Tag: GreatLakesNews

{Refugee groups from the Great Lakes Region were effectively yesterday banned from entering the country, with the government saying there is no security threats in the neighbouring countries to warrant their flees.}

“We, in Tanzania, will no longer receive refugee groups from the Great Lakes region,” Home Affairs Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced at an exercise to destroy illegal firearms here yesterday. Mr Nchemba said the government will only receive individual immigrants but subject them to tight scrutiny by relevant authorities before granting refugee status.

The approved refugees, he said, will be hosted at the currently operational camp for the government has no plan to open new refugee accommodation. The minister said refugees have in a way exacerbated the problem of illegal firearms in the country and increased incidents of armed robbery, disrupting the smooth livelihood of the citizens.

He further said the government has suspended issuance of citizenship to refugee groups as it did for Burundian refugees and instead the status will be granted to individual applicants.

Mr Nchemba said the previous system has greatly affected the country’s defence and security, particularly in the regions that host the immigrants due to rising crimes like murders and armed robberies.

“In my capacity as Home Affairs Minister, I am suspending the process of granting citizenship to refugee groups because we have witnessed its adverse impact, especially in Tabora where most parts of the region face security threats,” charged the minister.

He further noted that the government through its organs has established that there is no any security unrest in the neighbouring countries but some people were fleeing their homes due to economic hardships.

Earlier, Police Commissioner for Operations and Training Nsato Marijani, said that a total of 5,608 illegal firearms were scheduled for destruction.

Commissioner Nsato said the illegal firearms included 21 pistols, 606 shotguns, 166 SMGs, 300 Riffles, 21 fake pistols, three FN Riffles, a G3, SAR 3 and 4,487 traditional weapons.

He also named the regions and the number of seized illegal weapons in brackets as Kagera (100), Rukwa (189), Katavi (81), Simiyu (16), Mwanza (88), Geita (82), Mara (80) and Kigoma, which had 424 firearms.

Kigoma Regional Commissioner (RC) Emmanuel Maganga, said his region has been receiving a huge number of refugees from the Great Lakes countries, posing security threats in the region.

He noted that the region is working out effective strategies to control illegal firearms and crimes.

{ISO boss Brig Gen Balya replaced, appointed ambassador.}

The head of Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Brig Gen Ronnie Balya has been replaced by Maj Kaka Bagyenda (Retired). Brig Balya has reportedly been appointed an ambassador.

Outgoing UPDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda, confirmed the changes, however, he could not state the specific office to which Brig Gen Balya has been appointed.

“I can confirm the changes for now, but i cant on the specifics of Brig Gen Balya’s new office,” he said on phone.

Until last week, Brig Gen. Balya was rumoured to replace Gen Kale Kayihura as IGP of police. However, Gen Kayihura vehemently dismissed the rumours saying his sacking cannot be done through social media as it has been portrayed in the recent past.

“I cannot be sacked through Whatsapp. Besides, I am not life IGP. My job is prone to replacement,” he said.

{{WHO IS BALYA}}

Balya, born 1961 in Kabarole District, joined the National Resistance Army in 1985. He served initially as a District Internal Security Officer (DISO) in Northern Uganda and Western Uganda. In 1997, Brig. Balya was moved to headquarters where he served in various capacities like Director of the ISO inspectorate, Director analysis and Director Technical Intelligence before consquently being appointed deputy director general ISO in 2006.

On July 27, 2010, Balya was appointed director general of ISO, replacing Amos Mukumbi.

{The US State Department has approved a deal to sell military aircraft worth approximately $418 million (Sh43.5 billion) to Kenya.}

The required certification notifying the US Congress of the approved sale was delivered to Capitol Hill on January 19.

According to a statement by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, the Kenyan government, under the approved sale, will receive up to 12 Air Tractor AT- 802L and two AT-504 trainer aircrafts.

Included in the sale is a weapons package, technical support as well as programme management.

