CHARLES MWANIKI

Commonwealth boss Patricia Scotland praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Friday August 19 2022

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. PHOTO | COURTESY | COMMONWEALTH

Summary

Ms Scotland also praised the transparency of the electoral process, while acknowledging the concerns that have been raised by some IEBC commissioners, and the impending court case challenging the results declared by Mr Chebukati.

By VINCENT OWINO

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Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has lauded Kenya’s top presidential candidates for their commitment to uphold peace despite a dispute over the electoral results.

On Thursday, a delegation of US legislators led by Senator Chris Coons held talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, President-elect William Ruto and presidential contender Raila Odinga in separate meetings, where all three leaders affirmed their commitment to peace.

Ms Scotland said in a statement Thursday that she has personally spoken to Wafula Chebukati, the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Mr Ruto and Mr Odinga.

“I am reassured that the rule of law will be respected and pleased to hear that all sides are committed to ensuring peace and letting the process play out in the court of law,” she said.

Read: Kenya election: Officials assure country of security

Ms Scotland also praised the transparency of the electoral process, while acknowledging the concerns that have been raised by some IEBC commissioners, and the impending court case challenging the results declared by Mr Chebukati.

Following the declaration of Dr Ruto as President-elect having won the election with 50.49 percent of the valid votes cast, four IEBC commissioners disputed the results, claiming that the chairperson conducted the last phase of the tallying process without transparency.

Mr Odinga, who came second with 40.85 percent, has also disputed the results, and has vowed to challenge them in the Supreme Court.

“Whatever the outcomes of that process, I trust and know that democracy will win the day and this is something all Kenyans should indeed be proud of,” Ms Scotland said.

Read: Explainer: What next after William Ruto-Raila Odinga Kenya election results stalemate

Also read: Observer group's parallel tally almost similar to IEBC results

“I look forward to supporting the people of Kenya as we follow up on the recommendations of the Commonwealth Observer Group in the coming months, and seek ways for the Commonwealth to enhance its engagement with Kenya.”

The Commonwealth of Nations, which is an association of 56 countries majority of which are the United Kingdom’s current and former territories, had sent an observer mission to Kenya’s August 9 polls, headed by former president of Botswana, Festus Mogae.

Read: African leaders congratulate William Ruto for winning Kenyan election

Also read: Truckers resume regional operations after Kenya elections hitch

Ms Scotland, a British national, has been serving as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth since 2018, and won a second 4-year term during the election held at the Heads of State and Government meeting in Rwanda’s capital Kigali in June.

In the headlines

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Displaced people in a camp in South Sudan.

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

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Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

Kenyatta, Ruto and Odinga commit to peace after talks with US delegation

Thursday August 18 2022

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Delaware Senator Chris Coons on August 18, 2022. PHOTO | PSCU

By VINCENT OWINO

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has committed to fostering peace in the transition period following his meeting with a delegation of US legislators led by Senator Chris Coons on Thursday.

The delegation also met with President-elect William Ruto and his rival Raila Odinga at separate meetings in Nairobi.

The US delegation led by Senator Chris Coons when they met President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, on August 18, 2022. PHOTO | US EMBASSY IN NAIROBI

President Kenyatta said the country would “remain steadfast in entrenching the principles of good governance to ensure the country upholds its position of a shining example of democracy in the continent by maintaining peace during this transition period.”

The US lawmakers applauded Mr Kenyatta’s leadership for ensuring peace and stability during the election period.

Read: Truckers resume operations after Kenya polls hitch

“My greatest desire is that peace will prevail and we may set an example in the continent and the world,” President Kenyatta said in a statement after the meeting.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday met and held discussions with visiting US Senator Chris Coons who paid him a courtesy call at State House Nairobi.

Read more: https://t.co/u9wPcVkVlF pic.twitter.com/dGHZY8H44o
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) August 18, 2022

Ruto meeting

The US delegation led by Senator Chris Coons when they met President-elect William Ruto and his team at Karen, Nairobi, on August 18, 2022. PHOTO | US EMBASSY IN NAIROBI

The delegation earlier met with Dr Ruto alongside core principles in his Kenya Kwanza Alliance and discussed “US-Kenya strategic partnership, promotion of peace and ways to strengthen both economies.”

“We commit to deepen relations and further partnerships for the mutual benefit of the citizens of our two countries,” Dr Ruto tweeted after the meeting.

