Category: Internal Affairs

The President of the Republic, João Lourenço on Monday will chair the second ordinary meeting of the National Security Council, in Luanda, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.

According to a press release to which ANGOP had access on Sunday, the meeting will address the country’s political-military, public security and human rights situation.

The meeting agenda also includes the consideration of the National Security Bill, among other issues linked to the Intelligence and State Security Services.

The National Security Council is made up of 23 members, namely the Vice-President of the Republic, the presidents of the National Assembly, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Military Court, the Attorney General of the Republic, the Minister of State and Chief of the Military House of the President of the Republic.

Also included are the ministers of State and head of the Civil House of the President of the Republic, for Economic Coordination and the Social Area, as well as the ministers of National Defense, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Country, Interior, Foreign Relations, Finance, Territorial Administration and Justice and Human Rights.

The council also includes the chief of the General Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, general commander of the National Police, head of the State Information and Security Service, head of the Military Intelligence and Security Service, General Director of the External Intelligence Service, inspector general of the State Administration and the director general of the Criminal Investigation Service.

Guest members and a technical group made up of other entities involved in the area of national security also participate in the meeting.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Alhaji Muhammed Shehu, says that political office holders in Nigeria do not earn outrageous emoluments as speculated by Nigerians.

Shehu made the announcement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN reports that Nigerians recently condemned reports on a proposed 114 per cent increase in salaries of political office holders by the commission, amid what they described as biting economic hardships in the country.

Shehu described information about the salary increase as not true.

He, however, said that it was the constitutional responsibility of RMAFC to determine and review the salaries of executive, legislative and judicial officers.

He said that their salaries were last reviewed in 2007.

“From 2008 till date there had not been any single review.

“Last year, some individuals took the Federal Government to court. These were some activists concerned about the salaries of judicial officers.

“In the court, the judge ruled that a judge should be paid about N10 million a month, that was the court ruling,” he said.

He said that the commission would not contemplate the speculated increase now, considering the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

“We are Nigerians, we are not going to start talking about reviewing salaries of political office holders now because of the challenges that the government is facing.

“As a commission, we are going to do our work but we are not going to say we will do it now.

“We will do it when the climate is right and then we will take it forward to the stakeholders for them to decide on what to do.

“I want to disabuse the minds of Nigerians. It is not true that people are getting jumbo salaries.

“The monthly salary of Mr President is less than N1.5 million; that of a minister is not even up to one million naira.

“I know of an average CBN worker that is not even a director, who earns more than a minister.

“People in NNPC, NCC, ports authority earn huge salaries. What is the salary of a governor? What is the salary of a legislator?”

The chairman said that what people considered as outrageous earnings by lawmakers were statutory office running costs, which should, ordinarily be managed centrally by the National Assembly Service Commission.

“I know some people will say members of the National Assembly get up to 10 million or 11 million monthly.

“Those are not salaries, they are like operating cost of running their offices which in other societies the legislator does not have to see because there is a structure.

“Once you get elected, you make that structure from your constituency office to computers to logistics to the size of your constituency.

Shehu said, “wherever you have constituency office, the workers you hire, it is the National Assembly Service Commission that is supposed to take care of that.

“But the Nigerian system allows the legislator to be given a certain amount and then he deals with that and retires the receipts,” the RMAFC chief said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Assembly Speaker, Carolina Cerqueira, said Saturday that she is confident that a sense of duty, parliamentary ethics and resilience will contribute to a democratic, prosperous, peaceful and socially just Angola.

In a message addressed to Angolan parliamentarians, one year after the inauguration of the deputies elected in 2022, Carolina Cerqueira said that exercising the legislative function is a noble mission that requires everyone to respect the dignity of every Angolan.

“Although it is democratic to disagree when the interests and values we embrace and believe in are confronted, ethics and understanding must prevail in the exercise of our right or power, never making disrespect prevail in debates and actions, always endeavouring to solidify parliamentary plurality, maintain decorum and respect for institutions as a constitutional duty,” the message reads.

According to the parliamentary leader, in this first year of the fifth parliamentary term, the deputies have proved that it is possible to overcome difficulties and that all means of political consultation must be exhausted, respecting differences in order to find consensus in favour of the best decisions for the well-being of the people.

Carolina Cerqueira said that in the face of the immeasurable challenges on the parliamentary agenda, in a complex international and internally challenging context, tolerance, serenity and everyone’s commitment to social peace and political peace must prevail in favour of democracy, understanding and respect for difference.

“It is in the face of this challenge that we once again call on the Angolans we represent to defend the public interest, with respect for the Constitution and the laws in force,” she stressed.

