Hirondelle News Agency
30 August 2007
Testifying for his own defence before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Tharcisse Renzaho, the former prefect of Kigali, has been cross-examined since Thursday by the prosecutor who is trying to destabilize him.
"Do you recognize that there was a genocide in Rwanda?" asked Jonathan Moses. "The tears run in my heart, you do not see them (...) the war evolved into a conflict of two blocks, one against the RPF, one for" answered Renzaho. "The first attacks, he added, aimed at people suspected of having ties to the RPF".
"The Prime Minister testified that you had a total control of Kigali" asked the prosecution. "It is surrealist!, answered Renzaho, if I had had a control of the situation, we would not have been driven out like chickens ". "The situation, he told, was chaotic and marked by combat, slaughters; people came from everywhere in complete disorder and despair ".
Questioned on his calls aimed at young people to disarm deserting soldiers and kill them, Renzaho answered: "we were at war, I left Kigali in July (1994), I did not receive any complaint from the government for the massacres of soldiers by civilians".
The cross-examination carried out by Jonathan Moses should continue until the beginning of next week. Tharcisse Renzaho, 63, is on trial for genocide, complicity in genocide, assassination as a crime against humanity, rape as a crime against humanity, assassination as a war crime and rape as a war crime. He has pled not guilty.
His trial opened on 8 January. It should end by the end of the year.
01 September, 2007
The Former Prefect of Kigali on the Stand
Hirondelle News Agency
31 August 2007
The former prefect of Kigali, Tharcisse Renzaho, was called to the stand this week to defend himself against charges of genocide and crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Renzaho, 63, denied his participation in massacres. The defendant stated that he had on the contrary used the ridiculous means at his disposal to try to help people that were in danger.
Renzaho also refuted the charges concerning the order which he would have given to set up roadblocks on the roads of the prefecture of Kigali with an aim of intercepting, identifying and killing Tutsis.
These orders would have been given, according to the prosecutor, to active and demobilized soldiers, gendarmes, the militiamen, the local population and other people.
The former prefect also denied having distributed weapons to the attackers.
Renzaho is accused of having taken part in slaughters in at least three places in Kigali, notably in religious buildings. He is also charged with rapes.
Renzaho declared that he rejects the massacres and rapes that were committed, he said, by individuals that he did not have any authority over and regretted that he lacked the means to prevent these acts.
"I infinitely regret all these misfortunes which happened to Rwanda and I think that these experiences will serve human kind", Renzaho stated.
"Please your tribunal that it can place solid stakes to reconcile the Rwandan people", he said to the judges at the end of his examination in chief.
The tribunal also continued this week the proceedings in the case of Siméon Nshamihigo, a former magistrate in southwestern Rwanda, accused of genocide.
Nshamihigo has been presenting his defence case since April. He should finish on 21 September. He still has sixteen witnesses, out of forty, to call.
Besides the trials of Nshamihigo and Renzaho, proceedings were held in the Butare case, an area of southern Rwanda; six natives from there are jointly accused of genocide. Among them is the only woman held by the ICTR, former Minister for the Family and Women’s Welfare Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, on trial with her son.
The week’s proceedings were held for the most part in closed session. It is the former Mayor Joseph Kanyabashi, second to last in the order, who is calling witnesses. He has thirty on his list. The appeal chamber recently rejected his motion to call more.
To these three trials will be added next week the case of Emmanuel Rukundo, a catholic priest accused of genocide. The last hearing goes back to July 31. The defendant was calling witnesses for the defence, he will be continuing.
31 August 2007
The former prefect of Kigali, Tharcisse Renzaho, was called to the stand this week to defend himself against charges of genocide and crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Renzaho, 63, denied his participation in massacres. The defendant stated that he had on the contrary used the ridiculous means at his disposal to try to help people that were in danger.
Renzaho also refuted the charges concerning the order which he would have given to set up roadblocks on the roads of the prefecture of Kigali with an aim of intercepting, identifying and killing Tutsis.
These orders would have been given, according to the prosecutor, to active and demobilized soldiers, gendarmes, the militiamen, the local population and other people.
The former prefect also denied having distributed weapons to the attackers.
Renzaho is accused of having taken part in slaughters in at least three places in Kigali, notably in religious buildings. He is also charged with rapes.
Renzaho declared that he rejects the massacres and rapes that were committed, he said, by individuals that he did not have any authority over and regretted that he lacked the means to prevent these acts.
"I infinitely regret all these misfortunes which happened to Rwanda and I think that these experiences will serve human kind", Renzaho stated.
"Please your tribunal that it can place solid stakes to reconcile the Rwandan people", he said to the judges at the end of his examination in chief.
The tribunal also continued this week the proceedings in the case of Siméon Nshamihigo, a former magistrate in southwestern Rwanda, accused of genocide.
Nshamihigo has been presenting his defence case since April. He should finish on 21 September. He still has sixteen witnesses, out of forty, to call.
Besides the trials of Nshamihigo and Renzaho, proceedings were held in the Butare case, an area of southern Rwanda; six natives from there are jointly accused of genocide. Among them is the only woman held by the ICTR, former Minister for the Family and Women’s Welfare Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, on trial with her son.
The week’s proceedings were held for the most part in closed session. It is the former Mayor Joseph Kanyabashi, second to last in the order, who is calling witnesses. He has thirty on his list. The appeal chamber recently rejected his motion to call more.
To these three trials will be added next week the case of Emmanuel Rukundo, a catholic priest accused of genocide. The last hearing goes back to July 31. The defendant was calling witnesses for the defence, he will be continuing.
A Gacaca Judge Affirms to Have Been Bribed by a Member of Parliament
Hirondelle News Agency
31 August 2007
A judge of a semi-traditional gacaca court in southern Rwanda admitted having received 2,5 million Rwandan francs (approximately 4,545 dollars) in exchange of the acquittal, two months ago, of a member of parliament accused of genocide, Elisée Bisengimana, the Rwandan pro-governmental newspaper, The New Times, reported Friday.
"I received 2,5 million francs from Bisengimana to clear him", admitted Judge Faustin Mbonigaba, of the gacaca court of Gihundwe, in the district of Rusizi, according to The New Times.
The judge affirms to have used the money to suborn certain witnesses and that the elected official still owed him 3 million Rwandan francs.
Mbonigaba was recently arrested within the investigation of another corruption case of a genocide suspect.
Bisengimana, member of the governing party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) that he joined a few years after the 1994 genocide, was acquitted last June. His case is awaiting appeal phase following a recourse by survivors.
The member of parliament, who taught in a secondary school during the genocide, qualified as unfounded the allegations made by Judge Mbonigaba, still according to The New Times.
The executive secretary of the national service of gacaca courts, Donatilla Mukantaganzwa, stated to have received, in the past, information according to which survivors of the genocide were holding meetings in the hope of pressing charges against Bisengimana, adds the Rwandan newspaper.
31 August 2007
A judge of a semi-traditional gacaca court in southern Rwanda admitted having received 2,5 million Rwandan francs (approximately 4,545 dollars) in exchange of the acquittal, two months ago, of a member of parliament accused of genocide, Elisée Bisengimana, the Rwandan pro-governmental newspaper, The New Times, reported Friday.
"I received 2,5 million francs from Bisengimana to clear him", admitted Judge Faustin Mbonigaba, of the gacaca court of Gihundwe, in the district of Rusizi, according to The New Times.
The judge affirms to have used the money to suborn certain witnesses and that the elected official still owed him 3 million Rwandan francs.
Mbonigaba was recently arrested within the investigation of another corruption case of a genocide suspect.
Bisengimana, member of the governing party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) that he joined a few years after the 1994 genocide, was acquitted last June. His case is awaiting appeal phase following a recourse by survivors.
The member of parliament, who taught in a secondary school during the genocide, qualified as unfounded the allegations made by Judge Mbonigaba, still according to The New Times.
The executive secretary of the national service of gacaca courts, Donatilla Mukantaganzwa, stated to have received, in the past, information according to which survivors of the genocide were holding meetings in the hope of pressing charges against Bisengimana, adds the Rwandan newspaper.
North-Kivu: More Reinforcements Deployed; Warning to Nkunda.
MISNA
31 August 2007
Congolese Defense Minister Chikez Diemu announced the deployment of additional military reinforcements in the North Kivu Province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where violent fighting has been underway for days between government forces and militants loyal to the pro-Rwandan dissident General Laurent Nkunda, confirming voices in circulation already yesterday. There are no confirmations on the toll of the fighting, which according to some sources has caused some losses in the government force lines. While on the humanitarian front, at least 10,000 civilians have apparently fled from the area of the clashes.
“There is a limit to patients, the nation can no longer put up with such acts”, said Minister Diemu, warning Nkunda that “one day he will answer for these acts”, in referral also to massacres committed during the war (1998-2003) in Kisangani and crimes committed by his men in 2004 in Bukavu and other areas of Kivu, for which the dissident general faces an international arrest warrant.
“In face of this new serious situation, the FARDC (Congolese Armed Forces) reiterate the government’s commitment for the consolidation of 2006 election results,” that for the first rime in 41 years brought to power a democratically elected government.
31 August 2007
Congolese Defense Minister Chikez Diemu announced the deployment of additional military reinforcements in the North Kivu Province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where violent fighting has been underway for days between government forces and militants loyal to the pro-Rwandan dissident General Laurent Nkunda, confirming voices in circulation already yesterday. There are no confirmations on the toll of the fighting, which according to some sources has caused some losses in the government force lines. While on the humanitarian front, at least 10,000 civilians have apparently fled from the area of the clashes.
“There is a limit to patients, the nation can no longer put up with such acts”, said Minister Diemu, warning Nkunda that “one day he will answer for these acts”, in referral also to massacres committed during the war (1998-2003) in Kisangani and crimes committed by his men in 2004 in Bukavu and other areas of Kivu, for which the dissident general faces an international arrest warrant.
“In face of this new serious situation, the FARDC (Congolese Armed Forces) reiterate the government’s commitment for the consolidation of 2006 election results,” that for the first rime in 41 years brought to power a democratically elected government.
Dialogue Between Government and Northern Rebels?
MISNA
31 August 2007
After repeatedly denying their existence, President of the Central African Republic (CAR), Francois Bozize, is apparently ready to engage in dialogue with the rebel movements active in north-western CAR. The news was referred by some mediators called by the President to prepare a conference for an all-inclusive national dialogue with all rebel groups active in the country and political forces, in a bid to end the violence in the north and facilitate reconciliation.
“The president finally decided to hold this dialogue… It’s the beginning of what we think would be a fairly long process”, said David Lambo, an adviser with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, the Swiss-based organisation called along with the United Nations to organise the conference.
Lambo explained that negotiations could begin in the next months. Bozize already signed a peace deal with two rebel groups this year. Nearly 300,000 people have fled their homes and land in northern CAR seeking refuge in safer areas or in neighbouring countries (Chad and Cameroon) due to the ongoing fighting between the government forces and rebel movements. The announcement of a national dialogue conference maybe indicates an opening of the President toward the rebels, in the past defined mere bandits or thugs.
31 August 2007
After repeatedly denying their existence, President of the Central African Republic (CAR), Francois Bozize, is apparently ready to engage in dialogue with the rebel movements active in north-western CAR. The news was referred by some mediators called by the President to prepare a conference for an all-inclusive national dialogue with all rebel groups active in the country and political forces, in a bid to end the violence in the north and facilitate reconciliation.
“The president finally decided to hold this dialogue… It’s the beginning of what we think would be a fairly long process”, said David Lambo, an adviser with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, the Swiss-based organisation called along with the United Nations to organise the conference.
Lambo explained that negotiations could begin in the next months. Bozize already signed a peace deal with two rebel groups this year. Nearly 300,000 people have fled their homes and land in northern CAR seeking refuge in safer areas or in neighbouring countries (Chad and Cameroon) due to the ongoing fighting between the government forces and rebel movements. The announcement of a national dialogue conference maybe indicates an opening of the President toward the rebels, in the past defined mere bandits or thugs.
Karamoja: Who is Arming Karamojong?
MISNA
31 August 2007
Editor's Note: Significant gold reserves were discovered in Karamoja and sources state General Saleh is eager to exploit it. Here, you see government-aligned forces arming the "rebels" which they used to defend themselves against UPDF and LDU attacks. When they do so, Ugandan military officials blame them as the aggressors, justifying their further military actions to drive the Karamojong off their land.
In Karamoja, North-western Uganda, “single individuals of the armed forces” are providing arms to the Karamojong warriors, responsible for cattle raids and attacks on civilians. This is the finding of the Small Arms Survey 2007, indicating that Karamoja has the highest proliferation of small arms in the country. Among the ‘evidence’ leading to this conclusion is the significant similarity in ammunition used by the military and the armed groups, in addition to admissions, made in the Ugandan press, of trade between LDU (Local Defence Units) members and Karimojong warriors. However, the study stresses that these findings do not implicate the Ugandan armed forces (UPDF) at the “institutional level”. According to Lt Henry Obbo, spokesperson for the UPDF 3rd Division, which is overseeing disarmament in Karamoja, “although it is true that the LDU’s and auxiliary forces and a few soldiers were implicated, the situation has now changed”.
