Category: Politics

President Kagame in Addis Ababa for the 29th AU summit

{{President Paul Kagame yesterday arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 29th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the AU that is scheduled to take place from 27th June to 4th July 2017.
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Held under the theme “Harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in Youth”, the summit will focus on the key priorities of the institutional reforms presented by President Kagame, who was assigned to lead in overhauling the AU functioning.

Among the priorities to be discussed are ; AU reforms, empowering Regional Economic Communities and Youth empowerment.

July 3, 2017
Political parties in heated discussions over presidential polls

{As Rwandans warm up to the upcoming presidential elections slated for August 2017, some political parties have come up to vociferously defend their decision to throw their weight behind President Paul Kagame, saying their decisions are informed by the overwhelming support demonstrated by Rwandans during the petition that saw amendment of the constitution to pave way for the extension of presidential term limits in a December 2015 referendum.}

Representatives from four political parties yesterday held a discussion on the recent decisions from Liberal Party (PL) and (PSD) of supporting President Paul Kagame during upcoming presidential elections.

The talk show hosted at RTV attracted Rwanda Patriotic Front commissioner, Sheikh Abdul Karim Harelimana, PL Secretary General Dr Odette Nyiramirimo, PSD Secretary General Dr Ngabitsinze Jean Chrysostome and Dr Frank Habineza president and flag bearer of Green Party.

During the talk show, Dr Nyiramirimo explained that deciding to support Kagame doesn’t mean no one else can lead the country but the party recognized petitions from Rwandans who voted to amend the constitution waiving off term limits.

Dr Ngabitsinze from PSD said the decision was made after countrywide intensive consultations of all members a majority of who accepted to back Kagame.

“Before the referendum in 2015 we held a general assembly in which we agreed to chose a presidential candidate. We didn’t agree on Kagame or someone else.We later held discussions at national level and found Kagame with outstanding competencies,” he said.

Meanwhile Dr Frank Habineza said he perceived the decision of PL and PSD into two perspectives. “First, we were disappointed by the decision because we felt Rwanda should support pluralism.. It should be better if they all share their diverse ideas to support development. On the other hand, it is a good gesture because some members who failed to get their party’s flag bearer will vote for us,” he said.

Sheikh Abdul Karim Harelimana from RPF however objected Dr Frank Habineza’s notions and said; “Firstly, PL and PSD did freely express their views as granted in the constitution. Indeed, it is the right of every Rwandan.”

Sheikh Abdul Karim explained that many citizens need the leadership of president Kagame which was attested through the majority voting ‘yes’ in 2015 referendum. Dr Ngabitsinze from PSD cited statistics from previous presidential polls to show emphasize that Dr. Habineza won’t be supported.

“If president Kagame won elections with 93% in 2010, PSD with 5% and PL with 2%, how do you think some of us will vote for you? I don’t think you can obtain 1% votes. It is good for you to participate as a young politician but we have longstanding 25 years of experience in politics in Rwanda. So we are experienced more than you. You stand no chance,” he said.

“When we decided to support Kagame it didn’t mean we will keep quiet. We will campaign for him,” he added.

PL backed Kagame in 2003 presidential polls but nominated own candidate, Prosper Higiro in 2010 elections.

Nyiramirimo explained that they are likely to nominate own candidate in next elections because Kagame revealed that he doesn’t want to become the unique leader of the country.

Sheikh Harelimana said that “President Paul Kagame can’t be compared with others.I am used to tell people not to compare the Sun and the Earth which is untrue. Kagame demonstrated potential over the past 23 years.”

Dr. Habineza said he is glad that the government of Rwanda allows freedom of expression and hopes ‘elections will be held freely in transparency…allowing us to express our views leaving the choice for citizens.”

Presidential elections are slated on 3rd and 4th August 2017 respectively from the diaspora and inside the country.

June 12, 2017
EU dismisses accusations of its will to destabilize Burundi

{The European Union denies Burundi accusations that it is involved in the destabilization of government institutions.}

In the statement by the Delegation of the European Union to Burundi on Wednesday 7 June, the EU denies the “false” accusations of its involvement in the destabilization of Burundi security.

“The accusations are based on a deliberately wrong interpretation of a program to support human rights defenders”, reads the EU declaration.

“The EU foreign policy is based on the promotion of human rights and protection of their defenders throughout the world”, says the declaration, which also indicates that the lasting solution to the crisis in Burundi has to take into consideration the value of human rights.