The National Assembly has 220 deputies elected in the 2022 general elections.

The ruling MPLA obtained 51.17%, electing 124 deputies, against UNITA’s 43.95%, which elected 90 deputies.

The Social Renewal Party (PRS) came third with 1.14 per cent of the vote and elected two deputies.

In fourth place was the FNLA (National Front for the Liberation of Angola), with 1.06% and two seats in the National Assembly. Also with two deputies, but 1.02%, was the PHA (Humanist Party of Angola)

Source: Angola Press News Agency

Late Ambassador Hadino Hishongwa was a hero, kind-hearted, loving, trustworthy and a mentor who left indelible footprints as a diplomat for Swapo in West Africa, the former West Germany, Australia and the Nordic countries during the 1970s.

These were the words of President Hage Geingob to describe the late Hishongwa at a memorial service held in his honour at Onekwaya in the Endola Constituency of the Ohangwena Region on Friday.

Geingob in a speech read on his behalf by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, said through his commitment and sterling efforts, Swapo was able to receive Volvo vehicles from Sweden which enabled the party to be mobile and therefore aided their Liberation Struggle greatly.

Later on, in the 1980s, he opened a Swapo Office in Austria and the Pacific countries as the Swapo Chief Representative after which he returned to Angola and was again appointed as Swapo’s secretary for youth in 1987.

“Even though at this stage he was 44 years old and no longer technically a youth, Swapo trusted him because he was a tried, tested, loyal and disciplined cadre who was committed and best suited to advancing the issues of the party youth cadres,” he said.

Hishongwa’s widow Ester Nghishiiko-Hishongwa described her late husband as a hardworking person, who entertained no laziness in any form or shape.

Nghishiiko-Hishongwa stated that hard work for her late husband was like a hobby, and any time he decided to do something he would stand up and do it.

“He was a man of great stamina, and when he starts doing something, he will press on until he accomplishes it even if it means it was not perfectly done,” she added.

Nghishiiko-Hishongwa indicated that her late husband was among those who restored the Oukwanyama Kingdom.

Meanwhile, mourners after mourners described Hishongwa as a gift not only to his family but the Namibian people at large, an educator and inspiration to many people.

Hishongwa served as the Swapo Chief Representative to the Nordic countries, West and East Africa, Swapo Organiser for Returning Exiles, for Youth and Elections and Foreign Secretary of the National Union of Namibian Workers.

He also served in Namibia’s Executive as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, Deputy Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development and has been a member of the National Assembly for 15 years.

Following his retirement from public office, Hishongwa went on to serve the community as Senior Headman of Omhedi District in the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority until his passing aged 80 on 01 September 2023.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

President Hage Geingob on Monday said corporal punishment has no place in the modern world while urging learners to take their studies seriously.

Geingob made the remarks while engaging learners and teachers from the Tsumeb English Medium School, Ontana Combined School, and Nehale Secondary School who toured State House.

Geingob said he has always opposed corporal punishment, even when he was a teacher prior to independence, and urged teachers to instead get involved.

He implored learners to study hard, saying that education opens doors.

“Education can also make us. I was born on a farm and as a farm worker, I became a teacher and president of the country because of education,” he said.

During the interaction, the learners asked the president questions on different topics, including what he considered to be his greatest success as president thus far.

Maintaining peace and stability since Namibia’s independence was the greatest achievement, he responded, noting that it was, however, “the collective work of many people,” some of whom the learners never heard about, but they are the ones who have been delivering.

On his part, Johannes Fillemon, a science teacher from Ontana Combined School in Onyuulaye circuit in the Oshikoto Region, said the visit to the State House was an opportunity for learners to meet the Head of State in person.

They were also expected to visit various institutions in Windhoek, including the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) and the University of Namibia (Unam).

“This is very helpful, especially when visiting the Nust and Unam campuses. Like our school, we don’t have a physical science laboratory. I am a science teacher, but when I teach, I have to improvise, like showing them some videos, so by visiting these campuses, they will actually get to see how things work, and we are going to do some practicals,” he said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

The Imo Sate National and State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, has nullified the election of a member of the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Tribunal also ordered National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days.

This was contained in a unanimous decision on Sunday by a three-member panel of the Tribunal 3, which conducted its proceedings in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

It held that Ugochinyere was not validly nominated by the PDP to contest the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency election that held on Feb. 25.

In its lead judgment delivered by its Chairman, Justice Anthony Akpovi specifically directed the electoral body to conduct the supplementary poll.

He said the supplementary poll should be in 55 polling units, where elections did not hold on Feb. 25.

It held that the PDP and its candidate should be excluded from the supplementary election.

