Museveni’s gung-ho foray into South Sudan conflict

Uganda's President Museveni speaking in Juba, South Sudan in December 30, 2013. Photo/AFP  

As the only country with boots on the ground, Uganda finds itself at the centre of controversy over the conflict in South Sudan — especially after President Yoweri Museveni became the only leader in the region to warn that his army will take sides in the three-week-old fighting that has so far claimed the lives of over 1,000 people.

On December 19, 2013 — four days after the fighting broke out — Uganda acted, deploying a small group of Special Forces to “facilitate” evacuation of its nationals from the South Sudan capital.

READ: Uganda now steps in, sends troops to South Sudan

Then, last week, president Museveni made a cowboy-like foray into the conflict, publicly warning Riek Machar who is one of the protagonists, to cease hostilities or face defeat at the hands of a regional military intervention force.

Until July 23 last year, Dr Machar was South Sudan’s vice president but was sacked along with the entire Cabinet when President Salva Kiir dissolved his executive on that date.

Dr Machar was not reinstated in the next Cabinet, which triggered ethnic sentiments and disquiet, leading to an alleged failed coup attempt on December 15 that has since become a full-scale war, compelling regional states and the international community to call for ceasefire.

An Inter Governmental Authority on Development meeting on December 26 agreed on a military option but did not discuss its modalities.

However, President Museveni, an ally of Salva Kiir, seemingly jumped the gun and took it upon himself to warn that a military intervention was imminent even though the mode, deployment and composition of this force are details that are yet to be thrashed out.

There seems to be a disconnect between president Museveni’s warning and the position of other key Igad states like Kenya, which says it will not rush into a military intervention as an option in South Sudan, and appears to favour a negotiated political solution.

“I think president Museveni spoke on the strength of Uganda’s responsibility as the lead country on South Sudan, even before and leading up to the CPA [2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement]. Uganda has a stake in the development of South Sudan right from its long war with Sudan up to the time John Garang took over. Uganda was a guarantor of the CPA and its aftermath,” said Ugandan legislator Simon Mulongo in an interview with The EastAfrican.

Mr Mulongo, who is a former director of the Eastern Africa Standby Brigade, argued that on that account, of all the Igad states, Uganda is the frontline state whose immediate security interests are most at jeopardy from an unstable South Sudan.

Because of his past record of falling in and out with the leadership of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement, then under John Garang, and alliances with the Khartoum government, Dr Machar represents a security threat to Kampala should he rekindle his alliance with Khartoum in the case of Salva Kiir’s government collapsing and Dr Machar taking state power.

But this raises some intriguing questions: If Igad discussed a military option, why would president Museveni take it upon himself to articulate the bloc’s position, yet personalise it, well aware of the inherent risks that such a move brings to Uganda and its citizens, some of whom are still trapped in South Sudan?

Plus, for Dr Machar to respect Igad’s call for cessation of hostilities, there had to be a more subtle and quiet diplomatic engagement with his side, rather than the confrontational stance that president Museveni has taken, to the point of stating that he does not sleep because he is monitoring the South Sudan conflict 24 hours a day.

Moreover, it is not clear what alliances, if any, are being built for this operation

EAC sets its calendar for 2014 projects, policies...

Finance Ministers Henry Rotich of Kenya and Uganda’s Maria Kiwanuka sign an agreement on the East African Monetary Union. FILE

As the new year starts, the EAC is preparing to roll out integration projects that are likely to test the region’s unity and commitment.  

At least five projects are set for implementation this month, among them a common defence, security and foreign policy that will see Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania jointly strengthen their military capabilities for conflict prevention and crisis management.

Simiyu Werunga, the director of the African Centre for Security and Strategic Studies, said having a common EAC security, defense and foreign policy is important for regional security as it will ensure that partner states rarely fight amongst themselves.

“With combined security resources, this will deter countries from attacking each other,” said Mr Werunga. “It is good for the stability and economic growth of the region.”

He said if the policies violate international law or human rights, or are disrespectful of the rule of law or democratic principles within the three partner states, the pact has the right to issue diplomatic or economic sanctions.

Under the arrangement, the armed forces of partner states are expected to work as a team in maritime patrols to ensure that the region’s international waters are free of piracy. Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are expected to sign the defence, security and foreign policy pact this month, and establish common foreign policy by October 2014.

Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda already launched the Single Customs Territory (SCT) last week. Burundi and Tanzania are not part of the initial roll out process because two countries rely on the Central Corridor, which is served by the port of Dar es Salaam.

Meshack Kipturgo, managing director at freight logistics firm Siginon, said implementation of the SCT could reduce cargo clearing costs by half, since the transit bond fees along the corridor will be scrapped.

