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Plea over Briton’s DRC murder trial

A former British soldier currently on death row in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to face trial tomorrow for the alleged murder of his cell mate and best friend.

Joshua French and Tjostolv Moland were sentenced to death in 2009 after being found guilty of espionage and murder, although both men maintained their innocence.

They were convicted for a second time for the same offences in June 2010 following a military retrial branded a ”farce” by campaigners.

However, Mr French, who served in the Parachute Regiment, now faces a fresh murder charge after Mr Moland was found dead in the prison cell they shared on August 18 last year, despite an initial investigation which found he had taken his own life.

Legal charity Reprieve has called on the British Government, in letters to the Prime Minister, to intervene to prevent the trial or, at very least, have it transferred to a civilian court as it is set to be held in a military court, in violation of the DRC’s constitution and international law.

It is understood that discussions had been taking place to transfer Mr French to a prison in Norway but the fresh proceedings have thrown this in to jeopardy.

Mr French’s mother, Kari Hilde, said: “Joshua has already lost his best friend and nearly five years of his life. Now he’s being falsely accused of murder. How much more will he have to endure before the British Government takes serious action?”

Reprieve said a post-mortem examination conducted jointly by Congolese Police and the Norwegian police agency Kripos confirmed that Mr Moland had committed suicide.

Mr Moland’s father has written to the Congolese authorities asking for the charges against Mr French to be dropped but the request has not been answered.

Maya Foa, director of Reprieve’s death penalty team, said: “The Government has already tarried too long.

“These are sham charges and the Prime Minister needs to intervene without delay to protect the rights of British citizen, Joshua French. If the trial goes ahead in a military court, Joshua may well be given a death sentence, and all hopes of him leaving the prison alive will be dashed.”

Telegraph

January 6, 2014
Should Youth participate in politics apart from their own career?

{I have been looking around and found that everything that surrounds me exists because of politics, thus no need to go deeper without affirming first that youth must join politics rather than seeing elders exercising politics on them although these elders are the ones who are there to assist in guidance so to become mature politicians. }

We all agree that any society needs fresh ideas to move ahead as well as develop it.

Rwanda is an example of a society where youth are starting to be represented in political arena and optimistically that will bring changes in that arena for example by building a society which is corruption free as the country also targets zero corruption cases.

By definition as Wikipedia tells us Politics is the practice and theory of influencing other people on a civic or individual level. More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance — organized control over a human community, particularly a state

From Greek: politikos, meaning “of, for, or relating to citizens”) is the practice and theory of influencing other people on a civic or individual level.

The United Nations Development Programme through its ENHANCING YOUTH
POLITICAL PARTICIPATION throughout the ELECTORAL CYCLE reveals that Young people between the ages of 15 and 25 constitute a fifth of the world’s population. While they are often involved in informal, politically relevant processes, such as activism or civic engagement, they are not formally represented in national political institutions such as parliaments and many of them do not participate in elections. This can impact on the quality of democratic governance.

The inclusion of youth in formal politics is important, as the 2011/2012 Arab States popular
Uprisings and various Occupy movements have demonstrated. In countries in transition, fresh ideas and new leadership can help to overcome authoritarian practices. Where youth-led protests have forced authoritarian regimes from power, significant frustration is likely to arise if youth are not included in new formal decision-making. This can destabilize democratization and accelerate conflict dynamics.

The international community has recognized the importance of youth participating in political systems, including through several international conventions and UN resolutions.

In line with these commitments, UNDP views youth as a positive force for transformative social change, and aims to help enhance youth political participation.

A basic principle is that support for the political participation of young people should extend across the electoral cycle. Capacity development for young candidates, for example, has proven to be more effective as a continuous effort than as a one-off event three months before an election.

Young people who participate actively in their community from early on are more likely to become engaged citizens and voters.

Another core principle is that youth political participation needs to be meaningful and effective, going beyond token gestures. Capacity development is an integral measure, and while building
No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth.

“A society that cuts itself off from its youth severs its lifeline; it is condemned to bleed to death.”
— Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations

Quoting the New United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, “Youth should be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making at local, national and global levels.”

A youth-friendly legal framework is crucial in enabling youth political participation. In one-third of countries, laws stipulate an eligibility age to run for parliament at 25 years or higher, creating a gap between the legal age of majority and/or voting age, on the one hand, and the age at which an individual can serve in elected office.