The proposed sale, the statement said, will go a long way in contributing to the national security of the United States as Kenya is a strong regional partner at the forefront in the critical operations against Al-Shabaab.

It adds that Kenya has also been a troop contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia or Amisom.

The planes are meant to supplement the aging F-5 aircraft and are deemed to be more cost-effective and can be stationed much closer to the battle zones than the F-5.

The prime contractor has been identified as L-3 Communications, Platform Integration Division, of Waco, Texas.

Though the State Department has approved the sale, it has not yet been concluded.

Earlier last week, newly sworn-in US President Donald Trump questioned US involvement in the war against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, saying it has lasted 10 years without tangible results.

{President John Magufuli yesterday asked the Turkish government to provide a concessional loan for the construction of at least 400 kilometre-stretch of the envisaged standard gauge central railway.}

President Magufuli as well revealed that a Turkish company was among the short-listed contractors that had bid for implementation of the multitrillion shilling project that covers over 1,200 kilometres from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza.

Dr Magufuli’s disclosure came as he hosted a joint press conference at the State House with the visiting President of Turkey, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was in the country for a two-day state visit.

“I have appealed to government of Turkey through their EXIM Bank to provide funds for construction of a section of the standard gauge railway to which President Erdoğan has agreed…he has directed his finance minister to work on it,” the president announced.

President Magufuli said the visiting Turkish leader had pledged to support the project, “describing the 400-kilometer stretch asked for by the Tanzanian government as too small.” The two leaders had a closeddoor meeting for the better part of yesterday, reportedly dwelling in bi-lateral relations between the two countries.

“For our economy to grow, we must develop friendship and co-operation with other countries…Turkey, for instance, is ranked the seventh leading producer of food crops in the world. We can use their technology to improve agriculture in our country,” President Magufuli noted.

Adding, “Tanzania is a developing country, but eager to cooperate with developed countries in the world.” President Magufuli was hopeful as well, that direct flight between Tanzania and Turkey through Turkish Airlines will add the number of tourists visiting Dar es Salaam from Ankara. Trade volume between Tanzania and Turkey stood at US 66 million dollars in 2011 and the amount more than doubled to US 190 million dollars as of last year.

“There are currently 30 Turkish projects registered in Tanzania with a combined value of 505.08 million US dollars… the investments have created 2,950 jobs for Tanzanians,” Dr Magufuli noted. President Erdoğan pointed out that there was huge potential for cooperation between the two countries in sectors like industry, trade and tourism, among others.

“The current rate of trade volume of 190 million dollars does not reflect the real potential, I believe the amount could be as much as 500 million dollars per annum. “We want to strengthen co-operation between our countries through enhancement of investments and promotion of entrepreneurship,” he remarked.

The visiting leader, who arrived in Tanzania on Sunday and was expected to depart yesterday evening, was optimistic that authorities in Tanzania would provide smooth facilitation for Turkish investors wishing to invest in Tanzania. President Erdoğan invited President Magufuli at the inauguration of the Tanzania High Commission in Ankara, Turkey, scheduled for the near future.

In another development, President Erdoğan asked the support of President Magufuli and the government of Tanzania in flushing-out members of the Fethullah Gülen Movement from the African continent. The Turkish government accuses the movement, founded by Muhammed Fethullah Gülen, now in exile in the United States, for the failed coup attempt in Turkey last year.

“As you know Mr President there was a coup attempt in Turkey in July last year in which about 240 people were killed and over 2,000 injured, this movement (Gülen Movement) is present everywhere, including Africa.

“It is my hope that your government will support us to eradicate the movement in Africa,” he appealed.

{Over the past several months, Burundi’s ongoing political-security crisis has exacerbated diplomatic tensions and local economic decline.}

In mid-2015, the repression of protests against the president’s controversial third term led to a failed coup and armed rebellions, sparking a broad crackdown on armed rebels but also against human rights activists and members of the peaceful opposition and the media. Hundreds of people have been killed, many more detained or tortured, and 328,000 displaced. Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa, a rights activist living in Belgium since an assassination attempt in 2015, described how Burundi’s violence shifted in 2016 from public slaughter to less conspicuous forms of authoritarianism, such as disappearances.