Held talks with Congressional Delegation from the United States led by Delaware Senator Chris Andrew Coons in the company of @USAmbKenya at the Karen Office, Nairobi County. pic.twitter.com/r0ZYEB4HOx
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 18, 2022

The delegation, which landed in the country on Wednesday night, also met Raila Odinga, who came second in the recently concluded general election, whose results he has rejected. They discussed developments on the polls and “shared democratic values.”

The US delegation led by Senator Chris Coons when they met Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga and his team in Nairobi, on August 18, 2022. PHOTO | US EMBASSY NAIROBI

Mr Odinga, accompanied by his running mate Martha Karua and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyongo, said they reiterated their “commitment to pursuing legal means to resolve issues around the election results.”

Mr Odinga has disputed the results of the elections in which he garnered 48.85 percent of the valid votes against DP Ruto’s 50.49 percent. They had earlier said they would challenge the outcome through constitutional means.

Also read: Kenya election: Officials assure country of security

Handshake

Mr Coons was instrumental in the famous 2018’ handshake’ between President Kenyatta and his then political foe, Mr Odinga, which brought a ‘ceasefire’ during Kenyatta’s last term. President Kenyatta subsequently endorsed Mr Odinga to succeed him.

Mr Coons is a member of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and is currently leading a congressional trip to Africa that constitutes two other senators and three US House of Representatives members.

The delegation has already visited Cape Verde and Mozambique. After Kenya, the team heads to Rwanda a week following US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s visit for talks on the tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Read: Blinken attaches security, rights to conditions for trade with Africa

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

South Africa's Julius Malema urges Raila to accept election outcome

Thursday August 18 2022

South Africa's Julius Malema, a leader of opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), at parliament in Cape Town on February 13, 2020. He has urged Kenya's Raila Odinga to accept the poll results. PHOTO | AFP

By HILARY KIMUYU

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Julius Malema, the feisty leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, has urged Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga to accept the poll results.

The outspoken politician implored Mr Odinga, who finished second in last week’s election, to concede defeat and contain his supporters.

Read: African leaders congratulate William Ruto for winning Kenyan election

Speaking at a joint press briefing of South Africa's opposition parties on Wednesday, Mr Malema said it was a “shame” that Mr Odinga had lost presidential elections five times.

“I think it is time for him to throw in the towel and try a different candidate. Perhaps there could be a different outcome. This is the fifth time, it can’t be done beyond this, he needs to accept and move on,” he said.

He said that Kenyans must accept the results, because “it is what it is”.

“With highly contested elections, and with such a very close outcome, you are likely to have people who are not satisfied. It comes with the nature of the game,” Mr Malema said.

“Kenyans must prioritise and protect Kenya and must protect democracy. They must love their country more than loving individuals.”

Also read: Explainer: What next after William Ruto-Raila Odinga Kenya election results stalemate

Mr Malema’s call comes as nine ambassadors and high commissioners from European countries and Canada Wednesday jointly lauded the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on how it conducted the elections.

In a statement, the ambassadors said Kenya’s electoral process had set a standard for the African continent.

“Kenya has set an example to the region and continent as a whole. We call upon all actors to uphold the spirit of peace in the coming weeks,” the statement read.

The nine represent Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

They encouraged political parties and leaders to follow the existing mechanisms for resolving disputes as guided by the Constitution.

On Monday, IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati announced William Ruto as the President-elect after he garnered 7.1 million votes, about 50.5 per cent of the total votes cast.

Mr Odinga came in second with 6.9 million votes, about 48.85 per cent.

But Mr Odinga has rejected the results and said he would explore legal and constitutional avenues to challenge the outcome.

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

US delegation to meet Raila, Ruto amid elections result dispute

Thursday August 18 2022

US Senator Chris Coons with US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman in Nairobi on August 17, 2022. PHOTO | COURTESY

By VINCENT OWINO

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An American delegation of legislators has arrived in Nairobi and is expected to meet President-elect William Ruto, his main rival Raila Odinga, and President Uhuru Kenyatta amid the disputed presidential election results.

The delegation, led by US senator from Delaware, Chris Coons, landed in the country Wednesday night and was received by Meg Whitman, the US Ambassador to Kenya.

