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UN Agrees Resolution on Syria Aid

{{The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution on access to humanitarian aid in Syria – the first time it has united on the issue.}}

The resolution says both Syrian government and opposition forces must allow aid convoys to reach civilians across the country.

The agreed text does not threaten sanctions – but warns of “further steps” if the sides do not comply.

Russia and China, who vetoed previous similar resolutions, voted in favour.

Russia, who has so far supported the government of President Bashar al-Assad, backed the document after insisting that an initial reference to sanctions be dropped.

However, the resolution does denounce the use of barrel bombs, and demands cross-border access for aid convoys as well as an end to sieges across the country.

{agencies}

February 23, 2014
Rooney ‘not Bothered’ by Abuse

{{Manchester United boss David Moyes insists the Crystal Palace fans giving Wayne Rooney abuse on Saturday will be cheering him at the summer World Cup.}}

THe England striker who has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract, appeared to have coins thrown at him during the first half of the 2-0 win.

“I would have thought all these supporters will be cheering for him in three months,” said Moyes.

“It happens. He’s a top player and I don’t think it bothered Wayne.”

Reflecting on Rooney’s new deal, the United manager added: “”It is great news. It is a great signing for us.

“To try and buy a player like Rooney is going to cost you a lot of money or they are not available.

“We never had any intention of letting him go. Wayne has been great since day one and his performances have merited being talked about as well as he has been. Anything he earns is down to him.”

Rooney celebrated the signing of his new deal, which is worth up to £300,000 a week, by doubling United’s lead at Selhurst Park with a stunning 12-yard strike.

His strike partner Robin van Persie had earlier put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot in a game in which Moyes also started Adnan Januzaj and Juan Mata.

“They are all great players. We have great flexibility in the team and I thought we linked up quite well,” said Rooney.

“It is going to take time to see us all our at our best but, once we do, it could be a great, exciting time for the club. We also have Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez to come in. We have great forwards.”

The 2-0 victory moved United to within eight points of the Premier League’s top four ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first-leg tie at Olympiakos.
Rooney insists overhauling that gap remains possible.

“It is achievable [the top four] but it is going to be difficult,” he said. “We need a winning streak and hope the other teams drop points. We never say die. Next season our target is to win the Premier League.”

February 23, 2014
China-Africa Trade Surpassed $200Bn in 2013

{{China-Africa trade totalled more than $200 billion last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, highlighting the Asian powerhouse’s burgeoning trade and investment ties with the continent.}}

“In 2013, Chinese-African trade surpassed the $200 billion mark for the first time, making China Africa’s biggest trading partner,” Xi told visiting Senegalese President Macky Sall, adding that Chinese direct investment in Africa grew 44 percent.

“That all stands witness to the endlessly renewed vitality of Sino-African friendship, to the scale of the potential for co-operation and the excellent outlook for the new kind of Sino-African strategic partnership,” Xi said at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

Xi did not give an exact total.

But China-Africa trade has boomed in line with the Asian country’s rise to become the world’s second-biggest economy, which has been accompanied by a thirst for African natural resources to help fuel its growth.

Underscoring the continent’s importance, Xi visited Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo as part of his first overseas tour after he become president in March last year.

But China’s growing role has also sparked tensions in some countries.

In February last year, for example, the Zambian government seized control of a Chinese-owned coal company due to poor compliance with safety and environmental standards, its mines minister said.

In 2012 workers at the mine killed a Chinese manager during rioting over work conditions.

Acclaimed primatologist Jane Goodall told media in a recent interview that China was exploiting Africa’s resources just as European colonisers did, with disastrous effects

AFP

February 23, 2014
Rwandan Diaspora in Sudan Officially Launched Kwibuka20

{{Rwandan Diaspora in Sudan on Wednesday officially launched kwibuka20 in El-Fasher at ARC compound TOWN HALL UNAMID HQ.}}

The event is one the official activities that will culminate into the commemoration week, according to a statement signed by the chairman of the Rwandan Diaspora, Sulaiman Kalisa.

The guest of Honour was the Joint Special Representative (JSR) of UNAMID Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, who admired the Rwandans journey towards resilience and reconciliation from the ashes of 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, Rwanda has built a nation – a nation that has relegated the poignant memories of genocide to the background in order to realize stability, unity prosperity and democratic governance as well as contribute to causes of common good around the world.

