Committee to Protect Journalists
25 June 2010
A top editor of an independent Rwandan newspaper that was recently banned by the government was assassinated in front of his home late Thursday, according to local journalists and news reports. An assailant shot Jean-Léonard Rugambage, left, acting editor of Umuvugizi as he drove through the gate of his home in the capital, Kigali, around 10 p.m., Rwanda National police spokesperson Eric Kayiranga told CPJ.
“At the moment, we are yet to establish who is involved in the killing and police are currently conducting investigations and we will provide information as it comes,” he said.
Rwanda’s Media High Council suspended Umuvugizi’s right to publish in April. Soon after Umuvugizi moved online, its Web site became inaccessible to domestic visitors. Censorship of the publication, one of the few critical voices in the country, has come in the run-up to the August presidential election.
Rugambage had reported to friends and colleagues that he was being followed and had received phone threats, local journalists told CPJ. Jean-Bosco Gasasira, the exiled editor of Umuvugizi, told the U.S. government-funded Voice of America that he believed the killing was reprisal for a recent story alleging government involvement in the shooting of a former Rwandan army commander in South Africa.
“The brutal murder of Jean-Léonard Rugambage deals a savage blow to Rwanda’s already beleaguered independent media,” said Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. “It comes amid a government crackdown on critical reporting ahead of the August presidential election, and raises serious questions about the safety of independent journalists in the country. The authorities must ensure that all those behind this murder, including the masterminds, are brought to justice swiftly.”
As the last Umuvugizi journalist remaining in Rwanda, Rugambage represented the newspaper in hearings in several court cases the newspaper is facing over its critical coverage of government affairs, according to local journalists.
Before joining Umuvugizi, Rugambage was a reporter for the now-defunct independent tabloid Umuco. He experienced 11 months of imprisonment after producing a story alleging mismanagement and witness tampering in Rwanda's traditional courts for suspects of the 1994 genocide. Rugambage, 34, is survived by a wife and a two-year-old daughter, according to local journalists.
26 June, 2010
Gen. Nyamwasa Granted Refugee Status in SA Despite Warrants.
Business Day
25 June 2010
By Wilson Johwa
A former Rwandan general and accused war criminal who survived an assassination attempt in Johannesburg last week is a recognised refugee in SA, a status that critics say risks compromising the country's asylum system.
The Department of Home Affairs' deputy director-general responsible for immigration, Jackson McKay, said yesterday that Lt-Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa had successfully applied for residency in SA. The law prohibits the granting of residency status to human rights violators.
"He applied for asylum in SA, his asylum was adjudicated and was granted," Mr McKay said.
Among those concerned with case was the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in SA advocacy body. "There are very clear indications that this particular general had been connected with war crimes and crimes against peace," said its chairperson, Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh.
Lt-Gen Nyamwasa was shot and injured on Saturday as he drove home to Melrose Arch from a shopping trip with his wife.
Questions over his status arose amid allegations that he could be a war criminal.
The Rwandan army's former chief could present the government with a dilemma over whether to send him back to Rwanda or hand him to France and Spain should they seek his extradition to face prosecution for international crimes. SA does not have an extradition treaty with Rwanda.
The two European countries have issued international arrest warrants against Mr Nyamwasa for his alleged role in killings during and after the 1994 genocide, along with other senior figures in the Rwandan Patriotic Front led by President Paul Kagame.
Legal sources said the difficulty for SA was that it could not send Lt-Gen Nyamwasa back to Rwanda, because to do so would expose him to political persecution, and would offend SA's international law obligations.
"But individuals suspected of committing grave human rights violations are disqualified from refugee status under South African and international law, so in granting asylum SA again risks violating its legal obligations," said a human rights lawyer who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Since Lt-Gen Nyamwasa had been indicted by Spanish and French courts, SA would be obliged to hand him over.
Earlier this week the Department of Justice confirmed the Rwandan government had made an extradition request, along with another one for a former colonel in the Rwandan army, Patrick Karegeya.
Spokesman Tlali Tlali said the ministry was consulting the law to assess whether SA could extradite a person with asylum. Four men are in court on Tuesday for the attempted murder of Lt-Gen Nyamwasa. Charges against two others were dropped.
25 June 2010
By Wilson Johwa
A former Rwandan general and accused war criminal who survived an assassination attempt in Johannesburg last week is a recognised refugee in SA, a status that critics say risks compromising the country's asylum system.
The Department of Home Affairs' deputy director-general responsible for immigration, Jackson McKay, said yesterday that Lt-Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa had successfully applied for residency in SA. The law prohibits the granting of residency status to human rights violators.
"He applied for asylum in SA, his asylum was adjudicated and was granted," Mr McKay said.
Among those concerned with case was the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in SA advocacy body. "There are very clear indications that this particular general had been connected with war crimes and crimes against peace," said its chairperson, Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh.
Lt-Gen Nyamwasa was shot and injured on Saturday as he drove home to Melrose Arch from a shopping trip with his wife.
Questions over his status arose amid allegations that he could be a war criminal.
The Rwandan army's former chief could present the government with a dilemma over whether to send him back to Rwanda or hand him to France and Spain should they seek his extradition to face prosecution for international crimes. SA does not have an extradition treaty with Rwanda.
The two European countries have issued international arrest warrants against Mr Nyamwasa for his alleged role in killings during and after the 1994 genocide, along with other senior figures in the Rwandan Patriotic Front led by President Paul Kagame.
Legal sources said the difficulty for SA was that it could not send Lt-Gen Nyamwasa back to Rwanda, because to do so would expose him to political persecution, and would offend SA's international law obligations.
"But individuals suspected of committing grave human rights violations are disqualified from refugee status under South African and international law, so in granting asylum SA again risks violating its legal obligations," said a human rights lawyer who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Since Lt-Gen Nyamwasa had been indicted by Spanish and French courts, SA would be obliged to hand him over.
Earlier this week the Department of Justice confirmed the Rwandan government had made an extradition request, along with another one for a former colonel in the Rwandan army, Patrick Karegeya.
Spokesman Tlali Tlali said the ministry was consulting the law to assess whether SA could extradite a person with asylum. Four men are in court on Tuesday for the attempted murder of Lt-Gen Nyamwasa. Charges against two others were dropped.
Back from Rwandan Prison, Peter Erlinder is robbed near St. Paul home at gunpoint.
Star Tribune
25 June 2010
By ANTHONY LONETREE
Freed from the perils of a Rwandan prison, Peter Erlinder found himself with a gun pointed at his head outside his St. Paul home Thursday night.
A teenager demanded money, and Erlinder obliged, tossing bills to the ground, police said. The suspect fled, the law professor was safe, and on Friday, Erlinder's wife, Masako Usui, managed a little laugh at the sad irony of it all.
"We rescued him from Rwanda and we brought him home, but in front of his house he can be killed?" she said. "It's kind of surreal for me."
But there was a joke of sorts, too, for the young robber, who Usui said soon would learn that all he had made off with was Tanzanian currency.
Just two days before what police believe was a random robbery, Erlinder, 62, finally returned to U.S. soil. For 21 days he had been in custody, accused of violating Rwandan laws against minimizing the country's 1994 genocide.
The human rights lawyer, who has yet to be charged, was ordered freed by a Rwandan judge out of concern for his "physical and mental health."
Asked whether Erlinder was shaken by Thursday night's robbery, Usui said "no." He did, however, know the danger, she said. The robber may have been just a teenager, Usui said, "but it was a gun."
According to police, officers were called about 10:15 p.m. Thursday to a robbery outside a home in the 500 block of Marshall Avenue in the Summit-University neighborhood.
Erlinder had been walking outside, "just enjoying the cool night," Usui said, when across the street, he saw four teenagers, one of whom walked over, brandished a handgun and demanded money, said police spokesman Sgt. Paul Schnell. The suspect scooped up the cash, and with his cohorts, fled west down Marshall.
A police canine team tried to track the suspect, but had no luck, Schnell said. The teen with the gun as being about 16 years old.
Schnell said investigators will seek to determine whether the robbery is linked to others in the area or in the city. A preliminary review has suggested no immediate connections, he added.
Police said Erlinder told officers he had pulled a mix of U.S. and foreign cash from his pocket. But his wife said it was just Tanzanian currency.
Schnell did not know whether there were any witnesses.
Usui said that she had gone to bed before the incident, and went outside to see her husband speaking with officers.
In the future, she said, she will think of what happened to Erlinder before she ventures out. But on Thursday, she said, it was a great night, one in which she could hardly blame her husband for taking in a little cool air.
"Then, a gun, and 'Give me money!' " Usui said. "It's a sad story."
Anthony Lonetree • 612-673-0041
25 June 2010
By ANTHONY LONETREE
Freed from the perils of a Rwandan prison, Peter Erlinder found himself with a gun pointed at his head outside his St. Paul home Thursday night.
A teenager demanded money, and Erlinder obliged, tossing bills to the ground, police said. The suspect fled, the law professor was safe, and on Friday, Erlinder's wife, Masako Usui, managed a little laugh at the sad irony of it all.
"We rescued him from Rwanda and we brought him home, but in front of his house he can be killed?" she said. "It's kind of surreal for me."
But there was a joke of sorts, too, for the young robber, who Usui said soon would learn that all he had made off with was Tanzanian currency.
Just two days before what police believe was a random robbery, Erlinder, 62, finally returned to U.S. soil. For 21 days he had been in custody, accused of violating Rwandan laws against minimizing the country's 1994 genocide.
The human rights lawyer, who has yet to be charged, was ordered freed by a Rwandan judge out of concern for his "physical and mental health."
Asked whether Erlinder was shaken by Thursday night's robbery, Usui said "no." He did, however, know the danger, she said. The robber may have been just a teenager, Usui said, "but it was a gun."
According to police, officers were called about 10:15 p.m. Thursday to a robbery outside a home in the 500 block of Marshall Avenue in the Summit-University neighborhood.
Erlinder had been walking outside, "just enjoying the cool night," Usui said, when across the street, he saw four teenagers, one of whom walked over, brandished a handgun and demanded money, said police spokesman Sgt. Paul Schnell. The suspect scooped up the cash, and with his cohorts, fled west down Marshall.
A police canine team tried to track the suspect, but had no luck, Schnell said. The teen with the gun as being about 16 years old.
Schnell said investigators will seek to determine whether the robbery is linked to others in the area or in the city. A preliminary review has suggested no immediate connections, he added.
Police said Erlinder told officers he had pulled a mix of U.S. and foreign cash from his pocket. But his wife said it was just Tanzanian currency.
Schnell did not know whether there were any witnesses.
Usui said that she had gone to bed before the incident, and went outside to see her husband speaking with officers.
In the future, she said, she will think of what happened to Erlinder before she ventures out. But on Thursday, she said, it was a great night, one in which she could hardly blame her husband for taking in a little cool air.
"Then, a gun, and 'Give me money!' " Usui said. "It's a sad story."
Anthony Lonetree • 612-673-0041
Deputy Editor of Suspended Independent Newspaper Killed in Rwanda.
Committee to Protect Journalists
Press Release
25 June 2010
In response to international media reports that Jean-Léonard Rugambage, the deputy editor of the suspended independent newspaper Umuvugizi, was shot dead late Thursday in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, the Committee to Protect Journalists released the following statement:
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the brutal murder of Jean-Léonard Rugambage," said Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. "We call on Rwandan authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation exploring all leads for possible motives and masterminds, and make the results available to the public. This murder will add to the climate of uncertainty among independent journalists in Rwanda ahead of the August presidential election."
Press Release
25 June 2010
In response to international media reports that Jean-Léonard Rugambage, the deputy editor of the suspended independent newspaper Umuvugizi, was shot dead late Thursday in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, the Committee to Protect Journalists released the following statement:
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the brutal murder of Jean-Léonard Rugambage," said Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. "We call on Rwandan authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation exploring all leads for possible motives and masterminds, and make the results available to the public. This murder will add to the climate of uncertainty among independent journalists in Rwanda ahead of the August presidential election."
25 June, 2010
Editor blames security forces after Rwandan journalist shot dead.
The Guardian
25 June 2010
By David Smith
The murder of a Rwandan journalist has raised fears of a violent crackdown on freedom of the press and political opposition after his colleagues claimed the killing was a state-sponsored assassination.
News of the killing came as a leading challenger to the president, Paul Kagame, said she had been barred from standing in August's election.
The acting editor of Rwanda's Umuvugizi newspaper, Jean Leonard Rugambage, died in hospital on Thursday night after he was shot by two men who then fled in a car.
The paper's exiled editor, Jean Bosco Gasasira, said security forces had carried out the attack because Rugambage had been investigating the state's alleged role in the shooting of an exiled Rwandan general in South Africa last weekend.
"I'm 100% sure it was the office of the national security services which shot him dead," Gasasira told the Voice of America.
Gasasira said that Rugambage had complained he was under constant surveillance, but had ignored his colleague's warnings to leave Rwanda for his own safety. "I told him to cross and flee Rwanda into Uganda to see how we can handle the issue. But unfortunately they killed him before," he said.
Gasasira moved to Uganda in April after Umuvugizi and another weekly paper were suspended for six months by Rwanda's press council for inciting opposition to the government. Umuvugizi sought to circumvent the ban by publishing online instead.
Recent crackdowns have heightened concerns about the authoritarian approach to independent media and political dissent in Rwanda as it prepares for its second presidential election since the 1994 genocide.
Tensions were further raised today when Victoire Ingabire, a Hutu opposition candidate, said she was being denied the right to appear on August's election ballot because she had been charged with denying the genocide had occurred.
The opposition parties FDU-Inkingi, headed by Ingabire, and the Democratic Green party of Rwanda claim the government has prevented them from registering their parties and exercising their political rights.
"The ruling party, RPF, has indeed shown to the Rwandan people and the international community that it is too scared to compete with the real opposition and has rather resorted to getting stooge candidates to compete with," said Ingabire and Green party leader Frank Habineza.
Ingabire's party and other opposition parties tried to demonstrate against Rwanda's electoral commission yesterday , but police shut down the protest, saying it was illegal. About a hundred people were arrested, Ingabire said.
Police also arrested another presidential contender, Bernard Ntaganda, on allegations of attempted murder.
A spokesman Eric Kayiranga said: "[He] has not been charged yet, we will continue working on it. We are still collecting evidence."
Kagame is robust in his defence of Rwanda's government, arguing in a recent Guardian interview: "Your model of democracy, why should it be suitable for me?"
25 June 2010
By David Smith
The murder of a Rwandan journalist has raised fears of a violent crackdown on freedom of the press and political opposition after his colleagues claimed the killing was a state-sponsored assassination.
News of the killing came as a leading challenger to the president, Paul Kagame, said she had been barred from standing in August's election.
The acting editor of Rwanda's Umuvugizi newspaper, Jean Leonard Rugambage, died in hospital on Thursday night after he was shot by two men who then fled in a car.
The paper's exiled editor, Jean Bosco Gasasira, said security forces had carried out the attack because Rugambage had been investigating the state's alleged role in the shooting of an exiled Rwandan general in South Africa last weekend.
"I'm 100% sure it was the office of the national security services which shot him dead," Gasasira told the Voice of America.
Gasasira said that Rugambage had complained he was under constant surveillance, but had ignored his colleague's warnings to leave Rwanda for his own safety. "I told him to cross and flee Rwanda into Uganda to see how we can handle the issue. But unfortunately they killed him before," he said.
Gasasira moved to Uganda in April after Umuvugizi and another weekly paper were suspended for six months by Rwanda's press council for inciting opposition to the government. Umuvugizi sought to circumvent the ban by publishing online instead.
Recent crackdowns have heightened concerns about the authoritarian approach to independent media and political dissent in Rwanda as it prepares for its second presidential election since the 1994 genocide.
Tensions were further raised today when Victoire Ingabire, a Hutu opposition candidate, said she was being denied the right to appear on August's election ballot because she had been charged with denying the genocide had occurred.
The opposition parties FDU-Inkingi, headed by Ingabire, and the Democratic Green party of Rwanda claim the government has prevented them from registering their parties and exercising their political rights.
"The ruling party, RPF, has indeed shown to the Rwandan people and the international community that it is too scared to compete with the real opposition and has rather resorted to getting stooge candidates to compete with," said Ingabire and Green party leader Frank Habineza.
Ingabire's party and other opposition parties tried to demonstrate against Rwanda's electoral commission yesterday , but police shut down the protest, saying it was illegal. About a hundred people were arrested, Ingabire said.
Police also arrested another presidential contender, Bernard Ntaganda, on allegations of attempted murder.
A spokesman Eric Kayiranga said: "[He] has not been charged yet, we will continue working on it. We are still collecting evidence."
Kagame is robust in his defence of Rwanda's government, arguing in a recent Guardian interview: "Your model of democracy, why should it be suitable for me?"
RPF-Critical journalist killed in cold blood.
Expression Today
25 June 2010
A Rwandan journalist at the critical Umuvugizi tabloid was shot dead by unknown assailants as he returned to his home in Kigali city on Thursday night.
Jean Leonard Rugambage aka Sherif was the deputy chief editor of Umuvugizi newspaper which was in April suspended for six-months by the country’s statutory Media High Council.
Umuvugizi Chief Editor Jean Bosco Gasasira who is in exile in Uganda said Rugambage was shot dead at 23hrs local time as he entered his home in Nyambirambo suburb of Kigali.
"They shot four bullets and two caught Sherif in the chest right in front of the gate to his home," Gasasira said on phone.
Police confirmed Rugambage's death.
Rwanda’s National Police Spokesman Chief Superintendant Eric Kayiranga said Rugambage's body was found in a pool of blood last night in front of his home.
"The body is at police hospital mortuary while investigations go on. No suspect has been arrested yet," Kayiranga said.
But Gasasira suspects Rwandan security operatives to be behind his colleague's death. He said the deceased had reported being trailed by unknown plain-clothed gunmen for the whole of Thursday.
He linked the murder to a story he published on Umuvugizi’s online edition which alleged that Rwanda security operatives were behind last week’s assassination attempt on exiled former Rwanda Army Chief of Staff Lt. General Kayumba Nyamwasa in South Africa. Specifically, he said the assassination attempt was coordinated by Emmanuel Ndahiro, Rwanda's Chief of Military Intelligence.
25 June 2010
A Rwandan journalist at the critical Umuvugizi tabloid was shot dead by unknown assailants as he returned to his home in Kigali city on Thursday night.
Jean Leonard Rugambage aka Sherif was the deputy chief editor of Umuvugizi newspaper which was in April suspended for six-months by the country’s statutory Media High Council.
Umuvugizi Chief Editor Jean Bosco Gasasira who is in exile in Uganda said Rugambage was shot dead at 23hrs local time as he entered his home in Nyambirambo suburb of Kigali.
"They shot four bullets and two caught Sherif in the chest right in front of the gate to his home," Gasasira said on phone.
Police confirmed Rugambage's death.
Rwanda’s National Police Spokesman Chief Superintendant Eric Kayiranga said Rugambage's body was found in a pool of blood last night in front of his home.
"The body is at police hospital mortuary while investigations go on. No suspect has been arrested yet," Kayiranga said.
But Gasasira suspects Rwandan security operatives to be behind his colleague's death. He said the deceased had reported being trailed by unknown plain-clothed gunmen for the whole of Thursday.
He linked the murder to a story he published on Umuvugizi’s online edition which alleged that Rwanda security operatives were behind last week’s assassination attempt on exiled former Rwanda Army Chief of Staff Lt. General Kayumba Nyamwasa in South Africa. Specifically, he said the assassination attempt was coordinated by Emmanuel Ndahiro, Rwanda's Chief of Military Intelligence.
Europe worries over raw materials.