Read: Officials assure Kenya of security as Raila rejects election results

Mr Coons has toured Nairobi twice in the last five years and was instrumental in 2017 in pushing for a rapprochement between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his then political enemy Odinga, which led to their famous handshake in 2018.

He would return again in 2020 at a famous prayer breakfast in Nairobi that Odinga, Kenyatta and Ruto attended, and which signalled the end of ethnic divisions in what they called Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

According to Ms Whitman, the US delegation will meet the Kenyan leaders “to discuss shared goals – health, security, and economic prosperity.”

Also read: Observer group's parallel tally almost similar to IEBC results

The meetings come at a time when Odinga, a frontrunner in the concluded presidential election, has disputed the declaration of his main rival, Ruto, as the President-elect, saying the electoral commission unlawfully announced the results.

Dr Ruto was declared President-elect by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Wafula Chebukati, having garnered 50.49 percent of the valid votes cast against Odinga’s 48.85 percent.

Four commissioners of the electoral body, including the Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera, have also disputed the results, saying the last phase of the tallying process was done without transparency, causing a split in the commission.

Odinga’s coalition says it will challenge Ruto’s victory in court and are already collecting evidence of election malpractice to back their case.

The US embassy in Kenya on Monday congratulated Kenyans on the peaceful completion of the electoral process and commended the IEBC for organising a “peaceful and orderly voting and counting process”.

Also read: African leaders congratulate William Ruto for winning Kenyan election

“Going forward, we urge all parties to work together to peacefully resolve any remaining concerns about this election through existing dispute resolution mechanisms,” the embassy said in a statement.

On Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who had just returned from a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, commended the electoral process in Kenya, terming it “a model for the continent.”

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

Kenyan schools reopen amid disruption of calendar due to elections

Thursday August 18 2022

Students on August 17, 2022 board a bus in Mombasa headed to Kendu Bay, western Kenya, in readiness for the August 18 reopening of schools. PHOTO | KEVN ODIT | NMG

By VALERIE KOGA

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Schools in Kenya re-opened on Thursday following a nationwide two-week break to allow for the country's general elections.

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha had ordered schools closed on August 2, 2022 as the country prepared for the August 9 General Election. Many schools were used as polling stations.

Students on August 17, 2022 wait to board a bus in Mombasa headed to Kendu Bay, western Kenya, in readiness for the August 18 reopening of schools. PHOTO | KEVN ODIT | NMG

The learning institutions were to reopen on August 11, but the resumption date was postponed twice--first to August 15 then again to August 18--as the the country awaited the announcement of the presidential results.

On Monday, August 15, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced William Ruto as the winner of the presidential election.

In Nairobi, students and parents were seen at various bus stations as the students returned to school.

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

SHORT STORY: Ambushed during dinner

Friday August 19 2022

Tamera suddenly pulled up her already short dress to reveal a thigh holster from where she pulled and levelled a pistol at Ronald. ILLUSTRATION | JOHN NYAGA | NMG

By NADYA SOMOE

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Tamera was in a hurry, but she was going to take her time. She said this sentence to herself in her mind and smiled, she liked contradictory things. Humming a repetitive tune, she proceeded to pick items carefully off shelves and add them to her full basket.

The supermarket was busy with late evening shoppers, tired-looking women and a few disgruntled men, seemingly under duress, lethargically but determinedly walking the aisles. Tamera’s perky mood stood out sorely, as she lined up with the other shoppers, humming her song under her breath, tapping her foot in tandem with the beat.

“Having a party?” the lady at the checkout counter asked as she packed Tamera’s groceries into a bag.

“No…Yes,” Tamera smiled, a smile that stretched her brightly painted red lips wide across her pretty face, “I’m cooking Ronald, my husband, a nice dinner,” she blushed as she handed the lady her credit card, oblivious to the strange look she received as the lady glanced down at her left hand, which was devoid of any jewellery.

The house was dark as Tamera parked her car across the street from it under a low-hanging blooming purple bougainvillea tree. Humming still, her arms full of groceries, she walked quickly to the house and retrieved a key from a potted plant hung from the veranda roof; that was swinging softly in a gentle night breeze.

The house was silent as she went in quietly, making her way carefully in the darkness to the kitchen at the back of the house, where she turned on a single light after gingerly closing the kitchen door. Then with a sigh, she smoothed her thick hair back, tucking a few stray tendrils into her bun, and began to cook.

