Eastern african magazine may 2016 print a4

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INTEGRATION: REPORT

• RWANDA: AFRICA AIR CONNECTIVITY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

• SOMALIA: BRITISH TROOPS ARRIVE IN SOMALIA TO FIGHT TERRORISM

THE AUTHORITATIVE EASTERN AFRICAN MONTHLY MAGAZINE Issue No. 40, May, 2016

• KENYA: KENYA LEADS ON REGIONAL

ISSN number 1751 1259

• ZAMBIA: RELIGIOUS LEADERS CALL FOR CIVILITY IN POLITICAL RHETORIC

UGANDA’S PRESIDENT YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI HANDED ANOTHER 5 YEARS TANZANIA: MAGUFULI’S VISION IS AFRICA’S PANACEA KENYA: KENYA URGES AFRICA TO DEVISE STRATEGIES TO UNITE CONTINENT SOUTH SUDAN: MACHAR CALLS FOR UNITY IN NATIONAL BUILDING GHANA: GHANA PARTY PICKS FORMER FIRST LADY AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

TANZANIA THE LAND OF ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITIES AND HOME OF HOSPITALITY

Tanzania Trade Centre 3 Stratford Place London W1C 1AS Tel: +44 (0) 207 7588070 Email: info@tanzatrade.co.uk

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni Sworn In

Tanzania: Tanzania, Uganda agreed to resolve border-related disputes Magufuli’s Vision is Africa’s Panacea Tanzania to establish wildlife crime unit to curb poaching

PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI SWEARING IN

Kenya: Kenya urges Africa to devise strategies to unite continent Kenya leads on Regional Integration: Report Kenya’s Opposition Leaders Stage Anti-Electoral Body Protests Chinese Fittings Make Work Easier for Kenyan property developers Rwanda: Africa Air Connectivity in the Spotlight Einsten Form to Set Global Base in Rwanda

People and Events Burundi: Crisis Continues as More People Expected to Flee Country – UNHCR

Feature: Africa Urged to Model Law on Mining to Check Rogue Investors

DRCongo: PRESIDENTS MAGUFULI AND MUSEVENI IN UGANDA

VATICAN: Papa Wemba’s Musical Message will last forever, says Fr Lombardi

Somalia: British Troops Arrive in Somalia to Fight Terrorism

South Sudan: Machar Calls for Unity in Nation Rebuilding

Obituary: Papa Wemba

Ethiopia: Ethiopia, WB Sign Loan Agreement Of 300 Million USD For Urban Safety Net Project

PRESIDENT NYUSI OF MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique: Nyusi Pledges to ‘Work Tirelessly for Peace’

Malawi: President Mutharika Happy With MCA Energy Compact Project

Zambia: Zambia’s Religious Leaders Call for Civility in Political Rhetoric

Zimbabwe: Aid Agencies Seek 360 Mln USD For Lifesaving Assistance in Zimbabwe

Ghana: Ghana Party Picks Former First Lady as Presidential Candidate

Sports: THE LATE PAPA WEMBA

Own Goal? Africa’s Shambolic Sports Management

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 1

Publisher Deo. Kamuhanda Email: dkamuhanda@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 0784 083 0746

Associate Publisher-North America J. Bailey Morgan

Marketing Executive Tino Msei

Contributors

From The Publisher

A

s we go to the press, Uganda’s former guerrilla leader, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was being sworn in for

another five years as head of his country where he has brought calm, stability and presided over a strong economic growth.

Whilst many of his opposition accuse him

Derek Otieno, Ronald Elly Wanda,

of becoming more autocratic and wanting

R. Muchunguzi, Ludo Simon,

to rule for life, the majority of the rural and

Rev. P. Karugendo, Agastin Angelo.

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elderly welcomed his re-election which reflects the confidence the people of Uganda have in him as well as a testimony of trust in his exemplary leadership. However, he still faces mounting accusations at home and abroad of cracking down on dissent and failing to tackle rampant corruption in the nation of 37 million people.

In neighbouring Tanzania, President Magufuli’s vision is in fact not only the panacea of CCM and the nation, but also of the entire continent. It must be noted that Magufuli prefers actions that practically improve people’s everyday lives and not fine verbiage at rallies that keep audiences spellbound but leave them in the same predicament at the end of the day; that is not his style. He is rather doing what needs to be done and getting positive results in the form of improved public facilities and services that the general population can see

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In this issue we also highlight on the recent report jointly prepared by the

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African Union Commission, African Development Bank and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. The report says that Kenya is a top performer on

Copyright © 2016. All rights are

free movement of people within the framework of the EAC Common Market

reserved. Reproduction in whole or part

Protocol. This report tracked integration through trade integration, regional

of written articles in English or any other languages without written permission is prohibited. Credit Xinhua for all articles unless otherwise indicated.

infrastructure, productive integration, free movement of people, financial and macro-economic integration The new member of the East African Community, South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar recently called for unity among the newly appointed minis-

All correspondences addressed to Eastern African Magazine is assumed to be intended for publication.

Don’t forget to send your comments about the magazine. The editorial team invites and welcomes your input, letters, opinionated articles, well-researched stories and contributions.

ters to help the new unity government tackle outstanding issues and rebuild the young nation. Speaking during an induction workshop held in Juba, Machar reminded the new cabinet to amicably work together in order to confront challenges facing implementation of the peace deal which was signed in August 2015.

Lastly, for music lovers all over the world, we were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Papa Wemba whose songs for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation will leave for ever, not only in Africa but all over the world.

2 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

UGANDA

President Museveni Sworn In For the Fifth Term

By Our Correspondent in Uganda Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was handed another five years in power after the Electoral Commission gave him a 60.75 per cent win in the February, 2016 polls. President Museveni got 5,617,503 out of 9,246,563

On the other hand, the Africa Union Election Observers team headed by Lady Justice Sophia Akufo had said that the election was peaceful but not without short comings. While the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Observers concluded that despite the shortcomings,

votes cast, or 60.75 per cent, beating seven other contestants, according to

“the elections met the minimum standards of a free and fair election”.

the results announced by Electoral Commission chairman Badru Kiggundu

The IGAD observation mission, commended the Electoral Commission for

Whereas the European Union and the Commonwealth Observer Missions

managing the “heavy task in the interest of the Ugandan people.

were categorical about the malpractices by police, state security, and

The East African Community Election Observation Mission, which was led

incompetence on the part of the Electoral Commission, election observers

by Former president of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ali Hassan Mwinyi

within Africa seemed softer and did not mention about the alleged

noted that the 2016 elections were one of the most competitive in the

malpractices. However, the Electoral Commission had dismissed the

history of Uganda but urged the executive and parliament to re-evaluate

grievances of the FDC as “baseless.”

the utility of the removal of presidential term limits in the electoral system.

Ugandan Uganda’s long-time president Yoweri Museveni, 71, center, signs an oath as his wife Janet Museveni, left, looks on during an inauguration ceremony in the capital Kampala, Thursday, May 12, 2016. Museveni was sworn in Thursday for a fifth term taking him into his fourth decade in power, amid arrests of opposition politicians and a shutdown of social media. [Photo: AP/Stephen Wandera]

UGANDA

Museveni, 71, dismissed accusations that the electoral commission favoured him and his National

“ I will directly deal with the weaknesses. While in the past I have

Resistance Movement (NRM) party and said that he

relied on the accounting officers to do the needful as they are

was unconcerned by the EU mission’s statement. “I

mandated by the Constitution, this time I will act directly so as

told those Europeans ... I don’t need lectures from anybody,” Museveni said.

Museveni brought calm and stability to Uganda

to discipline the Public Service as we disciplined the army.”

President Yoweri Museveni

after decades of chaos at the hands of leaders Idi Amin and Milton Obote, but many opposition voters

the Constitution, this time I will act directly so as to

to govern itself as if “we don’t know what

accuse the former guerrilla fighter of becoming

discipline the Public Service as we disciplined the

to do”.

increasingly autocratic and wanting to rule for life.

army.

Although he has presided over strong economic

He promised more Electricity and better network

growth but faces mounting accusations at home

BBC interview, Museveni had told the BBC

of roads will help the country and ensure faster

and abroad of cracking down on dissent and failing

that Uganda does not “accept the logic

industrialisation leading as projected, by the National

to tackle rampant corruption in the nation of 37

of term limits”. According to President

Planning Authority to the middle income status by

million people.

