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One year ago at least 50 people were killed by military men inside a temple. On the first commemoration of the tragic event, relatives of the victims and congregants attended a ceremony. Pain and anger were palpable inside their new temple. About a hundred people were gathered on Friday (Aug. 30).
In May, Burundi held a presidential election which was won by Evariste Ndayishimiye, candidate of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party.
Ndayishimiye was hurriedly sworn in after the untimely death of president Pierre Nkurunziza in June.
Rights violations continue
The Council encouraged donor countries which had suspended aid to Burundi to continue dialogue towards resumption of development assistance.
A report by a UN watchdog in September said human rights violations were still being committed in Burundi, including sexual violence and murder.
The country was plunged into a crisis in April 2015 when Ndayishimiye’s predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a controversial third term, which he ultimately won in July 2015.
His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulted in a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup in May 2015.
Hundreds of people were killed and over 300,000 fled to neighboring countries.
With the SRD grant deadline looming once again, civil rights organisations are demanding another extension for those affected by COVID-19.
A spokesperson to Governor Soludo disclosed this on Monday.
The post Gov Soludo’s father dies at 92 appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Before hiring new employees, Deryl McKissack says she makes sure they align with the company's three-word mantra: hungry, humble, and smart.
SANDF members will receive vaccinations at 16 sites across the country from Thursday.
By Richard Friedman Special to The Birmingham Times There was a fateful day in August of 1960 when the lives of Frances Foster White, an African American teenager at the time, and Michael Pizitz, a younger member of one of Birmingham’s best known retail families, became linked — leading to a friendship six decades later that neither […]
THE year 2020 was defined by the COVID-19 pandemic which left all segments of society in Africa affected. Some areas suffered more than others, but none have been spared. In the democracy and good governance space, analysts, civil society groups, donors, and implementers were worried that the onset of the pandemic would drive a rise in authoritarianism. Today, a year after the first case emerged, and despite some evidence that suggests authoritarian governments may have reduced civic and political space, one cannot ipso facto conclude that this is indeed so. Societal dynamics have certainly changed in many countries, but the evidence around the effects on democratic engagement is mixed. On one hand, authoritarian governments may have seized on the pandemic to tighten control of the civic space and freedom of expression. In some cases, public health measures enabled them to further restrict the ability of opposition candidates to engage citizens and mount effective campaigns. In Uganda, for instance, the government prevented Bobi Wine, a popular musician and charismatic opposition leader, from campaigning and performing, citing public health risks. Bobi Wine was eventually arrested for violating COVID-19 restrictions. The restrictions on Bobi Wine’s movement and actions, however, predated the advent of the pandemic. He had been detained several times in the past on different charges. In Guinea, where incumbent President Alpha Condé sought a controversial third term in a contentious election, the context unfolded differently. Because of social distancing and other prophylactic contingencies, voters were instructed to leave the polling station immediately after the vote. These measures undermined the credibility of the electoral process. It is standard practice for voters and party representatives to remain at the polling station and observe the vote counting. These measures did not only reduce the transparency of vote tabulation and transmission of results, they also benefited the incumbent. On the other hand, civil society and democracy actors have adjusted accordingly and found other avenues to further their engagement. Much has been said and written about digital democracy and how it may be the way of the future. COVID-19 has forced an acceleration and expansion of this trend. Civil society organisations and their partners have capitalised on technology and leveraged on digital platforms, such as Zoom, Teams, and others, to carry on their activities. In response to public health measures, they have moved their critical initiatives — that is, training workshops, rallies, and other gatherings — online where skilled trainers and facilitators now have access to higher numbers of participants. Online programming offers several advantages, including the transferability of content. Training can be portable and offshored if the local environment is particularly sensitive. Training materials can be more easily shared. With a few country exceptions, mainly in the Sahel and central Africa, there has been a seamless transition
The Billionaires Boys Club for Black notable athletes just got its fourth member, and it's none other than Magic Johnson.
[Nation] Nakuru County Assembly, heroes, Governor Lee Kinyanjui, County Honours and Award Bill, Kabazi MCA Peter Mbae
CHIEF SECRETARY Farley Augustine says his administration is taking legal action to get some $166.4 million which the government owes the THA in approved parliamentary allocations over the past few years.