31 August 2007
Editor's Note: Significant gold reserves were discovered in Karamoja and sources state General Saleh is eager to exploit it. Here, you see government-aligned forces arming the "rebels" which they used to defend themselves against UPDF and LDU attacks. When they do so, Ugandan military officials blame them as the aggressors, justifying their further military actions to drive the Karamojong off their land.
In Karamoja, North-western Uganda, “single individuals of the armed forces” are providing arms to the Karamojong warriors, responsible for cattle raids and attacks on civilians. This is the finding of the Small Arms Survey 2007, indicating that Karamoja has the highest proliferation of small arms in the country. Among the ‘evidence’ leading to this conclusion is the significant similarity in ammunition used by the military and the armed groups, in addition to admissions, made in the Ugandan press, of trade between LDU (Local Defence Units) members and Karimojong warriors. However, the study stresses that these findings do not implicate the Ugandan armed forces (UPDF) at the “institutional level”. According to Lt Henry Obbo, spokesperson for the UPDF 3rd Division, which is overseeing disarmament in Karamoja, “although it is true that the LDU’s and auxiliary forces and a few soldiers were implicated, the situation has now changed”.
31 August, 2007
Watchdog Commends Court for Journalist Release.
Rwanda News Agency/Agence Rwandaise d'Information
30 August 2007
Reporters Without Borders has said the judicial system is at some point doing a good job after a court in Kigali cleared UMUSESO journalist Gérard M. Manzi of rape charges on Wednesday, RNA reports.
"The Rwandan justice system has played its own role in a correct manner", Mr. Leonard Vincent - head of Africa Desk told RNA.
"Even though one can ask how an obviously innocent citizen has passed eight days in prison before a judge recognized that there is enough legitimate doubt on his guilt to order his immediate release".
Put to him that the authorities may have orchestrated the release of the journalist after pressure from the media watchdog, he said: "I wouldn't say the authorities need pressure, I would say they need information. If pressure is needed, then it is because there is a conflict of interpretation of what is justice and liberty and what is not".
All governments definitely need to be told what is going on in their own country by independent voices, he said. Adding: "This is precisely the role of the independent press and of civil society organisations like ours or HRW (Human Rights Watch)".
On Tuesday, the organization accused the police of holding the journalist on trumped up charges. Police had detained Mr. Manzi for over a week despite evidence indicating otherwise.
Yesterday, the Police and the Prosecution pointed fingers at each other when RNA contacted them - with the Police claiming Mr. Manzi was detained at the request of the Prosecution.
Mr. Vincent said Mr. Manzi's lawyer had done a fine job, in presenting as soon as he could testimonies of people who could confirm Gerard's alibi. He also blamed the laws of the country.
"The judiciary has to work with a very bad set of laws and a very hostile government, which is quite a challenge", Vincent said.
30 August 2007
Reporters Without Borders has said the judicial system is at some point doing a good job after a court in Kigali cleared UMUSESO journalist Gérard M. Manzi of rape charges on Wednesday, RNA reports.
"The Rwandan justice system has played its own role in a correct manner", Mr. Leonard Vincent - head of Africa Desk told RNA.
"Even though one can ask how an obviously innocent citizen has passed eight days in prison before a judge recognized that there is enough legitimate doubt on his guilt to order his immediate release".
Put to him that the authorities may have orchestrated the release of the journalist after pressure from the media watchdog, he said: "I wouldn't say the authorities need pressure, I would say they need information. If pressure is needed, then it is because there is a conflict of interpretation of what is justice and liberty and what is not".
All governments definitely need to be told what is going on in their own country by independent voices, he said. Adding: "This is precisely the role of the independent press and of civil society organisations like ours or HRW (Human Rights Watch)".
On Tuesday, the organization accused the police of holding the journalist on trumped up charges. Police had detained Mr. Manzi for over a week despite evidence indicating otherwise.
Yesterday, the Police and the Prosecution pointed fingers at each other when RNA contacted them - with the Police claiming Mr. Manzi was detained at the request of the Prosecution.
Mr. Vincent said Mr. Manzi's lawyer had done a fine job, in presenting as soon as he could testimonies of people who could confirm Gerard's alibi. He also blamed the laws of the country.
"The judiciary has to work with a very bad set of laws and a very hostile government, which is quite a challenge", Vincent said.
GOIL Changes Gear, Goes Public
Accra Mail (Accra)
31 August 2007
Editor's Note: Recall that the joint venture with Ireland-registered (tax haven), UK-based Tullow Oil just discovered a massive oil find at the Hyedua-1 well on the Deepwater Tano concession in western Ghana on the Cote d'Ivoire border. Other partners in the block include Kosmos Energy and a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Sabre Oil & Gas. It is also noteworthy that China, Germany, Austria, Norway and Vietnam have all expressed to develop the country’s oil sector. I'm sure the internatonal oil conglomerates have plans to integrate Ghana into the West African Oil Pipeline Project in the future.
Ghana Oil Company (GOIL) is going public next Tuesday following final regulatory approval by the Securities Exchange Commission.
The event described by industry watchers, as ground-breaking is the first floatation, which will make available 89,815,187 shares to the public, private individuals and corporate investors. The share offer is pegged at 20 Ghana pesewas and open for a minimum of 300 ordinary shares.
Goil Management sources confirmed the approval in a statement issued in Accra this week. It named Merban Stockbrokers Limited, SDC Brokerage Services Limited and Gold Coast Securities powered by MMRS Ogilvy as marketing consultants.
GOIL enjoys a current market share of 18 per cent, dominating the lubricant and LP Gas trade and is major player in the general retail business. The company is on record to have posted an impressive net turnover of growth of 39.2 per cent, recording 1.92 trillion cedis as against the 1.38 trillion cedis posted in 2005.
This year, GOIL presented an interim dividend of 330 cedis per share amounting to 10.152 billion cedis to government, the sole shareholder with a proposed final dividend of 220 cedis per share amounting to 6.769 billion cedis for the year ended December 31, 2006.
The company was incorporated in 1960 as AGIP Ghana Limited, and became a state-owned company in 1974 when the Ghana government acquired shares in AGIP SPA and Hydrocarbons International Holdings.
The government is however, now poised to off-load up to 49 per cent of its shareholdings through an initial public offer to be subsequently listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange.
Government is off-loading its interest to generate funds for national development and other budgetary programmes. It also falls in line with the government's determination to reduce its involvement in the running of commercial entities and release state owned enterprises from its control.
31 August 2007
Editor's Note: Recall that the joint venture with Ireland-registered (tax haven), UK-based Tullow Oil just discovered a massive oil find at the Hyedua-1 well on the Deepwater Tano concession in western Ghana on the Cote d'Ivoire border. Other partners in the block include Kosmos Energy and a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Sabre Oil & Gas. It is also noteworthy that China, Germany, Austria, Norway and Vietnam have all expressed to develop the country’s oil sector. I'm sure the internatonal oil conglomerates have plans to integrate Ghana into the West African Oil Pipeline Project in the future.
Ghana Oil Company (GOIL) is going public next Tuesday following final regulatory approval by the Securities Exchange Commission.
The event described by industry watchers, as ground-breaking is the first floatation, which will make available 89,815,187 shares to the public, private individuals and corporate investors. The share offer is pegged at 20 Ghana pesewas and open for a minimum of 300 ordinary shares.
Goil Management sources confirmed the approval in a statement issued in Accra this week. It named Merban Stockbrokers Limited, SDC Brokerage Services Limited and Gold Coast Securities powered by MMRS Ogilvy as marketing consultants.
GOIL enjoys a current market share of 18 per cent, dominating the lubricant and LP Gas trade and is major player in the general retail business. The company is on record to have posted an impressive net turnover of growth of 39.2 per cent, recording 1.92 trillion cedis as against the 1.38 trillion cedis posted in 2005.
This year, GOIL presented an interim dividend of 330 cedis per share amounting to 10.152 billion cedis to government, the sole shareholder with a proposed final dividend of 220 cedis per share amounting to 6.769 billion cedis for the year ended December 31, 2006.
The company was incorporated in 1960 as AGIP Ghana Limited, and became a state-owned company in 1974 when the Ghana government acquired shares in AGIP SPA and Hydrocarbons International Holdings.
The government is however, now poised to off-load up to 49 per cent of its shareholdings through an initial public offer to be subsequently listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange.
Government is off-loading its interest to generate funds for national development and other budgetary programmes. It also falls in line with the government's determination to reduce its involvement in the running of commercial entities and release state owned enterprises from its control.
Kordofan: Rebel Claim of Seizing Army Base Denied.
MISNA
30 August 2007
“We have no base in Wad Banda”, said a Sudanese government spokesman to the international press, denying a claim made yesterday to the British Reuters news agency by the rebels of the JEM (Justice and Equality Movement) that they seized a key army base in the town of the Kordofan province, which borders with that of Darfur.
The spokesman confirmed that the rebels had attempted to take control of Wad Banda town, however specifying: “Their main forces have exited the town but they have a few individuals left inside and we have surrounded all the roads leading to the town”.
Wad Banda, not far from An Nuhudand the border with Darfur, is situated in the former Gharb Kordofan (Kordofan, or West Kurdufan) since 2005 divided between Shamal and Janub Kordofan (north and centre), around 100km from El Obeid. According to other online Sudanese sources, a mere skirmish took place in a rural area near Wad Banda in which some rebels were killed and two of their vehicles destroyed. Salman Sulayman al-Safi, Governor of West Darfur (one of three States that make up the western Sudanese region), specified that the rebels and army clashed in the area of Sudayrat, a rural area near Wad Banda. Considering the remoteness of the areas it is difficult to establish which of the versions is reliable.
30 August 2007
“We have no base in Wad Banda”, said a Sudanese government spokesman to the international press, denying a claim made yesterday to the British Reuters news agency by the rebels of the JEM (Justice and Equality Movement) that they seized a key army base in the town of the Kordofan province, which borders with that of Darfur.
The spokesman confirmed that the rebels had attempted to take control of Wad Banda town, however specifying: “Their main forces have exited the town but they have a few individuals left inside and we have surrounded all the roads leading to the town”.
Wad Banda, not far from An Nuhudand the border with Darfur, is situated in the former Gharb Kordofan (Kordofan, or West Kurdufan) since 2005 divided between Shamal and Janub Kordofan (north and centre), around 100km from El Obeid. According to other online Sudanese sources, a mere skirmish took place in a rural area near Wad Banda in which some rebels were killed and two of their vehicles destroyed. Salman Sulayman al-Safi, Governor of West Darfur (one of three States that make up the western Sudanese region), specified that the rebels and army clashed in the area of Sudayrat, a rural area near Wad Banda. Considering the remoteness of the areas it is difficult to establish which of the versions is reliable.
Mogadishu: Security Stepped Up for Closing of Reconciliation Conference.
MISNA
30 August 2007
Hundreds of heavily armed forces are deployed this morning on the main streets of the Somali capital Mogadishu ahead of the closing ceremony of the Inter-Somali Reconciliation Conference to avoid the violence that on July 15 marred the opening of the congress. Temporary checkpoints were set up on all the main streets of the city by Ethiopian and government forces, while security was particularly stepped-up in the area surrounding the Conference building, where access was impeded to all vehicles with circulation only allowed on foot. The large-scale military deployment however failed to stop renewed violence overnight in Mogadishu. At least eight people were wounded in various areas of the city in grenade attacks and gunbattles between security forces and anti-government insurgents.
In the string of attacks, grenades were thrown against the police stations of BarUbah, Suq bacad and KPP in the Hodan District, in south Mogadishu. The preliminary toll of the attacks so far indicates only wounded, mainly among civilian bystanders. In Hodan, the police conducted house to house searches throughout the night for weapons and insurgents. The closing ceremony of the Reconciliation Conference appears destined to conclude in polemic. While yesterday the Hawiye, the most powerful clan of Mogadishu, substantially deemed the appointment a failure, many delegates in the talks asked that the Conference be prolonged, however faced with the firm refusal of Ali Mahdi, former president and current chairman of the commission that organised the works of the conference.
30 August 2007
Hundreds of heavily armed forces are deployed this morning on the main streets of the Somali capital Mogadishu ahead of the closing ceremony of the Inter-Somali Reconciliation Conference to avoid the violence that on July 15 marred the opening of the congress. Temporary checkpoints were set up on all the main streets of the city by Ethiopian and government forces, while security was particularly stepped-up in the area surrounding the Conference building, where access was impeded to all vehicles with circulation only allowed on foot. The large-scale military deployment however failed to stop renewed violence overnight in Mogadishu. At least eight people were wounded in various areas of the city in grenade attacks and gunbattles between security forces and anti-government insurgents.