Tamera was an excellent cook. She could’ve been a chef if she’d wanted to. She had a knack for imagining flavours and knowing exactly how to create them, mixing herbs and spices with a disregard for measurements and recipes, managing to create one-of-a-kind dishes that melted on the palate and left you wanting more.

She hummed as she stirred, chopped, fried, boiled and roasted; mountains of crispy potatoes with soft steaming centres, thick juicy cuts of meat dripping in fragrant gravy and surrounded by a colourful mess of perfectly cooked vegetables, incredibly fluffy rice flavoured with coconut milk, its white colour in stark contrast to the deep brown of sticky barbequed chicken garnished with deep fried onion rings and shavings of garlic in the dish next to it.

Tamera stood back and admired her work for a moment, a hazy look glazing over her eyes as she thought how happy Ronald would be. Almost as if her thoughts had summoned him, she heard a car in the driveway.

Ronald had a long day at work, and a tough one at that. He felt brain dead as he dragged himself out of the plush interior of his car, shivering as the chill outside hit him, bowing his head against its icy kiss as he hurried to the front door of his home and fumbled with his key. But the door was already open.

Strange, he was sure he’d locked it…but ah yes! His housekeeper must’ve left it open, she was usually very careful about things like that, but as he stepped into the warmth of his home and smelt the delicious wafting aromas, his worries dispelled immediately. His housekeeper rarely cooked, he had a chef for that, but she’d once surprised him with her famous barbequed chicken, and right now, its garlicky goodness was thick in the air.

Ronald pushed open the kitchen door, an expectant wide smile on his face as he prepared his compliments and thanks, then stared in shock as he was met with a counter lined end to end with food, and a brown haired siren with red lips and slanted eyes.

“Happy anniversary hun!” Tamera run round the counter and threw herself into the arms of a stunned Ronald, kissing him lightly on the cheek, leaving a stamp like smear of her lipstick on him, “I hope you’re hungry,” she winked as she hurried back around the counter to pull off her apron and hung it up.

“What?” Ronald was drooling, not from the scents of the mounds of delicacies surrounding him, but from a shock that had his jaw on the floor.

“Darling, I said I hope you’re hungry,” Tamera whipped around to face him, her smile fixed squarely on as if it were painted, “Sit down and eat, I’ve been cooking for hours,” her eyes were daggers pinning him in place.

“Who…” Ronald stuttered as he stared into Tamera’s wild eyes.

“Ronald,” Tamera moved forward and he flinched, “I cooked it, I just said so,” she poked her lower lip out, pouting at him, “Now, sit down and try it.”

“Forget the food!” Ronald screamed at the bizarre nature of the situation he found himself in, “I meant who are you!? What are you doing in my house and…”?

His shouts tapered off as Tamera suddenly pulled up her already short dress to reveal a thigh holster from where she pulled and levelled a pistol at him.

“Ronald darling,” her smile hadn’t faltered, “I said sit down and eat.”

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

Commonwealth boss Patricia Scotland praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Friday August 19 2022

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. PHOTO | COURTESY | COMMONWEALTH

Summary

Ms Scotland also praised the transparency of the electoral process, while acknowledging the concerns that have been raised by some IEBC commissioners, and the impending court case challenging the results declared by Mr Chebukati.

By VINCENT OWINO

More by this Author

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has lauded Kenya’s top presidential candidates for their commitment to uphold peace despite a dispute over the electoral results.

Ms Scotland said in a statement Thursday that she has personally spoken to Wafula Chebukati, the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Mr Ruto and Mr Odinga.

“I am reassured that the rule of law will be respected and pleased to hear that all sides are committed to ensuring peace and letting the process play out in the court of law,” she said.

Read: Kenya election: Officials assure country of security

Mr Odinga, who came second with 40.85 percent, has also disputed the results, and has vowed to challenge them in the Supreme Court.

“Whatever the outcomes of that process, I trust and know that democracy will win the day and this is something all Kenyans should indeed be proud of,” Ms Scotland said.

Read: Explainer: What next after William Ruto-Raila Odinga Kenya election results stalemate

Also read: Observer group's parallel tally almost similar to IEBC results

Read: African leaders congratulate William Ruto for winning Kenyan election

Also read: Truckers resume regional operations after Kenya elections hitch

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

Friday August 19 2022

Displaced people in a camp in South Sudan on April 22, 2014. At least 95 people have been killed in communal conflict in July. AFP PHOTO

By DAVID MAYEN

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Juba,

At least 95 people have been killed in communal conflicts in South Sudan in July alone, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has reported.

