East Africa

East Africa

Details: East Africa; 15 April 2022; 806

John Magufuli. The efforts to “demagufulify” Tanzania are continuing, but these have to grapple with obstacles at every turn and accept these as part of the legacy of the departed leader that will die very hard. PHOTO | FILE

Summary

We have in our midst people who will feel that they have been shoved away from their dirty manger by the death of Magufuli, and they do not know how to reinvent themselves so as to be accepted as honourable members of society.
I believe some of them might as well come out, dust themselves up and start behaving like ordinary citizens, and contribute to the building of their nation.
Of course, there are those who genuinely thought Magufuli was for the good of this country because “he fought corruption” and stopped the “exploitation by imperialists,” to which I say, “fiddlesticks!”
We may soon know about the man’s so-called integrity, but I doubt the credentials of anyone fighting corruption who starts by killing the media and parliament.

The efforts to “demagufulify” Tanzania are continuing, but, as I expected, these have to grapple with obstacles at every turn and accept these as part of the legacy of the departed leader that will die very hard.

That is the way the cookie crumbles, and to expect anything less would be to engage in daydreaming.

See, for five years and some, John Magufuli ran the country like it was his personal fiefdom. He beat “his” party — for which he had absolutely no respect — into submission, rewrote its governance rules, put at its helm his appointed hatchet men and made it do his bidding, all in the space of five years.

He handpicked minions and gave them responsibilities they could not qualify for, flouted every rule in the book and these rendered his people dizzy with the incalculable powers they now wielded.

Mere mortals, most with pedestrian abilities at best, these individuals grew fangs, scales, claws and talons overnight, went around harassing people, organising gender-based violence and leading raiding parties on people’s property.

They did this with such impunity that one was made to wonder if the president — who was known to have a soft spot with for his lads — really knew what they were up to and whether, if he knew, he even cared.

The perennial excuse that “the man was good but his advisers were bad” cannot stand scrutiny when used about this man.

Several times, after swearing in the people he had appointed to go harass his country men and women, all he told them was “don’t forget you have those hours you can detain people without trial”. It is safe to assume that he knew what they were doing and did not give a hoot how far they went.

We have in our midst people who will feel that they have been shoved away from their dirty manger by the death of Magufuli, and they do not know how to reinvent themselves so as to be accepted as honourable members of society.

I believe some of them might as well come out, dust themselves up and start behaving like ordinary citizens, and contribute to the building of their nation.

But some of them are beyond local repair, having gone overboard in the exactions that they meted out to the people of this country. Some of them were involved in the thievery that went on all along the time that Magufuli was sitting at the top of the food chain.

A lot of them went much further and earlier, back in the day when the man who would become president was still doing his shenanigans in the construction industry.

These were the boys who were with him during his heyday of building roads and bridges, a lot of them sub-standard, the era of appropriating government houses and giving them out free.

Later came the days of land grabbing in all the provinces and the days of so-called “plea-bargaining,” a device put in place for him, by lawyers, to extort and shake down people who might have had issues with law enforcement and were desperate to buy their freedom. The catalogue is too long, the people involved in this chicanery too many.

So they will balk at any and every attempt to put the record straight, and will advance the same tired excuses we are always hearing, like respect for dead people, letting “bygones be bygones,” and concentrating on “going forward” lame excuse by people who do not want to look their past in the face.

Of course, there are those who genuinely thought Magufuli was for the good of this country because “he fought corruption” and stopped the “exploitation by imperialists,” to which I say, “fiddlesticks!”

We may soon know about the man’s so-called integrity, but I doubt the credentials of anyone fighting corruption who starts by killing the media and parliament.

Once you do that, how do you go about fighting graft, unless it is in the same way that he managed to “defeat Covid?” Prayer and fasting?

At some stage we will have to deal with a new culture introduced into our politic — assassination.

A couple of people have been mentioned as victims of assassination, real people who were known to the public, and who have disappeared without a trace!

While I may not be allowed to surmise that Magufuli killed them — at least they were known to disagree with him — but it is my duty as a public servant to say they have disappeared and their whereabouts are not known, and this happened on Magufuli’s watch.