In the string of attacks, grenades were thrown against the police stations of BarUbah, Suq bacad and KPP in the Hodan District, in south Mogadishu. The preliminary toll of the attacks so far indicates only wounded, mainly among civilian bystanders. In Hodan, the police conducted house to house searches throughout the night for weapons and insurgents. The closing ceremony of the Reconciliation Conference appears destined to conclude in polemic. While yesterday the Hawiye, the most powerful clan of Mogadishu, substantially deemed the appointment a failure, many delegates in the talks asked that the Conference be prolonged, however faced with the firm refusal of Ali Mahdi, former president and current chairman of the commission that organised the works of the conference.
AMISOM: Burundian Army Arrives in Mogadishu
MISNA
30 August 2007
A delegation of the Burundian army has been visiting Mogadishu since last Monday to prepare for the expected deployment of its troops in Somalia as part of AMISOM said the mission leader, Uganda Captain Paddy Ankunda. He said that the Burundian officers were visiting Mogadishu on “a reconnaissance mission” and to inspect the bases to be used by Ugandan troops. The Burundian troops are not expected to arrive before September. The Burundian army spokesman Adolphe Manirakiza justified the latest delay (the Burundian army has been expected here since last January) citing logistical issues, because of a failed delivery of needed equipment by other countries, which were not delivered yet” said Manirakiza. For now AMISOM, which was to comprise 8,000 troops, for now only has 1500; all Ugandans, who arrived in April in Mogadishu.
30 August 2007
A delegation of the Burundian army has been visiting Mogadishu since last Monday to prepare for the expected deployment of its troops in Somalia as part of AMISOM said the mission leader, Uganda Captain Paddy Ankunda. He said that the Burundian officers were visiting Mogadishu on “a reconnaissance mission” and to inspect the bases to be used by Ugandan troops. The Burundian troops are not expected to arrive before September. The Burundian army spokesman Adolphe Manirakiza justified the latest delay (the Burundian army has been expected here since last January) citing logistical issues, because of a failed delivery of needed equipment by other countries, which were not delivered yet” said Manirakiza. For now AMISOM, which was to comprise 8,000 troops, for now only has 1500; all Ugandans, who arrived in April in Mogadishu.
30 August, 2007
Prefect Renzaho Takes the Defense of Father Munyeshyaka.
Hirondelle News Agency
30 August 2007
Tharcisse Renzaho, former prefect of Kigali, while testifying for his own defence before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) took the defence Wednesday of Father Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, also indicted before this Tribunal.
"This priest did admirable things for the refugees (Tutsis). His absence would have constituted a catastrophe; he braved threats and danger" to bring food to these refugees, testified the former prefect of the Rwandan capital.
" Very sincerely, there must be political reasons " behind his indictment, estimated Renzaho for whom the priest is a victim of a campaign of " vilification of the catholic church ".
He accused the current Rwandan regime of having "a grudge" against the Catholic Church, to nourish "a hatred against the Hutu priests"
According to the one who was the last government representative in the capital, Father Munyeshyaka was not responsible for the parish of the Holy Family but went in all the refugee centers held by the Catholic Church to bring food.
As the number of refugees in the parish of the Holy Family went up to 18 000 according to Renzaho, the various attempts to evacuate this center located in the heart of Kigali always failed because of military action by the RPF. They carried out bombardments on 12 and 16 April as well as 1 and 3 May before attacking the center to evacuate Tutsis and to kill Hutus, Renzaho stated.
In the afternoon, questioned by his lawyer François Cantier of the Bar of Toulouse (France), the defendant referred to the similar charges uttered against him and Father Munyeshyaka. According to him, the indictment that was drawn up against him accuses him of killing the children and the husband of a woman called Rose Rwanga on 22 April 1994 in the Center of African Languages Studies whereas Father Munyeshyaka is accused of having killed the same people on 13 April at the parish of the Holy Family. "It is odd" he said as the tribunal was embarrassed by this mention of an indictment external to the case at hand.
30 August 2007
Tharcisse Renzaho, former prefect of Kigali, while testifying for his own defence before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) took the defence Wednesday of Father Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, also indicted before this Tribunal.
"This priest did admirable things for the refugees (Tutsis). His absence would have constituted a catastrophe; he braved threats and danger" to bring food to these refugees, testified the former prefect of the Rwandan capital.
" Very sincerely, there must be political reasons " behind his indictment, estimated Renzaho for whom the priest is a victim of a campaign of " vilification of the catholic church ".
He accused the current Rwandan regime of having "a grudge" against the Catholic Church, to nourish "a hatred against the Hutu priests"
According to the one who was the last government representative in the capital, Father Munyeshyaka was not responsible for the parish of the Holy Family but went in all the refugee centers held by the Catholic Church to bring food.
As the number of refugees in the parish of the Holy Family went up to 18 000 according to Renzaho, the various attempts to evacuate this center located in the heart of Kigali always failed because of military action by the RPF. They carried out bombardments on 12 and 16 April as well as 1 and 3 May before attacking the center to evacuate Tutsis and to kill Hutus, Renzaho stated.
In the afternoon, questioned by his lawyer François Cantier of the Bar of Toulouse (France), the defendant referred to the similar charges uttered against him and Father Munyeshyaka. According to him, the indictment that was drawn up against him accuses him of killing the children and the husband of a woman called Rose Rwanga on 22 April 1994 in the Center of African Languages Studies whereas Father Munyeshyaka is accused of having killed the same people on 13 April at the parish of the Holy Family. "It is odd" he said as the tribunal was embarrassed by this mention of an indictment external to the case at hand.
More U.S. Soldiers Not Welcome in Africa, Says Lekota
Business Day (Johannesburg)
30 August 2007
By Wyndham Hartley
More armed US soldiers are not welcome in Africa, said Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota yesterday.
Any country that allowed itself to be a base for the US strategic command in Africa (Africom) would have to live with the consequences, Lekota said.
Africom's recent creation has been interpreted as the US suddenly recognising the strategic importance of Africa to the US.
Last month it was reported that Lekota was not responding to US requests for him to meet the first Africom commander, Gen Kip Ward.
Briefing the media yesterday, Lekota said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) defence ministers had, at the summit in Lusaka this month, decided that no member states would host Africom and more armed US soldiers.
He said this was also the "continental position" of the African Union.
However, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has evidently already offered her country as a base for Africom.
Lekota said as far as he knew most African countries supported the view that the Americans should keep their distance.
He said there might be a minority that felt Africom was welcome but, as was the case in democracy, the will of the majority prevailed.
He warned strongly that any country that did not abide by the view that US soldiers should not have an enlarged presence in Africa as part of Africom would have to consider the consequences. These could amount to neighbouring African countries refusing to co-operate with them.
"Africa has to avoid the presence of foreign forces on its soil, particularly if any influx of soldiers might affect relations between sister African countries," Lekota said. The idea of a renewed US focus on Africa was not new, he said.
"Nevertheless, the SADC has adopted the position that it would be better if the US did it from a distance", and did not cause instability in Africa.
R-Adm Robert Moeller of the US was reported last month as arguing that the goal of the US with Africom was to help build the capacity of African organisations such as the African Standby Force to promote peace and security and respond to crises on the continent.
Simon Tisdale wrote in the London-based Guardian: "Africom marks the official arrival of America's 'global war on terror' on the African continent."
30 August 2007
By Wyndham Hartley
More armed US soldiers are not welcome in Africa, said Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota yesterday.
Any country that allowed itself to be a base for the US strategic command in Africa (Africom) would have to live with the consequences, Lekota said.
Africom's recent creation has been interpreted as the US suddenly recognising the strategic importance of Africa to the US.
Last month it was reported that Lekota was not responding to US requests for him to meet the first Africom commander, Gen Kip Ward.
Briefing the media yesterday, Lekota said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) defence ministers had, at the summit in Lusaka this month, decided that no member states would host Africom and more armed US soldiers.
He said this was also the "continental position" of the African Union.
However, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has evidently already offered her country as a base for Africom.
Lekota said as far as he knew most African countries supported the view that the Americans should keep their distance.
He said there might be a minority that felt Africom was welcome but, as was the case in democracy, the will of the majority prevailed.
He warned strongly that any country that did not abide by the view that US soldiers should not have an enlarged presence in Africa as part of Africom would have to consider the consequences. These could amount to neighbouring African countries refusing to co-operate with them.
"Africa has to avoid the presence of foreign forces on its soil, particularly if any influx of soldiers might affect relations between sister African countries," Lekota said. The idea of a renewed US focus on Africa was not new, he said.
"Nevertheless, the SADC has adopted the position that it would be better if the US did it from a distance", and did not cause instability in Africa.
R-Adm Robert Moeller of the US was reported last month as arguing that the goal of the US with Africom was to help build the capacity of African organisations such as the African Standby Force to promote peace and security and respond to crises on the continent.
Simon Tisdale wrote in the London-based Guardian: "Africom marks the official arrival of America's 'global war on terror' on the African continent."
Law to Save Rebels From Hague
SAPA
29 August 2007
Uganda said on Wednesday that it will enact a law that would protect the Lord's Resistance Army guerrillas from trial by the International Criminal Court which indicted the leaders of the brutal rebel group for war crimes two years ago.
The Hague-based ICC issued arrest warrants in 2005 for five LRA leaders, a cult-like bush army that waged a 20-year insurgency in northern Uganda, leaving thousands of civilians dead and maimed while close to 2 million were flushed out of their homes.
The LRA has been abducting thousands of children who were forced to fight and commit atrocities while the girls were turned into sex slaves.
In a surprise move, the Ugandan Government issued a blanket amnesty for the LRA in mid-2006, opened peace talks with the rebels and announced that they would be tried under the mostly forgiving traditional courts used by tribes in the war-ravaged northern region.
The talks are mediated by the semi-autonomous southern Sudanese Government.
The two sides are holding consultations over the judicial system that would handle the indicted LRA leaders at the moment.
The Ugandan government now wants to draft legislation to try the LRA.
Officials from the government peace team told reporters that a hybrid law is to be tabled before parliament to help the LRA rebels to escape the ICC.
A hybrid law comprising a Western model and (the tribal) Mato-Oput will be enacted.
"The law will help the LRA rebels escape the ICC. Parliament will enact the law after the outcome of the peace consultations," the head of the peace talks support committee, Ruth Nankabirwa, said.
29 August 2007
Uganda said on Wednesday that it will enact a law that would protect the Lord's Resistance Army guerrillas from trial by the International Criminal Court which indicted the leaders of the brutal rebel group for war crimes two years ago.
The Hague-based ICC issued arrest warrants in 2005 for five LRA leaders, a cult-like bush army that waged a 20-year insurgency in northern Uganda, leaving thousands of civilians dead and maimed while close to 2 million were flushed out of their homes.
The LRA has been abducting thousands of children who were forced to fight and commit atrocities while the girls were turned into sex slaves.
In a surprise move, the Ugandan Government issued a blanket amnesty for the LRA in mid-2006, opened peace talks with the rebels and announced that they would be tried under the mostly forgiving traditional courts used by tribes in the war-ravaged northern region.
The talks are mediated by the semi-autonomous southern Sudanese Government.
The two sides are holding consultations over the judicial system that would handle the indicted LRA leaders at the moment.
The Ugandan government now wants to draft legislation to try the LRA.
Officials from the government peace team told reporters that a hybrid law is to be tabled before parliament to help the LRA rebels to escape the ICC.
A hybrid law comprising a Western model and (the tribal) Mato-Oput will be enacted.
"The law will help the LRA rebels escape the ICC. Parliament will enact the law after the outcome of the peace consultations," the head of the peace talks support committee, Ruth Nankabirwa, said.
Kordofan: Darfur Rebels Capture Army Base.
MISNA
29 August 2007
The Movement for Justice and Equality (JEM), one of the main rebel groups in Darfur, said that it has occupied a government military base, Wad Banda, normally used by some 1700 troops, in Kordofan Province. Sepaking to ‘Reuters’, the leader of JEM, Khalil Ibrahim, said that his men, along with others from SLA-Minnawi, attacked the base, located about 200 km. from the border with Darfur, as a reprisal for the recent bombardment led by government forces in South Darfur. Ibrahim, said: “We have prisoners and many vehicles...munitions and weapons. We have incurred small losses”.
29 August 2007
The Movement for Justice and Equality (JEM), one of the main rebel groups in Darfur, said that it has occupied a government military base, Wad Banda, normally used by some 1700 troops, in Kordofan Province. Sepaking to ‘Reuters’, the leader of JEM, Khalil Ibrahim, said that his men, along with others from SLA-Minnawi, attacked the base, located about 200 km. from the border with Darfur, as a reprisal for the recent bombardment led by government forces in South Darfur. Ibrahim, said: “We have prisoners and many vehicles...munitions and weapons. We have incurred small losses”.