The judgment followed a petition that was lodged before the tribunal by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Abazu Benson.

It will be recalled that INEC had declared the PDP candidate, Ugochinyere, as winner of the election with a total of 13, 026 votes.

Whereas the candidate of the labour Party (LP), Chigozie, came second with 5,696 votes, the petitioner who was sponsored by the APC, came third with a total of 2, 368 votes.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, the APC candidate filed a petition wherein he contended that Ugochinyere was not qualified to participate in the election.

The petitioner, among other things, argued that all the votes that were credited to the PDP candidate amounted to wasted votes.

He told the tribunal that contrary to the express provision of the Electoral Act, the PDP conducted its primary election in a venue that was outside the constituency.

The tribunal stressed that documentary and oral evidence that was laid before it, established that the primary election of the PDP conducted on May 25, 2022, which produced Ugochinyere was outside the constituency.

It was held at Aladinma Shopping Mall, a location that was outside Ideato North/South Federal Constituency.

Relying on the provisions of section 84 (5) (c)of the Electoral Act 2022, the tribunal held that PDP’s primary election was invalid.

It held that a valid candidate could not have emerged from an invalid primary election.

“Failure of the 3rd respondent (PDP) to abide by the sacrosanct provision of the Electoral Act invalidated its sponsorship of the 2nd respondent,” Justice Akpovi held.

The tribunal maintained that for a primary election to be valid, it must be done in compliance with section 29 (1) of the Electoral Act.

It held that in view of the fact that Ugochinyere was not validly nominated, he was therefore not qualified as at the time the House of Reps election held.

More so, the tribunal held that owing to the principle of margin of lead, candidate of the LP, Chigozie, could but be declared the winner of the seat.

Since INEC admitted that it could not hold election in 55 polling units in the constituency, owing to activities of unknown gunmen.

It therefore, directed INEC to conduct supplementary poll in the remaining polling units with all the parties participating, except the PDP.

Other members of the panel that concurred with the lead judgment, were; Justices Usman Kudu and Ibrahim Mohammed.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A former member of the House of Representatives, Robinson Uwak, says it is time for President Bola Tinubu-led government to embark on reconciliation following the victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).

Uwak, who represented Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Ure-Offong/Oruko and Udung-Uko Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom at the 7th Assembly, made the call on Sunday in a statement in Abuja

The ex-lawmaker congratulated the president and his team, saying, “the judgment has cleared doubts about the conduct of the 2023 presidential election.”

He appealed to the government to explore more opportunities for reconciliation and a broad development coalition in the interest of the country.

Uwak further advised the government to embark on projects that would accelerate the development of the country and enhance the living standards of the people.

Examining the economic situation in the country, he advised the government to spend its way out of the situation by embarking on capital projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Justice Haruna Tsammani-led presidential election tribunal had, on Wednesday, affirmed President Tinubu’s victory at the Feb. 25 presidential election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

NAN reports that in its over-12-hour-long judgment, the panel of judges led by Tsammani dismissed all three petitions challenging Mr Tinubu’s election in his lead judgement.The rest of the members of the panel – Stephen Adah, Misitura Bolaji-Yusuf (the only female on the bench), Moses Ugo, and Abbah Mohammed – took their turns to also adopt the reasoning and conclusion of the lead judgment .

The petitioners were Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was declared as the first runner-up in the election; Peter Obi of the Labour Party, the second runner-up, and the All Peoples Movement (APM).

The panel unanimously stressed the total lack of credible evidence adduced by the petitioners to support their cases and described some of the legal arguments of Atiku and Obi as “fallacious and ridiculous”.

“From the foregoing, therefore, it is very clear and certain that the petitioners have failed to prove that the 2023 presidential election and the return of the 2nd respondent (Tinubu) was invalidated by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022,” Tsammani declared.

The declaration came at a point in the unusually drawn-out proceeding when members of the members of the audience in the packed courtroom had reduced by almost half. (INEC).

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Labour Party (LP) has appointed Rep. Tochukwu Okere as the chairman of its Imo governorship campaign council, ahead of the Nov. 11 poll.

Chief Chime Nzeribe, the Director-General of the Sen. Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Nzeribe said that Okere, who represent Owerri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, would be assisted by Mathew Nwogu, Chikwem Onuoha and Chika Mmadumere who would all serve as the Deputy Chairmen.

He said that the constitution of the Campaign Council was to strategise for the governorship election.

“Our campaign is in full gear and we are very prepared to take back Imo, hence we are inaugurating our campaign council made up of eminent people of Imo and great party men,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Swapo Party deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has encouraged party members to desist from spreading inaccurate information, specifically referring to members who are advocating for an extra-ordinary congress.

