Italy: Interior Minister's statements against legitimate immigrants on welfare are unacceptable according to the Italian Bishops

(SACNS Europe; Social Justice South Africa)

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Article by Marc Aupiais

SACNS Quote Analysis:

Italian Bishops oppose throwing out EU immigrants who rely on benefits- Italy
And : Interior Minister from federalist party, not that of Berlusconi - Italy

Italian Interior Minister Roberto Marconi (EuroNews spelling- seems incorrect) (Minister Roberto Maroni), of the Lega Nord Padania federalist party, which is working in coalition with the Popolo della Libertà of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi- has made a statement which has reportedly put him at odds with the official body of Catholic bishops in Italy.  Maroni has called for immigrants in Italy from other European Union (EU) states, who are receiving financial support from the government to survive, during the financial crisis, to be expelled from Italy. The move has upset the Italian Catholic Bishops, according to European service EuroNews, which quotes Giancarlo Perego as representing the Italian Episcopal Conference, to state their criticism of the move, by a minister of Silvio Berlusconi's broad coalition government.

The Catholic Bishops' representative reportedly, has expressed the view, that such a move would cause a societal shift favouring a more nationalist tendency, over one of a more European perspective. The representative stated, seemingly that restricting the movement of Europeans in Europe could have a negative affect on the achievement of a particular vision of the European Union, which the bishops, it seems to be suggested, support.

European citizens are officially welcomed in Italy, which has taken actions against non-European-Union-origin immigrants.

Kenyan government tries to pass dangerous, foreign constitution

(Social Justice South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais


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'No' side claims dirty tricks in Kenya referendum campaign | RFI

"Popular support for the new constitutition was supposed to be a fait accompli. That was until the mainstream churches threw a spanner in the works. They mobilised for a rejection of the draft, claiming that it is liberal on abortion and same-sex relationship and that it introduces Muslim Khadi courts.
Former President Daniel Arap Moi and influential politicians from the populous Rift Valley province are opposing the draft over the same issues and over the question of land.

President Mwai Kibaki, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and nearly 90 per cent of the cabinet and MPs addressed a huge rally in Nariobi’s Uhuru Park, urging a massive turn-out in favour of the draft.



[...]

The no campaign held a similar rally in the city’s Jamhuri Park. They accuse the government of using underhand methods and intimidation to get support for the draft because it senses defeat.

Tom Namwamba, who heads the no campaign secretariat, claims that the president’s side of using underhand tactics. They have used thugs to attack his office and steal material, he says, ordered civil servants to campaign for a yes vote and booked all choice venues in Nairobi to deny his side a convenient venue to hold their rallies.

“If you see anybody engaged in such petty, barbaric practices, then you know that that person has read the signs of losing,” he comments."

Radio France Internationale [RFI] (Secular; French)

01 / 08 | Aug / 2010

A no side rally was tragically bombed some time ago, as I reported then, noting that the government said not to jump to conclusions as to who bombed it. The yes side, has the backing of US president Barack Obama, who seems to have been flexing muscle to insure the constitution, which encourages homosexuality and abortion passes, Kenya may find additional aid coming their way if they acquiesce in the matter of values, and culture. Other controversial elements include "land reform" clauses which the opposition claims may cause tensions between black and white Kenyans. Kenya suffers from endemic violence and also racism, White (Caucasian) and Indian (Asian) Kenyans have both faced persecution in the past. The current government has been accused of allowing the creation of death squadrons (Agenzia Fides: The Vatican's Missionary News Service 24 / 09 | Sept / 2008), which allegedly killed and tortured rivals, and those allegedly involved in crime. The government claims that the Constitution will pass, despite Catholic and evangelical opposition to what is essentially a foreign constitution, misrepresenting the culture and values of Kenya.

In 2009 our service noted:

"Kenya: more general Overview:

Kenya, was once one of Africa's so-called: shining stars, however, electoral violence, and purported human rights abuses, along with drought, and famine: have harshly affected, what once was a nation, seen, perhaps falsely as a hope for many.

In previous articles, we have covered, the political situation in Kenya, having stabilized somewhat at this stage. Recent events, however: show a government, made up largely of people, seemingly more interested in their own political success, than in the success of their country. The global economic downturn, will likely also affect such nations: but with such a makeshift government, the chances are, that problems in Kenya, won't be ultimately solved overnight. Efforts, at helping populations make it through such trying times: however, can make differences in lives, just as efforts in Zimbabwe, and the DRC (Congo), have paid off somewhat.

Corruption, and accountability in Africa

What Kenya, and much of Africa: truly need at this point, is accountability for actions, politically, and in business. That a situation, such as the one: over, or perhaps caused by alleged vote rigging, and alleged political human rights abuses: has occurred: has made Kenya less able to deal with life threatening situations."