Deutsche Welle
25 June 2010
The European Commission has pushed the alarm button on raw materials after an expert group listed 14 materials facing a "critical" risk of shortage, some within a few years. In a report published this week, the Commission warned that demand for the materials could more than triple within 20 years.
A key factor behind the shortages, according to the report, is the concentration of production in just a handful of countries, such as China, Brazil, Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, compounded by low substitutability and recycling rates.
Tigthtening control of materials
The report also attributes the shortages to the way some of these countries use trade and taxation policies to reserve their resource bases for exclusive use. China, for instance, plans to tighten control over its rare-earth minerals by allowing only a select number of state-owned companies to oversee the mining of its materials. The country accounts for 95 percent of global rare-earth mineral production.
Ahead of the report's publication, European Union Commissioner for Enterprise, Antonio Tajani, spoke of a need for "fair play" on raw material markets to ensure access to scarce elements by European industry.
The 14 materials identified by the Commission's working group out of 41 minerals and metals are antimony, beryllium, cobalt, fluorspar, gallium, indium, germanium, graphite, magnesium, niobium, platinum group metals, rare earths, tantalum and tungsten.
Furthermore, the study warns that materials markets could become highly volatile due to the rapid proliferation of new technologies that "can drastically change the demand for critical raw materials."
Recommendations to overcome shortages
Demand for gallium, which is mainly produced in China, could increase from its total current production of 152 tons to 603 by 2030, according to the report. And demand for neodymium, a rare earth also found predominately in China, could grow from 16,800tons today to 27,900 tons over the same period.
The European Union expert group has made several recommendations to overcome the shortage problem, including proposals designed to boost mineral recycling, identify alternative materials and promote greater exploration. The group also recommends that the EU "consider the merits of pursuing dispute settlement initiatives" at the World Trade Organization (WTO) level to ensure the supply of important raw materials to European industry.
'Raw Materials Dialog'
German Economics Minister Rainer Bruederle has responded to the material shortage by initiating a "Raw Materials Dialog" initiative and inviting industry to participate in discussions on how to secure a steady supply.
German Economics Minister Rainer Bruederle is considering a raw materials agencyGovernment officials and industry representatives met for the second time earlier this week to discuss, among other topics, the launch of a raw materials agency. The agency, organized within the German Federal Institute for Geology and Raw Materials, would be responsible for monitoring global raw materials markets.
"Raw material security is paramount to the sustainability of German industry," Ullrich Grillo, chairman of Grillo-Werke, a chemicals and minerals company and of the raw material working committee of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), told Deutsche Welle. "Without high-tech metals and also basic materials such as aluminum, copper and zinc, German industry is in danger."
Grillo added that it's not enough for raw material policy to be discussed at G8 and G20 summits but needs to become a topic in bilateral negotiations.
Author: John Blau
Editor: Ranjitha Balasubramanyam
25 June 2010
The European Commission has pushed the alarm button on raw materials after an expert group listed 14 materials facing a "critical" risk of shortage, some within a few years. In a report published this week, the Commission warned that demand for the materials could more than triple within 20 years.
A key factor behind the shortages, according to the report, is the concentration of production in just a handful of countries, such as China, Brazil, Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, compounded by low substitutability and recycling rates.
Tigthtening control of materials
The report also attributes the shortages to the way some of these countries use trade and taxation policies to reserve their resource bases for exclusive use. China, for instance, plans to tighten control over its rare-earth minerals by allowing only a select number of state-owned companies to oversee the mining of its materials. The country accounts for 95 percent of global rare-earth mineral production.
Ahead of the report's publication, European Union Commissioner for Enterprise, Antonio Tajani, spoke of a need for "fair play" on raw material markets to ensure access to scarce elements by European industry.
The 14 materials identified by the Commission's working group out of 41 minerals and metals are antimony, beryllium, cobalt, fluorspar, gallium, indium, germanium, graphite, magnesium, niobium, platinum group metals, rare earths, tantalum and tungsten.
Furthermore, the study warns that materials markets could become highly volatile due to the rapid proliferation of new technologies that "can drastically change the demand for critical raw materials."
Recommendations to overcome shortages
Demand for gallium, which is mainly produced in China, could increase from its total current production of 152 tons to 603 by 2030, according to the report. And demand for neodymium, a rare earth also found predominately in China, could grow from 16,800tons today to 27,900 tons over the same period.
The European Union expert group has made several recommendations to overcome the shortage problem, including proposals designed to boost mineral recycling, identify alternative materials and promote greater exploration. The group also recommends that the EU "consider the merits of pursuing dispute settlement initiatives" at the World Trade Organization (WTO) level to ensure the supply of important raw materials to European industry.
'Raw Materials Dialog'
German Economics Minister Rainer Bruederle has responded to the material shortage by initiating a "Raw Materials Dialog" initiative and inviting industry to participate in discussions on how to secure a steady supply.
German Economics Minister Rainer Bruederle is considering a raw materials agencyGovernment officials and industry representatives met for the second time earlier this week to discuss, among other topics, the launch of a raw materials agency. The agency, organized within the German Federal Institute for Geology and Raw Materials, would be responsible for monitoring global raw materials markets.
"Raw material security is paramount to the sustainability of German industry," Ullrich Grillo, chairman of Grillo-Werke, a chemicals and minerals company and of the raw material working committee of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), told Deutsche Welle. "Without high-tech metals and also basic materials such as aluminum, copper and zinc, German industry is in danger."
Grillo added that it's not enough for raw material policy to be discussed at G8 and G20 summits but needs to become a topic in bilateral negotiations.
Author: John Blau
Editor: Ranjitha Balasubramanyam
Norwegians with Congo death sentence seek clemency.
AP
25 June 2010
A lawyer for two Norwegian former soldiers sentenced to death for being convicted of spying in Congo says his clients are requesting clemency from the country's president.
Morten Furuholmen says the two signed a letter Friday asking that Congolese President Joseph Kabila grant them a full pardon or commute their death sentences.
Furuholmen says his clients deny any wrongdoing in the letter, to be delivered to President Kabila next week.
A Kisangani court on June 10 convicted Tjostolv Moland and Joshua French, who is also a British citizen, of espionage and the 2009 murder of a local driver.
Furuholmen says the men will not appeal because they have "no faith" the Congolese judicial system will deliver a fair trial.
25 June 2010
A lawyer for two Norwegian former soldiers sentenced to death for being convicted of spying in Congo says his clients are requesting clemency from the country's president.
Morten Furuholmen says the two signed a letter Friday asking that Congolese President Joseph Kabila grant them a full pardon or commute their death sentences.
Furuholmen says his clients deny any wrongdoing in the letter, to be delivered to President Kabila next week.
A Kisangani court on June 10 convicted Tjostolv Moland and Joshua French, who is also a British citizen, of espionage and the 2009 murder of a local driver.
Furuholmen says the men will not appeal because they have "no faith" the Congolese judicial system will deliver a fair trial.
Gazprom plans to join Libya's Elephant oilfield project in fall 2010.
RIA Novosti
25 June 2010
Russian energy giant Gazprom is planning to join the Elephant oilfield in Libya in an asset-swap deal with Italy's energy company Eni this fall, Gazprom deputy head Alexander Medvedev said on Friday.
Under the deal, Gazprom is to take half of Eni's stake in the deposit or a total of 33% in the project. In exchange, Eni will be allowed to take part in projects to develop northwest Siberian assets owned by the Arctic Gas company.
The Elephant oilfield, which has recoverable reserves of around 700 million barrels, is located in Murzuq Basin in the southwestern Libyan desert, about 800 km (465 miles) south of Tripoli. The deposit, also known as the El Feel oilfield, was discovered in 1997.
25 June 2010
Russian energy giant Gazprom is planning to join the Elephant oilfield in Libya in an asset-swap deal with Italy's energy company Eni this fall, Gazprom deputy head Alexander Medvedev said on Friday.
Under the deal, Gazprom is to take half of Eni's stake in the deposit or a total of 33% in the project. In exchange, Eni will be allowed to take part in projects to develop northwest Siberian assets owned by the Arctic Gas company.
The Elephant oilfield, which has recoverable reserves of around 700 million barrels, is located in Murzuq Basin in the southwestern Libyan desert, about 800 km (465 miles) south of Tripoli. The deposit, also known as the El Feel oilfield, was discovered in 1997.
Newspaper’s deputy editor gunned down outside home in Kigali.
Reporters Without Borders
25 June 2010
Reporters Without Borders is shocked and outraged to learn that Jean-Léonard Rugambage, the deputy editor of the fortnightly Umuvugizi, was gunned down outside his home in Kigali at about 11 p.m. on 24 June. He was the first journalist to be murdered in Rwanda since Emmanuel Munyemanzi in 1998.
“We have for months being condemning the climate of terror in Rwanda, the escalating repression of independent journalists and totalitarian tendencies,” Reporters Without Borders said. “It seems that newspaper closures, trials of journalists and blocking of websites have not been enough to elicit a reaction from the international community. Will this tragic development finally open the eyes of those who support this government?”
The press freedom organisation added: “As the August presidential election approaches, the government is organising a tightly controlled and monolithic electoral campaign in which all sources of criticism are being suppressed. This undertaking seems to have culminated in the ambushing and murder of this renowned journalist.”
In a resumption of diplomatic relations, French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Kigali in February and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, attended the Africa-France summit in Nice on 31 May and 1 June.
Reporters Without Borders believes that dialogue cannot be resumed unless particular attention is paid to press freedom and it therefore calls on the French authorities and the European Union delegation in Kigali to ensure that an independent investigation is carried out into this murder. Monitoring this case should be a priority for France’s ambassador to Kigali, Laurent Contini.
Rugambage was slain by four shots fired at close range by gunmen who have yet to be identified. The police took his body away to carry out an autopsy. Also known as “Sheriff,” he left a wife and two-year-old child. His murder has caused shock and dismay in both Rwanda and abroad.
“Jean-Léonard was without doubt killed as a result of his coverage of last week’s attempted murder of Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa in exile in South Africa,” Reporters Without Borders was told by Jean-Bosco Gasasira, his newspaper’s editor, who is himself in exile.
Rugambage reported that telephone calls were made between Rwandan intelligence chief Emmanuel Ndahiro and the Rwandan citizens who were arrested in South Africa after the shooting attack on Gen. Nyamwasa. In a story about the shooting in Le Monde on 22 June, headlined “Rwandan stray bullets,” French journalist Jean-Philippe Rémy wrote: “It is not easy to say what distinguishes Rwanda from a full-blown dictatorship.”
Rugambage had experienced several run-ins with the authorities. Accused of murder during the genocide and then sentenced to a year in prison for contempt of court, he was detained for 11 months in 2005 and 2006 before finally being acquitted. He edited Umuco for a long time before joining Umuvugizi.
He was also the Rwanda correspondent of the regional press freedom organisation Journalist in Danger (JED). “He told things as he felt them,” said a journalist who participated with him in a workshop in Brazzaville in 2007 for JED’s regional correspondents. “He was a very committed guy who paid with his life for his courage as a reporter. He did not beat about the bush, unlike some of his Rwandan colleagues.”
Rwanda was ranked 157th out of 179 countries in the 2009 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. This was the fourth lowest ranking in Africa, above only Eritrea, Somali and Equatorial Guinea. President Kagame has for years been on the Reporters Without Borders list of Predators of Press Freedom.
25 June 2010
Reporters Without Borders is shocked and outraged to learn that Jean-Léonard Rugambage, the deputy editor of the fortnightly Umuvugizi, was gunned down outside his home in Kigali at about 11 p.m. on 24 June. He was the first journalist to be murdered in Rwanda since Emmanuel Munyemanzi in 1998.
“We have for months being condemning the climate of terror in Rwanda, the escalating repression of independent journalists and totalitarian tendencies,” Reporters Without Borders said. “It seems that newspaper closures, trials of journalists and blocking of websites have not been enough to elicit a reaction from the international community. Will this tragic development finally open the eyes of those who support this government?”
The press freedom organisation added: “As the August presidential election approaches, the government is organising a tightly controlled and monolithic electoral campaign in which all sources of criticism are being suppressed. This undertaking seems to have culminated in the ambushing and murder of this renowned journalist.”
In a resumption of diplomatic relations, French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Kigali in February and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, attended the Africa-France summit in Nice on 31 May and 1 June.
Reporters Without Borders believes that dialogue cannot be resumed unless particular attention is paid to press freedom and it therefore calls on the French authorities and the European Union delegation in Kigali to ensure that an independent investigation is carried out into this murder. Monitoring this case should be a priority for France’s ambassador to Kigali, Laurent Contini.
Rugambage was slain by four shots fired at close range by gunmen who have yet to be identified. The police took his body away to carry out an autopsy. Also known as “Sheriff,” he left a wife and two-year-old child. His murder has caused shock and dismay in both Rwanda and abroad.
“Jean-Léonard was without doubt killed as a result of his coverage of last week’s attempted murder of Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa in exile in South Africa,” Reporters Without Borders was told by Jean-Bosco Gasasira, his newspaper’s editor, who is himself in exile.
Rugambage reported that telephone calls were made between Rwandan intelligence chief Emmanuel Ndahiro and the Rwandan citizens who were arrested in South Africa after the shooting attack on Gen. Nyamwasa. In a story about the shooting in Le Monde on 22 June, headlined “Rwandan stray bullets,” French journalist Jean-Philippe Rémy wrote: “It is not easy to say what distinguishes Rwanda from a full-blown dictatorship.”
Rugambage had experienced several run-ins with the authorities. Accused of murder during the genocide and then sentenced to a year in prison for contempt of court, he was detained for 11 months in 2005 and 2006 before finally being acquitted. He edited Umuco for a long time before joining Umuvugizi.
He was also the Rwanda correspondent of the regional press freedom organisation Journalist in Danger (JED). “He told things as he felt them,” said a journalist who participated with him in a workshop in Brazzaville in 2007 for JED’s regional correspondents. “He was a very committed guy who paid with his life for his courage as a reporter. He did not beat about the bush, unlike some of his Rwandan colleagues.”
Rwanda was ranked 157th out of 179 countries in the 2009 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. This was the fourth lowest ranking in Africa, above only Eritrea, Somali and Equatorial Guinea. President Kagame has for years been on the Reporters Without Borders list of Predators of Press Freedom.
At least one killed in Guinea election clash.
AP
25 June 2010
At least one person was killed in a clash between supporters of two political parties ahead of Guinea's presidential elections Sunday, the director of Conakry's main hospital said on Friday.
"One body was brought to the hospital from Coyah," said Hadja Fatou Sikhe Camara, chief of the hospital situated in the suburb of Donka.
Violence broke out on Thursday in Coyah, 50km east of the capital, with supporters of candidates Sidya Toure and Cellou Dalein Diallo, hurling rocks at each other.
The two former prime ministers are frontrunners among 24 hopefuls in Sunday's poll which will be the first democratic election in the west African nation since independence in 1958.
Some media reports said four people died in the violence.
25 June 2010
At least one person was killed in a clash between supporters of two political parties ahead of Guinea's presidential elections Sunday, the director of Conakry's main hospital said on Friday.
"One body was brought to the hospital from Coyah," said Hadja Fatou Sikhe Camara, chief of the hospital situated in the suburb of Donka.
Violence broke out on Thursday in Coyah, 50km east of the capital, with supporters of candidates Sidya Toure and Cellou Dalein Diallo, hurling rocks at each other.
The two former prime ministers are frontrunners among 24 hopefuls in Sunday's poll which will be the first democratic election in the west African nation since independence in 1958.
Some media reports said four people died in the violence.
Update on the Murder of Denis Semadwinga.
Congo Siasa
25 June 2010
By Jason Stearns
http://congosiasa.blogspot.com/2010/06/update-on-semadwingas-murder.html
More details of the killing of Denis Ntare Semadwinga are coming to light, although much is still unclear. Apparently 8-10 people (some say in uniform, other say in civilian clothes) came to his house in Gisenyi at around 8-9pm on June 20th. They blocked off the area and stabbed him to death.
Semadwinga was linked to a dissident faction of the CNDP that had written a letter denouncing the party's leadership back in May. The signatory of that statement, Patrice Habarurema, was arrested by Rwandan police shortly afterwards. Several other CNDP officials have been arrested by Rwandan authorities over the past few months, including Sheikh Idi Abbas, accused of being linked the the grenade attacks in Kigali. Family members who have asked the authorities about these arrests have not received much of a response from the Rwandan government.
Other strange things are happening in the Congo. A manager of one of Nkunda's ranches in Kitchanga was reportedly killed recently.
According to these same sources within the CNDP, members of the Rwandan security services seem to be more and more worried that they could be a link between Nkunda's supporters and General Kayumba in South Africa.
25 June 2010
By Jason Stearns
http://congosiasa.blogspot.com/2010/06/update-on-semadwingas-murder.html
More details of the killing of Denis Ntare Semadwinga are coming to light, although much is still unclear. Apparently 8-10 people (some say in uniform, other say in civilian clothes) came to his house in Gisenyi at around 8-9pm on June 20th. They blocked off the area and stabbed him to death.
Semadwinga was linked to a dissident faction of the CNDP that had written a letter denouncing the party's leadership back in May. The signatory of that statement, Patrice Habarurema, was arrested by Rwandan police shortly afterwards. Several other CNDP officials have been arrested by Rwandan authorities over the past few months, including Sheikh Idi Abbas, accused of being linked the the grenade attacks in Kigali. Family members who have asked the authorities about these arrests have not received much of a response from the Rwandan government.
Other strange things are happening in the Congo. A manager of one of Nkunda's ranches in Kitchanga was reportedly killed recently.
According to these same sources within the CNDP, members of the Rwandan security services seem to be more and more worried that they could be a link between Nkunda's supporters and General Kayumba in South Africa.
Several Congolese in North Kivu Targeted for Assassination.
An urgent alert for the international community.
1. Austere Yalal Malivika - journalist for African Service Swahili Radio and correspondent for the Voice of America.
2. Willy Wabo - human rights activist and civil society member
3. Nzabonimpa Abdallah - journalist for RSA channel Africa.
1. Austere Yalal Malivika - journalist for African Service Swahili Radio and correspondent for the Voice of America.
2. Willy Wabo - human rights activist and civil society member
3. Nzabonimpa Abdallah - journalist for RSA channel Africa.
Oil Firms of South Africa Leader Nephew to Start Congo Oil Exploration in 2012.
Bloomberg News
25 June 2010
By Michael J. Kavanagh
Two companies owned by South African President Jacob Zuma’s nephew will in 2012 begin exploring two oil blocks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that were previously contracted to Tullow Oil Plc, a company advisor said.
Congo awarded blocks 1 and 2 in Lake Albert to Caprikat Ltd. and Foxwhelp Ltd., registered in the British Virgin Islands and owned by Khulubuse Zuma, according to a presidential decree published in Congo’s Journal Officiel June 22. Zuma is also chairman of Aurora Empowerment Systems Ltd., which is in the process of buying two gold mines in South Africa from Pamodzi Gold Ltd.
The companies will begin exploration in 19 months, Giuseppe Ciccarelli, executive director of Switzerland-based Medea Development SA and Zuma’s technical advisor, said by phone from Brussels. The companies are looking for partners to help develop the project. “There will be a number of companies with public and private capital that may be interested in working on the project,” he said, which will “develop economic and strategic cooperation between Congo and South Africa.”
Congo has signed contracts with three different companies to develop the blocks. Tullow, the U.K. explorer with the most licenses in Africa, signed a contract for the blocks in 2006. It never received a presidential decree to begin exploration. Divine Inspiration Group Ltd., a South African company, signed a competing contract for block 1 in 2008.