Another one, lucky to be still around, had 16 bullets pumped into him, and now walks with a bad limp and a bullet still in his body as a souvenir!

Now, the media spaces which Magufuli forcibly closed down without using any recognised legal mechanism are reopening, thanks to President Samia Suluhu.

Those who may have been involved in the excesses for which some of us accuse Magufuli should feel free to come forward and answer our charges and press their case as to why we should treat this man as a great man.

Shouting down people who are asking legit questions will not cut ice. By Jenerali Ulimwengu, The East African

Jenerali Ulimwengu is now on YouTube via jeneralionline tv. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details: East Africa; 14 April 2022; 854

File photo of British soldiers during their past military drill FILE/Photo Courtesy

British soldiers accused of starting a bushfire in a village in Nanyuki, Laikipia County will now face charges after they lost their diplomatic immunity against lawsuits in Kenya.

The British soldiers were accused of starting a wildfire at Lolldaiga Hills Ranch, a 49,000 acre sanctuary where they train, risking the lives of over 1,000 locals in March 2021.

In a landmark ruling delivered on Wednesday, April 13, High Court Judge Antonina Bore argued that the United Kingdom government waived diplomatic immunity to legal action through an agreement that was signed in 2015.

A photo of a signpost showing the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) located in Nanyuki.

FACEBOOK-BRITISH ARMY

The Judge noted that as a unit of the British Army, BATUK has no legal entity separate from the UK government.

"It is evident that Kenya would have jurisdiction for civil claims and liabilities arising from activities in its territory under the agreement while the UK would have jurisdiction for civil claims and liabilities arising from activities in its territory," Justice Bore stated.

"The allegation in the petition is that British soldiers caused a huge fire in the military training grounds in Lolldaiga, which is in Kenya. Kenya, therefore, has jurisdiction."

The judgment explained that the British soldiers are required to be sensitive to the traditions, customs, and culture of the people.

"In the court's view this clause anticipated the kind of claim brought by the petitioners," concluded Justice Bore.

The Judge ordered that The African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action (ACCPA) and the local people must now go through a dispute resolution process in a bid to agree on terms with the UK government.

The case was filed by ACCPA against BATUK seeking compensation and reparations noting that the fire was caused by British soldiers.

However, BATUK denied being behind the fire and maintained that its soldiers were protected from prosecution by diplomatic immunity.

UK government on the other hand, has not issued a statement following the landmark ruling. By GEOFFREY LUTTA , Kenyans.co.ke

Details: East Africa; 14 April 2022; 833

The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, delivers his Easter message in Namirembe, Kampala on April 13, 2022. PHOTO /FRANK BAGUMA

What you need to know:

For almost a year now, Ugandans have suffered high commodity prices despite most of them not working during the two-year Covid-19 induced lockdown.

The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has appealed to the government to intervene and save Ugandans from the burden of skyrocketing commodity prices. While delivering this year’s Easter message yesterday at his residence in Namirembe, Kampala, Archbishop Kaziimba said some Ugandans have resorted to stealing to make ends meet while others are committing murder.

He, however, urged Ugandans to desist from evil acts and be hopeful beyond affliction as they celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“I feel pain in my heart because of the increasing commodity prices, like fuel and food. Some people have gone to the extent of stealing and killing others like it has been the case in Kyengera Town Council. I appeal to government to intervene. It is a challenging situation but believe and trust in the Lord. Repent and look for better ways of making money,” he said.

For almost a year now, Ugandans have suffered high commodity prices despite most of them not working during the two-year Covid-19 induced lockdown.
Early this month, Members of Parliament rejected a statement by Minister of State for Trade, Ms Harriet Ntabazi, on skyrocketing commodity prices, saying it fell short of providing immediate interventions.

During plenary sitting on April 11, Ms Ntabazi said to address the escalating prices of laundry bar soap, cooking oil and sugar, government plans to expand the production of crude palm oil in Buvuma, Kalangala, Bundibugyo, greater Masaka and other areas. The minister blamed the high prices on the Ukraine-Russia war which she said has created a shortage of supply of inputs more especially raw materials of some of the goods produced in Uganda.