North Kivu: Fighting Between Army and General Nkunda's Militia
MISNA
29 August 2007
Heavy fighting is underway since 48 hours in the Masisi area of North Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, between regular army forces and militants loyal to the pro-Rwandan dissident General Laurent Nkunda. As referred by MISNA sources in the area, the fighting is causing panic among the people in the entire area of Goma, capital of the province. Based on reports in circulation, the fighting is taking place along the Rubaya-Bihambwe road. The hostilities apparently erupted after the militia under General Nkunda – who faces an international arrest warrant for crimes committed in violent military campaigns in the past three years in Kivu – attacked a military barracks in Rubaya (around 60km north of Goma), forcing the soldiers to flee. For the moment there are no independent tolls, though sources close to General Nkunda speak of 4 soldiers killed in the fighting. The fighting was confirmed by the United Nations mission in DR-Congo (MONUC), which yesterday also confirmed that at least four soldiers were killed in an ambush by “men in uniform” in Malanda, in the Masisi Territory, 50km north-west of Goma.
Editor's Note: This fighting is going on in Masisi Territory, not Rutshuru Territory as usual. His men deserted the mixed brigades last week. Sources in the region say that those who left the mixed brigades in Rutshuru Territory crossed over into Rwanda and have been organizing into the ranks of demoblilized and regular RDF soldiers in small military camps in the northern forests. Regional sources have stated there has been a substantial military buildup in the former Ruhengeri and Gisenyi Prefectures over the last few weeks.
While talks are ongoing between all parties, Rwanda's position is very clear, either remove FOCA, or we will invade. DRC officials have agreed to resume miltary strikes on FOCA, but have refused to allow joint military operations with the RDF. In the meantime, while General Nkunda's men will rearm from the capture of the barracks and have strategic control over that axis, everyone should be warned that this tactic may also be a diversion just like he did in 2004. If MONUC and the FARDC pull soldiers from nearby to Masisi Territory to reinforce the area, Rutshuru Territory and the porous border region will be left undermanned, leaving an opening for those men to infiltrate and cause havoc.
29 August 2007
Heavy fighting is underway since 48 hours in the Masisi area of North Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, between regular army forces and militants loyal to the pro-Rwandan dissident General Laurent Nkunda. As referred by MISNA sources in the area, the fighting is causing panic among the people in the entire area of Goma, capital of the province. Based on reports in circulation, the fighting is taking place along the Rubaya-Bihambwe road. The hostilities apparently erupted after the militia under General Nkunda – who faces an international arrest warrant for crimes committed in violent military campaigns in the past three years in Kivu – attacked a military barracks in Rubaya (around 60km north of Goma), forcing the soldiers to flee. For the moment there are no independent tolls, though sources close to General Nkunda speak of 4 soldiers killed in the fighting. The fighting was confirmed by the United Nations mission in DR-Congo (MONUC), which yesterday also confirmed that at least four soldiers were killed in an ambush by “men in uniform” in Malanda, in the Masisi Territory, 50km north-west of Goma.
Editor's Note: This fighting is going on in Masisi Territory, not Rutshuru Territory as usual. His men deserted the mixed brigades last week. Sources in the region say that those who left the mixed brigades in Rutshuru Territory crossed over into Rwanda and have been organizing into the ranks of demoblilized and regular RDF soldiers in small military camps in the northern forests. Regional sources have stated there has been a substantial military buildup in the former Ruhengeri and Gisenyi Prefectures over the last few weeks.
While talks are ongoing between all parties, Rwanda's position is very clear, either remove FOCA, or we will invade. DRC officials have agreed to resume miltary strikes on FOCA, but have refused to allow joint military operations with the RDF. In the meantime, while General Nkunda's men will rearm from the capture of the barracks and have strategic control over that axis, everyone should be warned that this tactic may also be a diversion just like he did in 2004. If MONUC and the FARDC pull soldiers from nearby to Masisi Territory to reinforce the area, Rutshuru Territory and the porous border region will be left undermanned, leaving an opening for those men to infiltrate and cause havoc.
Humanitarian Crisis in the North: Nearly 300,000 Displaced.
MISNA
29 August 2007
Nearly 300,000 people were forced from their homes in almost two years of ongoing violence in the northern Central African Republic (CAR). This latest estimate was issued by the coordination of aid workers of the United Nations and Non-Governmental Organisations active in CAR, specifying that at least 291,000 civilians were forced to abandon their homes and live in dire conditions in the forests surrounding cities.
“Of these, 212,000 are internally displaced, while 79,000 have crossed borders into Chad, Cameroon and Sudan”, indicates a brief on the security situation in the first half of 2007 issued yesterday HDPT CAR|NET (Humanitarian and Development Partners| Central African Republic).
Last June the UN Security Council expressed “grave concern” over the “violation of human rights and international humanitarian law by armed groups and regular forces” in CAR. In the total disinterest of the international community, northern CAR (and particularly the north-west) for two years has been theatre to attacks and fighting involving armed gangs, rebel movements and government troops. The prime victims of the violence are the civilians, accused by all sides of supporting the opposite sides.
Based on UN statistics, in the northern districts each week an average of 450 children die from malnutrition, while the women are repeatedly victims of rape. Based on the latest report of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released in March, 250,000 people are exposed to a food emergency in northern CAR. More than 70% of the population lives under the poverty line and 68% of women and 46% of men are illiterate. The joint United Nations-European Union peace mission that may be deployed in CAR and Chad in the next months risks having little positive impact for the civil population, given that the French-led international contingent will have the main objective of securing the borders of the two countries with the western Sudanese region of Darfur, since February 2003 theatre to an internal conflict.
29 August 2007
Nearly 300,000 people were forced from their homes in almost two years of ongoing violence in the northern Central African Republic (CAR). This latest estimate was issued by the coordination of aid workers of the United Nations and Non-Governmental Organisations active in CAR, specifying that at least 291,000 civilians were forced to abandon their homes and live in dire conditions in the forests surrounding cities.
“Of these, 212,000 are internally displaced, while 79,000 have crossed borders into Chad, Cameroon and Sudan”, indicates a brief on the security situation in the first half of 2007 issued yesterday HDPT CAR|NET (Humanitarian and Development Partners| Central African Republic).
Last June the UN Security Council expressed “grave concern” over the “violation of human rights and international humanitarian law by armed groups and regular forces” in CAR. In the total disinterest of the international community, northern CAR (and particularly the north-west) for two years has been theatre to attacks and fighting involving armed gangs, rebel movements and government troops. The prime victims of the violence are the civilians, accused by all sides of supporting the opposite sides.
Based on UN statistics, in the northern districts each week an average of 450 children die from malnutrition, while the women are repeatedly victims of rape. Based on the latest report of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released in March, 250,000 people are exposed to a food emergency in northern CAR. More than 70% of the population lives under the poverty line and 68% of women and 46% of men are illiterate. The joint United Nations-European Union peace mission that may be deployed in CAR and Chad in the next months risks having little positive impact for the civil population, given that the French-led international contingent will have the main objective of securing the borders of the two countries with the western Sudanese region of Darfur, since February 2003 theatre to an internal conflict.
Gaza: Three Children Killed By Israeli Soldiers.
MISNA
29 August 2007
Editor's Note: This followed after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) raided Jabalya (West Bank) and Qalqilyah (Gaza Strip).
The number of children killed by Israeli soldiers in the refugee camps in Jabalya, in northern Gaza, has risen to three. Local medical sources aid the victims are Yahya Ramadan Ghazal, 12 years old and his cousin Mahmoud Moussa Ghazal, 10. They wer killed by artillery shells while playing near their house; another cousin, Sara Souleimane Ghazal, 9 years old died in the Kamal Adouane hospital in Beit Lahya this evening. The same sources said that a fourth child. From the same family, was wounded but in a less serious manner. Haaretz said that the Israeli soldiers had noted a Qassam missile launch ‘base’ where unidentified people around it. They opened fire in that general direction hitting the children who moved closer to the launch pad during while the shots were fired.
29 August 2007
Editor's Note: This followed after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) raided Jabalya (West Bank) and Qalqilyah (Gaza Strip).
The number of children killed by Israeli soldiers in the refugee camps in Jabalya, in northern Gaza, has risen to three. Local medical sources aid the victims are Yahya Ramadan Ghazal, 12 years old and his cousin Mahmoud Moussa Ghazal, 10. They wer killed by artillery shells while playing near their house; another cousin, Sara Souleimane Ghazal, 9 years old died in the Kamal Adouane hospital in Beit Lahya this evening. The same sources said that a fourth child. From the same family, was wounded but in a less serious manner. Haaretz said that the Israeli soldiers had noted a Qassam missile launch ‘base’ where unidentified people around it. They opened fire in that general direction hitting the children who moved closer to the launch pad during while the shots were fired.
Mogadishu: Clashes and Target Killings - 3 Dead.
MISNA
29 August 2007
Three people were killed overnight in escalating violence in the Somali capital Mogadishu. As learned by MISNA from local sources, a police officer was killed near the Lafweyne Hotel in Mogadishu by unknown gunmen who approached him and shot him dead with a pistol. Earlier, two Mullahs of the ‘Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamma’ group were killed by an armed commando in the neighbourhood of Abagade, in the Medina district in south-east Mogadishu. Based on a reconstruction of a relative, the assailants broke into their home repeatedly opening fire against the two, who died on the spot. Clashes and gunbattles between security forces and anti-government militants erupted overnight also in the Suqaholaha neighbourhood in northern Mogadishu, though for the moment there are no estimates on casualties.
29 August 2007
Three people were killed overnight in escalating violence in the Somali capital Mogadishu. As learned by MISNA from local sources, a police officer was killed near the Lafweyne Hotel in Mogadishu by unknown gunmen who approached him and shot him dead with a pistol. Earlier, two Mullahs of the ‘Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamma’ group were killed by an armed commando in the neighbourhood of Abagade, in the Medina district in south-east Mogadishu. Based on a reconstruction of a relative, the assailants broke into their home repeatedly opening fire against the two, who died on the spot. Clashes and gunbattles between security forces and anti-government militants erupted overnight also in the Suqaholaha neighbourhood in northern Mogadishu, though for the moment there are no estimates on casualties.
Reconciliation Conference: Hawiye-"No Tangible Results."
MISNA
29 August 2007
No tangible results are emerging from the Reconciliation Conference underway since mid July in Mogadishu. This is the negative judgement expressed today by elders of the Hawiye, the main clan of Mogadishu and largest of Somalia, in regard to the inter-Somali Reconciliation Conference that, at least in the intent of the international community, should lead to a solution to the political crisis in the nation. In a statement issued today – a synthesis of which published this morning by Somalia’s top Radio Shabelle – the elders claimed that the real objective of the Conference is to “confuse the civilians and not to reach a peace process unifying the Somali population”. A leader of the Hawiye elders council, Salad Barwaqo, recommended that the conference should be held out of the country or a safer place in order the Somalis to reconcile. Barwaqo reiterated that the daily violence and fighting in Somalia is politically motivated and therefore can only be overcome through a serious negotiation between the different groups of power, which in Somalia often coincide with the different clans.
29 August 2007
No tangible results are emerging from the Reconciliation Conference underway since mid July in Mogadishu. This is the negative judgement expressed today by elders of the Hawiye, the main clan of Mogadishu and largest of Somalia, in regard to the inter-Somali Reconciliation Conference that, at least in the intent of the international community, should lead to a solution to the political crisis in the nation. In a statement issued today – a synthesis of which published this morning by Somalia’s top Radio Shabelle – the elders claimed that the real objective of the Conference is to “confuse the civilians and not to reach a peace process unifying the Somali population”. A leader of the Hawiye elders council, Salad Barwaqo, recommended that the conference should be held out of the country or a safer place in order the Somalis to reconcile. Barwaqo reiterated that the daily violence and fighting in Somalia is politically motivated and therefore can only be overcome through a serious negotiation between the different groups of power, which in Somalia often coincide with the different clans.
Red Carpet Rolled Out for Equatorial Guinea Leader in Zimbabwe.
Mail & Guardian
29 August 2007
Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema jetted into the Zimbabwean capital on Tuesday to a red-carpet welcome at the start of an official visit, state television reported.
The president of the oil-rich Central African country was embraced warmly by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe as he stepped off his plane, television footage showed. He was given a 21-gun salute and inspected a guard of honour.
A band played the two countries' national anthems for thousands of cheering supporters of Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party, who were bussed into Harare International Airport to welcome the visiting leader.
Obiang is due to open Harare's annual agricultural show on Friday. The show -- designed to display the country's agricultural commodities and livestock -- is a key event on the national calendar.
But Zimbabwe's agricultural production, once the envy of most countries in the region, has been hard-hit by a controversial land-reform programme begun seven years ago.
Organisers dubbed the show's ambitious theme Our Task to Feed the Nation: Time for Innovation. It is being held only weeks after local officials admitted this year's maize yield would be the worst since 2000.
The United Nations World Food Programme estimates that up to four million Zimbabweans are likely to need food aid by next March.
Ties between Harare and Malabo, which used to be low-key, have strengthened since the Zimbabwean government captured a planeload of alleged mercenaries in 2004 said to be on their way to topple Obiang's government.
All of the alleged coup plotters have since been released except for Briton Simon Mann, who is in the process of appealing his deportation to Equatorial Guinea to face trial for treason.