A humanitarian snapshot released by UNOCHA on Thursday and seen by The EastAfrican adds that more than 17,500 people were also displaced.

“At least 80 people were killed during intercommunal violence in Kapoeta North County, Eastern Equatoria. Fighting between armed factions in Mayom County, Unity State resulted in dozens of people being killed or injured.

“Cattle raids in Gumuruk County, Pibor Administrative Area, displaced some 1,700 people and left 15 dead. Torrential rain and floods affected nearly 2,400 people in the IDP site, Twic County in Warrap,” OCHA stated.

The agency added that some 7.7 million people are estimated to face crisis or higher levels of food insecurity across the country.

“People’s situation in Longochuk County, Upper Nile State, related to food security was reported as worrying; as a result, some 5,000 people moved to Maiwut and Pagak in Maiwut County. Residents fled to the bush or to nearby villages seeking safety.

“In July, armed cattle keepers attacked villages in Yei County, Central Equatoria and looted properties including livestock. Renewed fighting between armed factions in Kundru Boma, Yei County, displaced hundreds of people to neighbouring villages, and others crossed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said OCHA.

The agency went added that in Ikotos County of Eastern Equatoria State, clashes between an armed youth group and government soldiers led to the death and injury of an unconfirmed number of people, including an NGO worker, adding that an unknown number of civilians were reported displaced within Ikotos town.

Last year, the UN Security Council approved a resolution extending an arms embargo and sanctions against South Sudan for one year. South Sudan’s unity government opposed the decision, arguing it would jeopardise the progress of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement [ARCSS] which helped form the unity government last year.

South Sudan has many guns in circulation, most held by civilians.

According to a Gun Policy report, the estimated total number of guns (both legal and illicit) held by civilians in South Sudan was 1.2 million in 2017 and 3 million in 2013. The Defence Forces of South Sudan is reported to have 351,500 firearms.

Juba, which is barred from purchasing weapons from the international market unless with express permission from the UN Security Council, argues that the arms embargo makes it difficult to equip its forces.

In the headlines

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

UN's Congo peacekeeping mission pulls out of major eastern city

Friday August 19 2022

Peacekeepers of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). PHOTO | SEBASTIEN KITSA MUSAYI | AFP

By REUTERS

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The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has pulled out of one of the largest cities in the country's east after deadly protests against its failure to protect civilians, Congolese and U.N. officials said Thursday.

Butembo, a trading hub of almost a million people, has been one of the epicentres of violent demonstrations since last month that have killed dozens, including civilians, peacekeepers and Congolese police.

Read: Death toll from anti-UN protests in DRC rises to 19

The mission's hundreds of troops and civilian personnel in Butembo have left and discussions are planned over how to evacuate their equipment, General Constant Ndima, the military governor of North Kivu province, told reporters.

Ndeye Khady Lo, the spokesperson for the mission, which is known by its French acronym MONUSCO, said the departure was temporary. "MONUSCO is not leaving Butembo. After consultations with local and national authorities, the mission has proceeded to a temporary redeployment of its personnel outside Butembo," she told Reuters, without saying when they might return.

Also read: DRC kicks out UN peacekeepers spokesman, to speed up troops withdrawal

The protests, which also hit the cities of Goma and Uvira, have laid bare public frustration with the U.N. peacekeepers, who have been deployed to Congo for more than two decades. MONUSCO has around 12,400 troops and costs more than $1 billion per year.

Congolese demonstrators gesture during a protest against the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO in Goma on July 26, 2022. UN peacekeepers and Congolese forces have been unable to stamp out persistent violence by dozens of rebel groups in the eastern areas. PHOTO | MICHEL LUNANGA | AFP

Even after a peace deal in 2003 drew a line under a five-year regional conflict in which millions died, U.N. peacekeepers and Congolese forces have been unable to stamp out persistent violence by dozens of rebel groups in the eastern areas bordering Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

Local residents often accuse the peacekeepers of being too passive. The protests that broke out last month were called for by a faction of the ruling party's youth wing.