The oil blocks are located in the Albertine Graben in the Western Rift Valley of East Africa on the border with Uganda, where an estimated 2 billion barrels of reserves have already been discovered. Congo, which is recovering from four decades of war and dictatorship, wants to begin exploration soon.
Development
“We are geared up to partner with the DRC government in order to fast-track the development of these highly prospective gas and oil concessions,” Zuma said in an e-mailed statement sent by Caprikat yesterday.
Caprikat was incorporated on March 24, according to registration documents from the British Virgin Islands, or BVI.
“No legitimate company will farm into blocks with an unknown BVI company so we fail to see how these blocks are going to be developed for the benefit of the people of DRC,” Tullow said in an e-mailed statement yesterday.
“Without transparency and the sanctity of contracts it is very difficult to attract legitimate investment that will benefit the general population rather than the few,” London- based Tullow said. “We are reviewing our options but have no doubt about the legal validity of our claims to these blocks.”
Congo on June 18 also issued two other presidential decrees awarding Soco International Plc and Dominion Petroleum Ltd. block 5 along Lake Edward and SacOil Holding Ltd. of South Africa block 3, according to the Journal Officiel.
Divine Inspiration Group co-founded SacOil with businessman Tiego Moseneke’s Encha Group Ltd. in 2008. Moseneke is the brother of South African Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.
25 June 2010
By Michael J. Kavanagh
Two companies owned by South African President Jacob Zuma’s nephew will in 2012 begin exploring two oil blocks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that were previously contracted to Tullow Oil Plc, a company advisor said.
Congo awarded blocks 1 and 2 in Lake Albert to Caprikat Ltd. and Foxwhelp Ltd., registered in the British Virgin Islands and owned by Khulubuse Zuma, according to a presidential decree published in Congo’s Journal Officiel June 22. Zuma is also chairman of Aurora Empowerment Systems Ltd., which is in the process of buying two gold mines in South Africa from Pamodzi Gold Ltd.
The companies will begin exploration in 19 months, Giuseppe Ciccarelli, executive director of Switzerland-based Medea Development SA and Zuma’s technical advisor, said by phone from Brussels. The companies are looking for partners to help develop the project. “There will be a number of companies with public and private capital that may be interested in working on the project,” he said, which will “develop economic and strategic cooperation between Congo and South Africa.”
Congo has signed contracts with three different companies to develop the blocks. Tullow, the U.K. explorer with the most licenses in Africa, signed a contract for the blocks in 2006. It never received a presidential decree to begin exploration. Divine Inspiration Group Ltd., a South African company, signed a competing contract for block 1 in 2008.
The oil blocks are located in the Albertine Graben in the Western Rift Valley of East Africa on the border with Uganda, where an estimated 2 billion barrels of reserves have already been discovered. Congo, which is recovering from four decades of war and dictatorship, wants to begin exploration soon.
Development
“We are geared up to partner with the DRC government in order to fast-track the development of these highly prospective gas and oil concessions,” Zuma said in an e-mailed statement sent by Caprikat yesterday.
Caprikat was incorporated on March 24, according to registration documents from the British Virgin Islands, or BVI.
“No legitimate company will farm into blocks with an unknown BVI company so we fail to see how these blocks are going to be developed for the benefit of the people of DRC,” Tullow said in an e-mailed statement yesterday.
“Without transparency and the sanctity of contracts it is very difficult to attract legitimate investment that will benefit the general population rather than the few,” London- based Tullow said. “We are reviewing our options but have no doubt about the legal validity of our claims to these blocks.”
Congo on June 18 also issued two other presidential decrees awarding Soco International Plc and Dominion Petroleum Ltd. block 5 along Lake Edward and SacOil Holding Ltd. of South Africa block 3, according to the Journal Officiel.
Divine Inspiration Group co-founded SacOil with businessman Tiego Moseneke’s Encha Group Ltd. in 2008. Moseneke is the brother of South African Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.
Exiled Editor Says Rwandan State Forces Assassinated His Acting Editor Thursday.
Voice Of America
25 June 2010
By James Butty
The exiled editor of the Umuvugizi newspaper in Rwanda said his acting editor was shot and killed late Thursday night in the Rwanda capital, Kigali.
Jean Bosco Gasasira said deputy editor Jean Leonard Rugambage was shot outside his home and died later at a hospital.
Gasasira said Rwandan security killed acting editor Rugambage because the paper was investigating the shooting of Rwandan General Kayumba Nyamwasa in South Africa.
“I’m 100 percent sure it was the office of the national security services which shot him dead. This happened after publishing a story on the Umuvugizi website which cited Rwanda’s chief spy of being involved in the shooting of General Kayumba Nyamwasa in South Africa,” he said.
Police spokesman Eric Kayiranga told VOA that the Rwandan police do not currently know who was behind the attack or what the motive was. He claimed police are investigating.
Gasasira said the article on the Umuvugizi website quoted information which showed that there was communication between Rwanda’s chief spy and his driver.
He said the chief spy ordered the driver to finish up the general (Kayumba Nyamwasa) at the hospital with a promise that Rwandan President Paul Kagame would reward the driver.
“One security operative revealed to my editor that he knows that it is their officers who carried out that suicide mission. But they apparently revealed to my editor thinking that he was a hotel worker,” Gasasira said.
Gasasira said the Rwandan security began watching acting editor Rugambage after they realized he was a journalist and not a hotel worker.
Gasasira said he told acting editor Rugambage to leave Rwanda and cross into Uganda. But he said his offer came too late.
“He called me before using another line, informing me about the constant surveillance. Then I told him if he feels things getting worse, I told him to cross and flee Rwanda into Uganda to see how we can handle the issue. But unfortunately they killed him before,” he said
Rwanda’s Media High Council this year suspended Umuvugizi and Umuseso for six months on the grounds the two weekly newspapers violated Rwanda’s media laws and incited public order.
Gasasira said the killing of acting editor Rugambage fits the pattern of the Rwandan government’s campaign against the independent media.
“We are under tense surveillance. My journalist was also beaten up by the spokesman on Thursday when he was in an office of an opposition leader where he had gone to investigate some story. The same goes to me. Since Sunday, I’m not allowed to get out of my house. Security sources where I am say there are lots of spies they have sent to finish me,” Gasasira said.
25 June 2010
By James Butty
The exiled editor of the Umuvugizi newspaper in Rwanda said his acting editor was shot and killed late Thursday night in the Rwanda capital, Kigali.
Jean Bosco Gasasira said deputy editor Jean Leonard Rugambage was shot outside his home and died later at a hospital.
Gasasira said Rwandan security killed acting editor Rugambage because the paper was investigating the shooting of Rwandan General Kayumba Nyamwasa in South Africa.
“I’m 100 percent sure it was the office of the national security services which shot him dead. This happened after publishing a story on the Umuvugizi website which cited Rwanda’s chief spy of being involved in the shooting of General Kayumba Nyamwasa in South Africa,” he said.
Police spokesman Eric Kayiranga told VOA that the Rwandan police do not currently know who was behind the attack or what the motive was. He claimed police are investigating.
Gasasira said the article on the Umuvugizi website quoted information which showed that there was communication between Rwanda’s chief spy and his driver.
He said the chief spy ordered the driver to finish up the general (Kayumba Nyamwasa) at the hospital with a promise that Rwandan President Paul Kagame would reward the driver.
“One security operative revealed to my editor that he knows that it is their officers who carried out that suicide mission. But they apparently revealed to my editor thinking that he was a hotel worker,” Gasasira said.
Gasasira said the Rwandan security began watching acting editor Rugambage after they realized he was a journalist and not a hotel worker.
Gasasira said he told acting editor Rugambage to leave Rwanda and cross into Uganda. But he said his offer came too late.
“He called me before using another line, informing me about the constant surveillance. Then I told him if he feels things getting worse, I told him to cross and flee Rwanda into Uganda to see how we can handle the issue. But unfortunately they killed him before,” he said
Rwanda’s Media High Council this year suspended Umuvugizi and Umuseso for six months on the grounds the two weekly newspapers violated Rwanda’s media laws and incited public order.
Gasasira said the killing of acting editor Rugambage fits the pattern of the Rwandan government’s campaign against the independent media.
“We are under tense surveillance. My journalist was also beaten up by the spokesman on Thursday when he was in an office of an opposition leader where he had gone to investigate some story. The same goes to me. Since Sunday, I’m not allowed to get out of my house. Security sources where I am say there are lots of spies they have sent to finish me,” Gasasira said.
Njenga tries to rebrand Mungiki sect for 2012 elections.
Nairobi Star
22 June 2010
Former Mungiki sect leader Maina Njenga is quietly rebranding the banned organisation to establish it as a viable political vehicle in readiness for the 2012 elections.
Njenga has taken over the Kenya National Youth Alliance, the sect's political mouthpiece, and managed to convince politicians in Central Province, Nairobi and other parts of Kenya that the sect is now only interested in youth development and peace.
Previously Mungiki was believed to be running extortion and protection rackets, especially in the matatu industry, and used the funds to build up a membership of at least one million.
The intention now is to rebuild trust and confidence with Kenyans and to become a political player in 2012.
Njenga has been campaigning for the proposed constitution through his National Youth Movement for Yes.
"There is nothing wrong if we transform this movement into a political party. What we can do is just to remove the words 'For Yes' and we are left with the National Youth Movement," Maina told the Star in an interview.
He intends to accommodate the interests of both PNU and ODM on condition that "only matters of youth should be addressed." "Our mission is to erase the old image of Maina and the sect. That is why we are preaching peace and asking young people to engage in gainful employment even if it means self employment," said a former MP from Rift Valley who is now working closely with Njenga.
"By mid next year, for sure Maina will decide who becomes an MP in Central Kenya and some parts of the country where we have support. Those who want to be President will have to look for him because his base remains solid and we are converting more people," said the former MP.
Since his release from prison eight months ago, Njenga has managed to closely associate with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's son Fidel, three times share a platform with former President Moi, and several times be a guest at rallies called by current and former Cabinet ministers and MPs campaigning for the proposed constitution.
Last year Njenga successfully appealed against a five-year sentence for possession of an illegal firearm. His release came shortly after he prepared an affidavit for court naming top government officials as members or supporters of Mungiki. The affidavit was never released.
Over the weekend, Njenga was the chief guest at a meeting in Thika town attended by an estimated 5,000 people where he was made a Kikuyu elder.
The meeting organised the 'Kikuyu Council of Elders' was aimed at celebrating Kikuyu culture but turned out to be a Yes rally.
On his release from prison last October, Njenga was baptised and born again. He announced that the Mungiki sect was 'dead'.
Instead of protection rackets, former Mungiki members have now formed small 'saccos' to raise funds to conduct their business. The launch of one sacco in Eastleigh last week was postponed to this week.
Njenga's National Youth Movement for Yes claims to have five million members. It is mapping out strategies to select candidates for civic, parliamentary and presidential elections. He wants it to become a political party before 2012.
According to close associates, Njenga intends to contest a parliamentary seat in Nairobi but would also be interested in becoming a governor in a devolved government if the proposed constitution passes.
Politicians from both President Kibaki's PNU and Prime Minister Raila Odinga's ODM are now hovering around the former Mungiki leader hoping that he will collaborate with them in future.
They have been surprised at the huge numbers turning out at the rallies addressed by Njenga.
Many politicians or their emissaries have visited the offices of the Labour Party of Kenya on Amboseli Road, at the boundary between Nairobi's Lavington and Kawangware, where Njenga operates from.
There is already an existing youth initiative started in October 2005 called the National Youth Movement that he may absorb.
"We know that each other exist, we have worked before with Maina Njenga in his previous outfits and agitations. All young people share common vision and agendas," said Boniface Juma, chairman of the National Youth Movement.
"He has not approached us officially to partner with National Movement for Yes, because it is for campaigning for the proposed constitution. We have our activities running and they will continue running even after the referendum. When need be, we will cooperate with Maina," said Juma.
When he appealed for Sh5 million to offset mortuary fees for his late wife Virginia Nyakio in January, Maina collected Sh9 million, mostly from ordinary youth through M-Pesa and from politicians including finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta, former minister Njenga Karume, Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu, Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara, Assistant minister Margaret Wanjiru and former Kabete MP Paul Muite.
22 June 2010
Former Mungiki sect leader Maina Njenga is quietly rebranding the banned organisation to establish it as a viable political vehicle in readiness for the 2012 elections.
Njenga has taken over the Kenya National Youth Alliance, the sect's political mouthpiece, and managed to convince politicians in Central Province, Nairobi and other parts of Kenya that the sect is now only interested in youth development and peace.
Previously Mungiki was believed to be running extortion and protection rackets, especially in the matatu industry, and used the funds to build up a membership of at least one million.
The intention now is to rebuild trust and confidence with Kenyans and to become a political player in 2012.
Njenga has been campaigning for the proposed constitution through his National Youth Movement for Yes.
"There is nothing wrong if we transform this movement into a political party. What we can do is just to remove the words 'For Yes' and we are left with the National Youth Movement," Maina told the Star in an interview.
He intends to accommodate the interests of both PNU and ODM on condition that "only matters of youth should be addressed." "Our mission is to erase the old image of Maina and the sect. That is why we are preaching peace and asking young people to engage in gainful employment even if it means self employment," said a former MP from Rift Valley who is now working closely with Njenga.
"By mid next year, for sure Maina will decide who becomes an MP in Central Kenya and some parts of the country where we have support. Those who want to be President will have to look for him because his base remains solid and we are converting more people," said the former MP.
Since his release from prison eight months ago, Njenga has managed to closely associate with Prime Minister Raila Odinga's son Fidel, three times share a platform with former President Moi, and several times be a guest at rallies called by current and former Cabinet ministers and MPs campaigning for the proposed constitution.
Last year Njenga successfully appealed against a five-year sentence for possession of an illegal firearm. His release came shortly after he prepared an affidavit for court naming top government officials as members or supporters of Mungiki. The affidavit was never released.
Over the weekend, Njenga was the chief guest at a meeting in Thika town attended by an estimated 5,000 people where he was made a Kikuyu elder.
The meeting organised the 'Kikuyu Council of Elders' was aimed at celebrating Kikuyu culture but turned out to be a Yes rally.
On his release from prison last October, Njenga was baptised and born again. He announced that the Mungiki sect was 'dead'.
Instead of protection rackets, former Mungiki members have now formed small 'saccos' to raise funds to conduct their business. The launch of one sacco in Eastleigh last week was postponed to this week.
Njenga's National Youth Movement for Yes claims to have five million members. It is mapping out strategies to select candidates for civic, parliamentary and presidential elections. He wants it to become a political party before 2012.
According to close associates, Njenga intends to contest a parliamentary seat in Nairobi but would also be interested in becoming a governor in a devolved government if the proposed constitution passes.
Politicians from both President Kibaki's PNU and Prime Minister Raila Odinga's ODM are now hovering around the former Mungiki leader hoping that he will collaborate with them in future.
They have been surprised at the huge numbers turning out at the rallies addressed by Njenga.
Many politicians or their emissaries have visited the offices of the Labour Party of Kenya on Amboseli Road, at the boundary between Nairobi's Lavington and Kawangware, where Njenga operates from.
There is already an existing youth initiative started in October 2005 called the National Youth Movement that he may absorb.
"We know that each other exist, we have worked before with Maina Njenga in his previous outfits and agitations. All young people share common vision and agendas," said Boniface Juma, chairman of the National Youth Movement.
"He has not approached us officially to partner with National Movement for Yes, because it is for campaigning for the proposed constitution. We have our activities running and they will continue running even after the referendum. When need be, we will cooperate with Maina," said Juma.
When he appealed for Sh5 million to offset mortuary fees for his late wife Virginia Nyakio in January, Maina collected Sh9 million, mostly from ordinary youth through M-Pesa and from politicians including finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta, former minister Njenga Karume, Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu, Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara, Assistant minister Margaret Wanjiru and former Kabete MP Paul Muite.
Rwandan State Security Agents Allegedly Assassinate Deputy Editor of Umuvigizi.
World News Journal
25 June 2010
WNJ's Rwandan sources and Jean Bosco Gasasira have reported that Rwanda's security operatives from the Department of Internal Military Intelligence shot dead the Deputy Editor of Umuvigizi, Jean-Leonard Rugambaje, at 23:00 Rwandan time as he entered his home area in the Nyamirambo District of Kigali. He was fired on by two men who then fled in a car. He died shortly after at a hospital.
25 June 2010
WNJ's Rwandan sources and Jean Bosco Gasasira have reported that Rwanda's security operatives from the Department of Internal Military Intelligence shot dead the Deputy Editor of Umuvigizi, Jean-Leonard Rugambaje, at 23:00 Rwandan time as he entered his home area in the Nyamirambo District of Kigali. He was fired on by two men who then fled in a car. He died shortly after at a hospital.
Northern Bahr el Ghazal state appoints new cabinet.
Cabinet of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State
1. Mr. Madut Dut Yel - Deputy Governor and Minister of Local Government
2. Mr. Stephen Chol Ajongo – Minister of Education
3. Mr. Ronald Ruay Deng – Minister of Finance
4. Mr. Peter Kuot Jiel – Minister of Physical Infrastructure
5. Mr. Ayii Bol Agany – Minister of Agriculture
6. Mr. Bona Makuac Mawien – Minister of Information
7. Mr. Akuei Mawien Dut – Minister of legal Affairs
8. Ms. Bustena Michael Manyang– Minister of Social Welfare
9. Mr. Angui Diing Diing – Minister of parliamentary Affairs
10. Mr. Bol Tong Tong – Minister of Public Service
11. Mr. Albino Madhan Anei – Minister of Animal Resources
12. Minister of Health (NCP to nominate their person)
B. Garang Kuot Kuot - Secretary General
C. Advisors
1. Mr. Jal Malith Jal – Political Advisor
2. Mr. Tong Atak Mel – Economic Advisor
3. Mr. Yel Deng Nguel – Security Advisor
4. Mr. Wany Anyit Majok – Education Advisor
5. Mr. Joseph Akok Aleu – Investment Advisor
6. Ms. Josephine Lado Moses – Gender and Human Right Advisor
7. Mr. Ismael Ibrahim Ahmed – Food Security Advisor
8. Ms. Sumeya Adut Deng– Peace and Reconciliation Advisor
9. Mr. Giir Riiny Lual – Local Government Advisor
10. Mr. Mariano Jiel Dhieu – Forestry and Environmental Advisor
D. County Commissioners
1. Mr. Kawac Deng Kawac – Aweil East
2. Mr. Kuol Athian Hal – Aweil North
3. Isaac Lual Chol – Aweil West
4. Mr. Jiel Mangok Yel– Aweil South
5. Mr. Diera Madut Chan – Aweil Centre
6. Mr. Abraham Aleu Akol – Commissioner of the Headquarters
E. Chairpersons of the Independent Commissions
1. Angelo Marach Thiik – Public Grievances Chambers
2. Luol Mawien Deng – Employees Justice
3. Riak Wol Atuer– Human Rights
4. Wek Kuc Deng – Anti-Corruption
1. Mr. Madut Dut Yel - Deputy Governor and Minister of Local Government
2. Mr. Stephen Chol Ajongo – Minister of Education
3. Mr. Ronald Ruay Deng – Minister of Finance
4. Mr. Peter Kuot Jiel – Minister of Physical Infrastructure
5. Mr. Ayii Bol Agany – Minister of Agriculture
6. Mr. Bona Makuac Mawien – Minister of Information
7. Mr. Akuei Mawien Dut – Minister of legal Affairs
8. Ms. Bustena Michael Manyang– Minister of Social Welfare
9. Mr. Angui Diing Diing – Minister of parliamentary Affairs
10. Mr. Bol Tong Tong – Minister of Public Service
11. Mr. Albino Madhan Anei – Minister of Animal Resources
12. Minister of Health (NCP to nominate their person)
B. Garang Kuot Kuot - Secretary General
C. Advisors
1. Mr. Jal Malith Jal – Political Advisor
2. Mr. Tong Atak Mel – Economic Advisor
3. Mr. Yel Deng Nguel – Security Advisor
4. Mr. Wany Anyit Majok – Education Advisor
5. Mr. Joseph Akok Aleu – Investment Advisor
6. Ms. Josephine Lado Moses – Gender and Human Right Advisor
7. Mr. Ismael Ibrahim Ahmed – Food Security Advisor
8. Ms. Sumeya Adut Deng– Peace and Reconciliation Advisor
9. Mr. Giir Riiny Lual – Local Government Advisor
10. Mr. Mariano Jiel Dhieu – Forestry and Environmental Advisor
D. County Commissioners
1. Mr. Kawac Deng Kawac – Aweil East
2. Mr. Kuol Athian Hal – Aweil North
3. Isaac Lual Chol – Aweil West
4. Mr. Jiel Mangok Yel– Aweil South
5. Mr. Diera Madut Chan – Aweil Centre
6. Mr. Abraham Aleu Akol – Commissioner of the Headquarters
E. Chairpersons of the Independent Commissions
1. Angelo Marach Thiik – Public Grievances Chambers
2. Luol Mawien Deng – Employees Justice
3. Riak Wol Atuer– Human Rights
4. Wek Kuc Deng – Anti-Corruption
Hotel Rwanda Ruseabagina Foundation Decries Arrests, Oppression and Harassment in Rwanda.
Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kitty Kurth
Phone: +1-312-617-7288
The HRRF strongly decrees recent reports of the violent suppression of peaceful dissent in Rwanda. Earlier today (local time in Rwanda), the three primary political parties standing in opposition to President Paul Kagame and his Rwandan Patriotic Front party saw their members and leaders physically harassed, barred from leaving their residences, and in some cases arrested. Reports were of "mobs" of government supporters at each location in which the harassment occurred. This follows an assassination attempt last week in South Africa of exiled Rwandan General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, who fled after being accused of opposing the Kagame government. General Nyamwasa is one of over 15 leading military officers and ambasssadors who have been imprisoned or forced into exile in recent months. The recent arrest of American lawyer Peter Erlinder is just another sign of the desperation inherent in Rwanda's government and leaders.
Unfortunately, this behavior is typical for Kagame's government in Rwanda and mirrors similar treatment of dissidents and opposition political parties prior to the 2003 presidential election. At that time, Kagame won 95% of the vote, largely because all opposition had been effectively put down, banned or exiled.
Rwandan society is tumbling toward the brink of an internal crisis, and it is time for the international community to intervene.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kitty Kurth
Phone: +1-312-617-7288
The HRRF strongly decrees recent reports of the violent suppression of peaceful dissent in Rwanda. Earlier today (local time in Rwanda), the three primary political parties standing in opposition to President Paul Kagame and his Rwandan Patriotic Front party saw their members and leaders physically harassed, barred from leaving their residences, and in some cases arrested. Reports were of "mobs" of government supporters at each location in which the harassment occurred. This follows an assassination attempt last week in South Africa of exiled Rwandan General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, who fled after being accused of opposing the Kagame government. General Nyamwasa is one of over 15 leading military officers and ambasssadors who have been imprisoned or forced into exile in recent months. The recent arrest of American lawyer Peter Erlinder is just another sign of the desperation inherent in Rwanda's government and leaders.
Unfortunately, this behavior is typical for Kagame's government in Rwanda and mirrors similar treatment of dissidents and opposition political parties prior to the 2003 presidential election. At that time, Kagame won 95% of the vote, largely because all opposition had been effectively put down, banned or exiled.
Rwandan society is tumbling toward the brink of an internal crisis, and it is time for the international community to intervene.
24 June, 2010
Rwandan opposition party FDU-Inkingi protests against undemocratic Rwandan elections.
UDF/FDU-Inkingi
Press Release
In a press conference held in Kigali yesterday by the Foreign Affairs Minister and the General Prosecutor, the public opinion was briefed on the reasons why Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza and her political party, FDU INKINGI, were denied their rights to compete the presidential elections.
According to the Rwandan government, the court proceedings will not start before some countries cooperate with the investigations. This is another proof that the false charges, the arrest and intimidation were decided before any proper investigation.
There is no doubt anymore that those are delaying tactics in order to rig the presidential elections and to thwart the opposition.
Those manoeuvres to deprive the Rwandan people of the free and fair election of their President to which they are entitled are unacceptable. It is the reason why we have decided to peacefully demonstrate today in front of the Ministry of Justice for a due, prompt and fair process and for the postponement of the presidential elections. Rwandans will never accept the legitimacy of this kind of elections masquerade.
Done on 24 June 2010
Sylvain Sibomana
FDU-Inkingi
Secretary General
Press Release
In a press conference held in Kigali yesterday by the Foreign Affairs Minister and the General Prosecutor, the public opinion was briefed on the reasons why Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza and her political party, FDU INKINGI, were denied their rights to compete the presidential elections.
According to the Rwandan government, the court proceedings will not start before some countries cooperate with the investigations. This is another proof that the false charges, the arrest and intimidation were decided before any proper investigation.
There is no doubt anymore that those are delaying tactics in order to rig the presidential elections and to thwart the opposition.
Those manoeuvres to deprive the Rwandan people of the free and fair election of their President to which they are entitled are unacceptable. It is the reason why we have decided to peacefully demonstrate today in front of the Ministry of Justice for a due, prompt and fair process and for the postponement of the presidential elections. Rwandans will never accept the legitimacy of this kind of elections masquerade.
Done on 24 June 2010
Sylvain Sibomana
FDU-Inkingi
Secretary General
Rwandan police assault and arrest dozens of opposition protesters.
Reuters
24 June 2010
Opposition leader and presidential hopeful Victoire Ingabire, who is facing trial on charges of genocide denial and belonging to a terrorist organisation, said members of her United Democratic Forces party, which mainly represents Hutus, had been detained during a peaceful protest in Kigali.
"I think more than 100 were arrested," she told Reuters by telephone.
Police spokesman Eric Kayiranga claimed only 20-30 people had been arrested across the capital for causing disorder and that another presidential hopeful, Bernard Ntaganda, was taken in for questioning on Thursday morning.
Ingabire's party and the Democratic Green Party have called for presidential elections planned for Aug. 9 to be postponed to allow them to meet technical requirements to register. The two are the only parties that have not been able to register.
A Reuters witness saw several Ingabire supporters arrested at the Justice Ministry as they unfurled party banners.
"They have to accept the registration of all political parties and that we can participate in the election," Ingabire said.
Ntaganda leads a faction of the opposition Social Party Imberakuri. In December last year he denied senate charges of peddling ethnic "divisionism" and genocide ideology.
"(Ntaganda) has not been charged yet, we will continue working on it. We are still collecting evidence," Kayiranga said by telephone.
24 June 2010
Opposition leader and presidential hopeful Victoire Ingabire, who is facing trial on charges of genocide denial and belonging to a terrorist organisation, said members of her United Democratic Forces party, which mainly represents Hutus, had been detained during a peaceful protest in Kigali.
"I think more than 100 were arrested," she told Reuters by telephone.
Police spokesman Eric Kayiranga claimed only 20-30 people had been arrested across the capital for causing disorder and that another presidential hopeful, Bernard Ntaganda, was taken in for questioning on Thursday morning.
Ingabire's party and the Democratic Green Party have called for presidential elections planned for Aug. 9 to be postponed to allow them to meet technical requirements to register. The two are the only parties that have not been able to register.
A Reuters witness saw several Ingabire supporters arrested at the Justice Ministry as they unfurled party banners.
"They have to accept the registration of all political parties and that we can participate in the election," Ingabire said.
Ntaganda leads a faction of the opposition Social Party Imberakuri. In December last year he denied senate charges of peddling ethnic "divisionism" and genocide ideology.
"(Ntaganda) has not been charged yet, we will continue working on it. We are still collecting evidence," Kayiranga said by telephone.
KIGALI, LEADING OPPOSITION MEMBER ARRESTED.
MISNA
24 June 2010
Rwandan police have arrested a leading opposition member, Bernard Ntaganda, president and founder of the social party Imberakuri. “This morning police officers entered his home in and they arrested him along with a certain number of people, all members and affiliates of the party, leading him to an unknown location,” said Jean Baptiste Ryumugabe, a spokesman for Rwandan civil society who resides in Bruxelles. Said Ryumugabe, police confirmed the episode without adding any information regarding the arrest. “The arrest occurred just hours before the start if the ‘peaceful march for democracy’ convened by the opposition to be held between the prime minister’s office and the ministry of Local Administrations to draw the international community and Rwandans’ attention on the political situation in the country a month and a half before the August 4 presidential election.
Editor's Note: The Rwandan Police allege Bernard Ntaganda is in custody in connection with the failed assassination attempt on another politician, Christine Mukabonane, who heads a pro-RPF splinter faction of PS-Imberakuri party. He has yet to be charged according to the Rwandan police.
24 June 2010
Rwandan police have arrested a leading opposition member, Bernard Ntaganda, president and founder of the social party Imberakuri. “This morning police officers entered his home in and they arrested him along with a certain number of people, all members and affiliates of the party, leading him to an unknown location,” said Jean Baptiste Ryumugabe, a spokesman for Rwandan civil society who resides in Bruxelles. Said Ryumugabe, police confirmed the episode without adding any information regarding the arrest. “The arrest occurred just hours before the start if the ‘peaceful march for democracy’ convened by the opposition to be held between the prime minister’s office and the ministry of Local Administrations to draw the international community and Rwandans’ attention on the political situation in the country a month and a half before the August 4 presidential election.
Editor's Note: The Rwandan Police allege Bernard Ntaganda is in custody in connection with the failed assassination attempt on another politician, Christine Mukabonane, who heads a pro-RPF splinter faction of PS-Imberakuri party. He has yet to be charged according to the Rwandan police.
Rwandan opposition party leaders and members have been violently assaulted and arrested, hundreds still missing.
Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda (PCC)
C/O. B.P. 6334
Kigali, Rwanda
Tel: +250 788563039, +250 728636000, +250 788307145
A planned peaceful demonstration for today against the National Electoral Commission (NEC) while they were receiving nominations for the August presidential elections was blocked. The purpose was to protest the fact that the genuine opposition parties have been denied a chance to participate in the presidential elections. The planned peaceful demonstration was prevented this morning when Maitre NTAGANDA Bernard, the founding president of the PS-Imberakuri party, was violently assaulted and taken from his home by unidentified armed plain-clothed officials. Sources claim that he is currently being held incommunicado in a police cell.
At the same time, Ms. Victoire Ingabire, chairperson of the FDU-Inkingi party, woke up to find that her house had been completely surrounded and blocked off by armed policemen. She was prevented from leaving her residence. The Democratic Green Party President, Mr. Frank Habineza, and his Vice President, Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, were detained by the police. Their National Identity cards and phones were taken from them for almost one hour at US Embassy in Kigali. Two Executive Members of the FDU- Inkingi, Secretary General Sylvain Sibomana and Treasurer Alice Muhirwa, are missing as of this writing. The Secretary General of the PS-Imberakuri, Theobald Mutarambirwa, is also believed to be in police custody but is missing.
The ‘Parti Social Imberakuri'-PS-Imberakuri, wrote to the Mayor of the Gasabo district on 17th June 2010, requesting for permission to demonstrate peacefully on 24th June 2010. The letter clearly stated that the demonstrations were to start at the Prime Minister’s Office in Kimiruhura, continue to the Parliament and end at the Ministry of Local Government in the Kacyiru District, where a public message was to be made.
The District failed to respond by Wednesday, 23rd June, and Maitre Ntaganda, a senior lawyer and activist, confirmed to other opposition leaders that, in this case, silence doen not legally mean "no", and the program should remain as planned.
To our surprise early this morning, Frank Habineza received a phone call from the PS Imbearakuri Secretary General informing him Ntaganda had gone missing and they have changed plans. Instead of the planned demonstration, they decided to go to the American Embassy in the Kacyiru District and ask US Embassy officials to help intervene in this serious situation. They also asked Frank Habineza to help them so Maitre Ntaganda could be located and released from custody.
We arrived at the US Embassy visitors parking at around 09:00 local time. To our surprise, when we called the PS-Imberakuri Secretary General, instead of getting his response we heard a lot of commotion over his phone and by the time we reached the outside of the US Embassy complex we saw police chasing PS-Imberakuri members and we also saw others being arrested and being violently forced into police vans. The Secretary General is believed to be in police custody with hundreds of other PS-Imberakuri members.
We proceeded on and talked to US Embassy officials. After a while as we were leaving the US Embassy grounds, Rwandan police stopped us and took away our National Identity Cards and phones for about an hour. Both the President and Vice President of the Green Party were eventually released without harm.
Meanwhile, hundreds of members of the FDU-Inkingi were brutally attacked and beaten by policemen at Gishushu (Remera) and in front of the Ministry of Justice in the Kimihurura District. They were heading to a peaceful demonstration in front of the Ministry of Justice to request the government to lift restrictive measures and drop the false charges against their Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, who remains under house arrest on bail since April 22nd 2010, and has been deprived of her political rights. The demonstrators were reacting to a statement by General Prosecutor Ngoga yesterday that the government does not have enough evidence to prosecute and challenge the case in a court of law yet.
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda is deeply concerned with the continuous unwarranted political harassment and denial of political space in Rwanda ahead of the August 9th Presidential election.
The Government of Rwanda has continuously done all it can to deny the genuine political opposition a chance to legally exist and be able to democratically participate in the upcoming Presidential elections.
The ruling RPF party has plainly shown to the Rwandan people and the International Community that scared to compete with real opposition and has resorted to approving stooge candidates to give the illusion of political opposition.
This is the real picture of Rwanda's political space: President Kagame’s RPF party competing against stooge candidates of the PSD, PL and other satellite partner parties who have been comfortably enjoying ministerial and parliamentary positions for the last 16 years while supporting RPF policies and legislation.
The real opposition in Rwanda has been subjected to verbal and physical intimidation along with legal and political abuse. Legal framework has been manipulated to prevent the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and United Democratic Forces (FDU–Inkingi) from registering their political parties and exercising their political rights. The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda’s founding convention on 30th October 2009, was violently sabotaged by people connected to state security organs and others to be working for the Government. The Green Party's leader, Frank Habineza has received several death threats, the latest one indicating that he is supposed to be killed before the August 2010 presidential election. Despite the fact that he reported this matter to the police and also wrote directly to the Minister of Internal Security, he never received any response and he is in imminent danger.
The FDU-Inkingi's Leader, Mrs. Victoire Ingabire was physically assaulted earlier this year at a government office at Kinyinya-Kigali. She has also faced serious allegations and has been charged for working with a terrorist organisation as well as allegedly harboring a genocide ideology. Her party has been refused chance to register on the pretext that its leader has criminal charges which must be cleared first. The problem though is that even though she was charged in court, she has never been given chance to defend herself. Instead her lawyer, Peter Erlinder, was arrested as well.
All these actions are done by the Government to demonize these politicians and make them hated by the population.
The PS-Imberakuri is the only opposition party that managed to get registered last year, but its leader Maitre Bernard Ntaganda, has faced many challenges and was summoned by the Rwandan Senate on charges of allegedly having a genocide ideology. The party has now been divided into several factions, one illegal faction was recently recognised by the Government after its head was appointed Vice President of the pro-RPF Political Parties Forum. They know very well that this lady has never been approved by the cabinet according to Rwandan law.
The legally recognised Leader, Maitre Ntaganda is now unable to present his credentials for official nomination as a presidential candidate by the Electoral Commission. This division is believed was orchestrated by the RPF in order to weaken a real opposition party and deny it a chance to participate in the upcoming August 2010 presidential elections.
Neither Mrs. Victoire Ingabire, nor Mr. Frank Habineza, will be able to present their credentials for approval by the Electoral Commission since both of their parties have been denied a chance to register in time even though they are not criminals and want to represent peaceful and democratic opposition to the RPF party.
Therefore, we call upon the Rwandan Government to postpone the presidential election until the political field is free, fair, and democratic to allow peaceful competition for political power in Rwanda.
We request the President of Rwanda to use the powers vested to him by the Constitution to impress upon the Rwandan Government officials to allow political parties that are critical of the RPF to be legally registered immediately and be allowed to freely exercise their full political rights and let the legally recognised leader of PS-Imberakuri, Maitre Bernard Ntaganda, manage his party without any outside interference.
We would like to remind H.E. President Paul Kagame that he took an oath seven years ago to protect and obey the Rwandan Constitution. He is the custodian of the law. The Constitution guarantees multi-party politics and democracy in Rwanda. We call upon His Excellency, the President of the Republic, to respect his pledge made under oath.
Done in Kigali,
24th June 2010
Mrs. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza
Chairperson, United Democratic Forces
Mr. Frank Habineza
Chairman, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
C/O. B.P. 6334
Kigali, Rwanda
Tel: +250 788563039, +250 728636000, +250 788307145
A planned peaceful demonstration for today against the National Electoral Commission (NEC) while they were receiving nominations for the August presidential elections was blocked. The purpose was to protest the fact that the genuine opposition parties have been denied a chance to participate in the presidential elections. The planned peaceful demonstration was prevented this morning when Maitre NTAGANDA Bernard, the founding president of the PS-Imberakuri party, was violently assaulted and taken from his home by unidentified armed plain-clothed officials. Sources claim that he is currently being held incommunicado in a police cell.
At the same time, Ms. Victoire Ingabire, chairperson of the FDU-Inkingi party, woke up to find that her house had been completely surrounded and blocked off by armed policemen. She was prevented from leaving her residence. The Democratic Green Party President, Mr. Frank Habineza, and his Vice President, Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, were detained by the police. Their National Identity cards and phones were taken from them for almost one hour at US Embassy in Kigali. Two Executive Members of the FDU- Inkingi, Secretary General Sylvain Sibomana and Treasurer Alice Muhirwa, are missing as of this writing. The Secretary General of the PS-Imberakuri, Theobald Mutarambirwa, is also believed to be in police custody but is missing.
The ‘Parti Social Imberakuri'-PS-Imberakuri, wrote to the Mayor of the Gasabo district on 17th June 2010, requesting for permission to demonstrate peacefully on 24th June 2010. The letter clearly stated that the demonstrations were to start at the Prime Minister’s Office in Kimiruhura, continue to the Parliament and end at the Ministry of Local Government in the Kacyiru District, where a public message was to be made.
The District failed to respond by Wednesday, 23rd June, and Maitre Ntaganda, a senior lawyer and activist, confirmed to other opposition leaders that, in this case, silence doen not legally mean "no", and the program should remain as planned.
To our surprise early this morning, Frank Habineza received a phone call from the PS Imbearakuri Secretary General informing him Ntaganda had gone missing and they have changed plans. Instead of the planned demonstration, they decided to go to the American Embassy in the Kacyiru District and ask US Embassy officials to help intervene in this serious situation. They also asked Frank Habineza to help them so Maitre Ntaganda could be located and released from custody.
We arrived at the US Embassy visitors parking at around 09:00 local time. To our surprise, when we called the PS-Imberakuri Secretary General, instead of getting his response we heard a lot of commotion over his phone and by the time we reached the outside of the US Embassy complex we saw police chasing PS-Imberakuri members and we also saw others being arrested and being violently forced into police vans. The Secretary General is believed to be in police custody with hundreds of other PS-Imberakuri members.