Since national governments and parliaments can review the legal framework, they can consider:
1. Aligning the minimum voting age and the minimum age of eligibility to run for office;
2. Introducing youth and women’s quotas in electoral laws; and
3. Identifying and addressing context-specific legal barriers to youth participation, such as to facilitate the registration of youth-led organizations.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) and political parties could:

1. Review and discuss the legal framework for youth participation;
2. Consider proposals for a youth-friendly legal framework; and
3. Campaign for changes.
Example 1: In Turkey, several youth organizations and local youth councils have successfully campaigned for lowering the eligibility age for Parliament from 30 to 25 years.

January 6, 2014
African migrants protest in Israel

{Thousands of African migrants gathered in Tel Aviv’s main square on Sunday to protest against a controversial new law allowing Israel to detain people without valid visas indefinitely. }

Many of the demonstrators held banners demanding the release of fellow migrants who were jailed for being in the country illegally. Human rights groups say more than 300 people have been arrested since Israel’s parliament passed the law three weeks ago.

Some 60,000 migrants, largely from Eritrea and Sudan, have crossed into Israel across a once-porous border with Egypt since 2006, Israeli authorities say.

Many live in poor areas of Tel Aviv and say they are seeking asylum in the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he views the presence of many African migrants as a threat to Israel’s social fabric and his government.

An Israeli border fence has since cut off the influx from Egypt, but migrants who have already crossed can be sent to what the government describes as an open prison in Israel’s southern desert.

The facility is similar to a half-way house, in which detainees can leave during the day but must report back by nightfall. Migrants can be held there indefinitely pending voluntary repatriation, implementation of deportation orders or the resolution of their asylum requests.

Organisers handed out leaflets demanding that Israel “release all refugees from prison and stop this detention policy”. Rights groups have appealed the new law.

Police said the protesters had a licence for a three-day demonstration at the site, and there was no reported violence or arrests at the scene. A police source estimated the number of protesters at 10,000.

Hotline for Migrant Workers, an organisation that advocates for the Africans, accuses Israel of pressuring hundreds in its jails to accept payouts and leave. More than a dozen left earlier this year for Eritrea to win release from prison.

(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)

January 6, 2014
Nigeria repatriates citizens from CAR

Abuja – {Nigeria is repatriating over 1 600 citizens who have sought refuge in its embassy in Bangui, fleeing violence wracking the Central African Republic, an army spokesperson said on Sunday.}

“The Federal Government has … arranged several chartered flights to bring home over 1 620 Nigerians who took refuge at the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui,” said Chris Olukolade in a statement.

The evacuation operation began on Friday, and half of the Nigerian nationals have been brought home, the army added.

The resource-rich but impoverished Central African Republic has been wracked by ever-escalating violence since a March coup by the mostly Muslim Seleka rebels installed Michel Djotodia as the country’s first Muslim president.

Although Djotodia disbanded the rebels, some of them went rogue, leading to months of killing, rape and pillaging and prompting Christians to form vigilante groups in response.

French and African Union troops have been struggling to restore order in the notoriously unstable nation since receiving a UN mandate in early December.

More than 1 000 people have been killed in the past month alone, while nearly a million have been displaced since the coup.

AFP

January 6, 2014
Ford to unveil solar-powered hybrid car

{Ford announced plans Thursday for a prototype hybrid car that uses solar energy from a rooftop charger, reducing gas use and avoiding the need for plugging into the electric grid.
}

The US auto giant said its C-MAX Solar Energi concept car with a solar panel roof draws power from a special solar concentrator lens similar to a magnifying glass.

The vehicle, which will be on display at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week, is estimated to reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions a typical car owner would produce by four metric tons.

The new system aims to rev up sales of electic and hybrid vehicles without the plug-in requirement of some current models.

{{SYSTEM TRACKS SUN}}

Ford said the system tracks the sun as it moves from east to west, drawing enough power from the solar rays each day to equal a four-hour battery charge.

Ford said this car would deliver an estimated 100 miles (160 kilometers) per gallon (3.8 liters) of gasoline.

“Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept shines a new light on electric transportation and renewable energy,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford global director of vehicle electrification and infrastructure.

“As an innovation leader, we want to further the public dialogue about the art of the possible in moving the world toward a cleaner future.”

The car is a collaborative project of Ford, California-based SunPower Corp. and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

AFP

January 6, 2014
Nyanza: A local beer kills Two more residents

{{Nyanza}}: {Yesterday, 5th January, 2014, two more people died after consuming sorghum beer in an organized party to celebrate the end of the Year 2013. }

Also one resident died last week after consuming the same beer while 56 others were hospitalized.

IGIHE was informed that two other residents, among those 56 who were hospitalized, died as a result of the consumption of that Sorghum beer locally known as “Ikigage”

January 6, 2014
Paris’ Mayor joins ranks of politicians against French comic Dieudonné

{Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoë has come out against the controversial comic Dieudonné M’bala M’bala whose trademark gesture of an inverted Nazi salute has alienated many and sparked fervent debates beyond France.}

“Did our elders fight for civilized values for us to cowardly surrender them to criminals?” Delanoë asked on the “Grand Rendez-vous” with Europe 1, iTELE and Le Monde.