Archives

13 / 01 | Jan / 2009

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Niger Coup confirmed

(Social Justice South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Our service can now confirm, that The President of Niger, has been kidnapped in a Coup. According to the BBC, the President and ministers are being held hostage by soldiers, while the North African nation's boarders are being closed, isolating the country from the rest of the world.

I hereby permit this service to publish portions of my article from my personal column The Tempest and the Hurricane, which was written prior confirmation of the Coup, confirmed by the BBC as having in fact occurred:

"Article by Marc Aupiais

The BBC is reporting a possible coup in the North African nation of Niger. It would appear that elements of the armed forces, took the president at gunpoint, from his fortified position in the nation's "presidential palace". Whether it is the top brass of the military or not is unsure. The cause of the possible coup, which followed gunfire, and has seen tanks on the streets, seems to be the president's attempt to change the Niger constitution to gain a third term. A similar situation resulted in the Constitutional Court and parliament sanctioned Coup in Honduras recently. Not much else is apparent at present!"

(The Hurricane and the Tempest (Catholic; Independent; South African) 18 / 02 | February / 2010)

SADC Region: Republic of South Africa: Official Opposition in talks with strange bedfellows?

(South African Catholic)


Notation by Marc Aupiais

According to the Cape Argus, a member of the Independent Newspapers (IOL) news group: the Democratic Alliance (DA)- South Africa's Official Opposition: is in behind closed doors unity talks with several smaller parties- including ANC off-shoot: COPE (Congress of the People), the ID (Independent Democrats), and the UDM (United Democratic Front).

While the DA allows their Members of Parliament (MPs) to vote with their conscience, on matters deemed by the DA to be related to morality- the ID and UDM- have both pushed legislation and policies, which are seriously against the moral fibre set out by the Church- including on vitally important issues such as- what marriage should be, and legalising of and pushing of pro-abortion legislation by the state.

Much of the leadership of political fledgling- COPE- jumped ship from the ANC prior the last election- having seemingly been perfectly accepting of the ANC (African National Congress)- when it radically liberalised access to Abortion, and instituted "Civil Unions"- "Gay marriage". On the "Gay Marriage" issue- as our service noted in another article: earlier this year- the ID seemingly wanted to force marriage officers to "marry" gay couples- whatever their conscientious or religious objections.

Exactly what form of alliance would be formed if the alleged talks are successful- is not clear to our service at present.

Whether this would entail close co-operation on some matters between multiple parties, or a new political party- is not clear, although the evidence seems to lend towards the latter- as with the quotations the Cape Argus gives to back up its claims.

Reportedly: Helen Zille has noted a number of areas where the opposition parties could find common ground-

These apparently include: commitment to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; creating an environment which would offer opportunities to everyone; a market-driven economy, opportunity and delivery and a safety net for the less privileged (c.f. IOL- as linked to below).

Representation of the DA had not replied to a media request from our service at the time of publishing.

C.F. IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 02 / 08 | 2009

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Twitter&set_id=1&click_id=79&art_id=vn20090802061851279C687881

ANC in provincial land grab?

(Scripturelink Voters' Guide; c.f. (IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 29 / 06 | June / 2009 ; (IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 07 / 11 | December / 2008 )

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to IOL in an article by Ainsley Daniels((IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 29 / 06 | June / 2009 ): Sicelo Shiceka, who is The Republic of South Africa's ruling ANC (African National Congress) Minister of the controversial Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Ministry, has made claims of a report allegedly in which the ANC run South African State government, or officials in it are looking into reducing the number of provinces in South Africa. The provincial government of the opposition DA (Democratic Alliance) in the Western Cape (province) had previously alleged interference in provincial matters. The minister had claimed that even the Western Cape would be pressured by him. His ministry has certainly not eased tensions.

On December 07th 2008, when he, as a person, represented local government, involving the changes to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa as they related to the contentious and at times violent Khutsong Township issue, he was accused of undermining the central government((IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 07 / 11 | December / 2008). This would certainly be am about turn, if those allegations are true.

During apartheid, there were much fewer provinces, reflecting the politics of pre-apartheid Boer and British colonies, which had formed the Union of South Africa, and the 1910 Union Constitution in compromise, after the Second South African / Boer War, seemingly won by the British.

Any amendment to having 9 provinces, as with a separate effort to get rid of vital aspects of Judicial -Independence,( the latter pushed by minister of Justice and Constitutional reform: Jeff Radebe:) would require amending the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. With the enlargement of the opposition, the ANC could not introduce any of these plans into practice: without the help of opposition parties' Members of Parliament.

If I am correct, they would also need the okay of provinces whose borders are affected to successfully legislate the prior. Acting without the confirmation of an applicable province, would require taking away the current Constitutional rights of the provinces to do so. To take away areas of provincial authority was apparently also suggested by the ruling ANC recently.