Earlier this year, Mugabe said Malabo was providing his fuel-starved country with oil at what he described as favourable terms.
Editor's Note: President Mugabe is using Mr. Mann as a political tool to get oil from Obiang. Sources note he is willing to extradite Mr. Mann if President Obiang will trade him a sufficient amount of oil.
29 August 2007
Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema jetted into the Zimbabwean capital on Tuesday to a red-carpet welcome at the start of an official visit, state television reported.
The president of the oil-rich Central African country was embraced warmly by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe as he stepped off his plane, television footage showed. He was given a 21-gun salute and inspected a guard of honour.
A band played the two countries' national anthems for thousands of cheering supporters of Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party, who were bussed into Harare International Airport to welcome the visiting leader.
Obiang is due to open Harare's annual agricultural show on Friday. The show -- designed to display the country's agricultural commodities and livestock -- is a key event on the national calendar.
But Zimbabwe's agricultural production, once the envy of most countries in the region, has been hard-hit by a controversial land-reform programme begun seven years ago.
Organisers dubbed the show's ambitious theme Our Task to Feed the Nation: Time for Innovation. It is being held only weeks after local officials admitted this year's maize yield would be the worst since 2000.
The United Nations World Food Programme estimates that up to four million Zimbabweans are likely to need food aid by next March.
Ties between Harare and Malabo, which used to be low-key, have strengthened since the Zimbabwean government captured a planeload of alleged mercenaries in 2004 said to be on their way to topple Obiang's government.
All of the alleged coup plotters have since been released except for Briton Simon Mann, who is in the process of appealing his deportation to Equatorial Guinea to face trial for treason.
Earlier this year, Mugabe said Malabo was providing his fuel-starved country with oil at what he described as favourable terms.
Editor's Note: President Mugabe is using Mr. Mann as a political tool to get oil from Obiang. Sources note he is willing to extradite Mr. Mann if President Obiang will trade him a sufficient amount of oil.
Appeal Chamber Limits the Number of Kanyabashi's Witnesses.
Hirondelle News Agency
28 August 2007
The appeal chamber confirmed the decision of the chamber to limit the number of witnesses for the defence of Joseph Kanyabashi, the former mayor of Ngoma (prefecture of Butare) currently on trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
This unusual decision has surprised the defence ranks in this trial known as "Butare" where six important officials of the region are on trial; a minister, her son, two prefects and two mayors including Kanyabashi. He is the last defendant to present his defence, which he started a week ago.
The number of witness was limited to 30. His lawyer Michel Marchand (Canada) had asked to call 60 witnesses. According to him the number of charges which are aimed at Kanyabashi justifies this number of witnesses. The prosecutor for his part called 59 witnesses.
Among the defendants who have already presented their cases, Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, former Minister for the Family and Women's Development, called 26 witnesses, her son, Shalom Ntahobali, 25, Sylvain Nsabimana, 12 and Alphonse Nteziryayo, 24. The court, which seeks to end the proceeding by the beginning of 2008, argued repetitive testimonies whereas the Kanyabashi's counsel estimates that, on the contrary, the case of his client is completely different from that of the principal accused.
The Butare trial started more than six years ago. The prosecutor's case lasted three years and a half. The defence has been presenting their cases since 31 January 2005. The majority of the defendants have been in custody for more than 10 years.
28 August 2007
The appeal chamber confirmed the decision of the chamber to limit the number of witnesses for the defence of Joseph Kanyabashi, the former mayor of Ngoma (prefecture of Butare) currently on trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
This unusual decision has surprised the defence ranks in this trial known as "Butare" where six important officials of the region are on trial; a minister, her son, two prefects and two mayors including Kanyabashi. He is the last defendant to present his defence, which he started a week ago.
The number of witness was limited to 30. His lawyer Michel Marchand (Canada) had asked to call 60 witnesses. According to him the number of charges which are aimed at Kanyabashi justifies this number of witnesses. The prosecutor for his part called 59 witnesses.
Among the defendants who have already presented their cases, Pauline Nyiramasuhuko, former Minister for the Family and Women's Development, called 26 witnesses, her son, Shalom Ntahobali, 25, Sylvain Nsabimana, 12 and Alphonse Nteziryayo, 24. The court, which seeks to end the proceeding by the beginning of 2008, argued repetitive testimonies whereas the Kanyabashi's counsel estimates that, on the contrary, the case of his client is completely different from that of the principal accused.
The Butare trial started more than six years ago. The prosecutor's case lasted three years and a half. The defence has been presenting their cases since 31 January 2005. The majority of the defendants have been in custody for more than 10 years.
Canada to Expel Sudanese Diplomat As Response.
Reuters
29 August 2007
Canada will expel a Sudanese diplomat in response to Khartoum's decision last week to kick out the Canadian charge d'affaires, Ottawa said on Wednesday.
Nuala Lawlor and the European Union's ambassador were ordered out for allegedly interfering in Sudan's internal affairs. Khartoum said the diplomats had sent letters to the heads of Sudan's security and intelligence services about the detention of a prominent opposition politician.
"Canada considers the expulsion of our charge d'affaires to be entirely unjustified," Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier said in a statement.
"Wherever they are posted, Canada's diplomats will continue to work to uphold Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law," he added. The Sudanese diplomat will be expelled this Saturday.
Khartoum later backed down and allowed the EU ambassador to stay until his tenure runs out next month after the union apologised. Bernier said earlier this week he would not follow suit.
Sudan has regularly been criticised for its counter-insurgency campaign in the western Darfur region. Canada is a major donor of aid to Sudan.
29 August 2007
Canada will expel a Sudanese diplomat in response to Khartoum's decision last week to kick out the Canadian charge d'affaires, Ottawa said on Wednesday.
Nuala Lawlor and the European Union's ambassador were ordered out for allegedly interfering in Sudan's internal affairs. Khartoum said the diplomats had sent letters to the heads of Sudan's security and intelligence services about the detention of a prominent opposition politician.
"Canada considers the expulsion of our charge d'affaires to be entirely unjustified," Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier said in a statement.
"Wherever they are posted, Canada's diplomats will continue to work to uphold Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law," he added. The Sudanese diplomat will be expelled this Saturday.
Khartoum later backed down and allowed the EU ambassador to stay until his tenure runs out next month after the union apologised. Bernier said earlier this week he would not follow suit.
Sudan has regularly been criticised for its counter-insurgency campaign in the western Darfur region. Canada is a major donor of aid to Sudan.
Darfur Rebel Group Seizes Sudanese Army Base
Reuters
Opheera McDoom
29 August 2007
A Darfur rebel group said it seized control of a Sudanese army base in neighbouring Kordofan province on Wednesday.
Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader Khalil Ibrahim told Reuters his forces and the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) Unity faction attacked the army base, some 200 kms (125 miles) from the border with Darfur and held by 1,700 soldiers.
Ibrahim said the attack was in retaliation for government attacks and bombardments in their areas in South Darfur state.
The attack will hinder peace talks due to begin in October. Previous similar attacks have provoked strong retaliation by the army during Darfur's 4-1/2 year conflict.
"This afternoon the JEM branch in North Kordofan and SLA Unity took Wad Banda, a strong army base," he said. A brigade of 1,200 soldiers and 500 central reserve police, a government militia, were based there and had fled the barracks.
"We have prisoners and have taken many vehicles... and ammunitions and weapons. We have small losses and injuries ourselves," he said.
Many rebels groups and commanders agreed a common negotiating platform earlier this month, and agreed to a truce if the government also agreed.
Both sides accuse the other of starting ongoing clashes in South Darfur state. JEM said it had downed a plane that had been bombing the area.
RESOLUTION VIOLATED
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on Tuesday condemned the bombing as in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution.
A struggling African Union peacekeeping force cannot protect itself and has declared the area no-go because of clashes.
A joint U.N.-AU 26,000-strong peacekeeping mission will take over from the AU. British parliamentarians said they needed to use force if confronted to deter violence in Darfur.
"If they are seriously challenged they will have to respond ... it has to be with force," said Liberal Democrat parliamentarian Susan Kramer.
"The hybrid force will have to show that it's utterly determined and show that it will not tolerate attacks on the force or attacks on vulnerable people."
Mostly non-Arab rebels took up arms in early 2003 accusing central government of marginalising the remote west. Khartoum mobilised militias to quell the revolt.
Darfur's conflict has spread across borders to Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Presidents from both nations have accused Sudan of supporting rebels trying to overthrow their governments.
Late on Tuesday, CAR President Francois Bozize visited Khartoum in an apparent rapprochement.
"It's not in the interests of Sudan to disrupt the stability and security in your country or in any other country," said Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir after the talks.
"We are totally convinced that we can bilaterally ensure a successful security and stability situation in the area more than any foreign forces," Bashir said.
A European Union force has been suggested to patrol the Chad-CAR-Sudan border to prevent cross-border attacks by armed groups.
(Additional reporting by Abigail Hauslohner)
Opheera McDoom
29 August 2007
A Darfur rebel group said it seized control of a Sudanese army base in neighbouring Kordofan province on Wednesday.
Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader Khalil Ibrahim told Reuters his forces and the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) Unity faction attacked the army base, some 200 kms (125 miles) from the border with Darfur and held by 1,700 soldiers.
Ibrahim said the attack was in retaliation for government attacks and bombardments in their areas in South Darfur state.
The attack will hinder peace talks due to begin in October. Previous similar attacks have provoked strong retaliation by the army during Darfur's 4-1/2 year conflict.
"This afternoon the JEM branch in North Kordofan and SLA Unity took Wad Banda, a strong army base," he said. A brigade of 1,200 soldiers and 500 central reserve police, a government militia, were based there and had fled the barracks.
"We have prisoners and have taken many vehicles... and ammunitions and weapons. We have small losses and injuries ourselves," he said.
Many rebels groups and commanders agreed a common negotiating platform earlier this month, and agreed to a truce if the government also agreed.
Both sides accuse the other of starting ongoing clashes in South Darfur state. JEM said it had downed a plane that had been bombing the area.
RESOLUTION VIOLATED
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on Tuesday condemned the bombing as in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution.
A struggling African Union peacekeeping force cannot protect itself and has declared the area no-go because of clashes.
A joint U.N.-AU 26,000-strong peacekeeping mission will take over from the AU. British parliamentarians said they needed to use force if confronted to deter violence in Darfur.
"If they are seriously challenged they will have to respond ... it has to be with force," said Liberal Democrat parliamentarian Susan Kramer.
"The hybrid force will have to show that it's utterly determined and show that it will not tolerate attacks on the force or attacks on vulnerable people."
Mostly non-Arab rebels took up arms in early 2003 accusing central government of marginalising the remote west. Khartoum mobilised militias to quell the revolt.
Darfur's conflict has spread across borders to Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR). Presidents from both nations have accused Sudan of supporting rebels trying to overthrow their governments.
Late on Tuesday, CAR President Francois Bozize visited Khartoum in an apparent rapprochement.
"It's not in the interests of Sudan to disrupt the stability and security in your country or in any other country," said Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir after the talks.
"We are totally convinced that we can bilaterally ensure a successful security and stability situation in the area more than any foreign forces," Bashir said.
A European Union force has been suggested to patrol the Chad-CAR-Sudan border to prevent cross-border attacks by armed groups.
(Additional reporting by Abigail Hauslohner)
29 August, 2007
Carla Del Pointe Will Become an Ambassador in Argentina
Hirondelle News Agency
28 August 2007
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Carla del Ponte, who had also been the prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) until 2003, will go to Argentina next January, as ambassador of Switzerland, announced on 23 August the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bern.
The mandate of Carla del Ponte would have theoretically ended on September 15 but she announced on 27 June, at a meeting of the Council of Europe, that she was accepting, at the request of the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, to remain at the head of the ICTY prosecution until December 2007. This extension, which has not yet been approved by the Security Council, aims at making it possible for the Belgian lawyer Serge Brammertz to succeed Carla del Ponte.
He has been, since January 2006, head of the international inquiry commission set up following the attack perpetrated in February 2005 against the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafic Hariri; the mandate of Serge Brammertz runs until December 2007. At the ICTY, as in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the announcement of this possible succession involved a certain worry. Many fear an absence of follow-up of the cases, and the arrival of a candidate who knows "neither the Balkans, nor the wheels of the tribunal". The current assistant of Carla del Ponte, American David Tolbert, had been up to now anticipated as her replacement.
Former federal prosecutor of Belgium, Serge Brammertz had been elected in September 2003 assistant prosecutor in charge of investigations at the International Criminal Court (ICC) before joining the inquiry commission into Lebanon. The future prosecutor will have to ensure the closing of the tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and, notably, the possibility of setting up mechanisms which will allow to try defendants, including the last four fugitives, beyond the end date of 2010 imposed by the United Nations.
Carla del Ponte had succeeded the Canadian Louise Arbour in September 1999 as Attorney General of the two ad hoc tribunals, for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. But in August 2003, after an intense struggle with the Rwandan authorities, the Swiss woman was dismissed of her mandate as head of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) due to, in particular, her well-known willingness to continue investigations against former members of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).