{{International isolation}}

In October, after a preliminary examination into rights abuses, Bujumbura unprecedentedly announced the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, followed by South Africa and The Gambia. Burundi’s ambassador to The Hague said “the people” demanded it, though diaspora immediately protested the decision to leave the court, where some Burundians have submitted claims.

Pro-government protests have vocally denounced these criticisms. According to “SOS Médias Burundi” — an underground journalist collective founded after independent radio stations were forced off the airwaves in 2015 — some people were pressured to attend protests. With mass displacement and restricted media and political expression, it is difficult to measure popular support for either the government or its opponents.

In 2020 [when the next elections are scheduled] the limit of two presidential terms will disappear, leaving a form of republican-monarchy.
The government ended cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights following a damning UN human rights report, which the state rejected as biased. Burundi’s withdrawal also followed a resolution to establish a commission of inquiry, named on Nov. 22. Ministers also requested the replacement of another UN envoy, Jamal Benomar.

Officials said Western criticisms convey neo-colonialism and a hidden agenda to control Burundi’s nickel reserves. In November, the Iwacu newspaper translated, from Kirundi to French, a speech by the ruling party’s secretary-general, who called Belgium “the enemy,” stoking ethnic divisions and EU-Burundi tensions. The speech also accused Belgium of involvement in the failed coup.

Presidential Communications Counsellor Willy Nyamitwe denounced an EU “war of slander and destabilization,” and the president said all cooperation with Rwanda and Belgium could come to a halt. Frictions also arose in December, when European ambassadors missed a government meeting.

Internationally-mediated talks, headed by Tanzania’s former President Benjamin Mkapa, have been unproductive, with tepid engagement and officials refusing to meet the CNARED opposition coalition.

In December, Mkapa unexpectedly said opponents should no longer contest President Nkurunziza’s third term, insisting that parties accused of committing acts of violence in the country’s recent civil conflict must be barred from participating in the peace talks.

This undermined East African Community (EAC) talks, and CNARED leaders then rejected him as mediator. Some members still agreed to meet him, however, revealing possibly deep divisions in the opposition. If talks proceed with the participation of only the “compliant” opposition, core issues are likely to go unaddressed.

With little progress in any mediation, compromise remains elusive, making reenergized political violence a possibility. Indeed, on Jan. 1, Environment Minister Emmanuel Niyonkuru was assassinated, following a failed attempt weeks earlier on Communications Minister Willy Nyamitwe.

Officials looking for diplomatic support were heartened by African Union (AU) President Idriss Deby declaring the third term legitimate, diverging from the AU Commission. Indeed, Iwacu highlighted that Bujumbura’s isolation is relative, where Russia and China hamper UN Security Council pressure. South Africa and DRC’s presidents Jacob Zuma and Joseph Kabila have seemed sympathetic, although heavy domestic criticism of both leaders could make this uncertain in the longer term.

An armed clash between DRC troops and possibly Burundian troops or insurgents could strain relations.

Bujumbura has been heavily dependent on international aid, particularly supplies from Belgium and the EU. Sanctions have hit government budgets hard, triggering a standoff over payments for participation in Somalia’s AMISOM military mission.

Even diplomatically supportive states have not offered much economic assistance. While this may affect senior officials little, it could test citizens’ patience, if austerity budget shortfalls worsen hardships already exacerbated by the crisis, such as food shortages, high inflation, high unemployment, funding problems with schools and infrastructure, or new taxes. On Dec. 29, for example, Bujumbura city employees protested wage arrears.

{{The counter-narrative}}

Officials and pro-government demonstrators have accused critics of “spreading division” and destabilization. The Senate supported a counter-report to the UN report, and its president asked Belgium to not cooperate with “subversive” activists.