“Let us also give this commemoration a real and positive meaning of resilience, forgiveness, reconciliation and unity, not only in Rwanda, but in Africa as a whole, said the JSR.

The Rwandan Charge d’affaires I.A at Kwibuka20 launch in Sudan Mr. SHYAKA K ISMAIL welcomed the invites and recalled them the essence of the day and invited them in Rwanda to share with Rwandans the story of genocide and create a powerful voice for the world to hear.

The Rwandan elder at the launching was the Brig Gen Norbert KALIMBA the UNAMID Force chief of Staff recalls Fellow Rwandans compassionates and others present that, Rwandans cannot escape the past and they should not try.

“We are bound to our history, with honest and compassionate reflection, we are not bound to repeat it, in fact it is in remembrance that we find seeds of renewal, Gen KALIMBA said.

Turn up were about 500 hundreds of participants.

Among the dignitaries present were the representatives of all UNAMID contingents present in Darfur and the Sudanese nationals who work for the UNAMID, as well as Rwandan peacekeepers representing other sectors and whole Rwandan community in El-Fasher.

February 23, 2014
Uganda Cranes to Face Zambia on March 5

{{Uganda v Zambia }}

Patrice Beaumelle believes that the high- profile friendly against Uganda will provide him with the perfect assessment of his new-look Zambia squad.

The Frenchman assumed the helm of the Chipolopolo team in November last year after Herve Renard quit his position to take over at French club Sochaux.

And in a bid to assemble a side that suits his playing philosophy, Beaumelle has invited a 42-member provisional squad for the friendly set for March 5 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

It’s from this pool that Beaumelle will select his best possible side ahead of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers in September.

The squad includes 16 foreign-based stars.

“We played them in the previous Africa Cup qualifiers and they are a difficult team. They are one of those good teams that have never qualified for the Africa Cup but they have won CECAFA Cup several times,” Beaumelle said.

Beaumelle was Renard’s assistant when Zambia edged Cranes 9-8 on penalties in Kampala after their two-leg Nations Cup qualifying play-off had ended 1-1 in 2012.

Cranes head coach Micho Sredojevic is expected to name his side early next week.

Zambian sports minister dictates over Nkana

Meanwhile, desperate times call for desperate measures and Zambian sports minister Chishimba Kambwili seems determined to vindicate that adage.

Kambwili has asked the Zambian football association (FAZ) to attach Chipolopolo goalkeeper trainer Davies Phiri to the Nkana Red Devils team ahead of their first round CAF Champions League game against Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) next Saturday.

Kambwili watched Nkana come from behind to register a 5-2 aggregate win over Mbabane Swallows last Saturday but was disturbed with the quality of goalkeeping and defending.

He then described the goals conceded by Nkana goalkeeper Rabson Muchelen’ganga as silly.

“Those were silly goals that should have been avoided. After the game, I spoke to Kalusha Bwalya so that Davies Phiri can join Nkana’s technical bench as goalkeeper trainer before they play KCCA,” he told Zambia’s Post publication.

Kambwili also cautioned that Nkana’s defence would have to be proactive against the KCCA team.

“The defence should not escort strikers, their job is to stop them and not escort them until they shoot.” Kambwili.

{{Part of the selected team }}

Kennedy Mweene, Davies Nkausu, Stoppila Sunzu, Joseph Musonda, Hichani Himoonde, Emmanuel Mbola Donashano Malama, Branson Chama, Rainford Kalaba Nathan Sinkala, Chisa mba Lungu, Felix Katongo, Emmanuel Mayuka, Christopher Katongo, James Chamanga, Jacob Mulenga and Rodger Kola.

NV

February 22, 2014
UN Salutes Amisom Response to Somalia Attack

{{The United Nations Security Council said on Friday that it is “appalled” by the attack on the office of the Somalia president that has resulted in at least 11 deaths.}}

The 15-member council also saluted “the brave response” of the African Union mission (Amisom) troops and the Somali government’s security forces.

Council members added in a press statement that “this and other acts of terrorism would not weaken their determination to support the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.”

Terrorism constitutes “one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” the statement declared, adding that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.”