Read: Protesters storm UN base in eastern DR Congo city

In a plan drawn up last year, the United Nations laid out a set of minimum conditions that would be necessary for MONUSCO's withdrawal, which it aimed to achieve by the end of 2024.

The conditions include a reduction in the militant threat, the re-establishment of state authority in conflict zones and progress toward disarming and demobilising former rebels.

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

One-day trip to Kilwa ruins, ancient coastal settlement

Friday August 19 2022

The Portuguese fort in Kilwa built by Dom Franscisco de Almeida. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

By APOLINARI TAIRO

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Recently I made the 300 kilometres journey south of Dar es Salaam to Lindi region, to visit the Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara ruins, which are listed on the World Heritage.

I took a public service bus from Dar es Salaam ride to Kilwa Masoko, at a cost of Tsh20,000 ($8.5), the trip takes about four hours and buses are available the whole day. For those wishing to fly to Kilwa, it is 40 minutes by a small charter plane. For a personal car drive, the trip is slightly under four hours through Mtwara Road to Nangurukuru township in Kilwa district, about 298km away.

Public transport vehicles stop here for a breakfast break, before the final 32km to Kilwa. This town is important because it is the connecting point to Lindi, Kilwa town and Mtwara region.

I arrived about mid-morning. The ruins, facing the Indian Ocean to the east and the Selous Game Reserve to the west, are currently being excavated and restored by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

Although the entire eastern seaboard from Sofala in Mozambique to Kismayu in Somalia is dotted with ancient Arab and Swahili settlements and Portuguese forts, Kilwa island is famous for having been the first to mint copper coins at the height of the trans-Indian Ocean trade, and attracting famous world travellers, according to my host and guide, Faki Mfaume.

The great Arab traveller, Ibn-Battuta, visited and stayed in Kilwa Kisiwani between 1331 and 1332, wrote about its beauty, and it was back then ranked among the most beautiful cities of the world, with the Great Mosque of Kilwa being the largest in the east African coastal strip.

The ruins of the mosques and Portuguese fort – built by Portuguese ship commander Dom Francisco de Almeida -- are still standing, and are the main attraction.

I also visited the nearby Kilwa Kivinje where ruins of ancient coral stone and lime houses and a mosque are still standing.

Before ending my day-long trip in Kilwa, I visited the Malindi mosque and Kilwa fort.

The graves and tombs of the Malindi cemetery and the mosque according to my guide are associated with a prominent family of the island, who originated from Malindi in the north coast of Kenya.

The ruins of the ancient Kilwa Mosque. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

A full tour of the island takes slightly over two hours, so one can plan for a half-day itinerary but if you incorporate bird watching and a picnic on the beach, then a full day is needed.

For visitors preferring private driving for more comfort, it costs about Tsh200,000 ($85) to hire a car to Kilwa Ruins per day, my host had informed me.

There are several tourist lodges offering full board accommodation such as Kimbilio Lodge, Slow Leopard, Kilwa Beach Lodge and Kilwa Sea View Resort. Away from the beach, guest houses in the town also offer decent accommodation at affordable rates.

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

WHO experts back second Covid booster for most at risk

Friday August 19 2022

Moderna Covid-19 booster vaccine. People most at risk from Covid-19 should be offered a second booster dose to increase their immunity. PHOTO | GEORGES GOBET | AFP

By AFP

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The World Health Organization's vaccine advisers on Thursday recommended that people most at risk from Covid-19 should be offered a second booster dose to increase their immunity.

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) said following initial vaccination, typically consisting of two doses, and an already recommended first booster dose, specific groups of people should be offered an additional jab.

"We are doing this on the basis obviously of observations in relation to waning immunity and particularly in the context of Omicron," WHO senior health advisor Joachim Hornbach told reporters via video link.

The UN health agency has already recommended that all adults receive a booster shot four to six months after an initial round of vaccination, typically consisting of two jabs.

But SAGE chairman Alejandro Cravioto stressed that Thursday's recommendation for a second booster after another four to six months had passed was only meant for the "populations at the highest risk".

It "does not constitute a general recommendation of vaccinating all adults after the first booster", he told the virtual press briefing.

SAGE said second boosters should be offered to the elderly and all immunocompromised people, pregnant women, as well as those with conditions like diabetes, hypertension and cardiac, lung and kidney disease that put them at higher risk.