2020.

Museveni “the issue is not being there

In his pre-inauguration dinner attended by at

Commenting on the ICC, Museveni said that

vote leaders out of power. “Africa’s got a lot

least nine African presidents at the Speke Resort

much as he was at the forefront of rooting for the

of problems,” he added. “We need all the

Munyonyo, ahead of his inauguration ceremony.

establishment of the court, he has since lost interest

leadership resources to be available so that

he called upon his African brothers and sisters to

in the body. Now, president Museveni said that the

they can contribute.”

work for total peace in Congo, Burundi, Somalia and

ICC is constituted by a “bunch of useless people”

Central African Republic. He also called on them

who cannot help Africans get justice.

to consider political integration because there is a possibility of re-colonisation or marginalization,” he said.

Commenting on term limits, previously in a

forever” and added that people are free to

At the same function, Museveni, in veiled statements, which he made in Luganda, said Western countries should not interfere with the way Uganda is run.

Most leaders who attended had welcomed his re-election at the helm of his country as a true reflection of the confidence that the people of Uganda had in him as well as a testimony of their trust in his exemplary

Among the leaders who attended were President

While introducing representatives of Russia and

John Pombe Magufuli (Tanzania), Robert Mugabe

China at the function, he said the two countries

(Zimbabwe), Jacob Zuma (South Africa), Teodore

had greatly assisted Uganda without strings and

President Museveni, commended his guests

Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) and

conditions attached. However, other countries,

for showing “fraternal solidarity” with

Ibrahim Boubacari (Mali), Muhammad Issoufour

which he did not specify, want to tell Uganda how

Uganda.

leadership.

(Niger), Idriss Deby (Chad), Edgar Lungu (Zambia), King Letsie III (Lesotho), Sheikh Hassan Mohamud (Somalia).

Other dignitaries included former presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi (Tanzania) and Mahinda Rajapaska (Sri Lanka) as well as delegations from Rwanda, Burundi, Egypt and Djibouti.

Speaking at Kololo ceremonial grounds soon after taking his oath of office Uganda’s veteran president said he would fight corruption and impose discipline on inefficient bureaucrats who frustrated investors.

He said his government must expunge two weaknesses-corruption by public officials and delay of decision-making. These two mistakes irritate the pubic and frustrate the investors. It is betraying the country. I will directly deal with the weaknesses.

While in the past I have relied on the accounting officers to do the needful as they are mandated by

4 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

Yoweri Museveni gestures during his inauguration in Kampala.

[Photo: Ronald Kabuubi/AFP/Getty Images]

TANZANIA

President Yoweri Kaguta Musevenio, (R) with Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli, (L) after a bilateral meeting at the Arusha State Lodge, Tanzania on Tuesday 30th February 2016. President Museveni together with the East African Heads of State were meeting in Arusha for the 17th Ordinary Summit. [PHOTO: PPU]

Tanzania, Uganda agreed to resolve border-related disputes

T

anzania and Uganda have agreed to collectively resolve challenges facing people living along the border of the two east African nations including

illegal immigrants and security.

security concerns and illegal immigrants.

“In some areas, the border needs to be reviewed.

“In some areas, you find some people when they are prohibited to take cattle in an area which before they used for pastures. And the reason is that the area is in another country. So, agreed to resolve some of these issues amicably, because

And here the challenge might occur as there are people who believe that they are in Tanzania and others in Uganda. So, when the border is reviewed some might refuse to go to either part as they have been in a different country. But, awareness campaigns will be carried out for

The agreement came at a meeting held in the

our borders were being made by colonialists,

Tanzania’s north western region of Kagera - about

though people of these nations have been living

298 km from the Ugandan capital Kampala.

harmoniously even before colonialists,” the

Ugandan representative from the Ministry of

The meeting involved high-ranking officials and

official said.

Home Affairs, Kiingi Stephen said the meeting is

experts from the two countries.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of

Tanzania’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for

Home Affairs, Ambassador Hassan Simba Yahaya

the ministry of Lands, Housing and Human

said some of the challenges are resolved as per

Settlements Development, Dr Moses Kusiluka said the move is meant to cement bilateral relations between the two nations.

“There are no serious border disputes, but there are some complaints from people of the two countries...and those challenge are what we want to address them,” Kusiluka said.

The official cited some of those challenges as

lasting solution on the matter.”

a result of presidents of the two countries who agreed to address border related challenges for the benefit of people living in the border.

East African Community and international laws

“Our interest is to see what we have agreed reach

since 2013.

leaders and people at the grassroots level. This

He said experts from both countries have worked on those challenges and “they discovered that

will bury the border related challenges and make our people live comfortably,” said Stephen.

some of the areas have a countless economic

Mutukula is the official international border

opportunities, including the wise-use of Kagera

between Uganda and Tanzania, but there

River would make the two countries harness

are many unregistered routes in the border

hydro-power.”

separating the two countries.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 5

TANZANIA

Magufuli’s Vision is Africa’s Panacea

By Harid Mkali

L

ast week a Ghanian friend of mine phoned and asked me to tell him about President Magufuli and when I asked him why, his response was: “I

the country’s main hospital where patients were sleeping on the floors reminiscent of a war zone, and his immediate diversion of funds ear-marked for grand parties for the political elite to rectify that state of affairs; also of his putting a halt on

have never heard so many of my country folk talk

frequent, expensive and unnecessary foreign trips

positively about a foreign head of state the way

by MP’s and civil servants that have been draining

they do about your President Magufuli.” Inwardly

the country’s resources for years.

I felt like shouting ‘Yes!’ at the top of my voice but

So I told my friend that personal responsibility,

instead gave him the following response: I told him that to be honest I would think that Magufuli himself would be the first to be amazed at the enthusiastic hullabaloo with which the world has greeted his so-far brief presidency, because for him he is not doing anything extraordinary, other than being himself.

efficiency and oversight are in his DNA. Doctor Magufuli, I continued, is a former teacher of mathematics and chemistry who holds a PhD. He has been a Member of Parliament for twenty years and a Cabinet Minister throughout. He has successfully straightened out every ministry he was responsible for, no matter how challenging,

Then my friend interjected by saying he had

and managed to leave each one with the majority

heard about President Magufuli’s surprise visit to

of members of staff in tears at his exit.

I went on to say to my friend that this is the kind of person he is; a natural man of the people, utterly without pretensions to grandeur. How did Magufuli manage to sort out every Ministry he was responsible for? Because he was honest; while others used their positions to build themselves personal influence and fortunes, Magufuli was a real nation-builder. This man, in fact, rescued the ruling Party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) from the shame of either defeat or a hung parliament in the last election, because Tanzanians voted for Magufuli and his personal integrity. CCM did not have a chance in hell of winning without him at the helm and the party knows that if they fail to deliver on their promises over the next five years, both CCM and Magufuli himself will lose the election hands down next time around.

The Opposition in Tanzania is now a formidable

Tanzanian President John Magufuli canceled Independence Day celebrations and ordered a national day of cleanup instead. He picked up trash outside the State House during the Dec. 9 event. [Photo: Daniel Hayduk /AFP/Getty Images]

6 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

TANZANIA

force to be reckoned with, only to be taken for granted at CCM’s peril. The enthusiasm with which the Opposition was greeted in last year’s general election is evidence that the people of Tanzania had already decided that anything was better than CCM; but fortunately for them they held Magufuli as their trump card. CCM’s history of bringing independence to Tanganyika and Zanzibar (through TANU and ASP respectively) counts for very little today; people rather want the real independence of a better quality of life and an end to hopelessness and despair.

Magufuli prefers actions that practically improve people’s everyday lives and not fine verbiage at rallies that keep audiences spellbound but leave them in the same predicament at the end of the day; that is not his style.

He is rather doing what needs to be done and getting positive results in the form of improved public facilities and services that the general population can see and touch.

Dr. Magufuli, has been a Member of Parliament for twenty years and a Cabinet Minister throughout. He has successfully straightened out every ministry he was responsible for, no matter how challenging, and managed to leave each one with the majority of members of staff in tears at his exit.