The THA is also pursuing legal action to ensure governments give the assembly an annual budget allocation commensurate with its development agenda.
“Madam Presiding Officer (Abby Taylor), notwithstanding the public utterances from the Minister of Finance (Colm Imbert) and his Tobagonian colleagues in the Parliament, the calculations reveal that the THA is owed a total of $166.4 million in approved parliamentary allocation that has not been transferred to the THA,” Augustine said on Thursday.
He was moving moved a motion in the Assembly Legislature to reprioritise the THA’s 2023-2024 budget allocation.
In the Tobago budget in June, the THA requested $4.54 billion from central government to manage its affairs over the next year, but only received $2.585 billion in the national budget on September.
Exactly a year ago, on November 24, 2022, at a plenary sitting, Augustine accused central government of not disbursing the THA’s full fiscal allocation from the budget over the past five years.
On that occasion, he claimed the THA had consistently received shortfalls, which amounted to $138,925,658.
Augustine also said then that he had asked staff at the division to do a reconciliation and verification on the releases of the parliamentary allocation of the THA for fiscal years 2016-2022. He claimed shortfalls were reported.
On Thursday, Augustine said his administration has spoken to Imbert several times about the issue, to no avail.
“My administration has been having discussions with the Minister of Finance on this matter over the last two years without any material success. Madam Presiding Officer, the time for futile talking has expired.
“We are now at an advanced stage in our preparation for legal action and preparations of complaints to invoke the jurisdiction of the Dispute Resolution Commission (DRC) provided for under section 56 of the THA Act 40 of 1996.”
The post Chief Sec: 'THA to take legal action on $166m owed by government' appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.
Egypt's highest civilian court has upheld death sentences for 12 senior Muslim Brotherhood figures over a 2013 sit-in which ended with security forces killing protesters.
JOEY BARTLETT
Housing and Urban Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis says the Highlander Pan Theatre and Learning Centre is a significant addition to the community of Laventille.
She made these remarks at its opening on Friday, located on the Eastern Main Road in Laventille. In her address, Robinson-Regis expressed pride in what the government has been doing for the pan fraternity, saying the government has invested over $13m in East Port of Spain.
She said the government's commitment to continuing the construction of pan theatres is to ensure the steelpan is treated with the respect it deserves. Robinson-Regis said the commemoration of the opening is evidence of the contract of trust developed by the people of Laventille, Pantrinbago and the government. Robinson-Regis said no other administration has done as much for the steelpan movement and industry as the current government.
She emphasised that East Port of Spain is the nation's heartbeat and called on the country to take note of the government's actions, saying, \"With this new pan theatre and learning centre, we are nurturing one of our greatest assets, our rich cultural heritage in the birthplace of the steelpan, Laventille.\"
She viewed the celebration as more than the opening of a pan theatre, stressing that the steelpan plays an important role in revitalising communities.
\"When future generations continue to capture the story of the steelpan, they must be able to acknowledge that we, the present custodians of this national treasure, did ample justice to the genius of its pioneer.\"
Robinson-Regis said the government is on a journey to rejuvenate the souls of the communities - which are the panyards - places where music and camaraderie intertwine.
\"To the people of these communities through the Pan Up programme, let it be known we are steadfast in our commitment to preserving the rich cultural legacy that reverberates through the steelpan from Laventille to the world.\"
Robinson Regis called for the centre to be more than just a storage room for steelpan, urging it to be a business hub and a tool for the growth of young people.
The manager of the Highlander Steel Orchestra, Robert Hernandez, in his address, called the theatre a safe space in the community, emphasising its role in saving lives and being much more than just a space for pan.
He said it is a place seeking to unify the surrounding communities, asserting, \"Steelpan is the business of people. We are about making a home and a space that is about taking young people and giving them focus.\"
He highlighted the importance of the centre in addressing the needs of the young people in the Morvant Laventille community, some of whom he said do not leave their areas due to warring gangs, saying the theatre aims to be a guiding place that builds bridges in the greater Laventille area through music.