On the issue of high fuel prices, the minister said the Petroleum Supply Act 2003, mandates the Minister of Energy to intervene but was quick to add that the prices in Uganda were fair compared to other East African countries. Ms Ntabazi said in Kenya, a litre of fuel has gone up to Shs 6,800 while in Tanzania it is sold at Shs 6,000. Currently, a litre of petrol is trading at Shs 5,230 at many fuel stations.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Kaziimba also congratulated the dioceses of Kumi, Nebbi, Mbale, and Northern Uganda upon getting new bishops. He appealed to the church leadership to always ensure peaceful transition of power. The archbishop also prayed for families that have lost their loved ones, including that of the former Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah. He also called upon Ugandans to pray for the restoration of peace in war-torn countries such as Ukraine.

Regarding Covid-19, the archbishop emphasised the importance of observing standard operating procedures, including proper wearing of masks and use of sanitisers.
Archbishop Kaziimba advised families to take care of their children, especially during holidays, and refrain from domestic violence.
DON'T MISS: More solutions required to stem rising prices

“Parents don’t look at children as a burden, but take care of them and ensure they stay safe during holidays. Avoid domestic violence. I have heard that even husbands, especially of economically empowered women, suffer from violence,” he said. The archbishop wished all Ugandans a blessed Holy Week and glorious Easter. This year’s Easter will be observed on Sunday, April 17. By JANE NAFULA , Daily Monitor

Details: East Africa; 14 April 2022; 862

CS Monica Juma: Fuel subsidy to continue, new prices won’t shock you

Acting Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Monica Juma has assured Kenyans that the Government will continue paying subsidies to oil marketing companies.

This, she says, will ensure Kenyans are cushioned against high fuel costs.

Her assurance comes on the back of speculation that the State was contemplating discontinuing the fuel stabilisation programme over its alleged unsustainability.

The Government currently owes the oil marketing companies Shs 14.52 billion under the fuel stabilisation kitty.

In absence of the subsidies, projections indicated that motorists would pay as high as Shs 175 for a litre of petrol and Shs 160 for a litre of diesel.

Currently in Nairobi, a litre of petrol retails at Shs 134.72, diesel goes for Shs 115.6 and kerosene Shs 103.54.

CS Juma, in an address to journalists at Kawi House in Nairobi on Thursday, April 14, said the Government is working on administrative and logistical processes to dispatch the subsidy arrears to the oil marketers.

The government has paid oil marketers up to Shs 34.64 billion in fuel subsidy since April last year. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will announce its monthly review of the fuel prices later today (Thursday, April 14).

With CS Juma’s assurance on fuel stabilisation fund, the prices, even if they’d rise, the review won’t subject Kenyans to shock.

The minister projected that the fuel crisis will be resolved in 72 hours’ time from Thursday, April 14. By Brian Okoth, The Standard

Details: East Africa; 14 April 2022; 884

Critics have said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is using the proposed scheme to distract from the recent Partygate scandal. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images./Photo Courtesy-Scotsman

The Government will announce multimillion-pound plans for asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats to be flown for processing to Rwanda. Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected to sign a deal with the East African nation during a visit on Thursday, with people seeking sanctuary in the UK to be sent more than 4,000 miles.

Some of those who make the perilous crossing of the Channel, as well as by other means deemed "illegal" by the Government, would be sent to Rwanda while their claims are assessed "offshore". Here's what you need to know about the proposed plan and responses to it from organisations across the country.

What is the Rwanda asylum seeker scheme?

Asylum seekers who remain in the UK while their claims are considered could be housed in stricter reception centres under the plans. The first will reportedly open in the village of Linton-on-Ouse, in North Yorkshire.

The Prime Minister is set to argue in a speech on Thursday that action is needed to combat the "vile people smugglers" turning the ocean into a "watery graveyard". Ms Patel is then expected to set out further details of a "migration and economic development partnership" with Rwanda, during a visit to the capital of Kigali.