We proceeded on and talked to US Embassy officials. After a while as we were leaving the US Embassy grounds, Rwandan police stopped us and took away our National Identity Cards and phones for about an hour. Both the President and Vice President of the Green Party were eventually released without harm.
Meanwhile, hundreds of members of the FDU-Inkingi were brutally attacked and beaten by policemen at Gishushu (Remera) and in front of the Ministry of Justice in the Kimihurura District. They were heading to a peaceful demonstration in front of the Ministry of Justice to request the government to lift restrictive measures and drop the false charges against their Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, who remains under house arrest on bail since April 22nd 2010, and has been deprived of her political rights. The demonstrators were reacting to a statement by General Prosecutor Ngoga yesterday that the government does not have enough evidence to prosecute and challenge the case in a court of law yet.
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda is deeply concerned with the continuous unwarranted political harassment and denial of political space in Rwanda ahead of the August 9th Presidential election.
The Government of Rwanda has continuously done all it can to deny the genuine political opposition a chance to legally exist and be able to democratically participate in the upcoming Presidential elections.
The ruling RPF party has plainly shown to the Rwandan people and the International Community that scared to compete with real opposition and has resorted to approving stooge candidates to give the illusion of political opposition.
This is the real picture of Rwanda's political space: President Kagame’s RPF party competing against stooge candidates of the PSD, PL and other satellite partner parties who have been comfortably enjoying ministerial and parliamentary positions for the last 16 years while supporting RPF policies and legislation.
The real opposition in Rwanda has been subjected to verbal and physical intimidation along with legal and political abuse. Legal framework has been manipulated to prevent the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and United Democratic Forces (FDU–Inkingi) from registering their political parties and exercising their political rights. The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda’s founding convention on 30th October 2009, was violently sabotaged by people connected to state security organs and others to be working for the Government. The Green Party's leader, Frank Habineza has received several death threats, the latest one indicating that he is supposed to be killed before the August 2010 presidential election. Despite the fact that he reported this matter to the police and also wrote directly to the Minister of Internal Security, he never received any response and he is in imminent danger.
The FDU-Inkingi's Leader, Mrs. Victoire Ingabire was physically assaulted earlier this year at a government office at Kinyinya-Kigali. She has also faced serious allegations and has been charged for working with a terrorist organisation as well as allegedly harboring a genocide ideology. Her party has been refused chance to register on the pretext that its leader has criminal charges which must be cleared first. The problem though is that even though she was charged in court, she has never been given chance to defend herself. Instead her lawyer, Peter Erlinder, was arrested as well.
All these actions are done by the Government to demonize these politicians and make them hated by the population.
The PS-Imberakuri is the only opposition party that managed to get registered last year, but its leader Maitre Bernard Ntaganda, has faced many challenges and was summoned by the Rwandan Senate on charges of allegedly having a genocide ideology. The party has now been divided into several factions, one illegal faction was recently recognised by the Government after its head was appointed Vice President of the pro-RPF Political Parties Forum. They know very well that this lady has never been approved by the cabinet according to Rwandan law.
The legally recognised Leader, Maitre Ntaganda is now unable to present his credentials for official nomination as a presidential candidate by the Electoral Commission. This division is believed was orchestrated by the RPF in order to weaken a real opposition party and deny it a chance to participate in the upcoming August 2010 presidential elections.
Neither Mrs. Victoire Ingabire, nor Mr. Frank Habineza, will be able to present their credentials for approval by the Electoral Commission since both of their parties have been denied a chance to register in time even though they are not criminals and want to represent peaceful and democratic opposition to the RPF party.
Therefore, we call upon the Rwandan Government to postpone the presidential election until the political field is free, fair, and democratic to allow peaceful competition for political power in Rwanda.
We request the President of Rwanda to use the powers vested to him by the Constitution to impress upon the Rwandan Government officials to allow political parties that are critical of the RPF to be legally registered immediately and be allowed to freely exercise their full political rights and let the legally recognised leader of PS-Imberakuri, Maitre Bernard Ntaganda, manage his party without any outside interference.
We would like to remind H.E. President Paul Kagame that he took an oath seven years ago to protect and obey the Rwandan Constitution. He is the custodian of the law. The Constitution guarantees multi-party politics and democracy in Rwanda. We call upon His Excellency, the President of the Republic, to respect his pledge made under oath.
Done in Kigali,
24th June 2010
Mrs. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza
Chairperson, United Democratic Forces
Mr. Frank Habineza
Chairman, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
Rwandan Regime Violently Attacks and Detains Opposition Party Members.
World News Journal
23 June 2010
Rwandan sources are reporting that the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Mr. Frank Habineza, was detained and questioned for an hour at police headquarters. There are reports of the round-up and illegal detention of dozens of members of Mrs. Victoire Ingabire's FDU/UDF-Inkingi party and members of the PS-Imberakuri loyal to Mr. Bernard Ntaganda. Rwandan police blocked off the 2 roads leading to Mrs. Ingabire's residence and are preventing all traffic from entering and leaving. There are also reports that a small peaceful protest broke out in front of the Ministry of Justice following these actions and the police came and detained some of the protesters. More to follow.
23 June 2010
Rwandan sources are reporting that the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Mr. Frank Habineza, was detained and questioned for an hour at police headquarters. There are reports of the round-up and illegal detention of dozens of members of Mrs. Victoire Ingabire's FDU/UDF-Inkingi party and members of the PS-Imberakuri loyal to Mr. Bernard Ntaganda. Rwandan police blocked off the 2 roads leading to Mrs. Ingabire's residence and are preventing all traffic from entering and leaving. There are also reports that a small peaceful protest broke out in front of the Ministry of Justice following these actions and the police came and detained some of the protesters. More to follow.
US to Deploy More Drones on Mexican Border.
AFP
by Jordi Zamora
June 23, 2010
The United States plans to deploy two drone aircraft along the Texas-Mexico border as part of a new effort to stem organized crime and illegal immigration, Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano said Wednesday.
The two Predator drones will be used to patrol the border and in nearby areas in the Gulf of Mexico, once Congress approves the 500 million dollars President Barack Obama has requested, Napolitano said in a Washington speech.
"These types of flights aren't necessary everywhere," she said in comments to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "But this is the case in the Texas border."
The United States currently has four drones patrolling the border with Mexico in Arizona and one in the northern border with Canada in the state of North Dakota, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Napolitano said the new aircraft are part of a reinforcement of border patrol efforts including one thousand additional agents and 60 investigators.
"Over the past 18 months, this administration has devoted more resources -- including manpower, technology and infrastructure -- to the Southwest border than at any point in America's history," she said.
Texas Governor Rick Perry had requested delivery of the planes, which the US used extensively in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Obama administration is seeking to step up security as it presses for a comprehensive immigration reform measure that likely would allow many of the millions of illegal migrants in the United States to legalize their status.
Many Republican lawmakers say no immigration measure can be considered unless the federal government can ensure security along the southern US border to prevent a spillover of violence from Mexico.
Napolitano also announced a number of new cooperation agreements with law enforcement in non-border states to send personnel to southwest border.
DHS said it is working on a system that will fully link the information systems of all state, local and tribal law enforcement entities operating along the southwest border with those of the federal government.
"Border security is primarily a responsibility of federal government," she said. "We cannot have 50 different state legislations. It will not work."
The remark was aimed at a controversial Arizona law that allows police to question persons suspected of being illegal immigrants.
The agency said it was developing "Project Roadrunner," a license plate reader recognition system aimed at detecting drug trafficking and associated illegal activity along the border.
In a related comment in Congress, Democratic Senator Robert Menendez said the security situation will influence the debate on immigration.
"There are those in the Senate who believe we should basically militarize our borders and until we do, until we meet some standard of militarization, we cannot tackle the issue of comprehensive immigration reform," he said.
by Jordi Zamora
June 23, 2010
The United States plans to deploy two drone aircraft along the Texas-Mexico border as part of a new effort to stem organized crime and illegal immigration, Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano said Wednesday.
The two Predator drones will be used to patrol the border and in nearby areas in the Gulf of Mexico, once Congress approves the 500 million dollars President Barack Obama has requested, Napolitano said in a Washington speech.
"These types of flights aren't necessary everywhere," she said in comments to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "But this is the case in the Texas border."
The United States currently has four drones patrolling the border with Mexico in Arizona and one in the northern border with Canada in the state of North Dakota, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Napolitano said the new aircraft are part of a reinforcement of border patrol efforts including one thousand additional agents and 60 investigators.
"Over the past 18 months, this administration has devoted more resources -- including manpower, technology and infrastructure -- to the Southwest border than at any point in America's history," she said.
Texas Governor Rick Perry had requested delivery of the planes, which the US used extensively in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Obama administration is seeking to step up security as it presses for a comprehensive immigration reform measure that likely would allow many of the millions of illegal migrants in the United States to legalize their status.
Many Republican lawmakers say no immigration measure can be considered unless the federal government can ensure security along the southern US border to prevent a spillover of violence from Mexico.
Napolitano also announced a number of new cooperation agreements with law enforcement in non-border states to send personnel to southwest border.
DHS said it is working on a system that will fully link the information systems of all state, local and tribal law enforcement entities operating along the southwest border with those of the federal government.
"Border security is primarily a responsibility of federal government," she said. "We cannot have 50 different state legislations. It will not work."
The remark was aimed at a controversial Arizona law that allows police to question persons suspected of being illegal immigrants.
The agency said it was developing "Project Roadrunner," a license plate reader recognition system aimed at detecting drug trafficking and associated illegal activity along the border.
In a related comment in Congress, Democratic Senator Robert Menendez said the security situation will influence the debate on immigration.
"There are those in the Senate who believe we should basically militarize our borders and until we do, until we meet some standard of militarization, we cannot tackle the issue of comprehensive immigration reform," he said.
Military suicides remain high, especially among reservists.
By Andrew Seidman
McClatchy Newspapers
23 June 2010
Although the suicide rate has climbed measurably across all sectors of the military over the past few years, top Army and Marine Corps officials on Tuesday proposed several solutions to erase the social stigma associated with mental health illnesses and to combat the less visible wounds of war.
Responding to a congressional committee's concerns about an NPR report, which identified various deficiencies in the Army's mental health program, Peter W. Chiarelli, the Army vice chief of staff, defended the Army's current policies and promised to engage the military's vulnerable youth.
While the Army is reporting a decline in suicides among active duty soldiers, suicides among reservists who have returned home and aren't on active duty totaled 53 this year through mid-June, up 26 percent from the comparable period last year. Suicides among active duty Army dropped 30 percent through mid-June from a year earlier, to 62.
Suicides overall increased by 26 percent from 2008 to 2009, while suicides among Marines have more than doubled since 2005.
The ability to properly diagnose mentally ill soldiers will require a more fundamental shift beyond mere medical practice, officials concluded.
The priority for the military, Chiarelli and Marine Corps assistant commandant James F. Amos said, is to change a military culture that's made soldiers and Marines reluctant to seek help from mental health professionals for fear that doing so could damage their careers.
Chiarelli advocates the use of Web-based health care services, which would give every soldier a 30-to-40 day session with a behavioral health specialist using the Internet. Behavioral health studies, Chiarelli said, have demonstrated that younger soldiers prefer this sort of online counseling to face-to-face encounters.
"This gets at stigma issues," Chiarelli said. "I really think this is something that will fix this now."
Chiarelli added that the Web service also would help address the high rate of suicides among reservists, who are frequently off on their own in rural communities without the help of health professionals, within five to seven days of their departure from service, he said.
This attempt to monitor reservists after discharge may prove too ambitious, however, as the military has struggled to keep track of its veterans for years.
The Department of Veterans Affairs and various National Guard units around the country face the difficult task of checking on potentially war-torn veterans who scatter across rural communities and can be hard to track down.
Hundreds of thousands of troops have deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq during the past nine years. While it's relatively easy to tally casualties, the psychological toll on soldiers is harder to quantify.
Chiarelli acknowledged that, in addition to the emotional trauma caused by multiple tours, insufficient evaluations of mental health during the demobilization process and "lack of human interaction with other soldiers" in the days following discharge have probably contributed to suicides.
Though some doctors are currently resisting this push toward a more technology-oriented approach, Chiarelli said a standardized program for all homeward-bound soldiers will persuade its current detractors.
The main obstacle to implementing online behavioral health care right now is procedural, Chiarelli later said in an interview with McClatchy.
"Ideally we would provide this to an individual in their home, and tap into someone who could provide psychotherapy, if you believe in it," he said. "The problem you have doing it online is: you cannot be in your home in North Dakota and necessarily be treated by a doctor in California online, because that individual is not credentialed or privileged to do that in North Dakota."
Even if perfected, however, the techno-savvy approach to mental health still does not entirely overcome long-lasting problems of combat, Amos said.
"We understand that this stigma is real and we have to set the conditions to get around it," he said. "I'm not convinced that our middle-grade staff NCOs and our young officers have the same appreciation. I think it's because they're younger, they've been exposed to it less. But this is a leadership problem we're working on."
Even as military leadership attempts to stir change in a culture that has prioritized visible, physical wounds ahead of less easily detectable psychological trauma, its ability to initiate effective preventive reform remains uncertain.
"Bottom line ... there is a confluence of stressors that cause suicides, but no single panacea to prevent them," Chiarelli said. "There is no one solution to the problem."
McClatchy Newspapers
23 June 2010
Although the suicide rate has climbed measurably across all sectors of the military over the past few years, top Army and Marine Corps officials on Tuesday proposed several solutions to erase the social stigma associated with mental health illnesses and to combat the less visible wounds of war.
Responding to a congressional committee's concerns about an NPR report, which identified various deficiencies in the Army's mental health program, Peter W. Chiarelli, the Army vice chief of staff, defended the Army's current policies and promised to engage the military's vulnerable youth.
While the Army is reporting a decline in suicides among active duty soldiers, suicides among reservists who have returned home and aren't on active duty totaled 53 this year through mid-June, up 26 percent from the comparable period last year. Suicides among active duty Army dropped 30 percent through mid-June from a year earlier, to 62.
Suicides overall increased by 26 percent from 2008 to 2009, while suicides among Marines have more than doubled since 2005.
The ability to properly diagnose mentally ill soldiers will require a more fundamental shift beyond mere medical practice, officials concluded.
The priority for the military, Chiarelli and Marine Corps assistant commandant James F. Amos said, is to change a military culture that's made soldiers and Marines reluctant to seek help from mental health professionals for fear that doing so could damage their careers.
Chiarelli advocates the use of Web-based health care services, which would give every soldier a 30-to-40 day session with a behavioral health specialist using the Internet. Behavioral health studies, Chiarelli said, have demonstrated that younger soldiers prefer this sort of online counseling to face-to-face encounters.
"This gets at stigma issues," Chiarelli said. "I really think this is something that will fix this now."
Chiarelli added that the Web service also would help address the high rate of suicides among reservists, who are frequently off on their own in rural communities without the help of health professionals, within five to seven days of their departure from service, he said.
This attempt to monitor reservists after discharge may prove too ambitious, however, as the military has struggled to keep track of its veterans for years.
The Department of Veterans Affairs and various National Guard units around the country face the difficult task of checking on potentially war-torn veterans who scatter across rural communities and can be hard to track down.
Hundreds of thousands of troops have deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq during the past nine years. While it's relatively easy to tally casualties, the psychological toll on soldiers is harder to quantify.
Chiarelli acknowledged that, in addition to the emotional trauma caused by multiple tours, insufficient evaluations of mental health during the demobilization process and "lack of human interaction with other soldiers" in the days following discharge have probably contributed to suicides.
Though some doctors are currently resisting this push toward a more technology-oriented approach, Chiarelli said a standardized program for all homeward-bound soldiers will persuade its current detractors.
The main obstacle to implementing online behavioral health care right now is procedural, Chiarelli later said in an interview with McClatchy.
"Ideally we would provide this to an individual in their home, and tap into someone who could provide psychotherapy, if you believe in it," he said. "The problem you have doing it online is: you cannot be in your home in North Dakota and necessarily be treated by a doctor in California online, because that individual is not credentialed or privileged to do that in North Dakota."
Even if perfected, however, the techno-savvy approach to mental health still does not entirely overcome long-lasting problems of combat, Amos said.
"We understand that this stigma is real and we have to set the conditions to get around it," he said. "I'm not convinced that our middle-grade staff NCOs and our young officers have the same appreciation. I think it's because they're younger, they've been exposed to it less. But this is a leadership problem we're working on."
Even as military leadership attempts to stir change in a culture that has prioritized visible, physical wounds ahead of less easily detectable psychological trauma, its ability to initiate effective preventive reform remains uncertain.
"Bottom line ... there is a confluence of stressors that cause suicides, but no single panacea to prevent them," Chiarelli said. "There is no one solution to the problem."
Belgian indictment issued against Barak, Livni for war crimes.
Jerusalem Post
23 June 2010
An indictment was filed in Belgium Wednesday calling for various Israeli officials including Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Opposition leader Tzipi Livni, and former prime minister Ehud Olmert be tried for war crimes, reported Hungarian News Agency MTI.
The seventy page indictment was submitted by a group of 14 people, mostly Gazan Palestinians, and relates to events that took place during Operation Cast Lead in January 2009.
Belgium's "Universal Jurisdiction" law makes it possible for the case to be tried in Belgium despite the fact that the events in question took place elsewhere.
The indictment defines several Israeli actions as war crimes, including an attack on a mosque in which civilians were killed, as well as attacks on plantations and water systems.
Livni had refrained from traveling to Belgium in 2009 during her stint as foreign minister for fear of facing legal action in the country.
A Brussels court granted a war crimes suit against former prime minister Ariel Sharon in 2001.
23 June 2010
An indictment was filed in Belgium Wednesday calling for various Israeli officials including Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Opposition leader Tzipi Livni, and former prime minister Ehud Olmert be tried for war crimes, reported Hungarian News Agency MTI.
The seventy page indictment was submitted by a group of 14 people, mostly Gazan Palestinians, and relates to events that took place during Operation Cast Lead in January 2009.
Belgium's "Universal Jurisdiction" law makes it possible for the case to be tried in Belgium despite the fact that the events in question took place elsewhere.
The indictment defines several Israeli actions as war crimes, including an attack on a mosque in which civilians were killed, as well as attacks on plantations and water systems.
Livni had refrained from traveling to Belgium in 2009 during her stint as foreign minister for fear of facing legal action in the country.
A Brussels court granted a war crimes suit against former prime minister Ariel Sharon in 2001.
Sudan's Lakes state governor announces new cabinet.