Health workers of all ages should also get the additional jab, Cravioto said, insisting on the need to "protect our health systems from the devastation of having its personnel sick and not at work".

Looking forward, the SAGE experts pointed to "significant uncertainties related to the evolution of the virus, the characteristics of future variants, and the trajectory of the epidemic given increasing vaccine- and infection-induced immunity globally".

"It is likely that additional doses may be needed within 4–12 months after the second booster, especially in persons most vulnerable to severe disease and death," they said. For now, the booster recommendations are for the available vaccines developed to tackle the initial Covid-19 strain.

WHO has said it will evaluate new jabs being developed by vaccine makers like Moderna and Pfizer that are adapted to target new, fast-spreading Omicron variants.

But SAGE stressed that current vaccines appeared to continue providing high protection "against severe disease in the context of the Omicron variant and its sub-lineages".

Second boosters for at-risk populations "should not be delayed in anticipation of future variant-containing vaccines", they said.

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Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

Addis Ababa denies breaking Tigray truce

Friday August 19 2022

Ethiopian refugees who fled the Tigray conflict gather to receive aid. PHOTO | AFP

By TESFA-ALEM TEKLE

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Ethiopia on Thursday denied violating a truce reached with Tigray, meant to allow humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.

Addis Ababa was responding to accusations by Tigray leaders on Wednesday that their positions were attacked by government forces on Monday in Dedebit, western Tigray.

In a press briefing, Billene Seyoum, press secretary at the Prime Minister office, downplayed the attack allegations.

“The narrative on this rhetoric which keeps coming from the other side is no less than a mechanism to deflect from a desire not to engage in peace talks,” Billene told journalists.

“But the humanitarian truce enacted by the government is still in place.”

According to Tigray People’s Liberation Front, TPLF, the attack happened at 4pm local time and the fighters were ambushed with “with heavy artilleries and tanks” while they were engaged in their routine defensive activities.

In March, the Ethiopian government declared a “humanitarian truce” with Tigrayan forces to allow humanitarian aid into the region where millions of people are facing starvation.

Both the government and TPLF committed the ceasefire and it was hoped that this would pave the way for the resolution of the conflict in northern Ethiopia and prevent further bloodshed.

On Thursday, Addis Ababa reaffirmed that it is ready to engage in peace at any time and at any place.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government insists that any negotiations should be led by the African Union, but Tigray wants Kenya to play the leading mediation role.

Tigray leaders also insisted that suspended basic services such as electricity, banking, telecom, transport, fuel and others should be restored in Tigray before they engage in dialogue with the government.

Addis Ababa has rejected the condition saying a formal ceasefire has to be signed before any resumption of essential basic services to Tigray.

On Thursday, the seven-member Peace Committee tasked by Abiy to negotiate with Tigray unveiled a new peace proposal that it has deliberated upon and adopted.

The peace proposal is mainly three-pronged:

First, it proposes for peace talks to take place within the coming weeks without any preconditions.

Secondly, it proposes that initial talks should focus on reaching and formally signing a ceasefire agreement followed by an in-depth political dialogue leading to a lasting settlement.

Finally, it proposes for other pending issues to be addressed through the national dialogue.

Government forces have been at war with the Tigray forces since November 2020.

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

Rwandan woman in court over 'indecent' dressing

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

Rwandan woman faces two years in jail for 'indecent' dressing

Friday August 19 2022

Rwandan authorities have arrested and taken to court a young woman over ‘indecent’ dressing. PHOTO | FILE

By Ange Iliza

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Rwandan authorities have arrested and taken to court a young woman over ‘indecent’ dressing, after a photo of her in a fish net attire at a music concert appeared on social media.

If convicted, the 24-year-old faces six months to two years in prison. 

On Thursday, a judge at Kigali-based Kicukiro Primary court declined to grant her bail, with the prosecution requesting that she be detained for 30 days as the investigation continues.

The case was held in camera.

The Law Determining Offenses and Penalties in Rwanda, Article 143, stipulates that “Any person who performs an indecent act in public, commits an offense. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and not more than two years”.

The case has caused public outrage on social media with many condemning the government for violating women’s rights, while others argued for ‘more decent dressing’ in public.

“She risks 6 months to 2 years for expressing herself with her choice of clothing. If you don’t make a stand right now and fight for [her] this will be the norm going forward. Fighting for her is fighting for yourself,” Jessy Mugisha tweeted.