Dr Magufuli has been able to achieve in less than six months what other leaders were either unwilling or unable to achieve in decades. Eg. Improved facilities at Muhimbili hospital, including sufficient drugs for its pharmacies, dealing with severe road congestion in Dar Es Salaam city through road widening, increased availability of drugs for AIDS sufferers, additional funding for development budget, making foreign trips, first class travel and VIP services for Government Officials subject to State House approval. But the coup-de-grace is his re-introduction of free education to secondary level, resulting in an upsurge of Standard One enrolments across the country. And he has achieved all this in a matter of six months; yes, this man has truly broken the mould.

Then my friend finished with: “This man deserves to be the Executive President of Africa so that he can clear the mess that is sinking our great continent deeper and deeper into the abyss.” I told him that I couldn’t agree with him more and that he was not the only one holding such sentiments.

Magufuli’s vision is in fact not only the panacea of CCM and our nation, but also of the entire continent. The anti-Magufuli faction in CCM (if any) better be warned that it is in their own best interests to support Magufuli as he is the only and best card in their hand. To remain a credible ruling party it is imperative for the whole of CCM to support our President’s efforts wholeheartedly; otherwise they risk a long spell in the wilderness of political opposition.

Harid Mkali is a freelance writer based in London, England. He can be reached via telephone: +447979881555, email: mkali@live.co.uk, website: www.haridmkali.com

Tanzania to establish wildlife crime unit to curb poaching

T

anzania is set to establish a special Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) in an effort to reinforce its battle against poaching, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Jumanne Maghembe said recently.

The move came barely three weeks when poachers gunned down a helicopter which was on a regular patrol in Maswa Game Reserve on the southern part of Serengeti National Park, killing British national pilot Roger Gower.

So far nine people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

“This is one of the measures taken by the government to scale up the war against poaching and plundering of natural resources,” said Prof.

Maghembe.

“As a government, we are determined to eliminate the entire syndicate of poaching in this country. The latest incident shows us that poachers are well-prepared and we’re also telling that the war against them has just started,” he said, adding that the proposed unit will be multi-sectoral in terms of its operation.

According to the minister, the WCU will involve experts from Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA), Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) and will be working in collaboration with security organs from Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA), Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) as well as local and international conservation institutions and other players.

“This unit will also be used to coordinate all small groups that are made in eight ecological systems. The idea of this is to track all movements of wildlife poaching, illegal harvesting and transportation of wildlife and forest resources,” the minister said.

Other government’s strategies include speeding up the process of transforming the operation of wildlife conservation from civilian to paramilitary.

Prof. Maghembe also said: “The government is working on the possibilities of banning private people from owning fire arms to reduce the increasing incidents of people to use arms in committing crimes.”

“Conservators will also be empowered with better conservation skills including on how to collect information related to poachers as well as empowering them with working facilities,” he said, calling other players in and outside the country to assist the east African nation in fighting the menace that threatens the tourism industry.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 7

KENYA

Kenya urges Africa to devise strategies to unite continent

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, right, pays respect to fallen Kenyan soldiers alongside Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, center, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in Eldoret, January 27. [Photo: THOMAS MUKOYA/REUTERS]

K

enyan President Uhuru Kenyatta recently urged African countries to come up with mechanisms that bridge regional gaps to unite the continent.

Speaking in Nairobi when he met with the Foreign

Affairs Minister of Equatorial Guinea Agapito Mba Mokuy, Kenyatta proposed the establishment of a continental institute to train leaders from different countries on African leadership to be in a position to advance the cause of Pan-Africanism.

Equatorial Guinea Foreign Aff airs minister Agapito Mba Mokuy and President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi [Photo: PSCU]

“Kenya is a beneficiary of African unity and would wish to host such a training facility to instill a sense of ownership on Africans to advance

“We should not allow non-Africans to take advantage

the continent’s agenda in other forums,” he said in a statement

of the continent’s inability to sustain itself for their

issued after the meeting.

selfish interests,” President Uhuru Kenyatta

Mokuy was in Nairobi to deliver a special message from his President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

The Kenyan leader expressed his commitment to the ideals of PanAfricanism that encourages the solidarity of Africans worldwide and

Kenyatta said it is unfortunate that some non-African financiers of the African Union were using the continent’s reliance on external grants to advance their agendas at the detriment of the continent.

unity which is vital to the continent’s economic, social and political

“We should not allow non-Africans to take advantage of the continent’s inability to

progress.

sustain itself for their selfish interests,” the President said.

He said the East African nation is willing and ready to work with

He said the youth agenda, if not adequately addressed, may be a future

other countries in the continent to ensure the African Union becomes

destabilizing factor in the continent. He also challenged the various AU

self-financing in order to be able to drive its agenda.

commission organs to push the youth agenda in the continent.

8 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

KENYA

Kenya leads on Regional Integration: Report The Index 2016 report covers member countries

The report further noted that trade links between Africa and the rest of the world is generally more direct and efficient

from the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) recognized by the African Union. EAC is the top performing REC on Regional integration

compared to trade between neighbouring regions as a result

overall.

of infrastructure gaps and tariff barriers.

The study indicated that in the EAC, Kenya and Uganda are among the top three contributors to wealth creation. They respectively account for 39

K

enya is ranked among the top

The report was jointly prepared by the African

percent and 21 percent of regional Gross Domestic

countries in regional integration, a

Union Commission, African Development Bank

Product (GDP).

report released recently said.

and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

In the IGAD bloc, Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya are

According to the Africa Regional Integration

The report said that Kenya is a top performer on

Index Report 2016 which was presented in Nairobi

free movement of people within the framework of

during the African Union Executive Council Retreat, Kenya leads in regional integration within

the EAC Common Market Protocol.

the principal contributors to wealth creation in the region as they account for 29, 28.5 and 27.7 percent of regional GDP respectively.

The report further noted that trade links between

the Common Market for Eastern and Southern

The report tracked integration through trade

Africa (COMESA), East African Community

integration, regional infrastructure, productive

direct and efficient compared to trade between

(EAC) and Inter Governmental Authority on

integration, free movement of people, financial

neighbouring regions as a result of infrastructure

Development (IGAD).

and macro-economic integration.

gaps and tariff barriers.

Africa and the rest of the world is generally more

East African Heads of State during the 17th Summit of the EAC [Photo: PSCU]

10 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

KENYA

Kenya’s Opposition Leaders Stage Anti-Electoral Body Protests

Policemen charge towards opposition supporters during a protest in Nairobi, Kenya Monday, May 9, 2016. Kenyan police have tear-gassed opposition supporters after some pelted police with rocks during a protest demanding the disbandment of the electoral authority over alleged bias and corruption. [Photo: PSCU]

K

enya’s opposition leaders and

been deployed to guard the IEBC headquarters in

“We are here to tell Kenyans and the whole world

their supporters recently held

Nairobi when they started hurling stones at police

that Cord is not a criminal outfit. We love peace

street protesters in Nairobi and

officers.

and we will hold peaceful demonstrations,”

other parts of the East African

nation to press for the removal of top officials at the electoral body.

Several shops were closed in the Nairobi city amid

Odinga said.

fears of looting by the opposition supporters who

Cord, or Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, is

briefly engaged anti-riot police in running battles

currently the official opposition party in Kenya.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ex-

in some parts of the central business district.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses

The opposition leaders later addressed their

protests will take place until the commissioners,

Wetangula, former foreign affairs minister led

supporters vowing to continue pushing for

led by chairman Issack Hassan, are sent home

their supporters in peaceful protests outside

removal of IEBC Commissioners by staging similar

permanently.

the offices of the Independent Electoral and

protests every Monday.

Boundaries Commission (IEBC) calling for the commissioners’ exit.

Other protests took place in major towns such as

The opposition leader maintained that the

“We cannot keep quiet as one sharpens a dagger

Odinga maintained that he would not participate

to harm us. We will continue with anti-IEBC

in 2017 election if the current electoral body will

protests until Isaac Hassan and his team of

not be reconstituted.

commissioners leave office,” he added.

in the coastal city of Mombasa and lakeside city of Kisumu which witnessed some brief violence with the police.