Governor Chol Tong Mayay
Cabinet
1. Mr. Daniel Ayual Makoi, Deputy Governor and Minister of Education, Science and Technology.
2. Mr. Mabor Mayen Wol, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies.
3. Mr. Pur Cienggan Dakbai, Minister of Finance, Trade and Industry.
4. Mr. Marik Nanga Marik, Minister of Information, Communication, Culture, Youth and Sport.
5. Other Political party dedicated to have Ministry of Legal Affairs (No person Named).
6. Mr. Joseph Maker Madit, Minister of Physical Infrastructure
7. Mr. Eli Magok Manyol, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
8. Dr. Samuel Mayek, Minister of Health.
9. Mr. Zechariah Magot Ater, Minister of Animal Resource and Fisheries
10. Mrs. Marina Martin Legge, Minister of Labour and Public Services.
11. NCP, dedicated to Ministry of Social Development (No person named).
12. Mr. Jok Ayom Majak, Minister of Rural development.
13. Mrs. Mariam Paul Jebi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
14. Mr. Mangar Matoc Machar, Commissioner of Headquarter.
1. Mr. Marco Chol Maciec, advisor for Political Affairs.
2. Mr. Santo Dumic Kocrac, advisor for Security Affairs.
3. Mr. Mayom Tulba Malual, advisor for Economic Affair.
4. Mrs. Adak Costa Mapuor, advisor for Gender and Human Right Affairs.
5. Isaac Deng Manyon, advisor for Peace and Reconciliation Affairs.
6. Macuor Marial Wol, advisor for Food security Affairs.
Cabinet
1. Mr. Daniel Ayual Makoi, Deputy Governor and Minister of Education, Science and Technology.
2. Mr. Mabor Mayen Wol, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies.
3. Mr. Pur Cienggan Dakbai, Minister of Finance, Trade and Industry.
4. Mr. Marik Nanga Marik, Minister of Information, Communication, Culture, Youth and Sport.
5. Other Political party dedicated to have Ministry of Legal Affairs (No person Named).
6. Mr. Joseph Maker Madit, Minister of Physical Infrastructure
7. Mr. Eli Magok Manyol, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
8. Dr. Samuel Mayek, Minister of Health.
9. Mr. Zechariah Magot Ater, Minister of Animal Resource and Fisheries
10. Mrs. Marina Martin Legge, Minister of Labour and Public Services.
11. NCP, dedicated to Ministry of Social Development (No person named).
12. Mr. Jok Ayom Majak, Minister of Rural development.
13. Mrs. Mariam Paul Jebi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
14. Mr. Mangar Matoc Machar, Commissioner of Headquarter.
1. Mr. Marco Chol Maciec, advisor for Political Affairs.
2. Mr. Santo Dumic Kocrac, advisor for Security Affairs.
3. Mr. Mayom Tulba Malual, advisor for Economic Affair.
4. Mrs. Adak Costa Mapuor, advisor for Gender and Human Right Affairs.
5. Isaac Deng Manyon, advisor for Peace and Reconciliation Affairs.
6. Macuor Marial Wol, advisor for Food security Affairs.
Erlinder-Rwandan officials wanted me to "disappear."
AP
23 June 2010
By STEVE KARNOWSKI
A Minnesota law professor said Wednesday he believes Rwandan authorities intended to make him disappear and never planned to prosecute him on allegations that he minimized the country's 1994 genocide.
Peter Erlinder, a professor at the William Mitchell College of Law, said he believes no one would have learned of his fate if he hadn't been able to summon a U.S. embassy official to his hotel when he was arrested May 28. He said nobody at the embassy knew he was still in Rwanda because airline records somehow had been altered to show he had left the morning before.
He said he owes his life to thousands of people around the world who demanded his release after word got out. He returned home Tuesday after about three weeks in custody.
The professor spoke at the law school in what had been billed as a briefing for reporters, but shaped up more as a 35-minute lecture on his ordeal, as well as recent Rwandan history. He drew applause from supporters, faculty, staff and students who attended.
Erlinder, who had gone to Rwanda to help defend an opposition presidential candidate, ran afoul of authorities because he disputes the official version of what happened in 1994. He has not been formally charged and was released on medical grounds late last week. Rwandan authorities said their investigation would continue.
Asked if he stood by his pledge to return to Rwanda if required to do so, Erlinder chose his words carefully. If the Rwandan authorities ask him to return, he said, he expects the United Nations would assert his immunity from prosecution.
"I'll follow the law. You can make of it what you will. And my thinking is the law of the U.N. is I have immunity from prosecution," he told The Associated Press afterward, adding that he had no idea how the international legal process might play out.
Erlinder has been involved with Rwanda since 2003 through his work as a defense lawyer with the Tanzania-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which was created by the U.N. Security Council to prosecute those accused of responsibility for the genocide. Tribunal authorities last week said he should have diplomatic immunity.
The generally accepted narrative of the genocide holds that roughly 800,000 Rwandans, the vast majority of them ethnic Tutsis but also moderate Hutus, were slain by extremist Hutus over 100 days as part of a planned massacre. The mass killings followed the shooting down of President Juvenal Habyarimana's plane in April 1994.
Erlinder said he has never denied that there was a genocide against Tutsis. But he said U.N. and U.S. documents he obtained through his work, and testimony before the tribunal, show that the official version is wrong.
For example, he said, killings by Hutus of Hutus who were protecting Tutsis would not be genocide under the U.N. definition, but may count as war crimes or crimes against humanity. He also said the tribunal ruled last year there was insufficient evidence to support the view that the genocide was a conspiracy planned long in advance. And he said other university researchers have concluded that more Hutus than Tutsis may have been slain.
Erlinder urged people to read the documents that led to his conclusions, which he posted on the Internet though his Rwanda Documents Project.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, who's also a government spokeswoman, did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. The press officer at the Rwandan embassy in Washington was out of town and unreachable, a man answering the phone there said Wednesday.
But Rwandan authorities have likened their laws against genocide denial to Germany's laws against Holocaust denial and defended them as necessary for keeping the peace.
Erlinder said reconciliation is possible in Rwanda despite what he contends is a suppression of history to benefit those in power. He suggested a process along the lines of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated the atrocities of the apartheid era and offered amnesty to those who confessed and demonstrated remorse.
"If there is going to be peace in central Africa, then it has to be done the way that the South Africans figured out, to accept responsibility for wrongs on both sides," he said.
__
Online: http://www.rwandadocumentsproject.net
Editor's Note: If Mr. Erlinder did dissapear, I can tell you exactly where they would find him. His ashes would be scattered on the lake at Kamiranzovu. The Rwandans have a saying for such dissapearances. It roughly translates to, "A white man has been killed by a python." When the RPF regime came after me in 2006, a Rwandan handler who apparently was working for the DMI tried to lure me to a village in area right near there, but I knew what fate was awaiting due to prior knowledge of what goes on there, so I declined the offer.
23 June 2010
By STEVE KARNOWSKI
A Minnesota law professor said Wednesday he believes Rwandan authorities intended to make him disappear and never planned to prosecute him on allegations that he minimized the country's 1994 genocide.
Peter Erlinder, a professor at the William Mitchell College of Law, said he believes no one would have learned of his fate if he hadn't been able to summon a U.S. embassy official to his hotel when he was arrested May 28. He said nobody at the embassy knew he was still in Rwanda because airline records somehow had been altered to show he had left the morning before.
He said he owes his life to thousands of people around the world who demanded his release after word got out. He returned home Tuesday after about three weeks in custody.
The professor spoke at the law school in what had been billed as a briefing for reporters, but shaped up more as a 35-minute lecture on his ordeal, as well as recent Rwandan history. He drew applause from supporters, faculty, staff and students who attended.
Erlinder, who had gone to Rwanda to help defend an opposition presidential candidate, ran afoul of authorities because he disputes the official version of what happened in 1994. He has not been formally charged and was released on medical grounds late last week. Rwandan authorities said their investigation would continue.
Asked if he stood by his pledge to return to Rwanda if required to do so, Erlinder chose his words carefully. If the Rwandan authorities ask him to return, he said, he expects the United Nations would assert his immunity from prosecution.
"I'll follow the law. You can make of it what you will. And my thinking is the law of the U.N. is I have immunity from prosecution," he told The Associated Press afterward, adding that he had no idea how the international legal process might play out.
Erlinder has been involved with Rwanda since 2003 through his work as a defense lawyer with the Tanzania-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which was created by the U.N. Security Council to prosecute those accused of responsibility for the genocide. Tribunal authorities last week said he should have diplomatic immunity.
The generally accepted narrative of the genocide holds that roughly 800,000 Rwandans, the vast majority of them ethnic Tutsis but also moderate Hutus, were slain by extremist Hutus over 100 days as part of a planned massacre. The mass killings followed the shooting down of President Juvenal Habyarimana's plane in April 1994.
Erlinder said he has never denied that there was a genocide against Tutsis. But he said U.N. and U.S. documents he obtained through his work, and testimony before the tribunal, show that the official version is wrong.
For example, he said, killings by Hutus of Hutus who were protecting Tutsis would not be genocide under the U.N. definition, but may count as war crimes or crimes against humanity. He also said the tribunal ruled last year there was insufficient evidence to support the view that the genocide was a conspiracy planned long in advance. And he said other university researchers have concluded that more Hutus than Tutsis may have been slain.
Erlinder urged people to read the documents that led to his conclusions, which he posted on the Internet though his Rwanda Documents Project.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, who's also a government spokeswoman, did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. The press officer at the Rwandan embassy in Washington was out of town and unreachable, a man answering the phone there said Wednesday.
But Rwandan authorities have likened their laws against genocide denial to Germany's laws against Holocaust denial and defended them as necessary for keeping the peace.
Erlinder said reconciliation is possible in Rwanda despite what he contends is a suppression of history to benefit those in power. He suggested a process along the lines of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated the atrocities of the apartheid era and offered amnesty to those who confessed and demonstrated remorse.
"If there is going to be peace in central Africa, then it has to be done the way that the South Africans figured out, to accept responsibility for wrongs on both sides," he said.
__
Online: http://www.rwandadocumentsproject.net
Editor's Note: If Mr. Erlinder did dissapear, I can tell you exactly where they would find him. His ashes would be scattered on the lake at Kamiranzovu. The Rwandans have a saying for such dissapearances. It roughly translates to, "A white man has been killed by a python." When the RPF regime came after me in 2006, a Rwandan handler who apparently was working for the DMI tried to lure me to a village in area right near there, but I knew what fate was awaiting due to prior knowledge of what goes on there, so I declined the offer.
23 June, 2010
Four remanded for shooting of Rwandan general.
Pretoria News
23 June 2010
The charges against two people accused of involvement in the shooting of a former Rwandan general were dropped in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, Gauteng police said.
"All six people that were arrested appeared in court but charges against two of them were withdrawn," said spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo.
He said the other four were remanded in police custody and would re-appear on June 29.
23 June 2010
The charges against two people accused of involvement in the shooting of a former Rwandan general were dropped in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, Gauteng police said.
"All six people that were arrested appeared in court but charges against two of them were withdrawn," said spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo.
He said the other four were remanded in police custody and would re-appear on June 29.
FNL Leader Goes into Exile in Congo, may Take up Arms Again.
AFP
23 June 2010
Burundi's opposition leader and former rebel chief has vanished and is believed to have gone into hiding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said on Wednesday.
Agathon Rwasa - leader of the National Liberation Forces (FNL), which laid down its weapons in 2009 - had led opposition allegations that the government had been rigging the ongoing election process.
A high-ranking security official said that Rwasa was last seen leaving his home in Bujumbura's Kiriri neighbourhood before dawn, claiming to be on his way to church.
"He is then reported to have boarded a vehicle that was waiting for him and we have no idea where he is now," he said.
Rwasa usually has a security detail of around 10 men, but on Wednesday he made sure that he was accompanied by only one plainclothes police officer, the official added.
Political crisis
"He is reported to have crossed into the DR Congo with the assistance of a local Mai-Mai group," another security official said, referring to one of several rebel groups in the neighbouring country.
Several Bujumbura-based diplomats confirmed Rwasa's disappearance.
"All the information we're receiving points to the fact that Rwasa has gone into hiding," said one diplomat on condition of anonymity.
23 June 2010
Burundi's opposition leader and former rebel chief has vanished and is believed to have gone into hiding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said on Wednesday.
Agathon Rwasa - leader of the National Liberation Forces (FNL), which laid down its weapons in 2009 - had led opposition allegations that the government had been rigging the ongoing election process.
A high-ranking security official said that Rwasa was last seen leaving his home in Bujumbura's Kiriri neighbourhood before dawn, claiming to be on his way to church.
"He is then reported to have boarded a vehicle that was waiting for him and we have no idea where he is now," he said.
Rwasa usually has a security detail of around 10 men, but on Wednesday he made sure that he was accompanied by only one plainclothes police officer, the official added.
Political crisis
"He is reported to have crossed into the DR Congo with the assistance of a local Mai-Mai group," another security official said, referring to one of several rebel groups in the neighbouring country.
Several Bujumbura-based diplomats confirmed Rwasa's disappearance.
"All the information we're receiving points to the fact that Rwasa has gone into hiding," said one diplomat on condition of anonymity.
Ethiopia Expells American Voice of America Journalist.
Catholic Information Service for Africa
22 June 2010
The US-backed regime in Ethiopia expelled an American journalist on 17 June.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Heather Murdock had been reporting with the US international broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) in the eastern region of Harer, near an area where there was reported skirmishes between the army and rebels of the separatist Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF).
The Ethiopian government has denied journalists independent access to the restive Ogaden Province, which neighbours the Harer region and attempted to censor an exclusive report on the rebels last year, according to CPJ research.
Under Ethiopia's draconian anti-terrorism law, journalists risk as many as 20 years in prison if authorities deem their reporting favourable to armed rebels and banned opposition groups.
VOA confirmed to CPJ that Murdock had left the country. The Ethiopian government announced plans to officially jam VOA in March, after reports that there had been electronic jamming of the station's Amharic-language shortwave broadcasts and that its Website had been blocked in the country.
"We condemn the expulsion of Heather Murdock," said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita.
"Ethiopian authorities have for years used the threat of expulsion to induce self-censorship among foreign journalists working in the country." Murdock arrived in Ethiopia last month after she was expelled from Yemen in April following a reporting trip to strongholds of Yemen's armed separatist Southern Movement, according to news reports.
While in Ethiopia, she covered the country's general election and its aftermath, among other topics.
22 June 2010
The US-backed regime in Ethiopia expelled an American journalist on 17 June.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Heather Murdock had been reporting with the US international broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) in the eastern region of Harer, near an area where there was reported skirmishes between the army and rebels of the separatist Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF).
The Ethiopian government has denied journalists independent access to the restive Ogaden Province, which neighbours the Harer region and attempted to censor an exclusive report on the rebels last year, according to CPJ research.
Under Ethiopia's draconian anti-terrorism law, journalists risk as many as 20 years in prison if authorities deem their reporting favourable to armed rebels and banned opposition groups.
VOA confirmed to CPJ that Murdock had left the country. The Ethiopian government announced plans to officially jam VOA in March, after reports that there had been electronic jamming of the station's Amharic-language shortwave broadcasts and that its Website had been blocked in the country.
"We condemn the expulsion of Heather Murdock," said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita.
"Ethiopian authorities have for years used the threat of expulsion to induce self-censorship among foreign journalists working in the country." Murdock arrived in Ethiopia last month after she was expelled from Yemen in April following a reporting trip to strongholds of Yemen's armed separatist Southern Movement, according to news reports.
While in Ethiopia, she covered the country's general election and its aftermath, among other topics.
Peter Erlinder's Press Conference will be Streamed Live.
Please visit:
http://www.wmitchell.edu/live.html
Press conference starts at 11:00 Central Standard Time.
http://www.wmitchell.edu/live.html
Press conference starts at 11:00 Central Standard Time.
22 June, 2010
American lawyer Peter Erlinder back home recounts his ordeal in Rwanda.
Star Tribune
22 June 2010
By Kevin Diaz and Jeremy Herb
In his first detailed account of his 21-day Rwanda imprisonment, Peter Erlinder said he felt his life was in peril. He’s on his way back to a homecoming with family in Minnesota.
Peter Erlinder said he feared for his life from the first moments after his arrest in a Rwanda hotel where he was alone having a breakfast of croissants and coffee.
Taken away by “six burly guys,” the St. Paul law professor recalled, “My conclusion was their intent was to disappear me, not arrest me.”
“For five days, I didn’t have any food coming from the embassy or anywhere else. I was dependent on guards going out in the street and buying me a banana… By Rwandan standards, I was treated pretty well.”
Peter Erlinder, giving the first personal account of his 21-day prison ordeal in Rwanda after stepping onto U.S. soil Tuesday at Washington’s Dulles Airport – on his way back to a homecoming with his family in Minnesota – Erlinder told the Star Tribune that he is convinced he might not be alive but for his insistence on contacting the U.S. Embassy in Kigali during a search of his hotel room.
“I think that what happened was that when I had the presence of mind to demand that the embassy come to observe the search, it was at that moment that the disappearance fell apart,” he said.
The 62-year-old human rights lawyer said he had known he could be a marked man in Rwanda, where questioning the Tutsi government’s account of the 1994 genocide at the hands of the Hutu majority is a crime punishable by more than 10 years in prison.
Erlinder cited a recent press report chronicling a Rwandan government “hit list” naming opponents of Rwanda President Paul Kagame, a U.S.-trained Tutsi military officer.
“I was one of the people on this list,” Erlinder said.
A Rwandan government spokesperson did not respond to an email from the Star Tribune Tuesday seeking comment.
Erlinder, who has raised questions about Kagame’s alleged war crimes in proceedings before the United Nation’s International Criminal Tribunal, said he felt safe returning to Rwanda, a country that was reportedly healing from the massacres that took an estimated 800,000 of its citizens.
He said he had notified both U.S. and Rwandan authorities of his intention to return last month to help Victoire Ingabire, a Hutu leader who is challenging Kagame in the nation’s Aug. 9 elections.
“Not once did anyone in an official capacity say this was not a wise idea,” said Erlinder, a professor at William Mitchell College of Law.
But on the morning of May 28, he found out otherwise.
Though he had rebooked his return trip airline ticket to leave a day later, an a Kenya Air official told him they thought he had already left the country. “The records showed that I had departed Kigali on the morning of the 27th,” he said.
He got the same story from U.S. officials in Rwanda after his arrest:
“The first time the embassy knew that I was in trouble was at that moment, because when I talked to this desk officer, this consular officer, he said, ‘Oh, we didn’t know you were still in Rwanda. We thought you had left yesterday.’”
Erlinder recounted being interrogated for several hours, then cuffed in a hotel hallway while authorities searched his room, than being interrogated again with a U.S. Embassy official present.
His original holding cell was a bare room with a cement floor, no bed, and only a bucket for personal hygiene. Although he was suffering from stress and high blood pressure, he said it could have been worse.
“The individuals I interacted with in the police station, including the supervisors, the guards in the prison, were very helpful,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have survived, because for five days, I didn’t have any food coming from the embassy or anywhere else. I was dependent on guards going out in the street and buying me a banana… By Rwandan standards, I was treated pretty well.”
Though Erlinder acknowledged suffering from “emotional and psychological issues,” he declined to discuss Rwandan government reports that he tried to commit suicide in jail by taking an overdose of anti-depressants and other drugs he keeps for high-blood pressure and other ailments.
His family in the U.S. has suggested it was a hoax to get out of prison and into the more humane conditions of a modern hospital. It would be one of four hospitalizations during his incarceration.
At one point, Erlinder said, he met with a State Department psychiatrist flown in from Ghana. He said he is not sure what the purpose of the visit was.
“One of the things that that was disconcerting is you never knew what was going to happen from one moment to the next,” Erlinder said.
Initially denied bail, Erlinder was eventually transferred to a former Belgian fortress prison. Though it was “notorious as being a terrible place,” he said, it proved to be an upgrade. It had a bed, and a cellmate shared his family’s food when Erlinder’s own family supplies delivered through the U.S. Embassy didn’t show up.
The prison, it turned out, was where Rwanda held its accused Hutu war criminals for trial before the International Tribunal, where Erlinder was a defense lawyer. “There are ironies within ironies,” he said.
Erlinder was in the hospital last Thursday when a Rwandan judge finally released him out of concern for his “physical and mental health.”
He left Saturday after some bureaucratic scuffles with Rwandan authorities, who expect him to return to face charges once they’re filed.
Erlinder said he doesn’t believe he will be formally charged, because the accusations against him are largely based on his work before the International Tribunal, for which he says he has immunity.
But he didn’t rule out a return trip if the Rwandans press their case.
“I promised the court I would do what the court required of me, and I of course will do that,” Erlinder said. “I’m a lawyer, I’m not a person who skips their responsibilities. But we’ll have to let some time pass to see what those responsibilities actually are.”