In January last year, leaders called the AU’s proposed peacekeepers an invasion, before the AU backtracked, and in August a communique rejected a UN police force proposed in French-led Security Council Resolution 2303. Burundi cited sovereignty concerns, as well as Belgium and France’s supposed interest in reviving past imperialist goals. Officials also accused Canada of supporting invasion plots.

Analyst Thierry Vircoulon argues that officials are using foreign scapegoats as a distraction from domestic economic problems and political divisions. Government crackdowns and hardline diplomacy are in the name of sovereignty and “the people”, which labels their opponents as opposing the nation.

The government has held its own talks, as an alternative to international mediation. International Crisis Group, however, has described this effort as a “sham” — particularly the regime-friendly report recommending constitutional changes that consolidate CNDD-FDD-Nkurunziza rule, including the removal of the two-term presidential limit and a reduction to the postwar peace agreement Arusha Accords’ importance. The president echoed this, evoking a possible a fourth term, which opponent Jean Minani says could be a play at ruler-for-life status.

{{Reactions}}

Much international attention is elsewhere, and divisions within the UN and AU have led to inertia. The EAC theoretically has economic leverage, but neighboring governments are hesitant and preoccupied with domestic matters.

The “frozen” status quo of low-visibility political violence and economic hardship may continue indefinitely, despite the response efforts. Despite serious economic and budgetary problems, Bujumbura appears prepared to wait out the pressure, and more sanctions, along with the insurgency, may only reinforce this siege mentality.

International efforts for dialogue and compromise have been ineffective, but other options exist. Supporting the country’s independent media could help improve access to reliable information. Also, deploying previously accepted rights and police observers could reduce violence and impunity.

{Ms Mandela arrives in Uganda tomorrow (Tuesday), according Uganda’s ambassador to the Nordics, Mr Kibeedi Zaake Wanume.}

The late Nelson Mandela’s youngest daughter Zindziswa Mandela will be a guest at the launch of the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) in Masese, Walukuba Division in Jinja District on January 28.

Ms Mandela, who is South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark, the managing Trustee Mandela Children’s Fund and the director founder Mandela Legacy, arrives in Uganda tomorrow (Tuesday), according Uganda’s ambassador to the Nordics, Mr Kibeedi Zaake Wanume.

Mr Kibeedi who is also the founder of the TIC said he will host his counterpart for five days and she will participate in a series of activities while here.

On Wednesday, she will pay a courtesy visit to President Museveni, there after she will visit Mandela National Stadium- Namboole, which is named after her late father and then proceed to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo.
She will on Friday, meet with Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, and address the Parliamentary Forum for Children at Parliament, and later address the Uganda Youth Network at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

On the Saturday, Ms Mandela will proceed to Jinja where she will be the chief guest at the fundraising event at Busoga Square in Jinja for the technology innovation centre, and thereafter hoist the foundation stone.

The centre that will be developed in partnership with the Danish Technological Institute will be a solution to the high unemployment rates by providing skills to youth and rejuvenating innovation in the region.

Mr Zaake Kibeedi, says the idea is to inculcate skills and creativity among the youth.
“The Danish Technological Institute (DTI) which is our partner is behind the success of many institutions in Denmark, when we approached them, they gave us two conditions; to get a local partner and a facility to accommodate the technology centre. We chose Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) as our local partner,” he says.
Mr Kibeedi also says with the help of Busoga Development Link (BDI), they were able to get land to start the foundation for the facility which is estimated to cost Shs200m.

“The main causes of unemployment and under employment in Uganda are lack of adequate entrepreneurial business development and technical skills among the youth, unemployed and small businesses in both the formal and informal sectors. The technology innovation Centre (TIC) is being established to address this problem by facilitating for new innovations and modernising the existent ones. We are therefore expecting around 300 participants at the fundraising and we hope that we will be able to raise the money. There is a technology centre in Nordics and it is really helpful to the youths, this is our first project here and success will be shared by the government for replication to other parts of the country,” he says.