Herunga, during a ground-breaking ceremony for the Tallismanus party office in the Otjombinde Constituency on Saturday, cautioned party members to be cognisant of “some party members” who want the party to have an extra-ordinary congress to vote for a party presidential candidate for the 2024 presidential election.

“These members include senior party members. As the deputy secretary general of the party, I want to make it clear that we are fresh from the renewal of our mandate, we have elected our Swapo Party leaders at all levels, and we are guided by the constitution of the party and other documents,” he said.

“People are asking how we arrived at the sole presidential candidate, dear comrades before the party congress everybody, every Swapo Party member, knew that the Swapo member who becomes vice president of our party will automatically become the presidential candidate,” he added.

At the same occasion, Swapo vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah applauded party leadership and members in the Otjombinde Constituency and encouraged them to work hard and recruit more members for the party.

“The new Swapo leaders are ready to serve with commitment, dedication and honesty,” she assured the members, adding that for members to fulfil the last congress solution they should long for unity of purpose.

“As national leaders we are obliged to protect the Swapo constitution, rules and regulations and to implement the decision taken by our elective congress, being the highest decision-making body of our party,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

The party welcomed 122 new members from Otjombinde while members and sympathisers pledged N.dollars 174 300 for the construction of the party office in Tallismanus.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Inspite of nation’s challenges, Nigeria’s 24 years of uninterrupted power is an affirmation of the country’s thriving democracy.

The National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Ms Gloria Akobundu, made this known at a one-day symposium on Elections Monitoring and Observation tagged 2023 General Election and Way Forward, in Abuja.

”The 2023 general elections, which marked 24 years of the country’s unbroken democracy in a stretch, since its independence, was a major milestone.

“I have never seen a country that the military governed and they were able to build their country back.

“I have never seen any country where there are instability and the military were able to consolidate development and economic growth.

“That is why it is important that we need to first celebrate Nigeria for ensuring that democracy stands in our nation and that is why we need to encourage democratic processes to enable us realise the Nigeria we all want.

“We need to join hands with our leaders to make it better, we do not need to compare ourselves with the Western world,” she said.

On the key objective of the symposium, she said that it was important to x-ray how well its campaign and sensitisation prior to the election, had an impact to the peaceful conduct of elections in the country.

She said that it would also build capacity of relevant stakeholders on managing pre and post electoral crisis for sustainability of the National Programme of Action (NPoA) and Country Review Report (CRR) recommendations.

Also speaking, Mr Abdulkarim Chukkol, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the commission’s effort in combating voter inducement, sent strong shivers to those involved in the act.

Chukkol, represented by Mr Adariku Michael, said that the EFCC deployed its operatives across the country to prevent the issue of vote-buying and selling and it was able to arrest, investigate and prosecute those found wanting.

He recommended that for the country to get it right, there was need for continuous sensitisation of voters on the short, medium and long term effect of selling their votes.

“Selling votes brings bad governance, Nigerians must desist from this act.

“There is also need to amend our legal reform to make stiffer punishment for offenders.

“There is need for close monitoring of elections by security agencies by making their presence well felt in every polling unit.

“It is also important that we have a strategic planning and deliberate implementation of cashless policy, this will sure help in reducing voters inducement,” he said.

For his part, Mr Omotade Folorunso, Director, Corps Welfare and Health Services, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), said it was important to deploy adequate security personnel to hard-to-reach communities in the country.

He said that though the corps did not lose any corps member in the last election, it was however important to deploy adequate security to protect the lives of the adhoc personnel in subsequent elections.

He however called for an upward review of renumeration given to the corps members participating in subsequent elections.

The Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Ayodele Adeleke, added that in tackling logistics problems in future elections, INEC should make adequate provisions for transportation of materials to all the polling units in the country.

Adeleke, represented by Dr Adegboyega Kareem, Director, Research, NISS, added that simulation exercise in this regard, with all the critical stakeholders must be carried out to identify loopholes and proffer solutions before the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance, representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Army, FRSC, NSCDC, among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Tukur Buratai, says the victory of President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Elections Petition Court has reinforced triumph of democracy.

Buratai, who is also a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, Wednesday’s verdict of the court validating the election victory of Tinubu not only upholds the principles of justice and fairness but also reinforces the triumph of democracy.

He congratulated the President on the victory and called on all Nigerians to actively engage in the democratic process, adding that each citizen must embrace their civic duty and contribute to the betterment of our nation.

“Together, we can build a stronger society where the voice of every individual is heard and respected.

“Let us all unite under the banner of democracy and strive towards a brighter future for our nation.