According to IOL(IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 29 / 06 | June / 2009), critics of redrawing the provinces believe the ANC wants to redraw them to oust their DA opposition from the Western Cape province, where DA head: Helen Zille is premier.

Zimbabwe; SADC Region; Africa: Mrs Tsvangirai "assasinated", Morgan in foreign hospital?

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Google News Search (assorted, diverse sources) __/__/__; IOL (South African; Secular; Independent) 08 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Governmental; British; Secular) 07 / 03 / 2009; AP (Independent; Secular; American) 08 / 03 / 2009; BBC World News (Secular; British; Governmental) 06 / 03 / 2009; 07 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It was a car crash, and the MDC, who have changed their tune of late, were once sticking to that story, about how, Susan Tsvangirai died, and Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, and the leader of the MDC ("Movement of Democratic Change"), landed in hospital, before allegidly being shipped off to Botswana for some reason. Whether or not the accident resulted from "foul play", Tsvangirai, had had a two car escort, but somehow still got hit by a truck/lorry, controlled by a partner of USAID, operating in Zimbabwe. The lack of a police escort is odd, it is even more odd, that Tsvangirai, who has allegedly, repeatedly in the past, had his human rights abused by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, managed to get himself into a car accident, something other trouble persons in Zimbabwe's President's eyes, have gotten into in the past.

Mugabe appeared at the hospital to visit his arch rival in politics, and seemed disappointed, either by the incident, or by some other thing. Repeatedly, the "Unity Government", forced on the MDC, by SADC ("Southern African Development Community"), mediations, called biased and partisan by the MDC, has began to look more and more like an oddity.

One of the MDC's officials, Roy Bennett, is still in jail, after his bail on "terrorism" charges, was appealed again, with a magistrate who ordered his release from jail: arrested on Friday. It is widely thought that the charges are trumped up, and that the judiciary are acting as oddly as Mugabe's henchmen in an election.

The "Masvingo-Harare" Road, where Susan Tsvangirai, called the pillar, of Morgan Tsvangirai's strength, met her sudden end, has two lanes. Morgan had a car in front and behind himself, and still, they got hit by a truck. Morgan Tsvangirai is in a Stable condition, his wife is stably dead.

Deputy Mines Minister "Murisi Zwizwayi", who is a member of the MDC, does not buy into police reports involving humps in the road and potholes. He says the road was clear. An independent investigation is already being demanded, and the MDC, has also realized that they probably need to investigate the facts.

All these again put a shadow over Zimbabwe's Neighbor, South Africa: seen as instrumental in keeping Mugabe in power, the same nation, whose efforts to keep Sudan's president out of the International Criminal Court, and whose efforts to keep Saddam Hussein in Iraq, in power, are noted internationally.

Few signs of stability in Zimbabwe, if any

While Mugabe's opponents, have a history of "convenient" car crashes, according to an American source, the fact, that it was a truck, from a Zimbabwean partner of USAID, a governmental organization, seems highly odd; especially, as it allegedly is the truck, which hit the Tsvangirai car. America has extended sanctions against Zimbabwe, and continues to refuse to acknowledge the new "unity government", as currently capable of bringing any real hope to Zimbabwe. Western nations, don't have any change of opinion of Zimbabwe, since South African lead mediation organized a "Unity" Government, which maintained much of Mugabe's stranglehold. The MDC, was disappointed when sections of government, in the past: used to kill MDC members, or hold them, were not given into their control. These same apparatus, seem to still be used against their human rights.

Tsvangirai, has reportedly been flown to Botswana, the only SADC region government, to strongly appose Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, and his Zanu PF. Botswana, has been giving aid to Zimbabweans, via the Catholic Charity "Caritas Zimbabwe", of "Caritas Internationalis": Caritas Internationalis, is known for getting aid to those in need of it. Other gifts of funding, by other nations, have been fraught with accusations, that such funding went straight to Mugabe.

Botswana's assistance to Zimbabweans

Botswana, and the Catholic church, have both been critics of Zimbabwe's government. The "Republic of South Africa", has still not cut off Zimbabwe's electricity, and has taken no real action against Robert Mugabe. 4 000 (Four thousand), Zimbabweans, are dead, having had Cholera. 80 000 to 90 000 (Eighty Thousand, to Ninety Thousand), Zimbabwean people, have the disease currently.

In South Africa

Due to a lack of compensation, meanwhile: the city of Cape Town, in South Africa, has recently moved to have refugees in state run areas evicted. This follows other closings of camps set up to protect foreigners, after multiple murders and acts of hate against them in Xenophobic attacks. Zimbabweans seeking asylum, were recently shipped off, from northern South Africa's Musina, in Limpopo Province: to Johannesburg, where a Christian church, has been caring for them. The Government has far from welcomed the refugees, but many have had to enter the country: in order to get basic care for cholera, or avoid death, or untenable standards of living. Cape Town, claims that the National government has not reimbursed them for care of refugees. The opposition stronghold, does not plan to follow other areas, in forcibly removing refugees, but rather: has taken a legal route.