It is thought the asylum seekers will be encouraged to relocate and rebuild their lives in Rwanda, rather than the UK, with more information on how the arrangement will work anticipated in the coming days.

Mr Johnson will say that the number of people making the perilous crossing of the Channel could reach 1,000 a day within weeks, after around 600 arrived on Wednesday, and argue that the "long-term plan for asylum in this country" will be "world-leading" and will settle thousands of people every year through safe routes.

While not anticipated to be an easy task or without challenges, officials and ministers are said to believe the plan will allow the UK to better support those fleeing oppression, persecution and tyranny through safe and legal routes while also controlling the border. However, British Red Cross executive director Zoe Abrams said the humanitarian network was "profoundly concerned" about the plans to "send traumatised people halfway round the world to Rwanda".

"The financial and human cost will be considerable; evidence from where offshoring has been implemented elsewhere shows it leads to profound human suffering, plus the bill that taxpayers will be asked to foot is likely to be huge," she added.

The expected deal with Rwanda comes after other locations touted - including Ascension Island, Albania and Gibraltar - were rejected, at times angrily by the nations suggested.

Peers could mount fresh resistance to the measure, having already inflicted a series of defeats to the Government's Nationality and Borders Bill. The legislation is currently in a tussle between the Commons and the Lords after peers defeated ministers, including with a demand that offshore asylum claims should be subject to approval by both Houses of Parliament.

How much will it cost?

The estimated cost of the arrangement between Rwanda and the UK is about £120 million, Wales Secretary Simon Hart has said.

"About £120 million is the estimated cost of this particular arrangement,” he told Sky News. “But again, that's a figure which will alter depending how well the scheme worked."

Mr Hart rejected Sky News presenter Kay Burley's claim the small boats will instead be overloaded with women, saying: "That is precisely what this whole scheme is designed to deter, and precisely why we want to work with the charitable sector, with the Refugee Council, to ensure that that does not happen.

"This has taken nine months of careful negotiation with the Rwandan government,” he added. "This is going to have the opportunity [to break] up the criminal gangs, disincentivising.... the safeguarding, the interests of people who have risked everything to go on this journey. That is what this proposal is."

Reactions to Rwanda asylum seeker plan

Scotland's Health Secretary accused the UK Government of being "institutionally racist" over proposals to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing.

Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader, has described the Government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda as "evil".

"It's just chilling, absolutely chilling, to think that people who are coming here for a whole host of reasons - vulnerable people - are going to be taken all the way to Africa to be processed,” he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "This is not the mark of a civilised society. It's evil.”

Labour has accused Boris Johnson of trying to distract from being fined for breaching coronavirus laws with "unworkable, unethical and extortionate" plans.

Human rights campaigners have described the Government's plan as "barbaric", "cowardly" and "shockingly ill-conceived".

Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UK's refugee and migrant rights director, said that the African nation had a "dismal human rights record".

Another refugee advocacy group issued a withering assessment of the scheme, calling it a "grubby cash-for-people plan" that was "cowardly" and "barbaric".

The chief executive of Refugee Action, Tim Naor Hilton, accused the Government of "offshoring its responsibilities onto Europe's former colonies instead of doing our fair share to help some of the most vulnerable people on the planet". He added that the UK should have learnt from "Australia's horrific experiment" of sending refugees "thousands of miles away" to camps where they experienced "rampant abuse" as well as "rape, murder and suicide".

Detention Action said that the men sent to Rwanda would "likely face indefinite detention under a government notorious for violent persecution of dissent". By Rachael Davies, The Scotsman

‘Let bygones be gone’ is for people who do not want to face the truth

Summary

British Soldiers to be Charged Over Nanyuki Bushfire

Man of God turns to govt for cover against rising food prices

What you need to know:

CS Monica Juma: Fuel subsidy to continue, new prices won’t shock you

Rwanda: Plan for asylum seekers to be sent to Rwanda from the UK faces widespread criticism

What is the Rwanda asylum seeker scheme?

How much will it cost?

Reactions to Rwanda asylum seeker plan

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