The demonstrators however got into trouble with the hundreds of anti-riot police officers who had

“We are here to tell Kenyans and the whole world that Cord is not a criminal outfit. We love peace and we will hold peaceful demonstrations,” Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 11

KENYA

Chinese Fittings Make Work Easier for Kenyan property developers

R

eady-made house fittings imported from China have made work easier for Kenyan property developers, enabling them to save money and time they would spend engaging carpenters. The machine-made furnishings that include picture frames, drawers, cabinets, wardrobes and ceiling boards and beams are nicely made, many to standards that local carpenters cannot match.

Other furnishings are ceramic tiles, fitted kitchens, upholstery, lampshades and wooden flooring.

In the capital Nairobi, the fittings are readily available in dozens of building stores where property developers easily access them. Some of the stores are owned by Chinese nationals, which assure the Kenyan property developers that they are dealing with people who understand the products.

“The Chinese furnishings have become popular because of their good designs, but more importantly, one saves up to 40 percent of the total cost. You do not have to buy wood, engage carpenters, pay them and then perhaps end up with low quality work. You now buy and ask

someone to fit,” Joel Kiboi, a contractor in Nairobi, said recently.

a good number of Kenyan builders and business

Kiboi said the Chinese fittings have become popular particularly with developers who are building houses for sale.

fittings and building materials, according to real

“The lower the building costs, the higher the profit and that is what all the property developers want. Those imported fittings come in handy because they cut costs by a huge margin,” he said.

depending on the quality one wants and how

According to Kiboi, it costs at least 25 U.S. dollars per day to engage a carpenter and one can make, for instance, kitchen drawers in a house for about two weeks.

(A or 1) indicating the highest quality.

“If you add to the cost of buying all the needed materials and time spent on making the furnishings, then you better buy ready-made fittings and hire someone to do the work in a day or two. Besides, the imported items have better decorations, which people like,” said Kiboi, noting 60 percent of the apartments he has built in Nairobi are fitted with furnishings from China.

With the popularity of the furnishings growing,

12 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

men are flocking to China for shopping the estate analysts.

And the fact that there are all kinds of products they suit their pockets has spiced up things for the East African nation’s property developers.

Normally, the Chinese sell products according to classes or grades, with the first letter or number

Antony Kuyo, a real estate consultant in Nairobi, noted that locally made products are nothing compared to the Grade A or 1 products in China.

“Those developers who go for Grade 1 offer their clients the value for their money. But sadly, the majority of the developers who are targeting middle-income earners go for lower grade items that get damaged faster, which spoil the name of Chinese products,” he said, adding most of those who go for top grade furnishings put them in high-end homes.

RWANDA

Africa Air Connectivity in the Spotlight AHIF is the premier hotel investment conference in Africa, attracting over 500 high-calibre executives from 45 countries, as well as key Government representatives.

Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board, said they wanted to showcase Rwanda as a key destination to do business.

“The AHIF conference is a vital part of that, and the addition of a forum focused on aviation developments, AviaDev, provides an important platform for the aviation and hotel sectors to discuss future development projects and forge new relationships,” Karinza said.-CAJNews

The Kigali International Airport

By Phyllis Birori Kigali — AviaDev Africa, which aims to determine the future of air connectivity in the continent, will be launched in Rwanda later this year.

Scheduled for October, it is a unique platform bringing together airlines, airports, and hotel and hospitality investors for the first time.

Leading airline, airport and hotel executives, alongside government representatives, will be able to explore the crucial link between aviation and hotel investment and discuss potential new airline routes in exclusive one-to-one meetings.

Einsten Form to Set Global Base in Rwanda

By Phyllis Burori

T

ecosystem that the government was building with the

establishment of AIMS Rwanda Centre of

community.”

Excellence.

The establishment of an AIMS Centre in Rwanda will

goal of being a continental hub in technology.

HE partnership between the Institute for Mathematical

“AIMS sees Rwanda as a conducive environment for

Sciences (AIMS) and

its initiatives and we look forward to collaborating

Rwanda will culminate in the

and supporting the local and regional research

support to build Science, Technology, Engineering and

The inaugural forum on aviation route planning

Other announcements made in Kigali include

and development will run in parallel with the

the establishment of the AIMS Secretariat

prestigious Africa Hotel Investment Forum

(Operations) in Rwanda and establishing the

It is set to strengthen the scientific community

(AHIF), providing government and industry

global headquarters of the Next Einstein Forum

in Rwanda and the region through an innovative

with a valuable opportunity to take a strategic

(NEF) in the country.

Mathematical Sciences curriculum, relevant to

approach to the expansion of travel across the continent.

Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events, which organises AHIF, said, “AviaDev Africa

Mathematics (STEM) expertise.

development issues facing Rwanda and the region.

AIMS Rwanda Centre of Excellence, which

The centre will aim to raise the international profile of

will be a pan-African facility of excellence in mathematical science, is set to open in August.

Rwanda and the region and its scientific community, by bringing in world-class renowned scientists

will be a valuable opportunity for leading

Thierry Zomahoun, President and Chief

including Nobel Prize winners, Fields Medallists and

executives from aviation and hotel development

Executive Officer of AIMS-NEI, said at the

other highly distinguished academics as well growing

to have some serious and fruitful discussions on

invitation of President Paul Kagame, AIMS

the pool of skilled mathematical scientists and

how to develop the future connectivity of the

would join the science and innovation

problem-solvers in Rwanda and the region. - Caj

continent,” said Worsley.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 13

PEOPLE & EVENTS

President Museveni welcoming President Magufuli in Entebbe State House

President Magufuli Greeting Tanzania’s 4th Phase Pres. Kikwete in Kololo-Uganda

President Magufuli greets former Tanzania President Mwinyi who also attended the Swearing-in Ceremony in Uganda

Tanzania’s PM in London for the Anti-Corruption meeting discussing with Norway’s PM at the meeting.

Tanzania’s Prime Minister greets the Head of the Commonwealth

[Photos: Tanzania Ikulu / PMO]

President John Pombe Magufuli being greeted by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda at Kololo

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 15

BURUNDI

Crisis Continues as More People Expected to Flee Country – UNHCR

Boys walk behind patrolling soldiers in Bujumbura, Burundi. Burundian forces arrested the leader of a failed coup on Friday and President Pierre Nkurunziza returned to the capital. [Photo: Goran Tomasevic/Reuters]

O

ne year after the crisis in Burundi began, UNHCR has revealed that almost 260,000 people have fled to nearby countries while thousands more are expected to do the same over the rest of the year unless a political solution is found.

UNHCR spokesperson, Leo Dobbs at a press brief held in Geneva on April 22, 2016 said, “People continue to arrive in neighbouring countries, albeit in smaller numbers in recent weeks as it becomes harder to cross borders.

“With return of the masses not currently expected soon, UNHCR will in the coming year put greater emphasis on education for children and youth, and encourage refugees to become self-sufficient at a time when budget shortfalls are leading to cuts in some assistance,” he says.

UNHCR is seeking almost US$175.1 million for its Burundi crisis operations this year but has

“With return of the masses not currently expected soon, UNHCR

Many asylum seekers or new arrivals report human rights abuses in Burundi, including torture, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, intimidation, forced recruitment by militia, killings and extortion.

will in the coming year put

To date, 259,132 people have fled the country.

UNHCR expects the figure to rise to 330,000 by the end of the year.” Leo Dobbs noted that continuing international support was needed to help ease the tension and encourage an inclusive dialogue.

self-sufficient at a time when

greater emphasis on education for children and youth, and encourage refugees to become

budget shortfalls are leading to cuts in some assistance,” UNHCR spokesperson, Leo Dobbs

16 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

received only US$47.8 million to date, which translates to only 27 percent of its needs.

According to the UNHCR, “This means we are struggling to provide even the basics such as shelter, household items and latrines.

The provision of services such as specialised counselling, care for the disabled and elderly, protection of the environment and even primary health care may also fall by the wayside”, Dobbs emphasised.

Burundian refugees have fled mostly to Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The crisis in Burundi began when, President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has been in office since 2005, decided to run for an unconstitutional third term.

The country’s Catholic Bishops, civil society and opposition political parties denounced Nkurunziza for the move. Nonetheless, Nkurunziza went ahead with polls which were boycotted by the opposition and got re-elected triggering the conflict -CISA

FEATURE

Africa Urged to Model Law on Mining to Check Rogue Investors

T

he International Alliance on National Resources in Africa (IANRA) recently called on African governments to adopt a model law on mining to help them deal with rogue investors who fleece communities.