The Cape Town action, in South Africa's south, under South Africa's Opposition, the DA (Democratic Alliance), is much later than that of Pretoria, which has already bulldozed away any refugee sanctuary.

The Musina outpost, in Limpopo, to the north of the country (South Africa), near the Zimbabwean border, to deal with refugees from Zimbabwe, has meanwhile, also been closed.

The SANDF (South African National Defense Force), meanwhile may take its own action to remove refugees from SANDF properties. The government in Cape Town has said, that their action to have refugees removed from public/municipal property: does not effect those on SANDF properties.

Meanwhile, the murder trial, in which a South African singer (Lucky Dube) was killed in a botched hijacking: some time ago, also showed what foreigners in Zimbabwe faced. Criminals are more likely to kill a foreigner, than a South African: and many in South Africa, are openly xenophobic. Those in the refugee camps, set up, at the hight of attacks on non-South African Africans, at least those in Cape Town: are likely refusing assistance, at reintegration into South Africa, due to fear, as the burning images, of one famous torched foreigner: likely still remain in their minds.

In Zimbabwe

Suspicions, that the car crash, was an assassination attempt, on Zimbabwe's own opposition leader, will likely further divide the political scene there.

Foreign governments, will likely be even more suspician of the Zimbabwean government than before.

A report on ENEWSCHANNEL, shortly after Zimbabwe's elections, said that due to the suspension of a runoff, Tsvangirai, had legitimately won the elections with a legitimate majority.

Tsvangirai is Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, under mediation brokered in Pretoria. Whether this was an assassination attempt or not: Mugabe will have one less voice in parliament to deal with. Echoes of political suppression in Zimbabwe, are not far from many memories: and continuing seeming human rights abuses in the Sub Saharan Nation, mean that most eyes viewing this situation from afar, are unlikely to take the politically convenient, whether false of true: view, that anything about Zimbabwe has changed much.

Zimbabwe, SADC Region, Africa: PM Tsvangirai notes Cholera is worse than thought, as Mugabe, seemingly continues, unabated: abuse of human rights

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. 13 / 01 / 2009; Reuters (British; Independent; Secular) 05 / 03 / 2009; 05 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Zimbabwean Prime Minister: "Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai"; of Zimbabwe's "Unity Government", having asked for aid, and said that he will not allow human rights to go unpunished, has now contended "World Health Organization" (WHO) figures, which say that about 4 000 (Four Thousand) Zimbabweans have died, and 80 000 (Eighty Thousand) Zimbabwean people: are infected with the curable disease: cholera. Tsvangirai, says that the WHO, has underestimated the extent of the tragedy.

Zimbabwe's water sanitation, and other basic structures of modern, and of basic: civilization, have basically shut down. Many Zimbabweans have no access to clean water. Non-Profit initiative: "Jik for Zim"(13 / 01 / 2009), by "Catholic Development Commission", based in Cape Town, South Africa; recently tried to send Jik bleach to Zimbabweans, so as to place it in water to kill disease, so Zimbabweans could drink the bleached water. Using Jik Bleach to purify water, is usually reserved for desperate rural communities in South Africa. That was when there were only around 16 000 (sixteen thousand) cases of Cholera reported. The Figure has since raised to 80 000 (Eighty Thousand) people infected with the disease.

Many Zimbabweans, however: have little to no hope of preventing Cholera, and those infected in the collapsed country, are oft near assured death from a curable disease, due to a collapsed health sector, and lack of basic sanitation systems. Many have crossed the Border to Neighboring South Africa, for basic cholera treatment. South African Cholera cases, have spread as far as Gauteng, but are largely being kept from becoming too wide a problem. Those from "Up North" (Other African States), who seek refugee status, or citizenship in South Africa, risk Xenophobia, which has emerged among many in lower income brackets, and has seen multiple murders in outbursts, and sudden eruptions of race hatred.

Meanwhile, an attempt at a "trial" of sorts, on Thursday: on whether or not to allow appeal on an attempt to get bail for an MDC ("Movement of Democratic Change") parliamentarian, who was charged with something along the lines of treason: via charging him with plotting "terrorism", whose legal representation has been theoretically successful: in getting him bail, has resulted in Bail being effectively denied, oddly enough.

The judge, oddly: allowed prosecutors to appeal the bail, despite claims by the lawyer for the defense, that the judge himself told the prosecutors, that the chances of succeeding in an appeal are negligible: effectively allowing bail to in practice: be denied. "Beatrice Mtetwa", is the source of these accusations against the Zimbabwean "Supreme Court"; she is the one who noted that the Judge of Zimbabwe's "Supreme Court", trying the matter: noted the negligible chances that the prosecution had of winning: an appeal on the granting of bail, which caused her to be disappointed with the ruling.