For now, though, it’s all been like a bad dream: “It’s one of those nightmares that people who travel overseas have.”
22 June 2010
By Kevin Diaz and Jeremy Herb
In his first detailed account of his 21-day Rwanda imprisonment, Peter Erlinder said he felt his life was in peril. He’s on his way back to a homecoming with family in Minnesota.
Peter Erlinder said he feared for his life from the first moments after his arrest in a Rwanda hotel where he was alone having a breakfast of croissants and coffee.
Taken away by “six burly guys,” the St. Paul law professor recalled, “My conclusion was their intent was to disappear me, not arrest me.”
“For five days, I didn’t have any food coming from the embassy or anywhere else. I was dependent on guards going out in the street and buying me a banana… By Rwandan standards, I was treated pretty well.”
Peter Erlinder, giving the first personal account of his 21-day prison ordeal in Rwanda after stepping onto U.S. soil Tuesday at Washington’s Dulles Airport – on his way back to a homecoming with his family in Minnesota – Erlinder told the Star Tribune that he is convinced he might not be alive but for his insistence on contacting the U.S. Embassy in Kigali during a search of his hotel room.
“I think that what happened was that when I had the presence of mind to demand that the embassy come to observe the search, it was at that moment that the disappearance fell apart,” he said.
The 62-year-old human rights lawyer said he had known he could be a marked man in Rwanda, where questioning the Tutsi government’s account of the 1994 genocide at the hands of the Hutu majority is a crime punishable by more than 10 years in prison.
Erlinder cited a recent press report chronicling a Rwandan government “hit list” naming opponents of Rwanda President Paul Kagame, a U.S.-trained Tutsi military officer.
“I was one of the people on this list,” Erlinder said.
A Rwandan government spokesperson did not respond to an email from the Star Tribune Tuesday seeking comment.
Erlinder, who has raised questions about Kagame’s alleged war crimes in proceedings before the United Nation’s International Criminal Tribunal, said he felt safe returning to Rwanda, a country that was reportedly healing from the massacres that took an estimated 800,000 of its citizens.
He said he had notified both U.S. and Rwandan authorities of his intention to return last month to help Victoire Ingabire, a Hutu leader who is challenging Kagame in the nation’s Aug. 9 elections.
“Not once did anyone in an official capacity say this was not a wise idea,” said Erlinder, a professor at William Mitchell College of Law.
But on the morning of May 28, he found out otherwise.
Though he had rebooked his return trip airline ticket to leave a day later, an a Kenya Air official told him they thought he had already left the country. “The records showed that I had departed Kigali on the morning of the 27th,” he said.
He got the same story from U.S. officials in Rwanda after his arrest:
“The first time the embassy knew that I was in trouble was at that moment, because when I talked to this desk officer, this consular officer, he said, ‘Oh, we didn’t know you were still in Rwanda. We thought you had left yesterday.’”
Erlinder recounted being interrogated for several hours, then cuffed in a hotel hallway while authorities searched his room, than being interrogated again with a U.S. Embassy official present.
His original holding cell was a bare room with a cement floor, no bed, and only a bucket for personal hygiene. Although he was suffering from stress and high blood pressure, he said it could have been worse.
“The individuals I interacted with in the police station, including the supervisors, the guards in the prison, were very helpful,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have survived, because for five days, I didn’t have any food coming from the embassy or anywhere else. I was dependent on guards going out in the street and buying me a banana… By Rwandan standards, I was treated pretty well.”
Though Erlinder acknowledged suffering from “emotional and psychological issues,” he declined to discuss Rwandan government reports that he tried to commit suicide in jail by taking an overdose of anti-depressants and other drugs he keeps for high-blood pressure and other ailments.
His family in the U.S. has suggested it was a hoax to get out of prison and into the more humane conditions of a modern hospital. It would be one of four hospitalizations during his incarceration.
At one point, Erlinder said, he met with a State Department psychiatrist flown in from Ghana. He said he is not sure what the purpose of the visit was.
“One of the things that that was disconcerting is you never knew what was going to happen from one moment to the next,” Erlinder said.
Initially denied bail, Erlinder was eventually transferred to a former Belgian fortress prison. Though it was “notorious as being a terrible place,” he said, it proved to be an upgrade. It had a bed, and a cellmate shared his family’s food when Erlinder’s own family supplies delivered through the U.S. Embassy didn’t show up.
The prison, it turned out, was where Rwanda held its accused Hutu war criminals for trial before the International Tribunal, where Erlinder was a defense lawyer. “There are ironies within ironies,” he said.
Erlinder was in the hospital last Thursday when a Rwandan judge finally released him out of concern for his “physical and mental health.”
He left Saturday after some bureaucratic scuffles with Rwandan authorities, who expect him to return to face charges once they’re filed.
Erlinder said he doesn’t believe he will be formally charged, because the accusations against him are largely based on his work before the International Tribunal, for which he says he has immunity.
But he didn’t rule out a return trip if the Rwandans press their case.
“I promised the court I would do what the court required of me, and I of course will do that,” Erlinder said. “I’m a lawyer, I’m not a person who skips their responsibilities. But we’ll have to let some time pass to see what those responsibilities actually are.”
For now, though, it’s all been like a bad dream: “It’s one of those nightmares that people who travel overseas have.”
ONLF rebel faction signs ceasefire deal with Ethiopia.
Garowe Online
22 June 2010
Top officials of Ethiopian rebel group Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) have reportedly entered into a ceasefire agreement with Addis Ababa, Radio Garowe reports.
Mr. Salahudin Haji Abdirahman Maow, Chairman of one of the ONLF factions told reporters in Nairobi that the aim of the agreement which was signed in Germany was to benefit the population they represent.
“Our aim for this agreement is to elevate the suffering from the Somali people in Ethiopia, who have been oppressed for the last twenty seven years. The ceasefire would continue for three months,” he said.
Hussein Matan, the group’s army commander said they have informed their fighters to cease from any fire in respect to the agreement.
The agreement comes at the backdrop of denial by Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi who said on May that his government has not inked any agreement with the ONLF, but pointed out that the said agreement was between the administration in Ethiopian-controlled Somali region and the group.
Admiral Mohammed Omar Osman, a senior ONLF leader has previously announced that his group would not ceasefire until the region is liberated from Ethiopian occupation.
22 June 2010
Top officials of Ethiopian rebel group Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) have reportedly entered into a ceasefire agreement with Addis Ababa, Radio Garowe reports.
Mr. Salahudin Haji Abdirahman Maow, Chairman of one of the ONLF factions told reporters in Nairobi that the aim of the agreement which was signed in Germany was to benefit the population they represent.
“Our aim for this agreement is to elevate the suffering from the Somali people in Ethiopia, who have been oppressed for the last twenty seven years. The ceasefire would continue for three months,” he said.
Hussein Matan, the group’s army commander said they have informed their fighters to cease from any fire in respect to the agreement.
The agreement comes at the backdrop of denial by Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi who said on May that his government has not inked any agreement with the ONLF, but pointed out that the said agreement was between the administration in Ethiopian-controlled Somali region and the group.
Admiral Mohammed Omar Osman, a senior ONLF leader has previously announced that his group would not ceasefire until the region is liberated from Ethiopian occupation.
Gen. Kayumba leaves hospital.
Daily Monitor
22 June 2010
By Daniel K. Kalinaki
Exiled Rwandan top military officer, Lt. Gen. Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa was yesterday discharged from hospital in South Africa after the doctors at Morningside Clinic in Johannesburg said he was expected to gain full recovery.
He left hospital shortly after midday amidst heavy security provided by the South African government. He was accompanied by his wife Rosette, their two children, friends and associates.
Related Stories
Gen. Nyamwasa, a former Chief of Staff of the Rwandan army, who was shot on Saturday in the stomach by a lone gunman who fled after the pistol jammed as the general tried to disarm him. The midday attack occurred at his syntax Melrose Arch residence. The general was wheeled into a waiting car. He still has the bullet lodged inside him and the doctors say they will wait for the wound to heal before they decide whether to remove it or not.
The Star newspaper here, quoting unnamed officials, said the South African government is investigating the shooting as a political “hit” or possible assassination.
The South African police have already arrested half a dozen people in connection with the shooting. The six suspects are said to be Rwandan nationals living in South Africa.
(Editorial comments removed because they simply repeat the stories reported over the last few days and give no additional information.)
22 June 2010
By Daniel K. Kalinaki
Exiled Rwandan top military officer, Lt. Gen. Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa was yesterday discharged from hospital in South Africa after the doctors at Morningside Clinic in Johannesburg said he was expected to gain full recovery.
He left hospital shortly after midday amidst heavy security provided by the South African government. He was accompanied by his wife Rosette, their two children, friends and associates.
Related Stories
Gen. Nyamwasa, a former Chief of Staff of the Rwandan army, who was shot on Saturday in the stomach by a lone gunman who fled after the pistol jammed as the general tried to disarm him. The midday attack occurred at his syntax Melrose Arch residence. The general was wheeled into a waiting car. He still has the bullet lodged inside him and the doctors say they will wait for the wound to heal before they decide whether to remove it or not.
The Star newspaper here, quoting unnamed officials, said the South African government is investigating the shooting as a political “hit” or possible assassination.
The South African police have already arrested half a dozen people in connection with the shooting. The six suspects are said to be Rwandan nationals living in South Africa.
(Editorial comments removed because they simply repeat the stories reported over the last few days and give no additional information.)
Kidnapping et disparition de M. SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable a Rwanda.
CENTRE DE LUTTE CONTRE L’IMPUNITE ET L’INJUSTICE AU RWANDA (CLIIR)
Boulevard Léopold II, n°227 Bruxelles, le 21 juin 2010
1080 BRUXELLES
Tél/Fax: +32.81.60.11.13
GSM: +32.476.70.15.69
Mail: cliir2004@yahoo.fr
COMMUNIQUE n° 123/2010
Kidnappé le 20/06/2010, cet opposant du Parti Social reste introuvable.
Le Centre de Lutte contre l’Impunité et l’Injustice au Rwanda (CLIIR) dénonce et condamne le kidnapping et la disparition de Monsieur SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable.
Monsieur SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable est le Secrétaire Particulier de Maître Bernard NTAGANDA, président du Parti Social IMBERAKURI (PSI). Un parti d’opposition dont les membres sont régulièrement persécutés, emprisonnés, chassés de leur boulot ou portés disparus.
Monsieur SIBOMANA est porté disparu à Kigali dans la capitale du Rwanda depuis dimanche le 20 juin 2010 vers 20h. Il rentrait chez lui dans le quartier de Nyamirambo à Kigali situé entre les locaux d’Electrogaz et les bâtiments du Collège Saint André. Il venait de participer à une réunion très importante dans laquelle son parti préparait la manifestation pacifique prévue à Kigali ce jeudi le 24 juin 2010. Il n’est pas arrivé chez lui. Le PSI a fait une demande d’autorisation qui est encore restée sans réponse jusqu’à ce jour.
Le président du Parti Social IMBERAKURI, Maître NTAGANDA Bernard, a contacté le chef de la police qui a promis de rechercher le disparu mais jusqu’à présent personne ne semble vouloir indiquer dans quel endroit M. SIBOMANA serait séquestré et dans quel état.
Notre Centre lance un appel à toutes les organisations de défense des droits humains, à tous les gouvernements occidentaux qui soutiennent aveuglement le régime du président rwandais Paul KAGAME, à tous les autres partis politiques présents au Rwanda ainsi qu’à toutes les personnes de bonne volonté, pour obliger les autorités rwandaises à se mobiliser pour retrouver vivant et en bonne santé Monsieur SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable le plus tôt possible.
Dans le cadre de fabriquer de fausses accusations contre les adhérents du Parti Social-IMBERAKURI, le domicile de Madame Christine MUKABONANE, ancienne vice-présidente de ce parti et actuelle présidente intérimaire de l’aile dissidente du PSI, a fait l’objet d’une attaque à la grenade dans la nuit du samedi 19/06/10 au dimanche 20/06/10 par des malfaiteurs non encore identifiés. Nous apprenons que cette grenade n’a pas fait de victimes, car elle a été lancée dans une chambre où il n’y avait personne pendant l’attaque. Rappelons que Mme Christine Mukabonane a été contrainte par le Front Patriotique Rwandais (FPR) à détruire son parti dans le but d’évincer le président fondateur, Maître Bernard NTAGANDA. Cette opération n’a pas encore réussi parce que les adhérents du PSI sont déterminés à protéger les bureaux de leur parti et ont réussi à empêcher plusieurs expéditions chargées par le FPR de venir installer de force l’aile dissidente du PSI dans les bureaux loués et occupés par les dirigeants légaux du parti.
Antécédents: Le CLIIR rappelle que les enlèvements suivis des disparitions forcées sont monnaie courante au Rwanda. La plupart du temps, les personnes enlevées et portés disparus pendant plusieurs jours ont été retrouvées dans les cachots et autres lieux de détentions secrètes de la police rwandaise ou de la DMI (Directorate of Military Intelligence). D’autres ont disparu sans laisser des traces comme l’évêque catholique du Diocèse de Ruhengeri, Monseigneur Phocas NIKWIGIZE, un prélat catholique Hutu enlevé par les militaires rwandais le 30 novembre 1996 à la frontière rwando-congolaise de Goma et porté disparu jusqu’à ce jour. Aucune enquête n’a été menée pour le retrouver où connaître son sort. Trois autres évêques catholiques Hutus ont été assassinés par les soldats de Paul KAGAME le 5 juin 1994 à Gakurazo non loin de l’évêché de Kabgayi à Gitarama (district de Muhanga).
Plusieurs personnes été arrêtées et portées disparues au cours de nombreuses rafles policières opérées dans la capitale Kigali depuis les années 1996, après le rapatriement forcé des réfugiés Hutus rescapés des massacres commis par les troupes du général Paul KAGAME dans l’ex-Zaïre, actuel République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). En effet des milliers de professeurs, d’instituteurs, d’agronomes, de médecins, d’anciens fonctionnaires et anciens responsables administratifs ont été emprisonnés depuis juillet 1994 non pas pour les crimes qu’ils auraient commis, mais parce qu’ils sont nés Hutus. C’est le cas du Docteur Laurent RUBONEZA qui fut enlevé à Kigali le l6 novembre 2008 dans la matinée et porté disparu pendant plusieurs semaines avant d’apparaître dans une prison militaire le 06/12/2008. Il reste en prison suite à de nombreuses fausses accusations.
Recommandations:
Le Centre recommande instamment-
- Que les autorités rwandaises recherchent activement Monsieur SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable
- Que les autorités rwandaises et particulièrement le chef de l’Etat, le général Paul KAGAME, cessent immédiatement toutes les persécutions et les tracasseries dirigées contre les adhérents et le président fondateur du Parti Social-IMBERAKURI.
- Que le parti au pouvoir, le Front Patriotique Rwandais, cesse toutes les stratégies de diviser le PSI et les autres partis politiques se réclamant de l’opposition démocratique.
- Que le peuple rwandais résiste à toutes les campagnes de manipulation, d’intimidation et de terrorisme d’Etat. Que tous les rwandais se serrent les coudes pour résister à l’oppression d’une dictature impitoyable qui les oppriment, les déstabilisent, les appauvrissent et les affament par d’incessantes extorsions d’argent sous divers prétextes.
Pour le Centre, MATATA Joseph, Coordinateur.
CLIIR*: Le Centre de Lutte contre l’Impunité et l’Injustice au Rwanda est une association de défense des droits humains basée en Belgique, créée le 18 août 1995. Ses membres sont des militants des droits humains de longue date. Certains ont été actifs au sein d’associations rwandaises de défense des droits humains et ont participé à l’enquête CLADHO/Kanyarwanda sur le génocide de 1994. Lorsqu’ils ont commencé à enquêter sur les crimes du régime rwandais actuel, ils ont subi des menaces et ont été contraints de s’exiler à l’étranger où ils poursuivent leur engagement en faveur des droits humains.
Boulevard Léopold II, n°227 Bruxelles, le 21 juin 2010
1080 BRUXELLES
Tél/Fax: +32.81.60.11.13
GSM: +32.476.70.15.69
Mail: cliir2004@yahoo.fr
COMMUNIQUE n° 123/2010
Kidnappé le 20/06/2010, cet opposant du Parti Social reste introuvable.
Le Centre de Lutte contre l’Impunité et l’Injustice au Rwanda (CLIIR) dénonce et condamne le kidnapping et la disparition de Monsieur SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable.
Monsieur SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable est le Secrétaire Particulier de Maître Bernard NTAGANDA, président du Parti Social IMBERAKURI (PSI). Un parti d’opposition dont les membres sont régulièrement persécutés, emprisonnés, chassés de leur boulot ou portés disparus.
Monsieur SIBOMANA est porté disparu à Kigali dans la capitale du Rwanda depuis dimanche le 20 juin 2010 vers 20h. Il rentrait chez lui dans le quartier de Nyamirambo à Kigali situé entre les locaux d’Electrogaz et les bâtiments du Collège Saint André. Il venait de participer à une réunion très importante dans laquelle son parti préparait la manifestation pacifique prévue à Kigali ce jeudi le 24 juin 2010. Il n’est pas arrivé chez lui. Le PSI a fait une demande d’autorisation qui est encore restée sans réponse jusqu’à ce jour.
Le président du Parti Social IMBERAKURI, Maître NTAGANDA Bernard, a contacté le chef de la police qui a promis de rechercher le disparu mais jusqu’à présent personne ne semble vouloir indiquer dans quel endroit M. SIBOMANA serait séquestré et dans quel état.
Notre Centre lance un appel à toutes les organisations de défense des droits humains, à tous les gouvernements occidentaux qui soutiennent aveuglement le régime du président rwandais Paul KAGAME, à tous les autres partis politiques présents au Rwanda ainsi qu’à toutes les personnes de bonne volonté, pour obliger les autorités rwandaises à se mobiliser pour retrouver vivant et en bonne santé Monsieur SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable le plus tôt possible.
Dans le cadre de fabriquer de fausses accusations contre les adhérents du Parti Social-IMBERAKURI, le domicile de Madame Christine MUKABONANE, ancienne vice-présidente de ce parti et actuelle présidente intérimaire de l’aile dissidente du PSI, a fait l’objet d’une attaque à la grenade dans la nuit du samedi 19/06/10 au dimanche 20/06/10 par des malfaiteurs non encore identifiés. Nous apprenons que cette grenade n’a pas fait de victimes, car elle a été lancée dans une chambre où il n’y avait personne pendant l’attaque. Rappelons que Mme Christine Mukabonane a été contrainte par le Front Patriotique Rwandais (FPR) à détruire son parti dans le but d’évincer le président fondateur, Maître Bernard NTAGANDA. Cette opération n’a pas encore réussi parce que les adhérents du PSI sont déterminés à protéger les bureaux de leur parti et ont réussi à empêcher plusieurs expéditions chargées par le FPR de venir installer de force l’aile dissidente du PSI dans les bureaux loués et occupés par les dirigeants légaux du parti.
Antécédents: Le CLIIR rappelle que les enlèvements suivis des disparitions forcées sont monnaie courante au Rwanda. La plupart du temps, les personnes enlevées et portés disparus pendant plusieurs jours ont été retrouvées dans les cachots et autres lieux de détentions secrètes de la police rwandaise ou de la DMI (Directorate of Military Intelligence). D’autres ont disparu sans laisser des traces comme l’évêque catholique du Diocèse de Ruhengeri, Monseigneur Phocas NIKWIGIZE, un prélat catholique Hutu enlevé par les militaires rwandais le 30 novembre 1996 à la frontière rwando-congolaise de Goma et porté disparu jusqu’à ce jour. Aucune enquête n’a été menée pour le retrouver où connaître son sort. Trois autres évêques catholiques Hutus ont été assassinés par les soldats de Paul KAGAME le 5 juin 1994 à Gakurazo non loin de l’évêché de Kabgayi à Gitarama (district de Muhanga).