\"When youths come into a pan yard, they tend to leave all their baggage at the door. There is a harmony, a love, a synergy that exists in the pan yard.\"
Hernandez reiterated th
LA PAZ, (Reuters) - Bolivia's former president Jeanine Anez yesteday appeared via videolink for a first hearing before a judge over accusations she helped foment a coup against the country's socialist government.
The article Bolivia ex-president Anez appears before judge accused of fomenting coup appeared first on Stabroek News.
TNH has interviewed 13 current and former Mercy Corps staff members - including alleged ringleaders - several other senior UN and aid officials, six complicit business owners, journalists, civil society leaders, and displaced people in reporting trips to Minova and Kalungu.
Business owners, who played a key role in the fraud, gave Mercy Corps investigators the names of nine other aid agencies - in addition to Mercy Corps and the Danish Refugee Council, which said it had launched an internal review but provided few details - allegedly affected by the same scheme, in some cases providing details of complicit aid workers and timelines of their involvement.
Following the discovery of fraud within Mercy Corps' programmes, however, aid agencies did join forces to launch an anti-fraud taskforce and commissioned an operational review - backed with a £200,000 grant from the UK's government aid agency, DFID, which funded RRMP until it was brought to a close last year - examining the integrity of humanitarian assistance in Congo.
A 70-page draft version, circulated among aid groups last month and seen by TNH, does not take a position on the findings of the Mercy Corps investigation, but it does describe many of the same schemes: exaggerated reports of displacements, collusion between aid workers and local communities, and distributions of aid to ineligible beneficiaries.
A 'particularly striking' scale of alleged collaboration and collusion
In its investigation, Mercy Corps, one of the larger aid operators in eastern Congo, interviewed more than 220 staff members, business owners, local leaders, beneficiaries, and members of militia groups who provided corroborating details about the fraud scheme.
The opposition coalition which led mass protests in Mali ahead of last month's coup has rejected a transition charter to establish an 18-month interim government until an election could take place.
It followed three days of talks with opposition and civil society groups.
The M5-RFP group said the document was an attempt by military leaders to \"grab and confiscate power\"
\"It concerns in particular the profile of the president of the transition who must be a civilian and non-military personality, since this would subject us to the sanctions of the international community, hence ECOWAS, and the terms and conditions for the appointment of this president. And we have heard that it would be by a panel whereas this aspect was never debated in the plenary.\" Ibrahim Ikassa Maïga, one of the leaders of the June 5 Movement explained.
A meeting is planned on Tuesday in Accra between ECOWAS and Mali.
Regional powers worried that political instability will undermine a years-long fight against armed groups across West Africa, have pushed for a swift transition back to civilian rule.
ECOWAS has warned the military government must designate a civilian leader to head a one-year transition period by September 15 or else the country could face further sanctions.
Calls for improved security to support Ebola response and end outbreak
World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus today visited health workers affected by recent armed attacks on Ebola response staff that killed four outbreak responders and injured seven others in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Dr Tedros called for improved security in the region to protect health workers trying to contain Ebola.
\"I have also come here to recommit my steadfast support, and that of the World Health Organization, to the affected communities of this region and to the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to bring the Ebola outbreak under control.\"
Dr Tedros also met with National Ebola Coordinator Steve Ahuka and expressed solidarity with and support for the Government and people of the DRC, noting, \"We won't give up and we will finish the job.\"
\"Every time an attack like this happens, it disrupts efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak and puts the health and wellbeing of local men, women and children at greater risk.\"
[Monitor] Police have announced that non-accredited journalists covering electoral activities will be barred. According to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech, the entity will effective December 31 enforce guidelines of the Uganda Media Council.
Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media Former foster youth living in the city and county of San Francisco are eligible to apply for a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program that will pay them $1200 a month for 18 months. “Guaranteed income programs help level the playing field and […]
The post California Launches Basic Income Program for Former Foster Children appeared first on L.A. FOCUS NEWSPAPER.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that France would begin closing its bases in northern Mali before the end of the year, as part of a drawdown of French troops fighting Islamist extremists in the Sahel.
Black Lives Won’t Matter Until Black Politics Do. Black centered policies developed by Black people that will change the daily lives of all Black people are necessary now more than ever.