At the same time, the Security Council said it reminds all states to ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism must comply with their obligations under international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

{nation}

February 22, 2014
Kwibuka Flame arrives in Nyabihu District

{{The Kwibuka Flame of Remembrance today travels to Nyabihu District, the 15th stop on its nationwide tour.

The flame will return to Kigali on 7 April 2014, the start of the national mourning period and twenty years since the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. You can view an interactive map of the tour here.}}

Today’s event is hosted by Mayor Abdoulatif Twahirwa and will reflect on the events of 1994 as well as the journey of Nyabihu and Rwanda since. The special guest is Hon. Protais Mitali, Minister of Sports and Culture. Remarks will also be given by Senator Hon. Evariste Bizimana.

The Flame of Remembrance will be received from Rubavu District by two 20-year-old students, Sabrina Niyirera and Olivier Mpenzi. A choir from Mukamira Primary School will sing ‘Urumuri Rutazima’ to welcome the flame. The Master of Ceremony for today’s event is Leonard Muvandimwe.

Testimony will be given by Joseph Bagirinshuti (60) who will discuss the role of schools in promoting division. Testimony from Anastanzi Kayisire (47) will also be given.

Anastanzi survived the genocide and witnessed killings at a roadblock known as ‘Nyiranatrengwa’, meaning ‘You can’t cross’.

Jean Bosco Ndagijimana (46) will also speak. In 1994, he saved Anastanzi Kayisire. A poem of remebrance will be read by Celestin Kanyamusoro, who was born in Bigogwe sector.

Nyabihu is composed by former Nkuli, Nyamutera, Giciye, Karago and Mutura communes. Nyabihu had more than 7000 victims who today rest at the Mukamira genocide memorial.

Many of those who orchestrated the Genocide against the Tutsi, known as the inner circle (akazu), came from both Nyabihu and Rubavu districts, including President Habyarimana’s family, Col Theoneste Bagosora, Pascal Simbikangwa, Col. Anatole Nsengiyumva, Leon Mugesera and Hassan Ngeze.

The former mayor of Nkuli commune, Juvenal Kajelijeli, was convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

In 1991, 1992 and 1993, the Bagogwe people (a group of Tutsi living in Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu) were systematically murdered. Men and women were killed at Mukamira and the Bigogwe military barracks. Others were thrown into the Nyaruhonga cave in Nyabihu District.

The Genocide against the Tutsi began on 7 April 1994. After three days, almost all the Bagogwe people living in the area had been killed.

The militia who carried out the murders there were then transported to other parts of the country to continue the genocide.

RNP

February 22, 2014
Rwanda, Kenya & Uganda For Joint Power Project

{{The leaders of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda seek to develop a joint power generation project to increase power supply in the region}}.

Presidents Paul Kagame and Uhuru Kenyatta met in Kampala on Thursday at a tripartite summit chaired by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.

The meeting was also attended by Burundi’s Vice President Geravis Rufykiri and Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin from South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Tanzanian delegation led by Vice President Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal attended the summit as observers.

“Work on power interconnection should be completed in the Republic of Uganda by February 2015, Republic of Kenya by March 2015 and Republic of Rwanda by April 2015,” a communiqué released at the end of the meeting says.

The regional leaders also agreed to develop a common mechanism of acquiring way-leaves for not only power generation but to cover other utilities within the integration projects.

Major tripartite projects, including EA single tourism visa and use of national identity cards as travel documents which came into force on January 1, 2014 were officially launched.

The leaders also signed the Defense, Peace and Security Pact designed to strengthen regional security and partnership in the fight against terrorism, cross-border crime and other regional security threats.

President Kagame hailed the achievements made on current joint projects, saying it was encouraging. (East African News Agency)

February 22, 2014
UPDF Troops to Gradually Leave South Sudan

{{Uganda has no desire to keep its troops on South Sudan soil longer than it is necessary and will gradually withdraw them in compliance with the African Union proposal for the deployment of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crisis (ACIRC) in the new nation, its foreign affairs minister said.}}

“The deployment of ACIRC in South Sudan will facilitate Uganda’s progressive withdrawal and/or redeployment”, Sam Kuteesa said in a statement.

The AU Peace and Security, he added, was expected to meet at an appropriate time, to work out modalities for deployment of ACIRC in South Sudan before the countries that have voluntarily pledged capacity to ACIRC may then provide such support.