“Any lasting resolution of the crisis in Burundi must take into account the ongoing and past human rights violations as well as the protection of the persons and organizations working in this regard”, reads the declaration.

The EU reminds that it’s a long-standing partner of Burundi and its people and that it supports the mediation efforts of the East African Community and continues its development cooperation in direct support to the Burundian population.

The EU declaration comes as a reaction to the Burundian government announcement issued on 5th June in which it accuses the EU of its probable involvement in the destabilization of Burundi institutions.

Source:Iwacu

June 9, 2017
PSD, PL back Kagame in upcoming presidential polls

{The Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Liberal Party have declared their support for president Paul Kagame in the upcoming presidential polls slated for 4th August 2017.}

The RPF of which Paul Kagame is chairman has not yet nominated a presidential candidate.

The political parties made decisions over the weekend on separate days as PSD unveiled its Kagame support on Saturday and PL on Sunday during their congress in Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village.

PSD congress on Saturday celebrated 25 years of existence.

The decision was announced following PSD political bureau meeting which shared outcomes with members who didn’t hesitate to accept to back President Kagame given his good leadership.

The congress was attended by the party’s president Dr Vincent Biruta, Premier Anastase Murekezi among others.

Supporting Kagame’s candidacy among PSD members was also based on their contribution to amending the constitution especially article 101 to allow president Paul Kagame extend tenure.

Following the decision of supporting Kagame, Dr Vincent Biruta called on members to campaign for him saying it is easy because Rwandans witness positive transformations he brought to the country.

Dr Biruta told media that declaring support for Kagame is beneficial to both the party and Rwanda interests in general.

“We have declared support for a candidate with abilities to lead the country in the next seven years. We have considered national interests and wishes from our political party members,” he said.

Meanwhile, the president of PL, Donatille Mukabalisa which has also declared backing Paul Kagame for presidential candidacy yesterday said; “PL members also petitioned for amendment of the constitution to allow president Kagame extend leadership.”

The National Electoral Commission will receive presidential candidacies between 12th and 23rd June 2017 while the final list of approved candidates will be produced on 7th July 2017.

So far, Rwanda has three independent candidates who have expressed presidential ambitions including; Philippe Mpayimana, Diane Rwigara and Mwenedata Gilbert.

Green Party nominated its president Dr Frank Habineza as the flag bearer in the upcoming presidential elections.

June 5, 2017
Lesotho votes in third election in five years

{Voters in the small southern African kingdom of Lesotho cast ballots Saturday in an election widely expected to lead to another fractious coalition government and the risk of deepening instability.}

It is the third general election since 2012 in Lesotho, where years of political in-fighting have undermined attempts to tackle dire poverty and unemployment.

Long queues formed outside polling stations from early morning, with many voters wearing traditional Basotho blankets to ward off the winter chill.

The snap election was announced in March when Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili lost a no-confidence vote after his seven-party coalition government broke up less than two years after it was formed.

{{TWO-HORSE RACE}}

The vote is seen as a two-horse race between old rivals Mosisili and Thomas Thabane, who ruled from 2012 to 2015, with the victor set to emerge from post-vote negotiations with coalition partners.

Thabane has drawn large crowds to his rallies and is seen as the narrow favourite.

Protests could break out if Mosisili is defeated and he refuses to concede power, “as his attitude and actions suggest he might,” said Peter Fabricius of the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies.

In a research report, Fabricius said SADC, the southern African regional body, had made it clear to Mosisili that “it will not tolerate any theft of the election.”

In the capital Maseru, Thabane’s All Basotho Congress (ABC) and Mosisili’s Democratic Congress (DC) party have competed for votes via giant billboards and posters.

“It is not likely that a single party will garner a majority of votes,” political analyst Mafa Sejanamane, of the National University of Lesotho, told AFP.

“The urban vote is largely set to go to the ABC. The vote in rural areas is now likely to be shared between the DC and its splinter, the Alliance of Democrats.”

{{VOTER FRUSRATION}}

The mountainous country suffers high unemployment and a 22.7 per cent HIV-AIDS rate in adults, with an economy dependent on South Africa, which surrounds it completely.

“Our country is poor and a lot of money has been spent holding these elections. I’m here to vote for a party to put us first — not politics,” said Naledi Metsing, as she lined up to vote outside the capital.

“We just voted two years ago and that government did not do much for the people.”

According to the electoral commission, 1.2 million people have registered to vote.

Thabane was forced to flee to South Africa in 2014 after an attempted coup by the army.