IANRA Africa Chairman Mwikamba Maghenda also called on investors carrying out mining activities in the continent to fully involve communities in those areas.

Maghenda said communities in different countries in Africa have been left wallowing in poverty while investors shipped billions of dollars abroad in mining proceeds.

“This model law was prepared after inputs from Kenya, DRC, Angola, Zimbabwe and South Africa and we call on governments in these areas to take into consideration some of its recommendations,” he said in Naivasha, northwest of Kenyan capital Nairobi, during the launch of the mining model law prepared by the organization.

Maghenda said communities in mining areas in Africa shared the same problems adding that it required concerted efforts to ensure they benefited from the resources.

“Some of the issues that may help here is involving the communities and government in projects that may be of benefit to them like construction of schools, hospitals and other amenities,” Sendegua said.

He said that the model law will be distributed to all communities in Africa where mining is done and called on governments to see how it can be put to legislation.

In the Kenyan situation, the senior officer called on senators to look at some of the provisions in the law so as to incorporate them with the mining bill currently before it.

“We know that the bill in the senate will benefit many communities but we also call on them to look at this model one and how best some of its provisions can be cooperated in it before it is passed,” he said.

Artisanal gold miners near Iga-Barrière, east of Bunia, the administrative town of the Ituri Region in the Democratic Republic of Congo [Photo: Guy Oliver/IRIN]

“Some information on mining is usually kept secret and only the government and the investor are privy to and the model law will help communities know their rights,” Maghenda said.

“Some investors will come and do the exploration and leave with all the benefits leaving the communities poorer than they found them and this law will address some of those challenges,” he added.

IANRA Coordinator Gilbert Sendegua said the law will also seek to empower communities to know their rights and how to deal with an investor willing to carry out mining activities.

“Some of the issues that may help here is involving the communities and government in projects that may be of benefit to them like construction of schools, hospitals and other amenities,” Sendegua said.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 17

SOMALIA

DRCONGO

VATICAN: Papa Wemba’s Musical Message will last forever, says Fr Lombardi

“It was not enough to write beautiful documents, with long discussions and explanations of the doctrine of Church. And so we found that such a message could pass through music, through songs, which is an important dimension of many of Africa’s cultures. It is within this framework that we called some African artistes, especially Papa Wemba, to help us,” said Fr Lombardi.

“We asked Papa Wemba, and other musicians to produce a compilation CD, an album with songs they would compose just to get the message of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation. They were original songs inspired by the trilogy of ‘Justice, Peace and Reconciliation.’ Afterwards, we produced many copies of this CD and sent it to all the Catholic dioceses in Africa after the Synod meeting had ended,” he said.

“…Singing for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation is to sing for a better world; a reconciled world in which Africa is invited to live joyfully. In fact, not only Africa but the whole world,” Fr Lombardi,

The CD compilation album was titled, ‘Afrika tenda amani’ which in KiSwahili encourages Africans to act for peace and it was done together with Angola’s folk and Semba music singer, Bonga; the group Fifito from Guinea led by Congolese musician Papa Wemba

Vatican Radio employee Filomeno Lopes.

T

Elsewhere on May 4 the Archbishop of Kinshasa,

he Holy See, through its

is to sing for a better world; a reconciled world

Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo led the country in

spokesperson, Fr Federico

in which Africa is invited to live joyfully. In fact,

paying tribute to Papa Wemba during a funeral

Lombardi has paid tribute to Papa

not only Africa but the whole world,” said Fr

Mass held at the Notre Dame Cathedral in

Lombardi, the former Director General of Vatican

Kinshasa. The ceremony was attended by family

Wemba, a Catholic, for rendering

his voice to promote the message of reconciliation through his songs composed for the Church. “…The news of his death touches us deeply. But we are happy to have made with him significant

Radio.

According to Fr Lombardi, Papa Wemba and other musicians were instrumental in getting the

members of the late musician, six bishops, over 50 Catholic priests, government officials and diplomats.

Papa Wemba, 66, was born Shungu Wembadio

initiatives for Africa because the songs he

message of the bishops gathered in the Second

performed for Vatican Radio and thus for the

African Synod of Bishops (2009), which focused

Belgian Congo. He collapsed and died while

Church bear a message that will last continuously.

on Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation to the

performing on stage in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on

Singing for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation

African people,

April 24 April.-CISA

18 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

Pene Kikumba in June 1949 in Lubefu, then

SOMALIA

British Troops Arrive in Somalia to Fight Terrorism

By Clea Broadhurst

A

British Army team has arrived in Somalia as part of a UNbacked African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to counter Islamist militants. The move reinforces the UK’s commitment to targeting terrorism around the world AMISOM was launched in 2007 to fight against Al-Shabab - the Islamist militant group allied to al-Qaeda - which is still battling Somalia’s government for control of the country.

The group has carried out a string of attacks including attacks in neighbouring Kenya - and is believed to have between 7,000 and 9,000 fighters.

Al-Shabab was forced out of major cities, such as Mogadishu, a few years back. However, they still have control over some rural areas.

One of the reasons they exert control is because armed forces on the ground do not have the means to take them on.

“The real threat of al-Shabab in Somalia is the lack of security provided in the countryside.

They’re allowed to operate very freely on the countryside, there’s little local security, and the Somali security forces do not function properly,” Stig Jarle Hansen, an international relations professor at the Norwegian University and alShabab specialist, told RFI. “One of the reasons is the lack of funding.

Policemen in charge of counter-terrorism operations and the army don’t receive more than 100$ a month. Basically, the Somali security structure is not properly functioning. Which means that AMISOM doesn’t have a proper local partner. It also means that al-Shabab has full freedom of operations, even behind the lines of AMISOM. In the countryside, they can do whatever they want: amass forces, do forced recruitment and collect taxes.”

Prime Minister David Cameron chats with soldiers from the Royal Welsh Infantry at RAF Northolt in London [Photo: REUTERS/Justin Tallis/pool]

The UK is sending military personnel to help AMISOM, but it’s a small contingent to start with.

“It’s just an advanced party at the moment of about ten soldiers that have been sent to Somalia, and that’s the first part of a deployment of about 70 personnel who will be sent to the country.

And the full deployment of the 70 troops will not actually be involved in frontline combat, but carrying out training, medical, logistical and engineering duties,” Cathy Haenlein, a security and political analyst at the Royal United Services Institute in London, told RFI. “They’ll be supporting AMISOM, who’s been fighting against al-Shabab since 2007 and we have to remember that it’s a relatively small number of troops. It will certainly be a welcome deployment given that AMISOM, the African Union mission in Somalia is lacking in terms of capabilities. And given the range of challenges AMISOM troops are facing, it’s unlikely this will lead to a change in the course of the conflict itself.”

She says this move shows the UK is determined to tackle terrorism, not only at home, but anywhere in the world.

Obviously, it’s not going to make a huge difference in Somalia. But as soldiers there needed training, it will be welcome move.

“The Somali national army lacks training and therefore needs a backing, needs capacity building and therefore those British officers sent under the UN flag could deliver something important for the Somali national army,” Roland Marchal, from the National Centre of political studies in Paris, told RFI. “On the other hand, you could say that this is just going to increase the chaos in the way the international community organises its own support of the Somali army. The real issue is actually how to organise, coordinate and make coherent, the behaviour, or the policy of a number of international donors who want to have their input in the Somalian national army, and now, with an additional one, it’s not going to solve the problem.”

Marchal said that the Somali army also lacks organisation, it’s crippled by corruption. AMISOM itself also has to face problems including cultural differences among troops coming from several countries - such as the rivalries between Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia What all analysts agree on though is the fact that AMISOM clearly lacks funding. In January 2016, the European Union cut its funding by 20 percent and soldiers said they wouldn’t fight if they were not getting properly paid. - RFI

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 19

SOUTH SUDAN

South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar, center, shakes hands with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, center-right wearing a black hat, after lengthy peace negotiations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Monday, Aug. 17, 2015. [Photo: AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene]

Machar Calls for Unity in Nation Rebuilding

By Daniel Majack

S

outh Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar recently called for unity among the newly appointed ministers to help the new unity government tackle

outstanding issues and rebuild the young nation.

Speaking during an induction workshop held in Juba, Machar reminded the new cabinet to amicably work together in order to confront challenges facing implementation of peace deal which was signed in August 2015.