While no amount of money will suffice in the loss of a loved one, the family of Floyd reached a record settlement with the city to the tune of $27 million.
Ogunbote disclosed that the players collectively and individually decided to give their best following their 3-0 defeat to Remo Stars
The post Shooting Stars 4-1 Niger Tornadoes: Ogunbote credits players for the huge win appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Faced with the ongoing security crisis in the east, the DRC’s army has become increasingly dysfunctional with soldiers inadequately equipped and morale low.
BY MIRIAM MANGWAYA PRESIDENTIAL spokesperson George Charamba has dismissed claims that the imprisonment of MDC Alliance executive member Makomborero Haruziviishe was political persecution and lauded the courts for discouraging “hooliganism” and public disorder in the country. Haruziviishe (29), an MDC Alliance executive member, was on Tuesday jailed for 14 months for inciting public violence, a sentence which is being challenged by civil society groups and human rights lawyers. In a series of tweets on his @Jamwanda2 Twitter handle yesterday, Charamba mocked MDC- Alliance for failing to save the activist from being sent to jail. He later told NewsDay that he was using the social media platform to “influence moral behaviour”. “I am not mocking anyone. I am mocking hooliganism which is taking the human form of Makomborero Haruziviishe,” Charamba said. “You don’t expect us to shower confetti on lawlessness. Haruziviishe is a young college dropout who confuses politics with violence. By imprisoning him, we try to use him as an example to discourage such behaviour. What I am doing in my tweets is moral sanctioning. There are certain behaviours which cannot just be condoned in society.” He said Haruziviishe’s conviction had nothing to do with politics because he was tried and convicted in a court of law “independent” from political parties’ interference. “Was he tried at the Zanu PF headquarters or MDC party offices that it can be referred to as a political matter?” Charamba asked rhetorically. But MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said by imprisoning and arresting human rights activists, government was demonstrating beyond doubt there was no new dispensation to speak of. “It is clear that politicians are abusing the courts and weaponising the law to silence dissent and punish members of the opposition. This is the latest symptom of the ever-growing bad governance crisis this nation faces. This is not about Mako, buy what he represents, the quest by the people for freedom from tyrannical rule.” She added: “It’s a huge matter of regret that civil servants such as Charamba are mocking human rights defenders. “He clearly lacks the courage to associate his true identity with the abhorrent content of his tweets. How can he then be expected to understand or respect the type of courage it takes to fight brutal regimes such as the one he represents?” Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika said Charamba’s tweets were acts of “oppressors rejoicing at the efficacy of their system to silence critics”. “Unfortunately, it appears Charamba and others are oblivious to the fact that due to the temporary nature of power, the architects of manipulation of the criminal justice system may find themselves victims to that system,” said Kika. “There is precedent for that.” Human Rights Watch Southern Africa director Dewa Mavhinga said Haruziviishe’s imprisonment was a political matter, hence a senior government official like Charamba should stop dabbling in partisan politics. Follow Miriam on Twitter @FloMangwaya
T
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday defended State security agents’ recent brutal clampdown on protesters, saying they were simply enforcing COVID-19 lockdown regulations. Mnangagwa also dismissed allegations of presiding over gross human rights violations. BY MOSES MATENGA Addressing members of the Political Actors’ Dialogue (Polad) in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa also insisted that “contrary to social media claims”, there was no crisis in the country. “My compatriots, it is in line with enforcing these measures that some sections of society have cried foul,” Mnangagwa said. He was referring to the July 31 anti-corruption protests which were foiled by security forces, attracting the wrath of the international community. “In the wake of the arrest of some elements whose actions sought to not only incite the public to gather against the set rules, but also bordering on subversive allegations of a crisis has been made mainly in social media circles.” Mnangagwa has come under global spotlight after several countries, churches and rights groups condemned his clampdown on dissenting voices, arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders and civic society activists as well as abduction and torture of civilians. The outcry over rights violations in Zimbabwe last month prompted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy envoys on a fact-finding mission to Harare. Mnangagwa has, however, repeatedly denied that there is a crisis in the country and even accused his critics of working in cahoots with the opposition in a plot to overthrow his government. The Zanu PF leader yesterday said investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition leaders Jacob Ngarivhume and Job Sikhala were arrested for violating COVID-19 regulations as well as inciting despondency in the country. “I wish to unequivocally state that there is no crisis in Zimbabwe as elections were held in July 2018 and a winner was declared in terms of the country’s Constitution. All contestants were invited to join this dialogue in the national interest. The door is still open for those outside,” Mnangagwa said in a jibe directed at his main challenger MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa, who has steadfastly refused to recognise his victory. Chamisa has also declined to be part of Polad, insisting on “genuine dialogue” superintended by credible observers and at a neutral venue. On the contentious land compensation issue that has triggered anxiety in the ruling Zanu PF party, Mnangagwa said: “… the land reform programme is irreversible. To this end, there is no vacillation. The current processes with regards to land issues entail the implementation of provisions of our national Constitution.”