The Name of the Defense, is "Roy Bennet" (an official in the MDC), arrested on terrorism charges, widely believed to be trumped up. His Lawyer is "Beatrice Mtetwa", who sees the allowance of appealing the bail grant, to be odd. The Prosecutor, is "Chris Mutangadura", who assures us that Roy, a "white" man: will remain in "custody".

This allowance for appeal: means that "Roy Bennet" will remain in "custody", until a hearing date is set. Allegations by "Morgan Tsvangirai", of the MDC ("Movement for Democratic Change"), that the SADC mediation, which formed the "Unity Government", in Zimbabwe, was partisan, seem far from here, but it is likely due to the cholera epidemic that he gave in at all, just as he withdrew from an election he would have won: because "Robert Mugabe" started another wave of mass terror: by committing human rights abuses on suspected MDC supporters: as he always had before.

Mugabe's ZANU PF, has consistently been seen as abusing human rights, and as not caring for the people of Zimbabwe. It allowed "White" Farmers to be removed from their properties, by inhumane force, and since: Zimbabwe now: has a collapsed economy: only worsened by state policies: which tend to ignore human dignity and basic reason. South Africa, has been accused of propping up Mugabe: both in thwarting sanctions and "United Nations" (UN) plans to remove Mugabe from power, and via accusations by the MDC itself, and by others. Mugabe gave members of South Africa's Ruling, communist affiliated, ANC ("African National Congress"): sanctuary, and a military training position in Zimbabwe, during the ANC's armed struggle against the Apartheid government. A "Struggle", which also involved the bombing of civilian sites in South Africa. After Democracy, the "Nationalist Party" (NP), responsible for Apartheid, at such stage now calling itself the NNP ("New Nationalist Party"), allied with, and was incorporated into the ANC.

Having seemingly used SADC ("Southern African Development Community"), with whatever intent: so as to force the MDC into a government seemingly presided over by Mugabe, South Africa, has since been vocal in calling for aid to be given to Zimbabwe. The Western World, meanwhile, does not seem to perceive Zimbabwe as having changed enough, if at all: on human rights, and other issues: and therefore, has not given Zimbabwe aid: seeming to condemn South African efforts to reform Zimbabwe's image: as a failure: and certainly any attempt to say that real change has occurred.

There is a perception is some circles: that in ceding to the SADC forced "Unity Government" in Zimbabwe, "Morgan Tsvangirai" effectively lost his power base. According to South Africa's "ENEWSCHANNEL": during reporting on the "elections" in Zimbabwe: the MDC, technically won, and Morgan Tsvangirai, is legally the winner of the Presidential post, due to the unconstitutional period of suspension of run-off elections.

Kenya, drought a "National Emergency"- Kenyan government

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters' Alertnet (Article by Reuters:Secular; Independent; Based in great Britain; Global)09 / Jan / 2009; CRS (Catholic; Independent: answer to USCCB though; Relief Organization; American Based)13 / 01 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Kenyan Government, has declared a "National Emergency", after a drought "has" allegedly rendered +-10 000 000 (Ten Million) Kenyan Citizens "Food Insecure"; according to a Reuters article; via AlertNet: which quotes the Kenyan government. This situational report, by Reuters: is largely based on a release, by the office of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki's office, even as Reuters, but not the Kenyan government: notes the role of violence in the situation. Kenya, has seen human rights violation related accusations, and electoral violence in recent times, and accusations: of death squads, and the resulting reduction in tourism, a recent drought has hit it hard.

Kenya, will now, among other measures: begin to import: 5 000 000 (Five Million) additional bags of maize due to a shortfall: largely blamed on 2007 election violence, which resulted in +-1 300 (One Thousand, and Three Hundred) deaths, and +-300 000 (Three Hundred Thousand) people being driven from their homes, due to violence.

Both the Kenyan government, and working independent of them, Catholic Relief Services, are attempting to minimize the damage done by an alleged Drought and Famine, which is affecting many citizens in Kenya. The role of election violence, and allegations of Government death squads, and political persecution in this, possibly, could have increased vulnerability to the situation. Most of the efforts, seem to focus on basics, such as food, water, and farming products. CRS, is helping supply food, according to their dispatch (CRS (Catholic; Independent: answer to USCCB though; Relief Organization; American Based)13 / 01 / 2009).

For those who want to help:

CRS, forwards one to a donation page: from the article they wrote on their efforts:
https://secure2.convio.net/crs/site/Donation2?1080.donation=form1&df_id=1080

It seems to be their general donations page, but I may be mistaken on this, but possibly, one can write in the "Special Request" section, where they want the money to go: I am unsure of this.

A good thing about, our source on this: US based CRS: is that CRS, has a good ratio: of direct funding towards communities, versus the cost of their work.