The former rebel leader said despite the signed peace agreement and formation of the new government, there are still some Prisoners of War (POW) or detainees which urgently need to be address by the Cabinet.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir officially formed the transitional government of national unity on April 28 after he announced a new Cabinet, which saw former rebels and post-2013 war detainees take up key positions.

The new government is part of the deal signed in August last year in a bid to bring peace back to

“I will cooperate with President,

the continent’s new nation after fighting broke

second vice-president and the

out between supporters of President Kiir and

whole council of ministers in order to move forward,” Machar said.

Machar in the capital in December 2013, soon after the latter was sacked as first vice president.

The new unity government is tasked with the

“There are serious issues in the agreement that

challenges of resettlement of internally displaced

Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission or

persons and refugees, issue of 28 states and

Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement

fixing the economy as well as stabilizing the

Monitoring Mechanism may not resolve, it will be

country which relies on food imports from

the cabinet to resolve them,” Machar said.

neighbouring countries.

20 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

“I will cooperate with President, second vicepresident and the whole council of ministers in order to move forward,” Machar said.

Second Vice President James Wani Igga commended President Kiir and Machar for their tremendous efforts that led to the formation of unity government, and urged the cabinet to rebuild trust and confidence to restore hope in the country.

“The top priority is rebuilding trust within ourselves and for peace to succeed it must begin with us in this house,” Wani reiterated.

Civil war erupted in December 2013 when President Kiir accused his former deputy Machar of planning a coup, setting off a cycle of retaliatory killings that have split the country along ethnic lines.

Peace talks between Kiir and Machar stalled several times but the two leaders eventually signed peace agreement in August last year, paving way for the formation of government of national unity. - BBC

OBITUARY

Papa Wemba Band leader Papa Wemba will be remembered

Congo). According to French broadcaster RFI (in

for a music style that conquered Africa, and a

French), he got his nickname Papa because he

sense of fashion that inspired a generation of

was his mother’s eldest child. He also took the

dandies.

name Jules Presley later in life.

H

e died aged 66 after collapsing on a

His love of song can be attributed to his mother,

busy stage behind his dancers at a

who was a professional “wailing woman” at

late-night concert in Ivory Coast.

funerals, AFP news agency notes in its obituary.

he made soukous the most popular sound across Africa, and attracted international music figures like Peter Gabriel.

“I do not know if this is a loss for African music because the music does not die,” said Eric Didia, a promoter of Congolese music in Ivory Coast and friend of Wemba who was at the morgue where his body was taken.

“People can listen to Papa Wemba songs in 50 years, in 100 years,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

Wemba was also an actor, appearing in two films,

So ended the life of a man who helped take

His father wanted him to be a journalist or lawyer,

African pop to a global audience over more than

RFI writes, but, after developing his trademark

four decades that saw spells of prison too.

high-range voice in religious choirs, he made his

Migrant smuggler

debut in the capital Kinshasa at the end of the

In 2004, Wemba was convicted of people-

1960s.

smuggling in France and spent three months in

“He was the icon of our culture, of our lifestyle,” tweeted Kinshasa rapper Youssoupha. “This is a huge loss.”

Wailer’s son He was born Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba in June 1949 in Lubefu, in what was then the Belgian Congo (now part of the Democratic Republic of

Mixing traditional African music with Western

Life Is Beautiful (1987) and Wild Games (1997).

prison.

rock, he and his successive bands - Zaiko Langa

He was found to have helped Congolese

Langa, Isifi and Viva La Musica - enjoyed hit after

immigrants illegally obtain visas by passing them

hit, including L’Esclave and Le Voyageur.

off as musicians working with him on European

Shaping Congolese music in the 1970s and 1980s,

shows.

A Belgian court convicted him of the same crime in 2012, handing down a fine of 22,000 euros (£17,143; $24,690) and a suspended prison sentence of 15 months.

Wemba had also been briefly imprisoned in Kinshasa in 1976 on suspicion of having a relationship with the daughter of a general from President Mobutu Sese Seko’s army.

Fashion guru In Kinshasa, Papa Wemba was known for his taste in clothing and headed an organisation called the Society of Tastemakers and Elegant People, or sapeurs.

Their stylish suits and fedora hats brought a touch of glamour to Central African countries marked by poverty.

Hours after the official confirmation of his death, hundreds gathered in Matonge, his neighbourhood in Kinshasa, to pay homage.

“He is our papa,” Eddy Kilonda, a young man on the verge of tears, told Reuters.

“He was not only a musician. He taught us to dress properly, to be stylish.”

Wemba married his wife Marie-Rose Luzolo in 1970 and they had six children.- BBC

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 21

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia, WB Sign Loan Agreement Of 300 Million USD For Urban Safety Net Project

E

thiopia and the World Bank (WB) recently signed a loan agreement of 300 million U.S. dollars, which will be used to finance urban productive safety net project in the East African country.

Abdulaziz Mohamed, Ethiopian Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation (MoFEC), and Carolyn Turk, WB Country Director for Ethiopia, signed the agreement at a ceremony held on the premises of MoFEC in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.

The urban productive safety net project, which will be implemented over five years with a total cost of 450 million dollars, aims to improving income of urban poor households and establishing urban safety net mechanisms in Ethiopia.

The objective will be achieved through provision of cash transfers, financial and technical support to access livelihood opportunities, building the capacity of institutions to effectively deliver the support, and developing core systems for delivery of safety nets and complementary livelihood services.

The objective will be achieved through provision of cash transfers, financial and technical support to access livelihood opportunities, building the capacity of institutions to effectively deliver the support, and developing core systems for delivery of safety nets and complementary livelihood services, according to MoFEC. The urban safety net project was inspired by the

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

success gained by the rural productive safety net project implemented over several years since 2005 here in the country, said Abdulaziz during the signing ceremony.

project (RPSNP), the programme will promote the Government commitment to expanding productive safety net to a national coverage, she added.

The Ethiopian Government will contribute 150 million dollars of the project’s total cost of 450 million dollars, according to the Minister.

She further said UPSNP would contribute to the Government’s strategic commitment to promoting inclusive growth and ensuring shared prosperity.

“Looking at the difference made by the rural safety nets on the lives of the vulnerable population, the government of Ethiopia decided to initiate a similar program to support the poorest segment of the urban population,” said the Minister.

“This first phase is envisaged to support over 600,000 beneficiaries in 11 cities in Ethiopia,” he said.

The urban productive safety net project (UPSNP) is the first flagship urban safety net in Africa, said the WB Country Director.

Together with the rural productive safety net

22 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

“The project will contribute to the realization of Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan II (second GTP) ensuring that the urban poor and vulnerable receive a predictable safety net and the support they require to experience faster income growth,” said Turk.

The success of the project will depend on a strong implementation arrangement, capacity and commitment at all levels, noted the Director.

She said that the World Bank team would continue to provide the necessary technical support to the UPSNP project.

MOZAMBIQUE

Nyusi Pledges to ‘Work Tirelessly for Peace’

M

ozambican President Filipe Nyusi recently pledged to continue “working tirelessly for peace,

national unity, and the economic and financial stability of our country”.

Speaking at the closing session of a meeting of the National Committee of the Association of Veterans of the National Liberation Struggle (ACLLN), Nyusi stressed that “the general solution for the economic problems we face is centred on increasing production and productivity”.

“The traditional areas of our economy such as agriculture, infrastructures, energy and tourism remain the priority areas for the integrated and sustainable development of the country”, he said.

“We are aware of the challenges that the country faces, but we should not be distracted from our main agenda. We shall remain focused on the search for rapid, visible and lasting solutions for the wellbeing of our people”.

In an oblique reference to the country’s enormous foreign debt, Nyusi added “It is in times of crisis

Mozambican ruling party Mozambique Liberation Front’s (Frelimo) presidential candidate Filipe Nyusi casts his ballot at a polling station in Maputo. [Photo: AFP]

that the best children of this beautiful motherland stand revealed. It is in times of crisis that we

attacks of Renamo gunmen while attempting to

The commercial aspects of the debt should be

develop our greatest capacity of knowing how to

enter into a dialogue with the Renamo leadership

the exclusive responsibility of the companies

look for solutions, individually and collectively, in

in order to end military hostilities.

concerned and their shareholders. These

The ACLLN pledged that veterans “are fully and

companies are the Mozambique Tuna Company

the certainty that we share the same destination”.