“This is an attempt to kill a big part of the entertainment and night economy. She is a video vixen, and she was at a concert at night. In the age of Instagram, music videos (which are shown on public TV), indecency can’t be defined this narrowly,” Gonzaga Muganwa tweeted.

“It is sad how people are fighting to dress naked in public in the name of human rights,” said Sabizeze via Twitter.

The court case comes a few days after the Rwanda National Police Spokesperson stated on national TV that it is committed to taming such indecent behaviours.

The police have since denied some women entry into public places and concerts in Kigali due to their “inappropriate dressing”.

In 2020, three women were paraded in front of the media by Rwanda Investigation Bureau after posting videos on Instagram naked. They were charged with publishing scandalous videos about sex and drug use and sentenced to 36 months in prison. 

In the headlines

95 killed in South Sudan communal conflicts

More than 17,500 people have also been displaced.

Genocide survivors welcome Kabuga’s trial

Felicien Kabuga's trial at the Hague begins on September 29. He faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Commonwealth boss praises Kenya’s commitment to peace

US team visit: Uhuru, Ruto and Raila commit to peace

Genocide suspect Kabuga's trial set for September

S Africa's Malema urges Raila to accept election loss

Genocide survivors welcome decision to begin Kabuga’s trial

Friday August 19 2022

A courtroom sketch made on May 20, 2020 showing Felicien Kabuga, one of the last key suspects in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. PHOTO | AFP

By Ange Iliza

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Genocide survivors have welcomed the decision to begin the trial of suspected genocide financier Felicien Kabuga on September 29, who faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.

The decision by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism) in The Hague to start the trial was announced Thursday, over two years after Kabuga’s arrest in 2020.

Read: Rwanda protests Kabuga trial delay at Hague court

Felicien Kabuga, 80, was arrested in France in May 2020 after 25 years on the run and has been detained in The Hague since October 2020.

His trial had been postponed in December last year after Kabuga’s associates, whose bank accounts were frozen on suspicion they could aid him to avoid arrest, filed a motion to the court seeking access to their funds.

“We welcome the court’s decision to begin the trial as soon as September. It was long overdue. Kabuga’s trial is a significant step in delivering justice to survivors. His old age and health problems are other reasons why his trial should be prioritised if justice is to be delivered,” said Naphtali Ahishakiye, Executive Secretary of Ibuka, an umbrella body of survivor organisations in Rwanda.

Mr Ahishakiye added that constant delays and complacency by some countries and courts to try or extradite genocide convicts is a threat to justice for the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Read: Felicien Kabuga: The quiet businessman from Byumba who took over Kigali

Also read: Rwandan genocide suspect Kabuga denounces charges as "lies"

Rwanda’s prosecution indicates it issued over 973 indictments for genocide fugitives abroad over the past eight years. The largest number of those indicted are in DR Congo and Uganda. Five new indictments were issued in 2020 to France, Italy, and Sweden.

Only about 20 suspects have been deported or extradited for trial in Rwanda since 1994 to 2020, and only 23 have been tried and convicted by their host countries.

Kabuga, once Rwanda’s richest man, is alleged to have armed militias with machetes and other weapons and incited them to take part in Rwanda’s 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi that took more than one million lives.

Read: Rwanda issues new indictments for genocide suspects

Also read: East Africa remains haven for 1994 genocide fugitives

Kabuga appeared before the IRMCT for the first time in November 2020 and pleaded not guilty to seven counts of genocide and crimes against humanity.

After his trial was delayed in December 2021, UN judge Iain Bonomy announced Thursday that the trial will begin on September 29.

“The Chamber orders the trial to commence at The Hague branch with opening statements on the 29th of September... and evidence to start on the 5th of October,” Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) judge Iain Bonomy said.

Bonomy added that the defendant would appear three times a week for two hours at a time and he will be allowed to attend hearings through a video link if necessary.

Read: Genocide survivors open up in books, films

Also read: Rwandan genocide survivors film premieres on Netflix in June

More than 50 witnesses are expected to appear for the prosecution, which will need about 40 hours to wrap up their case.

Kabuga was initially scheduled to appear in court in Arusha, where the other arm of the MICT resides, but judges had ruled he would remain in The Hague “until otherwise decided.”

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