Kenya: more general Overview:

Kenya, was once one of Africa's so-called: shining stars, however, electoral violence, and purported human rights abuses, along with drought, and famine: have harshly affected, what once was a nation, seen, perhaps falsely as a hope for many.

In previous articles, we have covered, the political situation in Kenya, having stabilized somewhat at this stage. Recent events, however: show a government, made up largely of people, seemingly more interested in their own political success, than in the success of their country. The global economic downturn, will likely also affect such nations: but with such a makeshift government, the chances are, that problems in Kenya, won't be ultimately solved overnight. Efforts, at helping populations make it through such trying times: however, can make differences in lives, just as efforts in Zimbabwe, and the DRC (Congo), have paid off somewhat.

Corruption, and accountability in Africa

What Kenya, and much of Africa: truly need at this point, is accountability for actions, politically, and in business. That a situation, such as the one: over, or perhaps caused by alleged vote rigging, and alleged political human rights abuses: has occurred: has made Kenya less able to deal with life threatening situations.

Somalia, Africa: Ethiopean troops seen packing up: President resigned: claiming he had lost the country: News 24

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. News 24 (South African; Secular) 31/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

They said they would leave by the end of 2008, and they are packing up. Ethiopian troops, have been the lifeblood of order in Somalia, now they are to leave: News 24 reports of the danger posed by Islamic rebels on the loss of the Ethiopian army.

Somalia's president resigned recently, cited as an obstacle to peace: he had lost most of Somalia to rebels: by the time of his resignation.

Nigeria, North Africa: Pope decries Violence: our analysis!

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. VIS 081201 (280); Zenit News 30/11/2008; BBC World News (Secular) 01/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It is easy to classify violence in Nigeria as inter-religious: really, it is not. The Pope has urged peaceful manners of solving a recent outbreak. The church does not support the burning of mosques, nor enjoy the burning of Church related buildings, and churches.

It is different tribal, and ethnic groups often, and also: violence centers on something enemies hold dear: religion. If it were only Churches being burnt, we may not have heard of such, if it were simply violence over politics, or tribal wars: we may not have heard it. Instead, latching onto religion: individual persons have turned to what the church condemns as meaningless violence. Protecting one's family via violence is not meaningless, fighting aggressors, or rising up against an unjust aggressor, is not meaningless: according to the church: but burning mosques, and churches; turning on bystanders, and fellow citizens. This is foreign to Islam, and foreign to Christianity.

The violence, in earlier years: was blamed on unemployment, and similar socioeconomic issues: like Somalia: where corruption is rife in government, when violence is easy, and goes unpunished: where money is scarce: and religion is abused: and yielded over others: violence breaks.

Where violence defends rights, so be it: but these are not crusaders, they are gangs: is a nation converted to any religion by force? Truly, fear reigns in a country, or region where such seems needed to citizens. One must pity such circumstances: when one turns to senseless violence: one feels one is not safe.

Attacks are likely because one anticipates attacks, attacks are because any yielding of any ground comes with fear of persecution, which often comes: in anticipation of more from others. In recent elections, an outbreak of violence has followed: clearly spawned of this endless fear that grips. Attacks make one feel in control, even vindicated in belief. Saying this does not justify the foolish, incoherent actions of mobs, nor should any claim this is religious: it is immoral.

Such an environment is deadly.More than that, it really seems senseless.

The allegations are of a rigged election, this seems likely in Africa, few nations don't have some allegations: that it turned violent, and the army was called in: shows just how tribal violence has become, and how distrustful, perhaps rightly, perhaps not: people are of their government in the region. It also shows that arrogant gangsters: are allowed to get away with senseless shows of their personal pride, and that they do not value their opposition as human: in a sickening theatre of diabolical violent sectarianism: which does not permit one's ideological foes life. 

Sudan, North Africa: Bishops warn of breaking down peace accord!- Agenzia Fides

(Scripturelink Voter's Guide; EWTN News (Catholic News Agency)25/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

EWTN is hosting a story by Catholic News Agency, based on an article by Agenzia Fides: saying that the bishops in Sudan are warning of increased tensions and that a peace treaty may fall apart. The rebels say they are mirroring government efforts, the government says they are updating old weaponry: both are seemingly entered in a dangerous arms race, that could see a return to a war ended in 2005.

North Africa, Somailia, Africa- Italian Nuns Kidnapped in Kenya safe- Elders negotiating release

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters 15/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Reuters is reporting the answer to the prayers of perhaps- millions. A Representative of the Kenyan authorities is reporting that the two Italian nuns kidnapped in Kenya, and taken against their will deep into wartorn Somalia are safe, and elders approached by the authorities, are negotiating a release. More prayer is needed for the two servants of the church.

