IGIHE

Tag: GreatLakesNews

  • UNSC condemns killing of peacekeepers, civilians in S. Sudan

    {{Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have condemned in the “strongest” terms the 9 April attack by unidentified armed persons on a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) convoy in South Sudan’s Jonglei state.}}

    At least five Indian peacekeepers, two UNMISS staff and five civilians were reportedly killed Tuesday near Gumuruk settlement in Jonglei’s Pibor County. Some UN staff, the mission said, remained unaccounted for.

    The Security Council, in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, expressed their condolences to the families of the peacekeepers and the UNMISS staff killed in the attack, as well as to the Government of India.

    Members of the UNSC urged South Sudan government to “swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice,” further reiterated their full support for UNMISS and the troop contributing countries, but called on all parties in new nation to cooperate with the mission.

    Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General equally condemned in the killing of the peacekeepers, UNMISS staff and civilians, and urged the Government of South Sudan to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

    According to Ki-moon, killing of peacekeepers is a “war crime that falls under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court”.

    “The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Governments of India and South Sudan and to the families of the peacekeepers, staff members and contractors killed in the attack,” the statement reads in part.

    Hilde Johnson, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, said the “attack will not deter UNMISS and its peacekeepers from working to protect vulnerable communities in South Sudan”, adding that her mission “is determined to continue its work in supporting authorities ensure peace.”

    The mission, a day before the attack, warned of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Jonglei, the country’s largest.

    Dlamini Zuma, the African Union Chairperson also strongly condemned the “criminal” and “cowardly” attack, extending the regional body’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the peacekeepers, their respective countries, UNMISS and the UN secretariat.

    “The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates AU’s deep appreciation of the outstanding work being done by UNMISS. She encourages the mission to persevere in its efforts, despite the very challenging environment in which it is operating,” partly reads the statement it issued on Wednesday.

  • Uhuru Might Not Change Foreign Policy–Analyst

    {{The new leadership in Kenya is unlikely to change the foreign and economic polices of the East Africa economic power house–analysts have noted.}}

    They say Uhuru Kenyatta’s team will likely usher in renewed emphasis on strengthening ties with the world’s newest economic powerhouses.

    President Uhuru who served in retired President Mwai Kibaki’s cabinet as finance minister, is unlikely to overhaul economic policies, but would be looking to enhance trade ties with East African neighbours.

    International Relations expert Professor Munene Macharia says, “economic policy is likely to emphasize more on the policies that will lead to wealth creation so that the country can share resources out among all citizens of Kenya.”

    “The primary focus for Kenyatta’s government will be to strengthen its ties with the East African Community (EAC) member states. As close neighbours, Kenya deals with them more closely compared to the rest of the world,” Macharia noted.

    The analyst said he expects the international community especially the United States and the European Union to adopt “a cautious” diplomatic approach to Kenya because Kenyatta and the deputy president elect William Ruto are accused at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for being most responsible for the post election violence of 2007/08 that killed more than 1,300 people and displaced.

    Macharia said, “Kenyatta’s vote is an indication that Kenya is not a banana republic. It shows Kenyans can make independent decisions.”

  • Commonwealth Investment Forum To be Held in Kampala

    {{On Thursday, Uganda will host the 2013 Commonwealth Investment Forum to be held at Kampala Sheraton Hotel.

    The two-day forum is organised by the Government of Uganda and the Commonwealth Business Council.}}

    Uganda’s state minister for investment Gabriel Ajedra told media the business council has confirmed that 150 private sector individuals, business associations, diplomats and business delegates from across the world will attend.

    He added that business people from Uganda will also explore investment opportunities in other countries.

    Uganda targets attention of international investors because of the recently discovered natural resources, tourism potential and the peace and stability that allows business to flourish.

    NV

  • EAC Revenue Authorities to Fire UnQualified Clearing Agents

    {{East African revenue authorities will no longer employ clearing and forwarding agents without an East African Customs and Freight Forwarding Practicing certificate (EACFFPC).}}

    The move is aimed at eliminating quack agents who have on many occasions robbed traders of their merchandise.

    This was revealed by the president of the Federation of the East African Freight Forwarders Association, Mathieu Bizimana, during a graduation ceremony for clearing and freight forwarders over the weekend at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala.

    “The EACFFPC certificate will become mandatory for licensing customs agents by the revenue authorities in the East Africa and part of the soon to be accreditation process of customs agents,” Bizimana noted.

    He explained that the programme was designed to professionalise the industry and is being implemented by all EAC member states.

    The EACFFPC is a joint training programme of East Africa revenue authorities offered to individuals already practicing or intending to practice in the clearing and forwarding industry in the region.

    The six-month course equips agents with skills that will enable them discharge their roles effectively and covers customs procedures, tariff classification, valuation, Rules of Origin and application of ICT.

    The course also covers the basics of freight forwarding, communication, ethics and integrity and time management.

    Richard Kamajugo, the Uganda Revenue Authority commissioner customs, said the industry lacks professionalism, ethics and integrity.

  • Bashir Receives Phone Call From Uhuru

    {{The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir on monday received a phone call from Kenyan president-elect Uhuru Kenyatta.}}

    According to Sudan official news agency (SUNA) Kenyatta thanked Bashir for his cable of congratulations he sent upon his victory in the presidential polls held last month.

    The report said that Kenyatta expressed gratitude to Sudan’s supporting positions towards Kenya. The two men also discussed bilateral ties and ways to strengthen it.