EAC member states had set a January 2014 deadline to implement the single tourist visa and to facilitate the use of IDs as travel documents for its citizens. By January 1, Rwandans were already reportedly using their national ID’s to cross into Uganda.

In the first quarter of 2014, integration officials are also expected to fast-track the implementation of the political federation, the Customs Union, and the Common Market Protocol.

The EAC Common Market Protocol has led to an increase in exports to the region. The protocol came into effect in 2010, and is being implemented over a five-year period with a deadline of 2015.

“The Common Market Protocol can work better if all the five partner states take the required steps to ensure that it is fully implemented,” said Kenya Association of Manufacturers chief executive Betty Maina.

Partner states are expected to conclude the ratification of the East African Monetary Union Protocol, signed in November 2013, by July 2014. It is expected to be implemented in 10 years by member states.

The EAC member states also plan to implement infrastructure projects focusing on energy generation and distribution, oil pipeline development, railways, road and air services.

In an earlier interview, EAC Secretary General Richard Sezibera said poor infrastructure in the region had led to congestion at the main ports of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, and had increased the cost of doing business in the region.

MF spells out new roadmap for Kenya’s faster economic growth

PHOTO | BILY MUTAI IMF managing director Ms Christine Lagarde (left) speaking when she met National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich at the Treasury Building in Nairobi on January 6, 2014. She praised Kenya for bold economic reforms in the past few years.  DAILY NATION

Successful completion of the devolution process, investment in infrastructure and regional integration are the three factors that will boost Kenya’s quest for economic transformation.

This was the message from the International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde as she began her maiden three-day visit to the country on Monday.

Meeting members of the Kenyan business community in Nairobi, Ms Lagarde said the country has made remarkable economic gains over the past few years on the back of bold reforms that have laid the foundations to lift the economy to middle-income status within the next decade.

BUILD ON MOMENTUM

"Kenya has indeed come a long way over the past few years. The key is now to build on this momentum, with emphasis in the following areas. We might call them the ‘Three C’s’: completing fiscal devolution; closing infrastructure gaps; and continuing regional integration,” Ms Lagarde.

During her visit, she will be hosted by President Kenyatta and other top government officials to meetings at which new partnerships between the IMF and Kenya will be assessed.

In his brief to the President, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said the government will be seeking access to bigger credit facilities to help cushion the country against unexpected external and internal shocks that it remains vulnerable to.

“Considering that we have almost exhausted our Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PGRT) window, we need to make a strong case to the IMF MD for a bland precautionary facility that involves both PGRT and the General Resources Account which is non-concessional,” Mr Rotich said.

The new facility, Mr Rotich said, would serve as an insurance policy in the event of unexpected shocks.

“This should be a facility of last resort and should only be used when it is clear that policy actions alone are not sufficient to effectively respond to the ensuing shocks,” the statement reads.

GOVT PRAISED

In her speech, Ms Lagarde lauded the government for adopting policies that have helped anchor the conditions for a strong and stable growth but also acknowledged the external shocks the country is likely to suffer as it opens its financial markets to the globe.

“Kenya has built a strong external position and is now in a favourable condition to tap international financial markets with the planned Eurobond issue. Going forward, as Kenya becomes more integrated in the global economy, it is bound to be exposed to external shocks through spillovers from trading partners’ economies or volatility in international financial markets,” she said.

“Further bolstering its foreign reserve position and lowering its debt burden will ensure that the country is resilient to these shocks.”

But the economic gains the country has made in the past, Ms Lagarde said, will only be sustainable if the government maintains its reform agenda, invests more in infrastructure and complete the fiscal devolution process.

AVOIDING DUPLICATION

“It is imperative that devolution is done right. That means spending needs to remain within the available envelope of public resources — and be transparent. It also means avoiding duplication of functions between the central and local government,” Lagarde said.

“Proper management of public resources is very important. Transparency, accountability and publication of information cannot be over-emphasized, especially with minerals such as oil and gas.”

While encouraging foreign investment in the country’s infrastructure development, the IMF chief cautioned that the financing agreements must remain consistent with a sustainable debt position.

She called for a deeper integration of the East African Community in order for the countries to continue enjoying the opening up of new markets, emergence of a middle class and enhanced domestic demand which have become an engine for growth.

“In that context, the heads of state of the EAC recently agreed on a roadmap toward a monetary union. This is an opportunity but also a major challenge. It will be important to draw upon the experience and lessons learned from other regions and to manage the process carefully,” she said.

Kenya Private Sector Alliance chairman Vimal Shah called on international investors to take advantage of the economic gains the country has made in the past few years, emerging from a poverty-stricken country to being a key business hub in the continent.

“Kenya is investible, it is an open economy and a fertile ground for investors,” Mr Shah said.