Kigali, which was steadfastly opposed to the intentions of the prosecutor, had obtained from the Security Council, 28 August 2003, the designation of a specific prosecutor for the ICTR. Carla del Ponte was pushed aside, but New York took note of the investigations in progress and required that states cooperate with the tribunal, "in particular at the time of the investigations concerning the Rwandan Patriotic Army". Sixteen months before the closure of the ICTR, the successor of Carla del Ponte, Mr. Hassan Jallow, has not yet delivered his opinion on possible prosecution against the RPF.
28 August 2007
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Carla del Ponte, who had also been the prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) until 2003, will go to Argentina next January, as ambassador of Switzerland, announced on 23 August the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bern.
The mandate of Carla del Ponte would have theoretically ended on September 15 but she announced on 27 June, at a meeting of the Council of Europe, that she was accepting, at the request of the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, to remain at the head of the ICTY prosecution until December 2007. This extension, which has not yet been approved by the Security Council, aims at making it possible for the Belgian lawyer Serge Brammertz to succeed Carla del Ponte.
He has been, since January 2006, head of the international inquiry commission set up following the attack perpetrated in February 2005 against the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafic Hariri; the mandate of Serge Brammertz runs until December 2007. At the ICTY, as in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the announcement of this possible succession involved a certain worry. Many fear an absence of follow-up of the cases, and the arrival of a candidate who knows "neither the Balkans, nor the wheels of the tribunal". The current assistant of Carla del Ponte, American David Tolbert, had been up to now anticipated as her replacement.
Former federal prosecutor of Belgium, Serge Brammertz had been elected in September 2003 assistant prosecutor in charge of investigations at the International Criminal Court (ICC) before joining the inquiry commission into Lebanon. The future prosecutor will have to ensure the closing of the tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and, notably, the possibility of setting up mechanisms which will allow to try defendants, including the last four fugitives, beyond the end date of 2010 imposed by the United Nations.
Carla del Ponte had succeeded the Canadian Louise Arbour in September 1999 as Attorney General of the two ad hoc tribunals, for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. But in August 2003, after an intense struggle with the Rwandan authorities, the Swiss woman was dismissed of her mandate as head of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) due to, in particular, her well-known willingness to continue investigations against former members of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA).
Kigali, which was steadfastly opposed to the intentions of the prosecutor, had obtained from the Security Council, 28 August 2003, the designation of a specific prosecutor for the ICTR. Carla del Ponte was pushed aside, but New York took note of the investigations in progress and required that states cooperate with the tribunal, "in particular at the time of the investigations concerning the Rwandan Patriotic Army". Sixteen months before the closure of the ICTR, the successor of Carla del Ponte, Mr. Hassan Jallow, has not yet delivered his opinion on possible prosecution against the RPF.
Rwandan Editor Faces "Dubious" Rape Charges.
Afrol News
29 August 2007
A Rwandan newspaper editor, Gérard Manzi, has been held for a week over dubious rape charges. The editor of the privately-owned weekly ’Umuseso’ was charged with raping an unidentified young girl, despite having a defence supported by many witnesses.
"The charges brought against Manzi are so improbable that it seems a crude attempt was made to frame him," the Paris-based press freedom watchdog Reporters sans frontières (RSF) reacted.
"He has been held for the past week without being brought face-to-face with his accuser or shown the official report of her interrogation. Under the most basic rules of justice, suspects must be allowed the right to defend themselves. This is clearly not the case here."
RSF called on Rwandan authorities to explain why Manzi has been held since 22 August on dubious charges.
He was arrested at a bus station by police and employees of a private security company Agespro at night when he was going home after a drink with friends at Arada bar in Cachoeira in the capital Kigali. He was arrested alongside a female minor who he had found alone at the bus station.
Manzi was taken to the Remora police station where he was interrogated the following morning before being accused of rape. He denied the charge and asked to be brought face-to-face with the young girl. The police said this was impossible because they no longer had any way of contacting the victim.
Rwandan police accused Manzi of spending the day with the young girl, who they say is a member of his family. But they were proven wrong because his friends said he had spent the afternoon at the Amahoro stadium to cover a football match. He has denied any family kinship with the girl, as he had never seen her before.
The police are yet to question the witnesses who confirmed the presence of Manzi at the stadium and the evening in a bar. But his lawyer said he would submit the signed statements of the witnesses at the prosecutor’s office today. He brims "confidence" that Manzi would be released soon.
"These are trumped-up charges," Umuseso publisher Charles Kabonero told RSF. "After failing to silence us by attacking us over our articles, the government is trying to discredit us by trapping us one by one in common-law criminal cases," he said.
‘Umuseso’ is one of the few Rwandan independent publications known for being outspoken. The paper and its staff have been repeatedly harassed with lawsuits by the authorities, forcing several of its journalists into exile.
29 August 2007
A Rwandan newspaper editor, Gérard Manzi, has been held for a week over dubious rape charges. The editor of the privately-owned weekly ’Umuseso’ was charged with raping an unidentified young girl, despite having a defence supported by many witnesses.
"The charges brought against Manzi are so improbable that it seems a crude attempt was made to frame him," the Paris-based press freedom watchdog Reporters sans frontières (RSF) reacted.
"He has been held for the past week without being brought face-to-face with his accuser or shown the official report of her interrogation. Under the most basic rules of justice, suspects must be allowed the right to defend themselves. This is clearly not the case here."
RSF called on Rwandan authorities to explain why Manzi has been held since 22 August on dubious charges.
He was arrested at a bus station by police and employees of a private security company Agespro at night when he was going home after a drink with friends at Arada bar in Cachoeira in the capital Kigali. He was arrested alongside a female minor who he had found alone at the bus station.
Manzi was taken to the Remora police station where he was interrogated the following morning before being accused of rape. He denied the charge and asked to be brought face-to-face with the young girl. The police said this was impossible because they no longer had any way of contacting the victim.
Rwandan police accused Manzi of spending the day with the young girl, who they say is a member of his family. But they were proven wrong because his friends said he had spent the afternoon at the Amahoro stadium to cover a football match. He has denied any family kinship with the girl, as he had never seen her before.
The police are yet to question the witnesses who confirmed the presence of Manzi at the stadium and the evening in a bar. But his lawyer said he would submit the signed statements of the witnesses at the prosecutor’s office today. He brims "confidence" that Manzi would be released soon.
"These are trumped-up charges," Umuseso publisher Charles Kabonero told RSF. "After failing to silence us by attacking us over our articles, the government is trying to discredit us by trapping us one by one in common-law criminal cases," he said.
‘Umuseso’ is one of the few Rwandan independent publications known for being outspoken. The paper and its staff have been repeatedly harassed with lawsuits by the authorities, forcing several of its journalists into exile.
28 August, 2007
Ethiopia Orders Norwegian Diplomats to Leave.
Sudan Tribune
28 August 2007
Ethiopia has ordered six Norwegian diplomats to leave the country by Sept. 15, expressing "dissatisfaction" with Norway’s conduct in the Horn of Africa region, the Norwegian foreign affairs minister said Monday.
"We are surprised and regret the Ethiopian authorities’ unilateral decision," Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said in a statement posted on the ministry’s Web site.
Norway had urged Ethiopia to reconsider its decision, but Ethiopia had maintained its position and so six Norwegian diplomats would be leaving, the statement added.
"This sharp reduction in staffing means that we may not be able to maintain our development cooperation with Ethiopia at the current level," Stoere added. "We regret the impact this will have on our partners."
Junior foreign minister Raymond Johansen told AFP: "The Ethiopian decision was passed to us on August 15 in a totally unexpected manner."
Ethiopia had accused Norway of trying to promote the interests of its enemy Eritrea in the course of its mediation work to bring about peace in the region, said Johansen.
In particular they raised Norway’s contacts with Eritrea in the course of its efforts to work end the conflicts in Somalia and Sudan, he added.
The Norwegian foreign ministry statement however said that the expulsion of the diplomats didn’t "imply" a break in diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.
Norway’s embassy in Ethiopia is also responsible for relations with the African Union, which has its headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Addis Ababa is seen to be wary of Norway’s backing of Asmara, which supports some rebel groups in Somalia and Sudan. Oslo actively backed Asmara during its liberation struggle.
Somalia and Ethiopia allege that Eritrea is trying to destabilize the interim government in Somalia by arming insurgents who have staged some of the worst fighting in the capital Mogadishu in more than a decade.
Asmara denies the charge and in turn says Ethiopia is guilty of breaking international law by "invading" Somalia and interfering with the country’s right to chose its own leaders.
28 August 2007
Ethiopia has ordered six Norwegian diplomats to leave the country by Sept. 15, expressing "dissatisfaction" with Norway’s conduct in the Horn of Africa region, the Norwegian foreign affairs minister said Monday.
"We are surprised and regret the Ethiopian authorities’ unilateral decision," Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said in a statement posted on the ministry’s Web site.
Norway had urged Ethiopia to reconsider its decision, but Ethiopia had maintained its position and so six Norwegian diplomats would be leaving, the statement added.
"This sharp reduction in staffing means that we may not be able to maintain our development cooperation with Ethiopia at the current level," Stoere added. "We regret the impact this will have on our partners."
Junior foreign minister Raymond Johansen told AFP: "The Ethiopian decision was passed to us on August 15 in a totally unexpected manner."
Ethiopia had accused Norway of trying to promote the interests of its enemy Eritrea in the course of its mediation work to bring about peace in the region, said Johansen.
In particular they raised Norway’s contacts with Eritrea in the course of its efforts to work end the conflicts in Somalia and Sudan, he added.
The Norwegian foreign ministry statement however said that the expulsion of the diplomats didn’t "imply" a break in diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.
Norway’s embassy in Ethiopia is also responsible for relations with the African Union, which has its headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Addis Ababa is seen to be wary of Norway’s backing of Asmara, which supports some rebel groups in Somalia and Sudan. Oslo actively backed Asmara during its liberation struggle.
Somalia and Ethiopia allege that Eritrea is trying to destabilize the interim government in Somalia by arming insurgents who have staged some of the worst fighting in the capital Mogadishu in more than a decade.
Asmara denies the charge and in turn says Ethiopia is guilty of breaking international law by "invading" Somalia and interfering with the country’s right to chose its own leaders.
Climate of Insecurity Aggravated by Government’s Support to FNL Rebels.
Burundi Realites
27 August 2007
Two persons were shot dead in Kinama on 26 August 2007. This incident was committed in Ngozi quarter when a pub called ‚Miami Beach“ was targeted by unidentified armed people.
The victims include a lady and a boy who were nearby the pub. Many items were also looted from those who were in the pub. Kinama commune is still considered as home to many FNL combatants. Although the curfew has been lifted this commune is still unsafe for nocturne visits.
This climate of insecurity is aggravated by the presence of FNL-PALIPEHUTU dissidents who are materialistically and financially supported by the Government in the nearby commune of Buterere. The intended purpose of the support to these rebels by the government is to weaken Rwasa’s movement by isolating him from his loyal combatants.
Rwasa’s Palipehutu-FNL is looking for other talks to revive the September 7th 2006 cease fire implementation which has often been put off due to broken promises made by the President shortly after the agreement between the two warring sides was signed
The upsurge of violence in pubs occurs when investigations carried by the police have been unable to pinpoint a gang that targeted many pubs in the northern quarters of Bujumbura making many victims last year. Violence that has escalated in parts of Burundi makes many roads unsafe.
27 August 2007
Two persons were shot dead in Kinama on 26 August 2007. This incident was committed in Ngozi quarter when a pub called ‚Miami Beach“ was targeted by unidentified armed people.
The victims include a lady and a boy who were nearby the pub. Many items were also looted from those who were in the pub. Kinama commune is still considered as home to many FNL combatants. Although the curfew has been lifted this commune is still unsafe for nocturne visits.
This climate of insecurity is aggravated by the presence of FNL-PALIPEHUTU dissidents who are materialistically and financially supported by the Government in the nearby commune of Buterere. The intended purpose of the support to these rebels by the government is to weaken Rwasa’s movement by isolating him from his loyal combatants.
Rwasa’s Palipehutu-FNL is looking for other talks to revive the September 7th 2006 cease fire implementation which has often been put off due to broken promises made by the President shortly after the agreement between the two warring sides was signed
The upsurge of violence in pubs occurs when investigations carried by the police have been unable to pinpoint a gang that targeted many pubs in the northern quarters of Bujumbura making many victims last year. Violence that has escalated in parts of Burundi makes many roads unsafe.
Oil Search Starts in Murchison Falls Park.
The New Vision
By Gerald Tenywa and Emmy Olaki
27 August 2007
Oil exploration work has started in Murchison Falls National Park. The Canadian-based Heritage Oil and Gas, whose exploration area covers part of the Victoria Nile delta and the Albertan Nile Pakwach basin, has begun seismic surveys that extend into the park. It is a shared operation with the Irish company, Tullow Oil.