Sub-Saharan Africa, SADC Region, Africa, Zimbabwe- MDC pulls out of Zimbabwean government- as region turns blind eye to mass persecution of Zimbabwe's

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters AlertNet (Secular) 14/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The cruel statement of Maria Antoinette is so widely known of the suffering, starving, dying, persecuted French people below her husband: "Let them eat cake". She was not referring to deliciousness of chocolate cake, though when we first hear it we think she is. She is referring to the crumbs which fall in the making of bread loaves- and SADC has done this to Zimbabwe. Instead of wanting Democracy, it seems we just desire the Zimbabwean people to die quietly, and if the Latest UN reports are true of the food crisis, as compared their aid budget- this is exactly what will happen. The problem of African suffering may finally be starved of the map of world politics, rather than be solved, as we herald the colour of first world politicians- despite not giving justice to Africa. Finally, the world has found a solution- to get rid of the symptom, them people who are dying. The Irish are said by some to have invented the hunger strike- to die on a person's doorway. Perhaps, without the MDC, and the media- the Zimbabwean people would not be permitted even protests, as Southern Africa plays political poker with the dying.

The MDC have withdrawn from the quick fix of ousted South African President Thabo Mbeki- to the Zimbabwean nation's problem, as the entire region seems to have sided with Mugabe.

Simply put- a mediator must be accepted by both sides, or kicked out- but Zimbabwean mediator- Mbeki has been rejected, both by his own communist leaning political party, and by the MDC as partisan from the start. As Mugabe wants to control both army and police, and continues to attack and persecute MDC supporters, the MDC only desired control of the police, as Mugabe had the army. The SADC leaders refused this, and allowed the persecution by police to continue, with the MDC, with majority vote- being but token politicians against an unfair deal.

So they have withdrawn, which is very politically wise- and may even save but a few lives- as the SADC region allows a genocide against the Zimbabwean people to continue unabated, through hunger, and even direct killing, and via arrests, and monkey acts.

Africa- Sub-Saharan Africa- Zambia- New President elected- police arrest Priest live on Catholic Radio- alleging he alleged a rigged election

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. BBC World News 13/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

After getting in narrowly, and replacing the Patriotic Front temporary President- President Ruphiah Banda (Movement for Multi-Party Democracy), of Zambia- has anointed his office, with the arrest of a Catholic priest, while the priest was live on Radio Icengelo, which the BBC says is church owned. The priest is alleged to have should we call it- caused tension through allegedly saying the recent election in Zambia was rigged. Creating antagonism in Zambia is apparently illegal, allowing for an arrest.

The Priest has been charged with inciting animosity between people, and of claiming that the recent elections were rigged. The opposition Patriotic Front has alleged a rigged election in the country, however- the Catholic Radio station is not confirming or denying whether or not the priest actually joined allegations, or if he alleged a "rigged" election. Father Frank Bwalya simply replies- "innocent until proven guilty". In an opposition stronghold, hundreds marched to see him freed. He was released on a police "bond" (I am guessing bail), and will appear in court on November 27th.

It is uncertain if the priest was airing the view at all, or for that matter whether or not the church believes the elections to be rigged. Sometimes priests do in fact support unjustly political causes, but if the priest did say this on a Catholic Owned Radio station, then there may be some credence to wider support of his statements in the church- if they were made at all.

Otherwise, this could be a sign of government repression of freedom of speech. His program was analyzing elections, and he called for calm when released. All one can do with these facts is speculate until more is known.

Rwanda- Germany kicked out over arrest of Rwandan official- Germany joins France, and the Catholic church in being apposed by the Rwandan President

(Social Justice South Africa; Scripturelink Voters guide; c.f. Reuters (Secular) AlertNet 11/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Germany is set to join France, the Catholic Church, and Rwanda's French speaking citizens on the list of people snubbed by the Rwandan government,an African administration accused by Congolese officials of funding an insurgency in their neighboring country- the DRC, an illegal conflict, which is strictly damaging the region, and aid efforts.

Rwanda's president is wanted by a French court, to face charges in the Hague for the murder of his predecessor, a death which caused the Rwandan genocide. A top aid was arrested by Germany in efforts to try the aid for the same plane crash incident. Rwanda's military's involvement in the DRC is confirmed as possible by representation of their government, who say proving it is another thing. The BBC reported of an incident of Rwandan troops firing at a United Nations attack helicopter in the neighboring Dr Congo, and others also give varying accounts. The Rebels in the DR Congo are of the tribe attacked in the genocide, and many of their victims are of the tribe which was largely seen as aggressive in the 1994 Genocide. Rwanda's president denies claims by parties including United Nations sources of involvement in the war in their neighboring nation, even as rebels in Congo claim to be there to fight Rwanda's own rebels. The requests involving solving the murder of the 1994 president of Rwanda, is the source of much of the Rwandan cuttings of ties.