Plusieurs personnes été arrêtées et portées disparues au cours de nombreuses rafles policières opérées dans la capitale Kigali depuis les années 1996, après le rapatriement forcé des réfugiés Hutus rescapés des massacres commis par les troupes du général Paul KAGAME dans l’ex-Zaïre, actuel République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). En effet des milliers de professeurs, d’instituteurs, d’agronomes, de médecins, d’anciens fonctionnaires et anciens responsables administratifs ont été emprisonnés depuis juillet 1994 non pas pour les crimes qu’ils auraient commis, mais parce qu’ils sont nés Hutus. C’est le cas du Docteur Laurent RUBONEZA qui fut enlevé à Kigali le l6 novembre 2008 dans la matinée et porté disparu pendant plusieurs semaines avant d’apparaître dans une prison militaire le 06/12/2008. Il reste en prison suite à de nombreuses fausses accusations.
Recommandations:
Le Centre recommande instamment-
- Que les autorités rwandaises recherchent activement Monsieur SIBOMANA Rusanganwa Aimable
- Que les autorités rwandaises et particulièrement le chef de l’Etat, le général Paul KAGAME, cessent immédiatement toutes les persécutions et les tracasseries dirigées contre les adhérents et le président fondateur du Parti Social-IMBERAKURI.
- Que le parti au pouvoir, le Front Patriotique Rwandais, cesse toutes les stratégies de diviser le PSI et les autres partis politiques se réclamant de l’opposition démocratique.
- Que le peuple rwandais résiste à toutes les campagnes de manipulation, d’intimidation et de terrorisme d’Etat. Que tous les rwandais se serrent les coudes pour résister à l’oppression d’une dictature impitoyable qui les oppriment, les déstabilisent, les appauvrissent et les affament par d’incessantes extorsions d’argent sous divers prétextes.
Pour le Centre, MATATA Joseph, Coordinateur.
CLIIR*: Le Centre de Lutte contre l’Impunité et l’Injustice au Rwanda est une association de défense des droits humains basée en Belgique, créée le 18 août 1995. Ses membres sont des militants des droits humains de longue date. Certains ont été actifs au sein d’associations rwandaises de défense des droits humains et ont participé à l’enquête CLADHO/Kanyarwanda sur le génocide de 1994. Lorsqu’ils ont commencé à enquêter sur les crimes du régime rwandais actuel, ils ont subi des menaces et ont été contraints de s’exiler à l’étranger où ils poursuivent leur engagement en faveur des droits humains.
Rwandan General Kazura allegedly implicated in assassination attempt on fugitive Nyamwasa in South Africa.
by David O’Brian
Afro-American Network
22 June 2010
The saga of the assassination attempt on the exiled Rwandan General Kayumba Nyamwasa may have taken another twist, according to sources in South Africa and Rwanda. These sources told AfroAmerica Network that the South African police already arrested a group of six suspects, mostly ex-Rwandan Defense Forces officers, and they are talking. The suspects are allegedly implicating General Jean-Bosco Kazura as the ring leader of the conspiracy.
According to the same sources, General Jean-Bosco Kazura was allegedly sent on a mission by the Rwandan Government to travel to South Africa and organize the assassination while the South African police was busy with the opening of the FIFA Soccer World Cup.
After the squad was put in place, General Jean-Bosco Kazura quickly returned to Rwanda, leaving the squad under the command of Francis Gakwerere. To divert the attention, the Rwandan Department of Military Intelligence arrested General Jean Bosco Kazura upon his return. The motive of the arrest was to be able to deny the involvement of the Rwandan government in case the plot was discovered by the South African security services.
Contrary to the usual secrecy within the RPF, the arrest of General Kazura, under the pretext of unauthorized trip outside the county by a high ranking military officer, was widely publicized, allegedly to create a smokescreen.
If these allegations turn out to be true, the South African and Rwandan Government may be facing a serious diplomatic row.
WNJ Editor's Note: WNJ's Rwandan sources state that Lt. Col. Rugumya Gacinya, former Rwandan Military Attache to the United States and indictee named in Judge Merelles' Spanish arrest warrant for numerous international crimes, was seen travelling with Gakwerere in South Africa prior to the assassination attempt on Gen. Nyamwasa. These sources say Lt. Col. Gacinya returned to Rwanda prior to the attack.
Afro-American Network
22 June 2010
The saga of the assassination attempt on the exiled Rwandan General Kayumba Nyamwasa may have taken another twist, according to sources in South Africa and Rwanda. These sources told AfroAmerica Network that the South African police already arrested a group of six suspects, mostly ex-Rwandan Defense Forces officers, and they are talking. The suspects are allegedly implicating General Jean-Bosco Kazura as the ring leader of the conspiracy.
According to the same sources, General Jean-Bosco Kazura was allegedly sent on a mission by the Rwandan Government to travel to South Africa and organize the assassination while the South African police was busy with the opening of the FIFA Soccer World Cup.
After the squad was put in place, General Jean-Bosco Kazura quickly returned to Rwanda, leaving the squad under the command of Francis Gakwerere. To divert the attention, the Rwandan Department of Military Intelligence arrested General Jean Bosco Kazura upon his return. The motive of the arrest was to be able to deny the involvement of the Rwandan government in case the plot was discovered by the South African security services.
Contrary to the usual secrecy within the RPF, the arrest of General Kazura, under the pretext of unauthorized trip outside the county by a high ranking military officer, was widely publicized, allegedly to create a smokescreen.
If these allegations turn out to be true, the South African and Rwandan Government may be facing a serious diplomatic row.
WNJ Editor's Note: WNJ's Rwandan sources state that Lt. Col. Rugumya Gacinya, former Rwandan Military Attache to the United States and indictee named in Judge Merelles' Spanish arrest warrant for numerous international crimes, was seen travelling with Gakwerere in South Africa prior to the assassination attempt on Gen. Nyamwasa. These sources say Lt. Col. Gacinya returned to Rwanda prior to the attack.
Salva Kiir Announces South Sudan's Cabinet.
New GoSS Cabinet
1. Mr. Kosti Manibe Ngai - Minister of Cabinet Affairs
2. Mr. Pagan Amum - Minister of Peace and CPA Implementation
3. Nhial Deng Nhial- Minister of SPLA and Veteran Affairs
4. Deng Alor Kuol- Minister of Regional Cooperation
5. Dr. Cirino Hiteng Ofuho - Minister in the office of the President
6. John Luk Jok - Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development
7. Gier Chuang Aloung - Minister of Internal Affairs
8. Michael Makuei Lueth - Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
9. David Deng Athorbei - Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
10. General Oyai Deng Ajak - Minister of Investment
11. Mrs. Awut Deng Acuil - Minister of Labour and Public Service
12. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin - Minister of Information
13. Dr. Luke Tombekana Monoja - Minister of Health
14. Dr. Samson Lukare Kwaje - Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
15. Mr. Anthony Lino Makana - Minister of Roads and Transport
16. Dr. Michael Milli Hussein - Minister of Education
17. Mr. Stephen Dhieu - Minister of Commerce and Industry
18. Minister of Environment (NCP to nominate their person)
19. Mrs. Jema Nunu Kumba - Minister of Housing and Physical Planning
20. Mr. Madut Biar Yel - Minister of Communication and Postal Services
21. Mr. Garang Diing Akuong - Minister of Energy and Mining
22. Mrs. Agnes Kwaje Lasuba - Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare
23. Dr. Anne Itto Leonardo - Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development
24. Mr. James Kok Ruea - Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disasters Management
25. Mr. Paul Mayom Akec - Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources
26. Mr. Joseph Ukel - Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
27. Minister of Welfare and Tourism (NCP to nominate their person)
28. Mrs. Nyalok Tiong Gatluak - Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries
29. Ms. Mary Jervas Yak - Minister of Human Resources Development
30. Mr. Makuac Teny Yok - Minister of Youth, Sports and Recreation
31. Mr. Gabriel Changson Chang - Minister of Culture and Heritage
32. Dr. Priscilla Nyanyang - Minister without Portfolio
1. Mr. Kosti Manibe Ngai - Minister of Cabinet Affairs
2. Mr. Pagan Amum - Minister of Peace and CPA Implementation
3. Nhial Deng Nhial- Minister of SPLA and Veteran Affairs
4. Deng Alor Kuol- Minister of Regional Cooperation
5. Dr. Cirino Hiteng Ofuho - Minister in the office of the President
6. John Luk Jok - Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development
7. Gier Chuang Aloung - Minister of Internal Affairs
8. Michael Makuei Lueth - Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
9. David Deng Athorbei - Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
10. General Oyai Deng Ajak - Minister of Investment
11. Mrs. Awut Deng Acuil - Minister of Labour and Public Service
12. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin - Minister of Information
13. Dr. Luke Tombekana Monoja - Minister of Health
14. Dr. Samson Lukare Kwaje - Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
15. Mr. Anthony Lino Makana - Minister of Roads and Transport
16. Dr. Michael Milli Hussein - Minister of Education
17. Mr. Stephen Dhieu - Minister of Commerce and Industry
18. Minister of Environment (NCP to nominate their person)
19. Mrs. Jema Nunu Kumba - Minister of Housing and Physical Planning
20. Mr. Madut Biar Yel - Minister of Communication and Postal Services
21. Mr. Garang Diing Akuong - Minister of Energy and Mining
22. Mrs. Agnes Kwaje Lasuba - Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare
23. Dr. Anne Itto Leonardo - Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development
24. Mr. James Kok Ruea - Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disasters Management
25. Mr. Paul Mayom Akec - Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources
26. Mr. Joseph Ukel - Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
27. Minister of Welfare and Tourism (NCP to nominate their person)
28. Mrs. Nyalok Tiong Gatluak - Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries
29. Ms. Mary Jervas Yak - Minister of Human Resources Development
30. Mr. Makuac Teny Yok - Minister of Youth, Sports and Recreation
31. Mr. Gabriel Changson Chang - Minister of Culture and Heritage
32. Dr. Priscilla Nyanyang - Minister without Portfolio
The dead are not the only casualties of the conflict.
The Independent
By Terri Judd
22 June 2010
For every soldier saluted as his coffin passes through Wootton Bassett, countless more have come home quietly to Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham. Since British troops deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, 1,282 have been wounded in action, of whom 378 suffered life-changing injuries.
While soldiers' deaths make national news, those injured alongside them often do not. Lance Corporal Tom Neathway, 25, from Worcester, lost both of his legs above the knee along with his left arm when he was blown up while serving with 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment in July 2008.
The British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association has 228 new members who are veterans of the conflict. Of these, 199 are amputees, 37 have lost two limbs and 12 three. A further 29 have lost the use of limbs or their eyesight. Many more endure gunshot or shrapnel wounds which need years of surgery and rehabilitation.
Like the death toll, the number of injured has been steadily rising, from 31 categorised as very serious or serious by the British Ministry of Defence in the first year of the conflict, to 157 in 2009 and 62 for only the first five months of 2010.
By Terri Judd
22 June 2010
For every soldier saluted as his coffin passes through Wootton Bassett, countless more have come home quietly to Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham. Since British troops deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, 1,282 have been wounded in action, of whom 378 suffered life-changing injuries.
While soldiers' deaths make national news, those injured alongside them often do not. Lance Corporal Tom Neathway, 25, from Worcester, lost both of his legs above the knee along with his left arm when he was blown up while serving with 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment in July 2008.
The British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association has 228 new members who are veterans of the conflict. Of these, 199 are amputees, 37 have lost two limbs and 12 three. A further 29 have lost the use of limbs or their eyesight. Many more endure gunshot or shrapnel wounds which need years of surgery and rehabilitation.
Like the death toll, the number of injured has been steadily rising, from 31 categorised as very serious or serious by the British Ministry of Defence in the first year of the conflict, to 157 in 2009 and 62 for only the first five months of 2010.
Peter Erlinder to hold a press conference to discuss his arrest in Rwanda.
SPECIAL NEWS ADVISORY
June 21, 2010
Peter Erlinder is scheduled to return to Minnesota on Tuesday, June 22. He will have his first formal media availability at a press conference in the Conservatory at William Mitchell College of Law at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23.
In addition to taking questions about and discussing his experience in Rwanda, he will talk about his work as a defense attorney for the International Criminal Tribunal on Rwanda. His wife, Masako Usui, and his daughter, Sarah Erlinder, will also be available at the press conference.
For more information, contact:
• Gena Berglund, International Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota, +1-651-208-7964
• Bruce Nestor, Attorney, +1-612-991-9488
June 21, 2010
Peter Erlinder is scheduled to return to Minnesota on Tuesday, June 22. He will have his first formal media availability at a press conference in the Conservatory at William Mitchell College of Law at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23.
In addition to taking questions about and discussing his experience in Rwanda, he will talk about his work as a defense attorney for the International Criminal Tribunal on Rwanda. His wife, Masako Usui, and his daughter, Sarah Erlinder, will also be available at the press conference.
For more information, contact:
• Gena Berglund, International Humanitarian Law Institute of Minnesota, +1-651-208-7964
• Bruce Nestor, Attorney, +1-612-991-9488
Denis Semadwinga murdered in Gisenyi.
Congo Siasa Blog
21 June 2010
By Jason Sterns
http://congosiasa.blogspot.com/2010/06/murder-of-denis-ntare-semadwinga.html
According to various sources, Denis Semadwinga was assassinated at his home in Gisenyi (Rwanda) at 8 pm last night.
Semadwinga was an influential and senior member of the Goma elite. A Tutsi from Rutshuru territory, he was Chief of Staff (directeur de cabinet) to RCD-G Governor Eugene Serufuli and then to Laurent Nkunda in the CNDP. Before that, he had been in charge of Mobutu's presidential archives and had been administrator of the Centre de Commerce International du Zaire (CCIZ).
He continued to be active in the CNDP even after Nkunda was arrested. Some say it was his activism for the CNDP that led problems between him and the Rwandan government. Numerous CNDP officials have been arrested in Rwanda this year, and Rwandan security officials have privately blamed the grenade attacks on CNDP members in cahoots with Kayumba Nyamwasa.
Semadwinga's death is likely to exacerbate the tensions between Kigali and the Congolese Tutsi community, especially the Banyejomba and the pro-Nkunda soldiers. As much as people believe the Tutsi community is united, this would not be the first time such rifts have appeared. In the early day of the RCD rebellion, two mutinies broke out in Goma and Bukavu, led by Tutsi from North Kivu and Banyamulenge, respectively. In Goma, Congolese Tutsi commander Murekezi was shot and killed by Rwandan officers for insubordination. In Bukavu, they were able to negotiate with Cmdr Venant Bisogo (today leader of the FRF). No such luck several years later with Banyamulenge commander Patrick Masunzu, who launched another mutiny.
The complaints have often been the same: that for all the sacrifices the Congolese Tutsi have made for the Rwandan government, their standing in the Congo has never been secured; indeed, their leaders have often been arrested, as was the case with Nkunda.
We will have to wait and see whether any information about Semadwinga's death comes out. Gisenyi is a very safe place; it is highly unlikely these were simple robbers. And the coincidence with the assassination attempt against General Kayumba in South Africa is striking.
21 June 2010
By Jason Sterns
http://congosiasa.blogspot.com/2010/06/murder-of-denis-ntare-semadwinga.html
According to various sources, Denis Semadwinga was assassinated at his home in Gisenyi (Rwanda) at 8 pm last night.
Semadwinga was an influential and senior member of the Goma elite. A Tutsi from Rutshuru territory, he was Chief of Staff (directeur de cabinet) to RCD-G Governor Eugene Serufuli and then to Laurent Nkunda in the CNDP. Before that, he had been in charge of Mobutu's presidential archives and had been administrator of the Centre de Commerce International du Zaire (CCIZ).
He continued to be active in the CNDP even after Nkunda was arrested. Some say it was his activism for the CNDP that led problems between him and the Rwandan government. Numerous CNDP officials have been arrested in Rwanda this year, and Rwandan security officials have privately blamed the grenade attacks on CNDP members in cahoots with Kayumba Nyamwasa.
Semadwinga's death is likely to exacerbate the tensions between Kigali and the Congolese Tutsi community, especially the Banyejomba and the pro-Nkunda soldiers. As much as people believe the Tutsi community is united, this would not be the first time such rifts have appeared. In the early day of the RCD rebellion, two mutinies broke out in Goma and Bukavu, led by Tutsi from North Kivu and Banyamulenge, respectively. In Goma, Congolese Tutsi commander Murekezi was shot and killed by Rwandan officers for insubordination. In Bukavu, they were able to negotiate with Cmdr Venant Bisogo (today leader of the FRF). No such luck several years later with Banyamulenge commander Patrick Masunzu, who launched another mutiny.
The complaints have often been the same: that for all the sacrifices the Congolese Tutsi have made for the Rwandan government, their standing in the Congo has never been secured; indeed, their leaders have often been arrested, as was the case with Nkunda.
We will have to wait and see whether any information about Semadwinga's death comes out. Gisenyi is a very safe place; it is highly unlikely these were simple robbers. And the coincidence with the assassination attempt against General Kayumba in South Africa is striking.
21 June, 2010
Six arrested over Kayumba shooting.
Daily Monitor
22 June 2010
By Daniel Kalinaki & Tabu Butagira
The South African police have arrested half a dozen people in connection with the weekend shooting of renegade Rwandan General, Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa which the official says was an assassination attempt.
South Africa Police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo declined to give particulars of the suspects or where they are being held. However, sources familiar with the ongoing investigations told this newspaper in Johannesburg, that the six suspects are believed to be Rwandan nationals living in South Africa.
Gen. Nyamwasa, a former Chief of Staff of the Rwandan army, was shot in the stomach by a lone gunman who fled after the pistol jammed as the general tried to disarm him.
Gen. Nyamwasa was reported to be recovering steadily and in better spirits at Morningside Clinic in Johannesburg where he was taken after the midday attack at his Melrose Arch residence. The South African High Commission in Kampala yesterday said the matter of Gen. Nyamwasa’s shooting is very “sensitive”.
“We can at this stage only confirm that certain arrests were made by the South African Police Force in this regard,” Van Niekerk, the counsellor (political), wrote in reply to our e-mail enquiries yesterday. “The investigations are ongoing and at a sensitive stage and we thus have no further comment on the matter.”
Gen. Nyamwasa’s wife has accused President Paul Kagame of complicity in the shooting but Rwanda has denied the allegations. The nationality of the suspects is likely to be a major factor in helping explain the motive of the attack. Eyewitnesses said the gunman had spoken in Swahili as he fought off Gen. Nyamwasa’s driver. (Editor's Note: A South African newspaper identified one of the men as a Rwandan soldier who had previously served under Gen. Nyamwasa's command in Rwanda.)
Precise particulars of the suspects will only be known sometime this week when they are expected to appear in court to answer possible charges of attempted homicide. It emerged yesterday that more arrests could be made as South African detectives believe more people might have been involved in planning and executing the attack.
The South African government was by press time yesterday yet to issue a statement on the shooting which occurred at a time when the southern African country is hosting the World Cup. Rwanda had previously asked South Africa to arrest and extradite Gen. Nyamwasa who fled to the country in February. President Jacob Zuma, however, said his country will commit to international obligations for asylum seekers.
It is still unclear what the motive of the attack is or who is behind it. At the hospital, Gen. Nyamwasa was able to speak but security at the medical facility remained tight.
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