“We believe that the deployment of ACIRC is the most logical way to withdraw from South Sudan, without leaving a security vacuum that that can be taken advantage of,” Kuteesa further said.

“We further believe that a political solution will bring about lasting and sustainable peace to this young and sisterly Nation of South Sudan”, he added.

Uganda deployed a contingent of its troops in South Sudan after the outbreak of violence in the country on December 15 last year. Its involvement in the conflict has, however, been widely criticised with the the latest being the United States demanding immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops fighting in the conflict.

But Uganda’s involvement in the over two-month conflict is guided by a Status of Forces Agreement both Khartoum and Juba governments signed at the behest of the latter.

{sudantribune}

February 22, 2014
Why U.S. Spends so Much on F-35 fighter Jet

{{Despite incessant technical problems and delays, the US military has no plans to cancel the new F-35 fighter jet, the costliest weapons program in Pentagon history.}}

The Joint Strike Fighter has been touted as a technological wonder that will dominate the skies but it has suffered one setback after another, putting the project seven years behind schedule and $167 billion over budget.

As the Pentagon prepares to unveil its proposed budget for 2015, the program’s survival is not in doubt but it remains unclear how many planes will be built in the end and how many foreign partners will be willing to buy it.

– Why has the F-35 program reached the point of no return? –

After more than a decade since it was launched, officials insist there is no going back on the program, as the plane is supposed to form the backbone of the future fighter jet fleet.

The US Air Force and the Marine Corps have not invested in an alternative, having put all their eggs in the F-35 basket. The Navy, in theory, could bail out if it wanted and opt to buy more F-18 jets, but it is under intense pressure to keep in line.

The project has become “too big to fail,” said Gordon Adams, a professor at American University and former White House official.

The F-35 enjoys broad backing in Congress, as contractor Lockheed Martin has spread the work for the plane across 45 US states.

Foreign allies also have committed to the program, and Washington has promised to deliver a game-changing plane.

– How much does it cost? –

As a one-size-fits-all plane, and with US allies invited to take part, the program originally was touted as a money-saving idea.

But the program’s costs have snowballed, for an estimated 68 percent increase over its initial price tag. The Pentagon now plans to spend $391.2 billion on 2,443 aircraft, with each plane costing a staggering $160 million.

When taking into account the cost of flying and maintaining the F-35 over the course of its life, the program could surpass a trillion dollars, according to the Government Accountability Office.

– Why is the F-35 touted as a “revolutionary” warplane? –

The aircraft is billed as the ultimate stealth attack plane, with a design enabling it to evade radar detection.

When the F-35 confronts an adversary in the air, the enemy plane “will die before it even knows it’s even in a fight,” Air Force chief General Mark Welsh told CBS television’s “60 Minutes” show.

Equipped to fly at supersonic speeds and outfitted with elaborate software, the F-35 resembles a flying computer. Through the visor of a hi-tech helmet linked up with cameras on the plane, the pilot can see through the floor of the cockpit to the ground below — providing the pilot an unprecedented 360-degree picture.

– Why is the program behind schedule and what is the effect of the delays? –

The aircraft will not enter into service before 2016, 10 years after its first flight.

The main cause of the delay was a decision to start building the plane before testing was finished. As a result, bugs and other technical glitches keep forcing repairs and redesign work, slowing down production.

The 24 million lines of code for the plane’s software have posed a persistent headache, and the jet has yet to attain the level of performance and reliability expected.

On Friday, the program office acknowledged to AFP that the F-35B, the short-takeoff variant for the Marine Corps, suffered cracks in its bulkheads during stress tests. As a result, the durability tests have been suspended and the plane may have to be modified.

Like other weapons programs in the past, the technical problems are driving up the cost of each plane, and that is forcing Washington to scale back the number of aircraft it will buy.

The Pentagon already has announced plans to purchase only 34 of the jets in fiscal year 2015, instead of the 42 originally planned.

– What countries plan to buy the aircraft? –

Apart from the United States, eight countries are taking part in the program: Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey.

Israel has expressed an interest in the plane, as has Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

Some governments have ordered their first aircraft but with the cost of each plane rising, purchase plans remain tentative.

AFP

February 22, 2014