French was recently removed as an official language in Rwanda, and government departments, and schools may no longer use this language. Since the French called for justice involving the Genocide, they, along with the Catholic church have suddenly been accused of involvement in the Genocide, by Rwanda's justice system.

Mbeki to quit politics- form pressure group

(Scripturelink Voter's Guide ; c.f. News 24 (Secular) 31/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Beeld is reporting that E-x-President Thabo Mbeki will not be endorsing either ANC group- which is good news for those apposing the abortion policies of our government. Instead he will create a political pressure group.

For the full story, we have linked to news 24 who have posted the Beeld's story, it may be seen in our c.f. (See also) link at the top of this article.

Caritas Internationalis- The weekend's and week's fighting- is at time when fields are used to sow crops, refugee camps past capacity- needs desperate

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas Internationalis 28/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella body of over 160 Catholic aid agencies, is asking, as they had at earlier stages for a desperate 1.5 million US dollars, in order to supply basics, such as blankets, or hygiene products, to over 90 000 people, in the Eastern DRC. Refugee camps have breached capacity, as another 30 000 people are heading for Goma, as two more towns fell to foreign backed Kivu rebels.

Refugees are sleeping at relatives, schools and government buildings- as humanitarian organizations are ill-funded to adequately sort out this problem, and as the UN task team continues to lose ground against the Human Rights abusing, criminal rebels, who recently broke an UN sponsored peace treaty.

As the situation continues to worsen- Caritas Internationalis is warning of lack of food and water, and hygiene necessities among refugees. There have already been several outbreaks of disease this year, worsened by combatants raiding the medical supplies of humanitarian organizations.

Caritas Internationalis, who have a proven record of dealing with, and stabilizing humanitarian situations, and of supporting the poor- claiming that their work is "Justice, not Charity", in their motto- have warned that until areas are secured, refugees cannot return to their villages- also they have noted the dire fact, that these battles will prevent crops being planted when they should be- and help contribute to food security problems in the region. They are asking for the world to mobilize, and for those responsible for this infringement on Congo's sovereignty, and on human rights and dignity- to be held responsible for their unspeakable actions.

DRC- another town falls to Rebels- despite UN insistence they would halt advance- Rebels claim

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular) 28/10/08; South African Catholic 28/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

On Monday, the UN force, MONUC, was attacking rebel positions outside of Goma, following the falling of another town to the Human Rights abusing, foreign backed, criminal, Kivu Rebels. On Tuesday the UN force was vowing to protect urban areas. By the end of Tuesday, the town of Rutshuru had, if claims of the Rebel forces are to be given any credence, already been the latest victim of the rebel onslaught, as tens of thousands were likely forced to flee, or face the wrath of the infamous foreign backed rebel group- who don't blink at killing UN forces, or volunteers. The UN is claiming that rape and mutilation of sexual organs are weapons of war in the DRC, where children are captured, kidnapped, and forced to fight, even addicted to drugs to ensure loyalty.

The rebels, under their leader Nkunda, accused of human rights abuses, and normal criminal activities, including fraud and kidnapping, and use of child soldiers, also known as the "National Congress for the Defense of the People", or "CNDP" have abused their status as Tutsi- in order to pretend that this is an ethnic conflict.

DRC- Congo- Aid workers evacuated as Human-Rights-abusing- rebels advance further

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular) 28/10/08)

Article By Marc Aupiais

As the nation's Tutsi rebels advance further towards a regional captial against the Government forces in the eastern DRC, the United Nations, is pulling out about 50 aid workers from various charitable organizations from a town close to rebel forces, which is an aim of recent aggressions. Attack helicopters of the UN mission in the DRC recently attacked rebels positions with strategic air power- however the rebels responded with anti-aircraft barrages.

The rebels continue to fight government forces despite a recent treaty. The leader of the group currently advancing is wanted for fraud, use of child soldiers, illegal mining and human rights violations, but has yet to be advanced on by the recognized DRC government. Since the DRC gained a constitution via referendum, and has also had an election, the dynamics of the moral high ground have been shifting. The United Nations firmly states that they will do all in their power not allow further encroachment on urban areas by the infamous Kivu rebels, and that they will defend the nearby town with force.

The town, that the Rebels now want to launch an offensive against, Rutshuru, is home to tens of thousands of internal refugees fleeing violence caused largely by the advancing rebels. Recent attacks on a nearby town sent about 20 000 refugees fleeing for life, towards the provincial capital- Goma.

Africa- Uganda- Agenzia Fides- African Nations meet to discuss ideas of free-trade area throughout Africa

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 22/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As other sources also have since confirmed to have occurred, Agenzia Fides, on Wednesday the 22 reported on a meeting in Uganda, by Regional Representatives throughout Africa- to discuss among other subjects, the possible creation of a free-trade area throughout Africa.

Other issues covered included the improvement of infrastructure to allow this.