Mozambicans had faced greater struggles

immediately willing to participate in the defence

(EMATUM), Proindicus, formed to provide

“and won them as a people. Our union and

of sovereignty, the consolidation of peace and

maritime security, and Mozambique Asset

our common objectives were and continue to

national unity, and the development of the

Management (MAM), which is supposed to

be determinant for our victories and for our

country”.

provide ship repair and maintenance services.

conquests and nobody has the freedom to destroy them”.

As for the scandal of the guarantees issued by the previous government, under Nyusi’s predecessor,

The total government guaranteed loans taken by these three companies amount to over two billion US dollars.

At the end of the meeting, the ACLLN National

Armando Guebuza, for enormous, undisclosed

Committee urged the government to continue

loans, the ACLLN said the government should

None of the three companies is operating at

a dual track approach to the rebel movement

only take responsibility for that part of the debt

a profit, and their shareholders are all state or

Renamo - to continue defending citizens from the

which truly served public interests.

quasi-state institutions. - AIM

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 23

MALAWI

President Mutharika Happy With MCA Energy Compact Project

“132KV new Bwengu Substation in Mzimba will be landing and take-off point for the Tanzania Interconnector,” said Professor Mutharika.

The president then said he was happy that compensation of close to 7,000 people affected by the project through cash and replacement of houses has begun.

“I am informed that compensation started in December 2015 and that 95 per cent of the people between Balaka and Lilongwe have been paid.

And over 100 houses are under construction by contractors recruited under Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Malawi.

Speaking after meeting the president, Chief

By Christina Mkutumula

P

resident Prof. Peter Mutharika said the Millennium Challenge Account Energy Compact project has made tremendous progress as evidenced

by signing of seven out of the eight major work

For the compact to be successful, the president

Executive Officer for Millennium Challenge

said there is need to ensure that government

Corporation Dana Hyde said she was happy with

continues to invest in the people, rule justly

the strides made in the project.

and facilitate the people to access economic opportunities and freedom.

She said the compact is on truck and that much potential put in the sector will improve economic

Speaking on the benefits of the compact, the

development for the country by increasing access

president said the project has regional benefits.

to electricity.

Chief Executive Officer for Millennium Challenge

He said, currently Malawi is not connected to

“The important work that has been done so far

Corporation (MCC) Dana Hyde.

the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP), but

is the work and reforms that are taking place in

with support from USA Government through the

the energy sector which aims at turning it to a

Compact and upon completion, the country will

regional power sector,” said Hyde.

contracts. Mutharika was speaking in Lilongwe recently when he had an audience with the

He said under the power sector reform component of the compact, the restructuring of the electricity power market was progressing well.

“ESCOM will soon split into two parastatal

have adequate structure and infrastructure to connect to the SAPP for import and export power.

Speaking earlier Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Bright Msaka, said Malawi qualified to receive aid from USA Government

companies. We will have a new generation company that will compliment independent

“Currently, about 10 per cent

through Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)

power producers in generation of electricity,” said

of Malawians are accessing

in 2007.

Mutharika.

electricity and it is governments

He said Malawi chose the energy sector to be

He further said the Cabinet Committee on Legal

wish to ensure that 30 per cent

improved and was happy that huge progress has

Affairs has already reviewed the amendment of

of Malawians are connected to

been made.

the Electricity Bill and Cabinet will approve it for

electricity by the year 2025. For us

Msaka cited reforms at ESCOM and opening up of

to achieve this number we require

the power market as crucial areas.

tabling in the next sitting of parliament.

Mutharika said government is committed to improve access to quality and reliable power in order to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty in the country.

“Currently, about 10 per cent of Malawians are accessing electricity and it is governments wish

to increase the current 351 Mega

“About 31 independent power service companies

Watts power generation to more

have shown interest to help ESCOM in the energy

than 2,500 Mega Watts in the next

sector. So far seven of these companies have

5-10 years,” President Prof. Peter

signed Memorandum of Understanding to start

Mutharika

their work and we hope the rest will also do the same,” said Msaka.

to ensure that 30 per cent of Malawians are

He said the old infrastructure will be modernized

connected to electricity by the year 2025.

“The 400KV Phombeya Substation will be the

“For us to achieve this number we require to

landing and take-off point for the Mozambique

increase the current 351 Mega Watts power

Interconnector. The new Lilongwe 400KV

generation to more than 2,500 Mega Watts in the

Substation in Nkhoma will be the landing and

Millennium Challenge Account Energy Compact

next 5-10 years,” he said.

take-off point for Zambia Interconnector.

project started in 2013. - Mana

24 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

and expanded, adding that Nkula will have new equipment of 20-32 Mega Watts.

ZAMBIA

Zambia’s Religious Leaders Call for Civility in Political Rhetoric

By James Butty

T

he Episcopal Conference of Zambia has called on all political parties and their presidential candidates to take steps to curb politically motivated violence ahead of the country’s August 11 presidential election.

The organization of Roman Catholic bishops met recently with all political parties and their candidates. Father Cleophas Lungu, secretary general of the conference, said the meeting made a number of proposals to deal with some of the root causes of the political tension and violence in the country.

Lungu said among the suggestions was amending the Public Order Act, which the police use to manage political gatherings.

“There was a general consensus that the law itself had some gaps and needed to be reviewed and amended so that the application of it does not disadvantage any political party, especially the opposition parties. But the law is applied fairly and objectively by those who have that responsibility, especially the police,” he said.

Opposition and civil society groups have often accused the Zambian police of bias and violating the constitution after clamping on their rights to free speech and assembly as stipulated in the bill of rights. The groups said the police often use the controversial Public Order Act to suppress their meetings and their planned demonstrations against unfavourable government policies. They also said the police are to blame for the ongoing inter-party violence because of the preferential treatment they give governing PF supporters.

But the Zambia police say the Public Order Act underscores the importance of groups and political parties coordinating their planned activities with the police to ensure there is peace and stability. The law, police also say, regulates the holding of public processions or demonstrations.

The Patriotic Front’s Edgar Lungu, right, is sworn in as president at an inauguration ceremony in Lusaka Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. [Photo: AP Photo/Moses Mwape]

Lungu said all political parties attending the

Zambians have expressed concern about clashes

meeting acknowledged that the issue of political

between supporters of political parties as the

violence was not unique to one party. He said

groups ready to begin official campaigning for the

to a great extent the government has not done

elections. Local media organizations have often

enough to curb the violence. Lungu said the

reported incidents of inter-party clashes, often

Zambia Episcopal Conference has committed

between the governing Patriotic Front (PF) and

itself to holding the country’s political leaders

opposition parties, including the United Party for

accountable.

National Development (UPND) and the Movement

“We have come together to form what we call

for Multi-party Democracy (MMD).

the Christian Churches Monitory Group. We are

UPND supporters were recently attacked by

monitoring the conduct of the election this year.

security personnel during Youth Day celebrations

We are going to keep record of what they say, and

at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka in view of some

whenever we see that they are saying something

ruling Patriotic Front party officials. In another

which is contrary to what they have committed

incident, a video of an opposition member being

themselves to, we have put it very clear to them

stripped naked by ruling party members in full

that we are going to call them back for a review

view of police officers also went viral on social

meeting,” Lungu said.

media. - VoA

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 25

ZIMBABWE

Aid Agencies Seek 360 Mln USD For Lifesaving Assistance in Zimbabwe

S

ome 45 humanitarian partners in Zimbabwe have sought 360 million U.S. dollars in funding to provide lifesaving food, health, water and sanitation support and other assistance for 1.8 million people, a UN spokesman said recently.

The WFP said Zimbabwe’s high level of food insecurity is due to last year’s bad harvest -- 50 percent down from that of the previous year -- combined with an unusually strong El Nino weather event which has resulted in reduced rains for southern Africa.

percent of the population -- food insecure, Stephane Dujarric said at a daily

Coinciding as it has with the main part of the growing season, El Ninorelated drought has been disastrous for smallholder farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture.

news briefing.

The drought has also killed thousands of livestock in the country.