Spanish court summons king's daughter over fraud case

A file photo taken on June 20, 2013 shows Spanish Princess Cristina attending a mass commemorating the centenary of the birth of Don Juan de Borbon at the chapel of the Royal Palace in Madrid . AFP PHOTO / POOL / JUAN CARLOS HIDALGO  

A Spanish court summoned King Juan Carlos' youngest daughter Cristina as a suspect over tax and money-laundering crimes Tuesday, a first for a direct relative of the monarch.

Cristina, 48, has been linked to the business affairs of her husband, former Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, who is under investigation for alleged embezzlement of public funds.

The decision by a court in Majorca is a major blow against the prestige of the 76-year-old Spanish king, who became head of state after the death in 1975 of General Francisco Franco and helped guide the country's transition to democracy.

His popularity sliding because of royal scandals, Juan Carlos appeared tired Monday as he presided over a military parade while supported on crutches, his first public appearance since undergoing an operation to replace his left hip on November 21.

HUSBAND'S CORRUPTION CASE

The judge in Majorca, Jose Castro, has been investigating the corruption allegations against Cristina's husband since 2010. In summoning Cristina, he overruled opposition by the public prosecutor.

In his written ruling, the judge said he had decided to hear Cristina's testimony "about alleged tax and money laundering crimes", summoning her to appear on March 8 as part of an investigation that could lead to formal charges.

Manos Limpias, a litigious far-right pressure group, lodged the suit against Cristina alleging tax evasion and money laundering, although tax authorities have not brought any charges and public prosecutors have said there is no case to answer.

The judge in the Majorca court is investigating allegations that Urdangarin and a former business partner embezzled six million euros ($8 million) in public funds via the Noos Institute, a charitable foundation that he chaired.

Cristina was a member of the board of Noos and with her husband jointly owned another company, Aizoon, which investigators suspect served as a front for laundering the embezzled funds.

DEATH OF FRANCO

The Majorca judge had summoned Cristina on suspicion of corruption once before, in spring 2012, but that decision was overruled following an appeal by the prosecutor.

Juan Carlos is widely respected for his role in Spain's transition to democracy after the death of Franco.

But his standing among Spaniards has been damaged by the corruption scandal, and outrage over a luxury African elephant-hunting safari he took in 2012.

His health problems together with the scandals have raised speculation about the future of his reign.

The number of people with a high or very high opinion of the king fell nine points over 2013 to 41 percent, according to a poll published on Sunday in daily newspaper El Mundo.

The number of people wanting him to abdicate in favour of Prince Felipe, 45, surged by 17 percent to 62 percent, according to the study by pollster Sigma Dos carried out in late December.

Sixty-six percent had a positive view of the prince and 56 percent thought he could improve the royals' image if he took over.

General support for the monarchy as an institution, however, fell below half to 49.9 percent, according to the poll.

The royal palace and the king have firmly denied any thoughts of an abdication.

"I want to express to you, as king of Spain, my determination to continue the faithful fulfilment of the mandate and the powers attributed to me," the king said in his annual televised Christmas Eve address last month.

Turkey govt sacks 350 police officers overnight.....

Riot police gather in front of anti-government protesters in central Ankara on June 3, 2013. PHOTO/ADEM ALTAN/FILE  AFP

The Turkish government has fired 350 police officers in Ankara, including heads of major departments, amid a vast corruption scandal.

Key allies of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan have also been dismissed, local media reported on Tuesday.

The officers were sacked by a government decree published at midnight and included chiefs of the financial crimes, anti-smuggling, cyber crime and organised crime units, the private Dogan News Agency reported.

The move comes as the government is trying to contain the high-level corruption probe that poses the biggest threat to Erdogan's 11-year rule.

It has also exposed the influence of an exiled Muslim scholar on Turkey's halls of power and his byzantine relationship with the government.

FOREIGN-HATCHED PLOT

The investigation is believed to be linked to simmering tensions between Erdogan's government and followers of influential Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen, who lives in exile in the United States.

Gulen followers hold key positions in various government branches including the police and judiciary.

Erdogan has denounced the investigation as a foreign-hatched plot to bring down his government and has responded by sacking hundreds of police officials across the country, including the Istanbul police chief, since the probe first burst into the open in mid-December.

Erdogan's critics accuse him of desperately trying to protect his cronies, and the appointment of Selami Altinok, a little-known governor with no background in police work, as Istanbul's new police chief was further seen as an attempt to shut down the investigation.

FACILITATING BRIBES

The crisis erupted on December 17 when police arrested dozens of people including sons of former ministers and the chief executive of Turkey's state-run Halkbank.

They are suspected of numerous offences including accepting and facilitating bribes for development projects and securing construction permits for protected areas.

Erdogan has vowed to battle "a state within a state", apparently referring to Gulenists in the state apparatus and said he would not allow parallel structures.

