been incredibly dangerous for you wasnt it?}}

    It was nerve cracking especially crossing the boarder .We had to go through Uganda and were stopped by the boarder patrol who told us that ‘you don’t wanna go there’. It’s a territory controlled by M23 and they will kill you. But once we got into DRC we got full escort from M23 fighters usually two to three trucks full of soldiers that escorted us around.

    Because they are constantly fighting there are several rebel groups around so they provided big escort to ensure our safety as much as they could.

    {{I see photos of you with pretty much younger fighters with rounds of ammunition around their neck. Were these child soldiers did they speak to you without fear?}}

    The legal age is 16 years. And alot of those kids to me looked alot much younger than 16years. If you asked anyone, they all claim they were 16years or older. So I dont know if they have been coached to say that but alot of them looked to be very young.

    {{One of the things said about M23 rebels is there is support from the Rwanda government and that’s how they managed to be so successful in their fightings and also support from the Uganda government . Did you observe anything to support that?}}

    Alot of people claim they (M23 fighters) are from Rwanda but actually the fighters I talked to say they are congolese nationals and not from Rwanda.

    {{What about military advisors. Did you any that might have been of Rwandan Origin?}}

    No. Its was a pretty small organisation,there were no miltary advisors and if they were they would be congolese.

    source:BBC

  • 60 Rwandans Languishing in DRCongo Prisons

    {{Over 60 Rwandan nationals are languihsing in DRCongo Prisons, the government of Rwanda has said.}}

    The disclosure following the recent cold relations between the two countries both accusing each other of violating the rights of its nationals.

    However, Rwanda says over 100 Rwandans especially traders have suffered various attacks and violations at the hands of DRC authorities in Eastern part of the vast country. Most of these traders have been locked up in military prisons being accused of collaborating with M23 Rebels.

    Earlier this month, the Rwandan embassy in Kinshasa reported that over 60 Rwandan nationals were being detained in military facilities within Kinshasa capital.

    Information obtained by the East African indicated that several Rwandans have been detained since 2012 when the M23 Rebels humiliated the DRCongo forces by pushing them out of Goma city and seizing a sizeable amount of weapons from the fleeing government forces. Most Rwandans arrested are accused of collaborating with the M23 rebel movement.

    Rubavu district neighbouring DRC has also noted that there are over 80 residents that have reportedly notified authorities about their missing relatives.

    Sheikh Hassan Barame the Rubavu district Mayor told IGIHE that the district is liasing with the DRC authorities across the boarder to release Rwandans detained there.

  • 2 Genocide Suspects Could be tried in France

    {{Suspects including; Father Wenceslas Munyeshyaka and former Gikongoro Prefect Laurent Bucyibaruta are expected to be tried for genocide crimes at a Paris court in France.}}

    There has been a long delay in trying the fugitives and or extraditing them to Rwanda to be tried by they Rwandan justice system.

    Sources in France say investigations are being conducted on Munyeshyaka to gather enough evidence. The investigations are expected to conclude in 2014 before the trial of two suspects could start at the begining of 2015.

    On 20 February 2008, the French authorities agreed to try Wenceslas Munyeshkaya and Bucyibaruta in France.

    On 21 June 2007, the ICTR issued arrest warrants against Wenceslas Munyeshyakaand against the former préfet of Gikongoro Laurent Bucyibaruta, who was also exiled in France. Their indictments had been kept under seal since 2005.

    In June 2007, as part of the Tribunal’s completion strategy, the ICTR-Prosecutor filed requests to transfer the cases of Munyeshyaka and Bucyibaruta to the French authorities.

  • Regional Military Games & Cultural Events 2013 Concluded

    {{The 7th Edition of the East African Community Military Games and Cultural Events 2013 closed in a colorful ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi on 16 August 2013.}}

    Kenya, the Host Nation retains overall title with gold medal positions except one; the ladies’ netball that was won by Tanzania, Rwanda won Bronze medal in Football.

    The event that started on 7th August was held under the theme “one people, one destiny through the EAC Military Games and Cultural Events”.

    In his closing remarks, Deputy President Hon William Ruto praised the men and women in uniform for the effort they were making towards the integration of the East African region as one people with a common destiny through sports.

    In his welcoming speech, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces Gen (Dr) Julius Karangi highlighted the achievements of the Games. He stated that the games had enhanced solidarity and co-operation among partner States’ defence forces and have promoted regional effort towards peace through sport.

    This is how the teams were ranked according to disciplines:

    FOOTBALL: Kenya (Gold medal),Tanzania (Silver),Rwanda (Bronze),Uganda,Burundi.

    HANDBALL: Kenya (Gold medal), Uganda (Silver), Tanzania (Bronze), Burundi, Rwanda

    BASKETBALL: Kenya (Gold medal), Burundi (Silver), Uganda (Bronze), Rwanda, Tanzania

    NETBALL: Tanzania (Gold medal), Kenya (Silver), Uganda (Bronze), Rwanda, Burundi

    CROSS CTRY (MEN): Kenya (Gold medal), Uganda (Silver), Tanzania (Bronze), Burundi, Rwanda

    CROSS CTRY (WOMEN): Kenya (Gold medal), Tanzania (Silver), Uganda (Bronze medal), Rwanda (4th), Burundi (5th).

    More than 700 armed forces sportsmen and women from the EAC participated in the 7th Edition of EAC Military Games and Cultural Events. Rwanda was represented by 94 Sportsmen and Women.

  • Mugabe apologises for ‘street woman’ comment

    {{Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has apologised for calling a South African aide a ‘street woman.}}

    Mr Mugabe is said to have been furious with Ms Lindiwe Zulu during his country’s election campaigns and told her off.

    He is alleged to have called her “some idiotic woman” after she urged him to introduce some reforms before the polls.

    The 84 year old leader was so incensed that he told his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma to reign her in, newspaper reports said.

    Ms Zulu was the spokesperson for President Jacob Zuma’s facilitation team during Zimbabwe’s elections in July.

    However on Sunday, a dramatic apology was made at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Lilongwe, Malawi.

    According to reports, President Mugabe first apologised to President Zuma during a closed door meeting at the summit.

    He described his counterpart as a patient facilitator saying: “He was handling a difficult matter and we Zimbabweans did not make matters easy.

    “We were a very difficult customer to the facilitator – a temperamental one too.

    “I even shouted at one of his officers (Ms Zulu). It is not that I hate her or I sought to berate President Zuma through her.

    “Quite to the contrary, I love her, something that can make many of you wonder given that I am 89 years old.”

    At the end of the meeting, Mr Zuma approached Mr Mugabe with the aide in tow chanting: “Zimbabwe, I want my bride price, Zimbabwe I want my bride price.”

    The Herald newspaper wrote: “President Mugabe accepted the ‘bride’ (Ms Zulu) and proceeded to kiss the bride much to the laughter of all the Heads of State and government who were present.”

    On his return home, President Mugabe said he was pleased that 14 SADC countries endorsed his re-election.

    Zimbabwe has been elected as deputy chair of SADC, which means that Harare will host the 2014 summit of Heads of State and Government.

    Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe’s former Prime Minister however claims that the polls were rigged a move that has prompted Botswana to demand an audit.

    wirestory