Rwandan authorities on Monday said they had arrested a highly critical YouTuber on charges of denying the 1994 genocide, which could land him in jail for over a decade if he is found guilty.
In the spring of 2012, the former rebels who were integrated into the army in 2009 mutinied, saying the government—rife with corruption—had reneged on terms of the cease-fire that was signed on March 23, 2009. The rebels, called the M23 movement, are led by Gen. Bosco Ntaganda, a Tutsi who is wanted by the International Criminal Court. M23 fought government troops throughout the year, taking over city after city. The violence peaked in November, when the rebels took Goma in eastern Congo. Rwanda, which is led by Tutsi Paul Kagame, is widely suspected of not only supplying arms to the rebels but also fighting alongside them.
The UN and leaders from 11 central African nations, including the presidents of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, signed a framework agreement in February 2013, pledging to work together to end the conflict with the rebels. In March, the UN Security Council authorized an intervention brigade of 3,000 troops to disarm the rebels. The brigade supplemented the 15,000 UN peacekeeping troops already in Congo. After heavy fighting in August, the UN brigade forced the rebels out of Goma. However, the signers of the framework agreement had made little progress in the peace process.
Ntaganda turned himself in to the U.S. embassy in Kigali, Rwanda, in March 2013. He was transferred to the Hague, where he will face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. It was not clear why he chose to surrender.
The M23 rebels surrendered in November 2013. The UNs more aggressive approach, an improved Congolese Army, and a reduction in aid to Rwanda contributed to the defeat of the rebels.
See also Encyclopedia: Congo (Kinshasa)
U.S. State Dept. Country Notes: Congo (Kinshasa)
[FrontPageAfrica] Monrovia -- As part of an effort to cement national synergy among civil society institutions in Liberia aimed at defeating impunity via the full and timely implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Report, The National Consortium to Eliminate Impunity in Liberia was established on Monday, May 31, 2021 by 20 registered institutions to ensure the establishment of a War Crimes Court in Liberia.
Zimbabwe's investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was released from prison on Wednesday.
He was arrested six weeks ago for inciting public violence for tweeting his support for an anti-government protest.
He had reported on alleged COVID-19 procurement fraud- which led to the health minister being sacked and charged with corruption.
\"I was convinced that I was arrested for exposing corruption and the president's office ordered my arrest. When we go to trial we shall prove that,\" Chin’ono said.
He denounced the conditions in Chikuribi prison, saying that most prisoners don't have soap and water and that a cell meant for 16 people holds up to 45 prisoners.
He says his detention has made him all the more eager to continue his work.
\"I remain strong. In fact, it's amazing and I was talking to my friend here Jacob (Ngarivhume) some time that if these guys knew the mistake they made by taking us there, because we have seen things that we only used to hear about and we were not sure about, but now we know and we can write authoritatively about those things.\"
Opposition politician Jacob Ngarivhume, an organiser of the foiled protest, was arrested, charged and released at the same time as Chin'ono.
He has also been barred from posting on his Twitter account until his case is decided.
Rights groups say he was arrested for exposing corruption.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was elected in 2018, but despite his promises to reinforce democracy Reporters Without Borders says the page is not turned on his predecessor Robert Mugabe.
The group says extremely harsh media laws are still in effect and, when new laws have been adopted, their provisions are just as draconian as those they replaced.
Zimbabwe ranks 126 in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index.