“It was the most undignified thing that happened to me, to wear (just) my pants… and go through the fence with my wife, running away from the state house,” Thabane said on the campaign trail.

At his final rally, Mosisili accused Thabane of escaping to seek foreign protection after “chowing through the public’s money.”

{{ARMY INTERFERANCE}}

Critics accuse the Lesotho army of meddling in politics and of favouring Mosisili.

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Letsie III, who has no formal power, and it has a mixed parliamentary system.

Eighty lawmakers are voted in by constituents, while another 40 seats are distributed proportionally.

Mosisili’s DC party is forecast to join forces with the Lesotho Congress of Democracy (LCD) and the Popular Front for Democracy (PFD).

Thabane’s ABC party and the Alliance Democrats (AD) of Monyane Moleleki, a former police minister, are also in talks to form a possible coalition government.

Reflecting frustration at the country’s politics, voter turnout declined to 46 percent in 2015 from 66 percent in 2002.

Voting closes at 5pm, with counting expected to take several days.

Source:AFP

June 3, 2017
Morocco protests: Thousands demand release of Nasser Zefzafi

{Thousands of people have demonstrated in the northern Moroccan city of Al-Hoceima, demanding the release of a well-known activist.}

Reports say riot police were involved in a tense stand-off with protesters, but later retreated.

Protesters rallied after Nasser Zefzafi was arrested on Monday charged with threatening national security.

Mr Zefzafi has organised months of protests against unemployment and corruption.
Morocco has been gripped by demonstration since the death of a fishmonger in Al-Hoceima in October.

According to AFP news agency, protesters chanting “We are all Zefzafi” filled streets in Al-Hoceima on Tuesday evening and riot police were deployed in a square to stop their advance.

A stand-off ensued but police eventually backed down without incident.

Marches have also taken place in Casablanca and in the capital, Rabat, AFP reports.

The mass protests were triggered last October by the death of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri, who was crushed to death by a rubbish truck as he tried to rescue his stock that had been confiscated by the police.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets accusing the authorities of corruption, abuse and injustice.

His death drew parallels to that of a Tunisian fruit seller in 2010 which helped spark the Arab Spring uprisings.

Source:Police

June 1, 2017
Kenya:Who will become president in August?

{The electoral commission has approved eight candidates to take part in the presidential election in August, including incumbent leader Uhuru Kenyatta and his historic rival Raila Odinga.}

The vetting process left several candidates disappointed, including one man who allegedly tried to jump off the sixth floor of the election commission’s office on Saturday when he was disqualified.

The eight candidates claim they have what it takes to lead Kenya. Here’s a look at the candidates competing.

{{Raila Odinga}}

Contesting for the fourth time, Mr Odinga, a former prime minister, is the National Super Alliance presidential candidate.

He is leading a joint opposition bid against President Uhuru Kenyatta, who beat him by a total of about 800,000 votes in the 2013 race.

His running mate is Kalonzo Musyoka.

{{Ekuru Aukot}}

A former secretary of the Committee of Experts that drafted the 2010 Constitution, Dr Ekuru Aukot is contesting for the first time.

The man from Kapedo, Turkana, has promised fresh leadership and has incorporated Mr Emmanuel Nzai as his running mate in his bid for the top job under the Thirdway Alliance Kenya.

{{Abduba Dida}}

Running on an Alliance for Real Change ticket under the Tunza Coalition, Mr Dida, a former Lenana High School teacher, is coming to the ring for the second time after his first attempt in 2013, managing 52,848 votes, in fifth place.

{{Uhuru Kenyatta}}

President Kenyatta is seeking re-election and will be on the ballot for the third time in his political career. The main thrust of his re-election campaign appears to be his development record over the past four years.

{{Prof Michael Wainaina}}

Prof Wainaina is a former Literature lecturer at Kenyatta University. He has recently styled himself as a political commentator and critic. His criticism cuts both ways and he says that he chose to go independent because the current parties don’t accommodate the youth and women.

{{Joseph Nyagah}}

He was cooperatives minister in the administration of Mwai Kibaki and would later become an adviser to President Kenyatta. Mr Nyagah has had a career in politics as an MP, representing the then Gachoka constituency in Mbeere, Embu County. He comes from a political family. His father Jeremiah was a Jomo Kenyatta-era minister and his brother Norman was most famous as a chief whip in the Kibaki era.