Gulen, who has been living in self-imposed exiled in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, has denied any involvement in the controversial inquiry. His followers were key backers of Erdogan's AKP when it came to power in 2002.

The turmoil has rattled Erdogan's government ahead of key local polls in March and plunged the Turkish lira to an all-time low.

The graft probe has also exposed bitter fault lines in Erdogan's traditional power base and prompted calls from both his own party and opposition parties for the resignation of the entire government.

The European Union, which Turkey aspires to join, urged Turkish authorities to address the graft allegations in an "impartial manner".

MP wants govt to lift ban on night travel......

Travellers at a matatu stage in Nyeri town, January 2, 2014. Operators on long distance routes are being forced to close their business early due to the ban on night travel ban. Photo/JOSEPH KANYI  

An MP has called on the government to quickly lift the ban imposed on night travel through public transport vehicles.

The chairman of the parliamentary committee on Transport Maina Kamanda faulted the move, describing it a knee-jerk reaction that would only harm ordinary Kenyans.
“Banning night travel is an ad-hoc move that will only harm the ordinary man. The ministry ought to have come up with better measures to enhance safety,” Mr Kamanda said Tuesday.

Transport Principal Secretary Nduva Muli last month banned night travel following what he said was an increase in road crashes over the festive season.
But Mr Kamanda argued that the ban is negatively affecting the country’s economy and called on the government to quickly review its stand.
“Our people are very hard working and a move like this only reduces the gains they have made. We urge the government to quickly lift this ban,” he added.
He said the country cannot talk of becoming a 24-hour economy when its vehicles are prohibited from ferrying passengers at night.
While imposing the ban, Mr Muli had said long-distance public transport vehicles travelling from 6pm to 6am must get a licence from the National Safety and Transport Authority.
They must also meet certain conditions, including having a relief driver before they can get such a licence.
But the Starehe MP is of the view that such vehicles be allowed to conduct business provided they have relief drivers.
“The most important thing is to ensure that these buses have in-built speed governors so that they cannot move beyond the recommended speed,” he said.
INBUILT SPEED GOVERNORS
He called on the government to make it mandatory for vehicle manufacturers to ensure the speed governors are in-built so that the drivers cannot tamper with them.
He also faulted the timing of the ban.
The ban has left thousands stranded, with buses overwhelmed by the back-to-school rush and the many people travelling across the country following the end of December holidays.
The lawmaker said the ministry should instead focus on changing the mindset and attitudes of the drivers and other road users as the surest way to curb road carnage.
More than 3000 lives had been lost by mid-December last year as a result of road accidents despite stringent traffic regulations that saw offenders fined over Sh1.5 billion in the last few months of 2013.

Workers threaten strike over NSSF scamm in Kenya

Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli. Several unions affiliated to Cotu have threatened to call for a strike and also withdraw from contributing to the national insurer if the government does not intervene and stop the controversial Sh5.1 billion NSSF housing project. PHOTO/FILE  

Workers have threatened to down their tools and also withdraw from contributing to the national insurer if the government does not intervene and stop the controversial Sh5.1 billion NSSF housing project.

Several unions affiliated to the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) have given the government a one-week ultimatum to also fire the chairman of the National Social Security Fund Board of Trustee Mr Adan Mohammed, failure to which they would call a nationwide strike.
While addressing a press conference at a Nairobi hotel, secretary generals representing more than 10 unions asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to personally intervene in the matter and help save workers’ money.

The NSSF board has already been accused by Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli of irregularly approving the release of Sh5.053 billion belonging to workers for infrastructure development at Tassia II housing project in Nairobi’s Eastlands area.

He alleged the fund’s managers including the acting managing trustee Mr Richard Lang’at approved the billions without proper procedures and that he (Atwoli) was not consulted being the worker’s representative in the board.

On Tuesday, the unions’ leaders supported Mr Atwoli’s claims, accusing the government of properly failing to shed light on the alleged scandal.

While reading a statement on their behalf, the Kenya Electrical Trades and Allied Workers’ Union (Ketawu) boss Ernest Madome alleged it was evident that both Mr Mohammed and Mr Lang’at were working with some influential individuals to fleece workers.

“We demand that President Uhuru Kenyatta immediately and personally intervenes for the purpose of saving workers’ funds and proceed to send the NSSF Board of Trustees Chairman Adan Mohammed home as well as letting him be investigated,” said Mr Madome.

“Failure to hear from the government in the next one week, we as affiliates will petition as required by our Cotu constitution, the secretary general Francis Atwoli to immediately convene a Cotu executive board meeting for all general secretaries of affiliates to take a decision on the matter including and not limited to calling a nationwide strike that will culminate in all our members withdrawing from NSSF,” he added.