    Earlier in the day reports that the Sudanese president, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), would be present at the inauguration ceremony had observers and diplomats buzzing and speculating about its implications.

    In late 2011 a Kenyan judge ordered the government to arrest Bashir should he set foot in the country and issued a provisional arrest warrant in January 2012 for that purpose.

    “Whereas the High Court of Kenya Hereby issues this provisional warrant of arrest against the said Omar al-Bashir and commands you, Professor George Saitoti, E.G.H., M.P., Minister of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security and, failing you, the Minister for the time responsible for matters relating to national security, to apprehend the said Omar al-Bashir should he come to Kenya, and to surrender him to the International Criminal Court”, said the warrant signed by then judge Nicholas Ombija.

    The ruling was in response to a filing made by the Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) that sought to compel Nairobi to detain the Sudanese leader if he visited again.

    The government appealed the ruling which remains pending and its officials stressed that Bashir enjoys full immunity as a sitting head of state.

    Kenya is a member of the ICC which in 2009 and 2010 issued two arrest warrants for Bashir on ten counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide he allegedly committed in Sudan’s western region of Darfur.

    Despite the country’s legal obligation under the ICC’s statute, it chose to receive Bashir in August 2010 without arresting him, prompting the ICJ to move the issue to the High Court.

    ST

  • US Gives Military Assistance to Somali Forces

    {{President Barack Obama took the first step toward providing US military assistance to Somali forces battling Islamist militants, after the easing of a UN arms embargo last month.}}

    Obama Monday signed a determination stating that having the legal capacity to offer defense equipment to Somalia was in the national interest of the United States and could promote peace and stability in East Africa.

    The move allows the US Secretary of State to consider the provision of arms to Somalia but does not signal a decision to provide specific assistance, said National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.

    “The United States is committed to being a long-term partner in assisting the defense forces in Somalia to become professional military forces,” Hayden said.

    The UN Security Council last month suspended the arms embargo against Somalia for a year, easing the oldest international weapons blockade to help the government take on Islamist militants.

    The 15-member council unanimously passed a resolution allowing light arms to be sold to the Somali armed forces as they seek to rebuild and spread government authority into territory taken from the Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab.

    A US official said on condition of anonymity that Obama’s decision was not based on any new threat assessment in Somalia.

    Since 2007, the United States has provided $133 million in security sector assistance to Somalia, a form of aid designed to help nations build structures to provide for their own security.

    The arms embargo was imposed in 1992, a year after the fall of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, as rival warlords battled for control of the East African nation.

    A transitional government, backed by an African force, is starting to establish itself after major victories against the Shebab.

    The United States was a key player in pressing for the end of the embargo, in a show of support for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

    Shebab are considered to be on the back foot, having lost a string of key towns in recent months to African Union forces, Somali troops and Ethiopian soldiers.

    But Washington believes the group remains a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

    In 2010, Shebab is believed to have been behind suicide bombings in Uganda, and earlier this year claimed to execute a French hostage.

    AFP

  • British minister for Africa visits Uganda

    {{In preparation for the upcoming Somalia Conference, the British minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, is in Uganda for a two-day official visit.

    The Somalia conference will be held in London next month.

    As part of his program for the visit will be a trip to Peace Support Training Centre at Singo. }}

  • Museveni main Speaker as Uhuru takes Oath

    {{Analysts are keen on what will be contained in President Yoweri Museveni’s Address during the swearing in ceremony of Uhuru Kenyatta today.}}

    President Museveni is the key speaker at the event.

    Political analysts predict that Museveni’s speech is likely to rotate around regional security and the need for political and economic integration.

    Kenya’s smooth political transition is important for the East African region, particularly for Uganda that depends on its seaport for its economic survival.

    A total of 54 heads of states have been invited to the ceremony during which President Kibaki will hand over power to Mr Kenyatta.

  • Girl Burried Alive in Landslide

    {{In Kenya, a five-year-old girl was buried alive following a landslide in Uithira Andu village in Kigumo District.}}

    Esther Wanjiru Kamande was asleep in the family house when the incident occurred.

    Murang’a County Governor Mr Mwangi wa Iria was among the people who visited the area to assess the damage.

    Wa Iria asked the Provincial Administration to furnish his office with details of individuals residing in landslide prone areas.

    Hundreds of residents led by area MP Jamleck Kamau visited Lucas Kamande’s homestead of to mourn the his daughter.

    Residents said the incident occurred shortly after midnight as heavy rains, accompanied by thunderstorms, pounded the area.

    Wa Iria said Murang’a, due to its topography, was prone to landslides and called on locals to be on high alert.

    “The county commissioner should liaise with chiefs to furnish my office with a list of families living in areas perceived to be prone to landslides,” said the governor.

    {Standard}

  • Uhuru Kenyatta to be Swon in today

    President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto will be sworn-in on Tuesday morning at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

    Mr Kenyatta will become the fourth president of Kenya and will be expected to fully implement the Constitution.

    Invited Heads of States are expected to arrive at the venue by 10:45am. However, the public began arriving at the venue as early as 5am to witness the inauguration ceremony.

    Those in attendance include Presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania), Salva Kiir (South Sudan) and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia).

    Former President Daniel arap Moi and former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda are in attendance.

    Former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta, mother to Mr Kenyatta and US Human Rights activist Rev Jesse Jackson are present at Kasarani to witness the ceremony.

    Service commanders that include heads of Kenya Navy, Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Airforce have also arrived for the ceremony.

    NMG