{{Japhet Kaluyu}}

He came back to Kenya from the diaspora and speaks with a noticeable American accent. He describes himself as a speaker, educator, consultant and author with experience in Wall Street, health research, academia and consultancy. He describes himself on his website as having been born “in a small village in Africa”.

{{Cyrus Jirongo}}

MrJirongo first expressed his interest in the presidency in 1998, but this is the first time he will be on the ballot. He first came into the national limelight as the chairman of Youth for Kanu 1992, with his famous protégé being Deputy President William Ruto.

Source:Daily Nation

May 30, 2017
Kenya:IEBC clears 6 and rejects 3 for State House race

{The electoral commission has so far cleared six presidential candidates to face off in the August General Election.}

They are National Super Alliance leader Raila Odinga, Cyrus Jirongo (United Democratic Party), Ekuru Aukot (Thirdway Alliance) and Michael Wainaina (Independent).

{{Flopped }}

Others are Mohamed Dida (Alliance for Real Change) and Joe Nyagah (Independent).

By midday Monday, three aspirants had flopped the test the Independent Electoral and Boundaries commission set for politicians gunning for the top seat in the land.

They are Peter Solomon Gichira (Independent), Erastus Nyamera (Independent) and Justice and Equality Party flagbearer Justus Juma.

Mr Gichira’s loss saw him attempt to jump off the 6th floor of Anniversary Towers, the IEBC headquarters, in protest on Saturday afternoon.

He was on Monday charged before a Nairobi court with attempted suicide, malicious damage and creating disturbance at IEBC’s offices.

{{SH200,000}}

He denied the three charges and Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi released him on Sh 200,000 cash bail.

Mr Nyamera flopped the IEBC test after presenting himself before the Wafula Chebukati-led panel without a running mate.

He also failed to produce his academic papers, Sh200,000 cheque and requisite signatures.

Mr Juma, on the other hand, failed to secure the green light to run for the top office after it emerged that his proposer was not a member of his party.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to present his papers to the commission from 2.30pm.

Source:Daily Nation

May 29, 2017
Presidential polls preparations on course -NEC

{Preparations of upcoming presidential polls slated in August 2017 are on course, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) has reassured. }

“We have had a steady tread in preparations of upcoming presidential elections because we started earlier. Voters’ registers are being updated with great participation of all voters,” said NEC chairperson Prof Kalisa Mbanda.

Prof Mbanda unveiled that members of diaspora were also facilitated to update voters’ register.

“We sat together with stakeholders including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National ID Agency (NIDA), Immigration and Emigration office and outlined guidelines that were sent to embassies to be respected while updating voters’ register . They will use written documents or other platforms used in Rwanda,” he said.

Mbanda reiterated that NEC has already invited election observers from inside and outside the country.

“We sent invitations to all bodies from partner countries that can play a role in elections, embassies representing their countries to Rwanda, commissions from regional countries, civil society among other institutions concerned with elections. Some invitations were confirmed,” he said.

NEC executive secretary, Munyaneza Charles has explained that presidential polls preparations stand above 90%.

“We find preparations standing above 90% considering planned activities. This year, we spent the budget worth Rwf 5.2 billion on polls preparations. The government will give us more Rwf 1.4 billion to complete planned activities including follow up of campaigns, training over 75,000 volunteers and offering civic education courses,” he said.

May 26, 2017
Macron seeks to extend state of emergency to November

{Emmanuel Macron also preparing new security measures and legislation having studied ‘new terrorist threat’}

France’s new president is seeking to extend the country’s state of emergency until at least November 1, according to a statement from the president’s office.

Emmanuel Macron also asked his government to prepare draft legislation to reinforce security measures permanently beyond the state of emergency, the announcement on Wednesday said.

If approved by parliament, it would be the sixth such extension. Human rights groups have previously raised concerns over the emergency rule, arguing that it diminishes civil liberties.

The move comes as Macron, who was elected in a May 7 vote, settles into office, and follows an attack in neighbouring Britain two days earlier.

On Monday, a suicide bomber in the northern city of Manchester detonated his vest at a concert arena after a performance by the American pop star Ariana Grande, killing at least 23 people, including himself.

France has been in a state of emergency, which gives sweeping powers to the police, since November 2015, when at least 130 people were killed in coordinated attacks.

The country has suffered several attacks since then, including a truck-ramming assault that killed at least 86 people in Nice last year.

Macron made the decision after a security meeting on Wednesday in which top officials “studied the implications of this new terrorist attack on measures of protection to ensure the security of our compatriots”.

Source:Al Jazeera

May 24, 2017