“We are in 2014, the year of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Paris, France and the camps,” he said, adding that Dieudonné is a person who glorifies these crimes against humanity.

Known usually by his first name, Dieudonné’s shows laden with vitriolic humour and what he calls anti-Zionist, rather than anti-Semitist remarks, have drew the ire of the French government – including French Interior Minister Manuel Valls – which is currently trying to ban his shows on the premise of inciting disorderly public conduct.

RFI

“He must be fought with all the rigors of the law,” said Delanoë, adding that freedom of expression must be respected but within the boundaries of human dignity.

Born in Paris to a Cameroonian father and French mother, Dieudonné once garnered thousands of fans to his shows absent of hateful lines and actually appealed to left-wing crowds.

He created sketches with his former childhood friend and Jewish comic Elie Semoun that tackled discrimination and racism.

But a departure to the far-right in the early to mid-2000s saw him lash out at Jews and belittle and make fun of the Holocaust during his shows and public appearances.

In 2009, he ran on an anti-Zionist platform in the European elections and made Jean-Marie le Pen, the founder of the National Front Party, the godfather of his son.

A week ago the comic shocked many – and not for the first time – as he said of a well-known Jewish journalist: “Me, you see, when I hear Patrick Cohen speak, I think to myself: ‘Gas chambers … too bad (they no longer exist).”

Dieudonné – which means “god given” – has been put on trial numerous times for racial slurs and has personally described himself as “non-Jewish, non-Muslim, not really black and not really white.”

January 6, 2014
USA: Rwandans in Midwest urged to uphold the Unity

{USA-Rwandan Diaspora in Midwest has been urged to uphold the unity as well as to contribute to the development of their country.}

The call was made during the celebration of the New Year event that was held in South Bend City, Indiana. It was attended by Rwandans in all ages and the party was marked by gospel songs, Traditional songs and testimonies of Rwandans who have achieved considerable progress in 2013 as well as thanking God for the Rwanda’s Progress.

Throughout speeches, they all centered to unity and helping each other to achieve more.

The President of Rwandan Diaspora in Midwest, Charles Ruhaya, thanked all participants for their contribution to make the event happened.

He however added that Rwandans must uphold their unity as well as actively contribute to their country’s Development.

January 6, 2014
IGIHE TV launches “Stream 250” TV Show

{After launching different online TV programs, IGIHE TV has started the new online TV program entitled “Stream 250” to show the new image of Rwanda in different sectors namely, Business, art and culture, entertainment, etc.}

Speaking to this site, Manishimwe Jean Marie Vianney, video editor at IGIHE TV said “The program was named “Stream 250” because of Rwanda’s Country Code +250 which is unique dialing number for Rwanda, thus this program is also unique to show the image of Rwanda”

Its first show was aired in December 2013 with the talk show about Rwanda Job Day which brought together job seekers, employers, both private and public sector and the event was held at Kigali Serena Hotel

Manishimwe said that Stream 250 will allow Rwandans all over the world to know exactly what is happening in their native country adding that even foreigners will be able to know more about Rwanda.

Besides to this TV program, there are many other programs that IGIHE TV broadcasts like Behind The Scene, LE Mag, Dispora TV Show and many other programs that show daily life of Rwandans who have made significant steps.

January 6, 2014
Bashir, Kiir to meet in Juba over South Sudan crisis

{Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir will travel to Juba on Monday to meet with his South Sudan counterpart Salva Kiir for talks on the ongoing conflict in the country, state media reported on Sunday.}

“President Bashir will go tomorrow to Juba to meet (President) Salva Kiir and discuss the crisis in the South,” an SMS sent by state radio to the media said.

Sudan’s First Vice President Bakri Hassan Salih has affirmed his country’s full support of mediation efforts by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development seeking an end to the fighting in South Sudan.

“We discussed the coordination between Sudan, China and Igad member states to bring peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan,” Mr Salih said in a joint statement with the Special Representative of the Chinese government for African affairs Zhong Jianhua released on Sunday.

“Sudan is ready to boost the Igad initiative and support the continuity of the political efforts to find a peaceful solution to the dispute in South Sudan,” he added.

Mr Zhong said in a statement following the meeting with Mr Salih in Khartoum that China supports Igad’s efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.

“Sudan and China share identical views towards supporting the Igad efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the dispute in South Sudan,” he said.

Daily Nation

January 5, 2014