The combination of a poor 2014-2015 harvest, an extremely dry early

In February, the Zimbabwean government last month declared the drought a state of disaster and has appealed for 1.6 billion dollars to buy grain to feed the affected people.

The El Nino-induced drought has exacerbated hunger and hardship for vulnerable people in Zimbabwe, leaving 2.8 million people -- about 21

season and forecasts for continuing hot and drier-than-average conditions through mid-2016 posed a risk of extensive crop failure, weakened power supplies and reduced drinking water for human and livestock consumption, he said.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said in March that it would, for the first time ever, extend its food relief programme in Zimbabwe into next year in response to the dire food security situation due to a devastating El-Nino induced drought.

The combination of a poor 2014-2015 harvest, an extremely dry early season and forecasts for continuing hot and drier-than-average conditions through mid-2016 posed a risk of extensive crop failure, weakened power supplies and reduced drinking water for human and livestock consumption.

Zimbabweans collect food aid from a distribution point in Mutawatawa, about 220km northeast of Harare. (Photo: Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters)

26 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

GHANA

Ghana Party Picks Former First Lady as Presidential Candidate

By Peter Clottey Ghana’s opposition National Democratic Party has chosen former first lady Nana Konadu AgyemanRawlings as its presidential candidate at the party’s national delegates congress recently in the capital, Accra.

National Democratic Party supporters say the former first lady’s popularity could pose a significant challenge to incumbent President John Dramani Mahama in the November 7 general election. NDP General Secretary Mohammed Frimpong says Agyeman-Rawlings is the best candidate to deliver the change Ghanaians demand.

“The entire country is clamouring for her return onto the political landscape to give to Ghanaians what she has done and knows best in terms of mobilization, women empowerment, and so on and so forth. That is why the NDP followers throughout the country had unanimously decided to endorse her as our presidential candidate for the 2016 election,” said Frimpong.

Former president Jerry John Rawlings, who is the founding father of the ruling National Democratic Congress expressed support for his wife before she was overwhelmingly endorsed by the NDP as the party’s presidential candidate. It remains to be seen if the former president will also support his wife against incumbent President John Dramani Mahama from the NDC. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presidential candidate for the main opposition New Patriotic Party congratulated the former first lady.

Local media quoted Nana Addo as saying, “Her wealth of experience in Ghanaian politics should put her in good stead to help steer and shape the nature of our political discourse from one of attrition, personality attacks and negative preoccupations to an issues-based campaign, hinged on the competition of policies and ideas ...

That is how the public interest of our nation can be best served. The NPP and I welcome her into the race for the Presidency and wish her well.”

Former First Lady a Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings being conferred with an Honorary Emeritus Fellowship by the BOARDROOM INSTITUTE of the Graduate School of Governance and Leadership Anti-Mahama alliance possibe Addo’s warm remarks prompted suggestions the two opposition leaders and their parties will form an alliance to challenge Mahama and his governing NDC in the presidential, parliamentary and local elections. But NDP general secretary Frimpong says the party’s focus is not on forming an alliance with any other opposition party before the polls.

this attempt, and that is what happened ... And

“Alliance ahead of the election is not in our agenda, that I can tell you for sure,” said Frimpong. “But the point is that we are all bent on seeking for change [and] there is a very strong determination for change ... and that is why probably the NPP flag bearer and our just endorsed flag bearer will share this common opinion for the need of change.”

Frimpong says the former first lady will play a

The NDP was unable to register Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings as the party’s presidential candidate with the Electoral Commission of Ghana in the last election, despite endorsing the former first lady at the delegates congress in 2012.

the record of probity and accountability in

“We had very strong disrupters in the 2012 election, and just as we were preparing to file her flag bearership with the electoral commission, there was a very elaborate conspiracy to scuttle

to create fond memories in the population ...

therefore, nobody could base her performance or would be performance on the 2012 election because after all she did not participate,” said Frimpong.

But critics say the NDP should resolve an internal power struggle, rather than blame outsiders for the party’s challenges. key role in preventing Mahama from winning the presidential vote in the first round of the poll. He predicted Agyeman Rawlings would be the “kingmaker” on who becomes Ghana’s next president.

“It’s becoming quite prominent that Ghanaians feel a female must be given a chance. And governance was [regarded] very high in their tenure and has slumped now to a very abysmal level ... With all these considerations coupled with her drive towards mobilization to eliminate poverty, and disease and illiteracy, all these go Therefore, comparing with three other contenders ... We can say that it would be very difficult just to think that there can just be one run-off.”- VoA

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 27

SPORTS

Own Goal? Africa’s Shambolic Sports Management

By Piers Edwards The call for better management of sport is heard across Africa - often as a lament, more regularly as an outburst of barely contained frustration.

I

n football, former Ajax and Juventus defender Sunday Oliseh recently quit as Nigeria’s national football coach, citing contractual violations and lack of support from his local federation.

Months earlier, Zimbabwe were disqualified from the 2018 World Cup qualifying tournament after its football association failed to pay a former national coach.

In athletics, Kenya only recently averted the threat of disqualification from the 2016 Olympic Games because of its previously long-standing failure to implement robust drugs-testing procedures - nearly 40 athletes have failed tests in the last four years.

And yet Kenya would surely be far better protecting what is regarded as one of its greatest assets - indeed, impressing on the top table of global sport is recognised as a surefire way of propelling a little-known nation on to the planet’s psyche.

“It is thanks to football that small countries can become great,” beamed footballer Roger Milla after his Cameroon side because the first African nation to reach a World Cup quarter-finals in 1990.

So given the global standing that countries can achieve through sport - not to mention the political capital that a ruling party can gain through overseeing such success - are African administrators doing enough to ensure success?

‘Embarrassing’ With a host of different disciplines in Africa’s 54 countries, it is wise to avoid generalisations, but a potted look at some recent issues suggests significant problems abound.

During the 2014 football World Cup qualifying campaign, seven African countries forfeited matches after they were found to have fielded ineligible players - an administrative oversight that only one other country across the rest of the world managed to repeat.

One of the most embarrassing moments in South African sporting history - and there have been a few - came when the football association president publicly congratulated his players for qualifying for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations when his organisation’s misunderstanding of the rules meant they had erroneously played for a draw when they needed a win. They did not qualify.

Then take Nigeria - Africa’s biggest population and arguably the continent’s most football-crazed nation - which has failed to qualify for three of the last four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Yet this has little to do with the quality of Nigeria’s players - as proven by the fact that the Super Eagles won the trophy in 2013, either side of these qualifying failures - and more to do with administration.

This last qualifying campaign featured three coaches in the space of 12 months and endless accusations and counter-accusations between the coaching staff and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

At the same time, a row over who is actually in charge of the NFF has led to the threat of a ban by football’s world governing body Fifa - not for the first time.

Then recently, the embarrassing scenario whereby one of the officials announced for a local fixture was found to have actually died a few months earlier.

Repeated threats Kenya has not only been in trouble with the world athletics governing body for its slovenly pace in dealing with anti-doping.

28 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

Senior athletics officials have been suspended by the IAAF while an investigation takes place into allegations of “subversion” of the antidoping process and the “improper diversion” of funds received from Nike. Allegations the officials deny. And while the East African nation has finally passed a law to bring its anti-doping programme up to scratch, this was only achieved after repeated threats from the World AntiDoping Agency and the IAAF. Amidst the endless negativity of bonus rows, coaches not being paid on time, funds going missing, match-fixing scandals and insufficient stadium security, there are some positive stories.

The Algerian Football Federation of a generation ago deserves special mention as a proactive sports administration.

For years it pushed Fifa into changing rules on player eligibility and then, in 2004, it was the first to profit as Antar Yahia became the first footballer to represent one nation at junior level (France) before playing for a different one at senior level (Algeria). After the rule change, the North Africans qualified for the 2010 World Cup, their first finals in a quarter of a century, thanks to fielding a squad dominated by former French youth internationals - with Yahia scoring the dramatic qualifying goal.

More recently, Kenya’s Rugby Sevens won their first World Series title by thumping defending champions Fiji in the final in Singapore. The result was built on a lot of hard work and determination, with Kenya having been to well over 100 tournaments before this first success.

The silverware finally shone a light on those endeavours but some African sporting associations, however well run, will never get that chance.

Without a trophy, which does not always have to be the only marker of progress, their deeds go unnoticed.

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