According to park officials, the exploration area covers one-quarter of the northern part of the park, which is endowed with endangered wildlife species and rare bird species. It also covers one-third of the southern part of the park.
“There are indications that Murchison Falls National Park and parts of Lake Albert have oil but we need more time and surveys to establish the quantities,” Elly Karuhanga, the president of Tullow Oil Uganda, told The New Vision.
The move is likely to spark off another heated debate between economic players and conservationists.
Murchison Falls National Park, plus the Nile Delta area stretching from the falls to the confluence with Lake Albert, has recently been designated as an internationally protected Ramsar wetland site. In addition, the area has been proposed as a World Heritage site.
But Heritage Oil says it has taken all necessary precautions to protect the wildlife. “We have done an environmental impact assessment for the seismic surveys. We shall do another one before we start drilling,” said official Brian Westwood.
He assured that drilling would only take place in the part of the block outside the park. “There will be no wells in the park. A special committee will oversee the environmental impact of any drilling.”
The committee, he added, would consist of representatives of NEMA, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the National Forestry Authority, Fisheries, two NGOs and the petroleum partners.
“We are not taking any risks because we are aware this is a world heritage site,” Westwood said.
However, park wardens are worried about the presence of the large number of oil workers moving up and down the park.
“The noise of the automobiles and the teams from the oil companies scare away the animals,” Stonewall Kato, the senior warden in charge of community conservation, told The New Vision.
“In addition, we have recorded at least four dead antelopes as a result of over-speeding to date.”
The environmental impact of the oil exploration in the park was discussed during a meeting organised by the Leadership for Conservation Africa in Paara on Saturday.
“Park authorities are supposed to monitor the conditions spelt out in the environmental impact assessment studies,” commented Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, the director of NEMA, who participated in the meeting.
“No one has raised the issue of animals being knocked by cars with us. But the Uganda Wildlife Authority has the mandate to stop this malpractice.”
He assured that environmental concerns had been taken care in the assessment studies, which had recommended measures on how to mitigate the negative impact.
By Gerald Tenywa and Emmy Olaki
27 August 2007
Oil exploration work has started in Murchison Falls National Park. The Canadian-based Heritage Oil and Gas, whose exploration area covers part of the Victoria Nile delta and the Albertan Nile Pakwach basin, has begun seismic surveys that extend into the park. It is a shared operation with the Irish company, Tullow Oil.
According to park officials, the exploration area covers one-quarter of the northern part of the park, which is endowed with endangered wildlife species and rare bird species. It also covers one-third of the southern part of the park.
“There are indications that Murchison Falls National Park and parts of Lake Albert have oil but we need more time and surveys to establish the quantities,” Elly Karuhanga, the president of Tullow Oil Uganda, told The New Vision.
The move is likely to spark off another heated debate between economic players and conservationists.
Murchison Falls National Park, plus the Nile Delta area stretching from the falls to the confluence with Lake Albert, has recently been designated as an internationally protected Ramsar wetland site. In addition, the area has been proposed as a World Heritage site.
But Heritage Oil says it has taken all necessary precautions to protect the wildlife. “We have done an environmental impact assessment for the seismic surveys. We shall do another one before we start drilling,” said official Brian Westwood.
He assured that drilling would only take place in the part of the block outside the park. “There will be no wells in the park. A special committee will oversee the environmental impact of any drilling.”
The committee, he added, would consist of representatives of NEMA, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the National Forestry Authority, Fisheries, two NGOs and the petroleum partners.
“We are not taking any risks because we are aware this is a world heritage site,” Westwood said.
However, park wardens are worried about the presence of the large number of oil workers moving up and down the park.
“The noise of the automobiles and the teams from the oil companies scare away the animals,” Stonewall Kato, the senior warden in charge of community conservation, told The New Vision.
“In addition, we have recorded at least four dead antelopes as a result of over-speeding to date.”
The environmental impact of the oil exploration in the park was discussed during a meeting organised by the Leadership for Conservation Africa in Paara on Saturday.
“Park authorities are supposed to monitor the conditions spelt out in the environmental impact assessment studies,” commented Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, the director of NEMA, who participated in the meeting.
“No one has raised the issue of animals being knocked by cars with us. But the Uganda Wildlife Authority has the mandate to stop this malpractice.”
He assured that environmental concerns had been taken care in the assessment studies, which had recommended measures on how to mitigate the negative impact.
Norway Diplomats Expelled from Ethiopia.
News 24
27 August 2007
Ethiopia has asked Norway to remove six diplomats from its territory because of "dissatisfaction" with the Scandinavian country's policies in the Horn of Africa, Norway's foreign ministry said on Monday.
27 August 2007
Ethiopia has asked Norway to remove six diplomats from its territory because of "dissatisfaction" with the Scandinavian country's policies in the Horn of Africa, Norway's foreign ministry said on Monday.
27 August, 2007
Soldiers Abducted, Twareg Dissident Back in Action
27 August 2007
MISNA
Editor's Note: Don't forget the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline is going to run north-south through Niger, not to mention uranium interests....
A group of Malian soldiers were abducted yesterday along the border with Niger, as announced by Mali’s armed forces. According to the same source, unidentified gunmen yesterday seized an army patrol that was escorting technicians engaged in contrasting locust migrations. Based on first reports, at the town of Tegarérte (180km south of Kidal, capital of the homonymous northern Malian region) the assailants surrounded the 23 soldiers and took them away without encountering resistance. Eight were freed a few kilometres away. The gunmen then apparently fled in direction of the border with Niger with the remaining 15 hostages.
Security officials quoted by the international press attributed the attack to Ibrahim Ag Bahanga, a dissident Tuareg rebel (who didn’t recognise the accords signed last year between the government and Tuareg rebellion) active in the border zone. Last Mau Bahanga’s men launched a violent attack against a police station in the Tinza area (known also as Tinzawaten or Tinzaouatène) north of Kidal, leaving over a dozen dead and 20 wounded. According to the local press, Bahanga is backed by the rebels of the MNJ (Niger Movement for Justice), the anti-government Tuareg movement active in northern Niger.
MISNA
Editor's Note: Don't forget the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline is going to run north-south through Niger, not to mention uranium interests....
A group of Malian soldiers were abducted yesterday along the border with Niger, as announced by Mali’s armed forces. According to the same source, unidentified gunmen yesterday seized an army patrol that was escorting technicians engaged in contrasting locust migrations. Based on first reports, at the town of Tegarérte (180km south of Kidal, capital of the homonymous northern Malian region) the assailants surrounded the 23 soldiers and took them away without encountering resistance. Eight were freed a few kilometres away. The gunmen then apparently fled in direction of the border with Niger with the remaining 15 hostages.
Security officials quoted by the international press attributed the attack to Ibrahim Ag Bahanga, a dissident Tuareg rebel (who didn’t recognise the accords signed last year between the government and Tuareg rebellion) active in the border zone. Last Mau Bahanga’s men launched a violent attack against a police station in the Tinza area (known also as Tinzawaten or Tinzaouatène) north of Kidal, leaving over a dozen dead and 20 wounded. According to the local press, Bahanga is backed by the rebels of the MNJ (Niger Movement for Justice), the anti-government Tuareg movement active in northern Niger.
Activist Lobbying Against Ethiopia Secret Prisons Missing
27 August 2007
MISNA
Editor's Note: Keep in mind these are the CIA's secret 'terrorist' detention camps in the Horn of Africa, part of the network that was used to ferry Al-Qaeda suspects around the world for illegal detention, often before transfer to Guantanamo Bay.
A human rights group reported the disappearance of Farah Mohammed Abdullahi, 26, a Muslim Kenyan national who in the past months headed a campaign launched in Kenya by some top humanitarian organisations to denounce the disappearance or arrest of dozens of people (Kenyan or Somali) accused of being members or supporters of the Islamic Courts, detained for months in secret prisons probably in Ethiopia. The denouncement was made by the Muslim Human Rights Forum (MHRF), specifying that he has been missing for a week. The chairman of the group, Ali-Amin Kimathi, said that Farah was abducted because he managed to enter in contact with his brother in a detention centre and intended to tell about his experience. We fear that he might end up in Ethiopia prisons like his brother. We believe he was abducted by the Kenyan anti-terrorism police unit, because the nature of his disappearance is typical with the operation of the unit”, said Ali-Amin Kimathi.
MISNA
Editor's Note: Keep in mind these are the CIA's secret 'terrorist' detention camps in the Horn of Africa, part of the network that was used to ferry Al-Qaeda suspects around the world for illegal detention, often before transfer to Guantanamo Bay.
A human rights group reported the disappearance of Farah Mohammed Abdullahi, 26, a Muslim Kenyan national who in the past months headed a campaign launched in Kenya by some top humanitarian organisations to denounce the disappearance or arrest of dozens of people (Kenyan or Somali) accused of being members or supporters of the Islamic Courts, detained for months in secret prisons probably in Ethiopia. The denouncement was made by the Muslim Human Rights Forum (MHRF), specifying that he has been missing for a week. The chairman of the group, Ali-Amin Kimathi, said that Farah was abducted because he managed to enter in contact with his brother in a detention centre and intended to tell about his experience. We fear that he might end up in Ethiopia prisons like his brother. We believe he was abducted by the Kenyan anti-terrorism police unit, because the nature of his disappearance is typical with the operation of the unit”, said Ali-Amin Kimathi.
Directory of CARE Charity Expelled
27 August 2007
MISNA
The Humanitarian Aid Commission of the Sudanese government ordered the regional director for Sudan of the ‘Care’ Non-Governmental Organisation to leave the country within 72 hours. As reported by the Sudan Vision newspaper, the order specified that any delay in the departure of Paul Parker, the US national who directs Care in Sudan may subject him to legal measures pursuant to Sudanese immigration laws. According to the paper, Parker’s expulsion was linked to allegations of his meddling into internal political and security affairs that have no connection with his mission as a country manager for voluntary humanitarian work. The paper reports that the main contestations relate to messages to the Care office in Khartoum from Darfur stating that he expected conditions in Darfur region to deteriorate substantially. Another two western diplomats received expulsion orders in the past days for alleged interference in internal Sudanese affairs: the Canadian charge d’affaires and European Union ambassador to Khartoum. Following talks between European and Sudanese officials, with the formal apology of Brussels, the expulsion order for the EU representative was withdrawn. Canada instead continues to condemn the expulsion of its diplomat by Khartoum.
MISNA
The Humanitarian Aid Commission of the Sudanese government ordered the regional director for Sudan of the ‘Care’ Non-Governmental Organisation to leave the country within 72 hours. As reported by the Sudan Vision newspaper, the order specified that any delay in the departure of Paul Parker, the US national who directs Care in Sudan may subject him to legal measures pursuant to Sudanese immigration laws. According to the paper, Parker’s expulsion was linked to allegations of his meddling into internal political and security affairs that have no connection with his mission as a country manager for voluntary humanitarian work. The paper reports that the main contestations relate to messages to the Care office in Khartoum from Darfur stating that he expected conditions in Darfur region to deteriorate substantially. Another two western diplomats received expulsion orders in the past days for alleged interference in internal Sudanese affairs: the Canadian charge d’affaires and European Union ambassador to Khartoum. Following talks between European and Sudanese officials, with the formal apology of Brussels, the expulsion order for the EU representative was withdrawn. Canada instead continues to condemn the expulsion of its diplomat by Khartoum.
Officials say Gonzales has Resigned.
Associated Press
Jennifer Loven, Lara Jakes Jordan
27 August 2007
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned, officials said Monday, ending a monthslong standoff with critics who questioned his honesty and competence at the helm of the Justice Department.
Republicans and Democrats alike had demanded his resignation over the botched handling of FBI terror investigations and the firings of U.S. attorneys, but President Bush had defiantly stood by his Texas friend until accepting his resignation Friday, according to senior administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Justice Department planned a news conference for 10:30 a.m. EDT, in Washington. Bush planned to discuss Gonzales' departure at his Crawford, Texas, ranch shortly thereafter.
Solicitor General Paul Clement will be acting attorney general until a replacement is found, said the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the announcement.
Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff was among those mentioned as possible successors. However, a senior administration official said the matter had not been raised with Chertoff. Bush leaves Washington next Monday for Australia, and Gonzales' replacement might not be named by then, the official said.
"Better late than never," said Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, summing up the response of many in Washington to Gonzales' resignation.
Gonzales served more than two years as the nation's first Hispanic attorney general.
Bush steadfastly — and at times angrily — refused to give in to critics, even from his own GOP, who argued that Gonzales should go. Earlier this month at a news conference, the president grew irritated when asked about accountability in his administration and turned the tables on the Democratic Congress.
"Implicit in your questions is that Al Gonzales did something wrong. I haven't seen Congress say he's done anything wrong," Bush said testily.
Gonzales, 52, called Bush on Friday to inform him of his resignation, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to not pre-empt Gonzales' statement. The president had Gonzales come to lunch at his ranch on Sunday as a parting gesture.
Gonzales, whom Bush once considered for appointment to the Supreme Court, is the fourth top-ranking administration official to leave since November 2006. Donald H. Rumsfeld, an architect of the Iraq war, resigned as defense secretary one day after the November elections. Paul Wolfowitz agreed in May to step down as president of the World Bank after an ethics inquiry. And top Bush adviser Karl Rove earlier this month announced that he was stepping down.
Reacting to Monday's developments, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said that Gonzales' department had "suffered a severe crisis of leadership that allowed our justice system to be corrupted by political influence."
Gonzales could not satisfy critics who said he had lost credibility over the Justice Department's handling of warrantless wiretaps related to the threat of terrorism and the firings of several U.S. attorneys.
As attorney general and earlier as White House counsel, Gonzales pushed for expanded presidential powers, including the eavesdropping authority. He drafted controversial rules for military war tribunals and sought to limit the legal rights of detainees at Guantanamo Bay — prompting lawsuits by civil libertarians who said the government was violating the Constitution in its pursuit of terrorists.
There were indications that the development came suddenly. Bush normally handles Cabinet resignations with efficiency, only allowing news of them to leak when a successor has been chosen and appearing with both the person departing and the replacement when the public announcement was made. That was not to be the case this time, the official said.
"Alberto Gonzales was never the right man for this job. He lacked independence, he lacked judgment, and he lacked the spine to say no to Karl Rove," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
"This resignation is not the end of the story. Congress must get to the bottom of this mess and follow the facts where they lead, into the White House," Reid warned.
The flap over the fired prosecutors proved to be the final straw for Gonzales, whose truthfulness in testimony to Congress was drawn into question.
Lawmakers said the dismissals of the federal prosecutors appeared to be politically motivated, and some of the fired U.S. attorneys said they felt pressured to investigate Democrats before elections. Gonzales maintained that the dismissals were based the prosecutors' lackluster performance records.
Thousands of documents released by the Justice Department show a White House plot, hatched shortly after the 2004 elections, to replace U.S. attorneys. At one point, senior White House officials, including Rove, suggested replacing all 93 prosecutors. In December 2006, eight were ordered to resign.
In several House and Senate hearings into the firings, Gonzales and other Justice Department officials failed to fully explain the ousters without contradicting each other.
During his congressional testimony, Gonzales answered "I don't know" and "I can't recall" scores of times and even some Republicans said his testimony was evasive. Bush, however, praised Gonzales' performance and said the attorney general was "honest" and "honorable."
U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president, and can be removed. But congressional Democrats said politics played an unusually critical role in the ouster of several prosecutors.
In 2004, Gonzales pressed to reauthorize a secret domestic spying program over the Justice Department's protests. Gonzales was White House counsel at the time and during a dramatic hospital confrontation he and then-White House chief of staff Andrew Card sought approval from then-Attorney General John Ashcroft, who was in intensive care. Ashcroft refused.
The White House subsequently reauthorized the program without the department's approval. Later, Bush ordered changes to the program to help the department defend its legality. The domestic surveillance program was later declared unconstitutional by a federal judge and since has been changed to require court approval before surveillance can be conducted.
Similarly, Gonzales found himself on the defensive in early March for FBI's improper and, in some cases, illegal prying into Americans' personal information during terror and spy probes. On March 9, the Justice Department's inspector general released an audit showing that FBI agents, over a three-year period, demanded telephone and Internet companies to hand over their customers' personal information without official authorization.
The damning audit also found that the FBI had improperly obtained telephone records in non-emergency circumstances, and concluded that it underreported to Congress how often it used national security letters to ask businesses to turn over customer data. The letters are administrative subpoenas that do not require a judge's approval.
Gonzales declared himself upset and frustrated over the findings. But lawmakers said they had begun to lose confidence in him.
___
AP White House Correspondent Terence Hunt and Associated Press Writer Lara Jakes Jordan contributed to this report from Peru, Vt.
Jennifer Loven, Lara Jakes Jordan
27 August 2007
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned, officials said Monday, ending a monthslong standoff with critics who questioned his honesty and competence at the helm of the Justice Department.
Republicans and Democrats alike had demanded his resignation over the botched handling of FBI terror investigations and the firings of U.S. attorneys, but President Bush had defiantly stood by his Texas friend until accepting his resignation Friday, according to senior administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Justice Department planned a news conference for 10:30 a.m. EDT, in Washington. Bush planned to discuss Gonzales' departure at his Crawford, Texas, ranch shortly thereafter.
Solicitor General Paul Clement will be acting attorney general until a replacement is found, said the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the announcement.
Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff was among those mentioned as possible successors. However, a senior administration official said the matter had not been raised with Chertoff. Bush leaves Washington next Monday for Australia, and Gonzales' replacement might not be named by then, the official said.
"Better late than never," said Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, summing up the response of many in Washington to Gonzales' resignation.
Gonzales served more than two years as the nation's first Hispanic attorney general.
Bush steadfastly — and at times angrily — refused to give in to critics, even from his own GOP, who argued that Gonzales should go. Earlier this month at a news conference, the president grew irritated when asked about accountability in his administration and turned the tables on the Democratic Congress.
"Implicit in your questions is that Al Gonzales did something wrong. I haven't seen Congress say he's done anything wrong," Bush said testily.
Gonzales, 52, called Bush on Friday to inform him of his resignation, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to not pre-empt Gonzales' statement. The president had Gonzales come to lunch at his ranch on Sunday as a parting gesture.
Gonzales, whom Bush once considered for appointment to the Supreme Court, is the fourth top-ranking administration official to leave since November 2006. Donald H. Rumsfeld, an architect of the Iraq war, resigned as defense secretary one day after the November elections. Paul Wolfowitz agreed in May to step down as president of the World Bank after an ethics inquiry. And top Bush adviser Karl Rove earlier this month announced that he was stepping down.
Reacting to Monday's developments, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said that Gonzales' department had "suffered a severe crisis of leadership that allowed our justice system to be corrupted by political influence."
Gonzales could not satisfy critics who said he had lost credibility over the Justice Department's handling of warrantless wiretaps related to the threat of terrorism and the firings of several U.S. attorneys.
As attorney general and earlier as White House counsel, Gonzales pushed for expanded presidential powers, including the eavesdropping authority. He drafted controversial rules for military war tribunals and sought to limit the legal rights of detainees at Guantanamo Bay — prompting lawsuits by civil libertarians who said the government was violating the Constitution in its pursuit of terrorists.
There were indications that the development came suddenly. Bush normally handles Cabinet resignations with efficiency, only allowing news of them to leak when a successor has been chosen and appearing with both the person departing and the replacement when the public announcement was made. That was not to be the case this time, the official said.
"Alberto Gonzales was never the right man for this job. He lacked independence, he lacked judgment, and he lacked the spine to say no to Karl Rove," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
"This resignation is not the end of the story. Congress must get to the bottom of this mess and follow the facts where they lead, into the White House," Reid warned.
The flap over the fired prosecutors proved to be the final straw for Gonzales, whose truthfulness in testimony to Congress was drawn into question.
Lawmakers said the dismissals of the federal prosecutors appeared to be politically motivated, and some of the fired U.S. attorneys said they felt pressured to investigate Democrats before elections. Gonzales maintained that the dismissals were based the prosecutors' lackluster performance records.
Thousands of documents released by the Justice Department show a White House plot, hatched shortly after the 2004 elections, to replace U.S. attorneys. At one point, senior White House officials, including Rove, suggested replacing all 93 prosecutors. In December 2006, eight were ordered to resign.
In several House and Senate hearings into the firings, Gonzales and other Justice Department officials failed to fully explain the ousters without contradicting each other.
During his congressional testimony, Gonzales answered "I don't know" and "I can't recall" scores of times and even some Republicans said his testimony was evasive. Bush, however, praised Gonzales' performance and said the attorney general was "honest" and "honorable."
U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president, and can be removed. But congressional Democrats said politics played an unusually critical role in the ouster of several prosecutors.
In 2004, Gonzales pressed to reauthorize a secret domestic spying program over the Justice Department's protests. Gonzales was White House counsel at the time and during a dramatic hospital confrontation he and then-White House chief of staff Andrew Card sought approval from then-Attorney General John Ashcroft, who was in intensive care. Ashcroft refused.
The White House subsequently reauthorized the program without the department's approval. Later, Bush ordered changes to the program to help the department defend its legality. The domestic surveillance program was later declared unconstitutional by a federal judge and since has been changed to require court approval before surveillance can be conducted.
Similarly, Gonzales found himself on the defensive in early March for FBI's improper and, in some cases, illegal prying into Americans' personal information during terror and spy probes. On March 9, the Justice Department's inspector general released an audit showing that FBI agents, over a three-year period, demanded telephone and Internet companies to hand over their customers' personal information without official authorization.
The damning audit also found that the FBI had improperly obtained telephone records in non-emergency circumstances, and concluded that it underreported to Congress how often it used national security letters to ask businesses to turn over customer data. The letters are administrative subpoenas that do not require a judge's approval.
Gonzales declared himself upset and frustrated over the findings. But lawmakers said they had begun to lose confidence in him.
___
AP White House Correspondent Terence Hunt and Associated Press Writer Lara Jakes Jordan contributed to this report from Peru, Vt.
26 August, 2007
Dr Martin Nduwimana Dismissed From UPRONA
Burundi Realites
24 August 2007
The First Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi, Dr Martin Nduwimana, was dismissed from his political party, Uprona. This is announced in a communiqué that was issued on this 24 August 2007. This dismissal was decided by the executive board of the party that met on this 23 August 2007 evening. The leader of Uprona party, Mr Aloys Rubuka, indicates that Dr Martin Nduwimana started a campaign aimed at destroying Uprona party in provinces. ‚Since he was temporary suspended from the party, he started a campaign in provinces to destroy the party using the state’s means and his position in the government,“ indicated Mr Aloys Rubuka.
In a press conference that the first Vice-president, Dr Martin Nduwimana, held on this Friday 24 August, he indicated that the decision of the executive board is meaningless and that the leader of Uprona should be ready to face the consequences of his decision. ‚The measure taken for the second time by the leader of Uprona is against the law governing Uprona party,“ he said.
This punitive action against Dr Martin Ndikumana was voted for by 28 members of the board out of 29 who participated in the voting session. Six members moved out of the hall before the vote. The majority that was needed for this measure to pass was 24, which represents two thirds of the quorum of 35 persons who were present in the meeting.
Punitive actions against the First Vice-President, Dr Martin Ndikumana, started short after the controversial appointment of the current ministerial cabinet. He was alleged of adopting a line of conduct that is opposed to the ideals of Uprona. The first punitive action was also controversial as some members considered this measure against Dr Martin Ndikumana should be taken by the central committee of the party.
This measure against the current First Vice-President of the Republic is taken when talks between UPRONA and the Head of State are under way. These talks are aimed at appointing a new ministerial cabinet in conformity with the constitution of the Republic of Burundi. The position of Dr Martin Nduwimana is therefore at stake as the leaders of opposition political parties will be asked to give names of those to be appointed ministers. Dr Martin Nduwimana has chance to stay in his position as it was seen that in the recent reshuffle, ministers who were dismissed from Frodebu party remained in their positions.
24 August 2007
The First Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi, Dr Martin Nduwimana, was dismissed from his political party, Uprona. This is announced in a communiqué that was issued on this 24 August 2007. This dismissal was decided by the executive board of the party that met on this 23 August 2007 evening. The leader of Uprona party, Mr Aloys Rubuka, indicates that Dr Martin Nduwimana started a campaign aimed at destroying Uprona party in provinces. ‚Since he was temporary suspended from the party, he started a campaign in provinces to destroy the party using the state’s means and his position in the government,“ indicated Mr Aloys Rubuka.
In a press conference that the first Vice-president, Dr Martin Nduwimana, held on this Friday 24 August, he indicated that the decision of the executive board is meaningless and that the leader of Uprona should be ready to face the consequences of his decision. ‚The measure taken for the second time by the leader of Uprona is against the law governing Uprona party,“ he said.
This punitive action against Dr Martin Ndikumana was voted for by 28 members of the board out of 29 who participated in the voting session. Six members moved out of the hall before the vote. The majority that was needed for this measure to pass was 24, which represents two thirds of the quorum of 35 persons who were present in the meeting.
Punitive actions against the First Vice-President, Dr Martin Ndikumana, started short after the controversial appointment of the current ministerial cabinet. He was alleged of adopting a line of conduct that is opposed to the ideals of Uprona. The first punitive action was also controversial as some members considered this measure against Dr Martin Ndikumana should be taken by the central committee of the party.
This measure against the current First Vice-President of the Republic is taken when talks between UPRONA and the Head of State are under way. These talks are aimed at appointing a new ministerial cabinet in conformity with the constitution of the Republic of Burundi. The position of Dr Martin Nduwimana is therefore at stake as the leaders of opposition political parties will be asked to give names of those to be appointed ministers. Dr Martin Nduwimana has chance to stay in his position as it was seen that in the recent reshuffle, ministers who were dismissed from Frodebu party remained in their positions.
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