“While political affiliations often divide individuals into different parties, it is crucial to recognise that once elected, there can only be one president at a time.

“It is, therefore, essential for all citizens, regardless of their party affiliations, to unite and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Buratai said.

He said that by setting aside our differences and working together towards a common goal, we can foster a sense of unity and ensure the effective functioning government.

“It is through this collective effort that we can maximise the potentials for positive change and encourage the development of policies that benefit the entire nation.

“It is essential for us to acknowledge that, despite our varying political affiliations, we all share a common objective – the advancement of our nation,” he said.

The former army chief said that success of any political party hinged on its ability to serve the interests of the people, uphold democratic principles and promote unity.

He urged all Nigerians to concentrate on matters of utmost importance and engage in productive discussions that would bring about positive transformation.

He said that every segment of the society played a crucial role in the peace, development, security, and progress of the country, adding that states and local government administrations were particularly essential in this endeavour.

He explained that states and local governments, being the closest level of government to the people, bore the responsibility of effectively providing essential services, maintaining law and order, and promoting economic growth within their respective jurisdictions.

According to him, by working in tandem with the Federal Government, states and local governments can address the unique needs and concerns of their communities, fostering a sense of inclusivity and empowerment.

“Their involvement in policy-making and implementation allows for a more comprehensive approach to national development, ensuring that every citizen can benefit from the advancements and opportunities that arise.

“Therefore, the states and local government administrations must carry out their responsibilities efficiently as they form the backbone of our nation’s progress and prosperity,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Democracy is simply put as the government of the people, by the people and for the people while government is said to be responsible for creating and enforcing the rules of a society, defence, foreign affairs, the economy, and public services.

Governance similarly refers to structures and processes that are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation.

In a lecture titled “What is Democracy” in 2004, Larry Diamond posited that democracy as a system of government should have some basic elements such as a system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; and active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life.

Others are the protection of the human rights of all citizens and a rule of law in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.

These four major elements can be used as a yardstick to determine the strength of a democracy in a society because they contained the main ingredients that would bring much good to the majority of people through accountability and transparency.

Recently, at a webinar on the State of Democracy organised by the West African Elders Forum, an initiative of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the body urged African leaders to put citizens’ welfare, peace, and security at the centre of governance in order to consolidate democracy in the region.

With the theme, “Making meaning of democratic reversals in West Africa” the participants examined the challenges to democratic governance in the region and how best to advance democracy amid the growing trend of coups and unconstitutional change of government.

The speakers at the virtual meeting also urged governments, regional and sub-regional bodies, to invest more in citizen-centric initiatives that would help serve as a buffer against threats to democracy.

They also called for strengthening democratic frameworks in countries to ensure accountability and guarantee free and credible elections.

The panellists noted that a decline in the region because of the poor state of governance had led to frustration and trust deficit between citizens and government.

They called for the rethinking of democracy in the continent to address citizens’ contemporary realities.

After the recent coup in Niger Republic, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government rose against such unconstitutional takeover of democratically elected government and expressed the fear that if not properly handled it would form a pattern in the region.

President Bola Tinubu, who is the current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, strongly condemned the situation and called for the immediate reinstatement of the dethroned President Mohamed Bazoum, while putting in place several sanctions against the military leaders including the use of military actions as a last resort.

“We will not allow coup after coup in the West African sub-region. We will take this up seriously with the African Union, European Union, America and Britain,” he said in his acceptance speech as the Chair, adding that “we will take it up, it is a challenge.”

Between August 2020 and now, five coups have occurred in three West African countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea with attempts in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau foiled.

Nigeria’s neighbour to the North, Chad, had an unconstitutional change of government led by Lt. Gen. Mahamat Idriss Déby after his father’s death in 2021.

Mr Tinubu noted that although democracy is very tough to manage, it is the best form of government and countries of the region should ascribe to it.

“I make a pledge here that in furtherance of our region’s economic recovery and growth, we will commit to democracy and promote democracy and the rule of law. I am with you and Nigeria, we are back,” he pledged.

Acknowledging that he is the new kid on the block, the new Nigerian president said ECOWAS must bite back and cannot sit as a toothless bulldog, adding that “we will work collectively to pursue inclusive economic integration of the sub-region.”

In an article, Sebastian Elischer, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Florida, examined four key variables and their influence on coup outcomes.

These are: the internal coherence of the armed forces, the ability of civil society organisations and political parties to mobilise against the junta, the deployment of donor leverage and trade dependency on regional and western partners.

Of these, he argues that the two that matter the most are: the internal cohesion of the military and the vibrancy of civil society groups.

Former Vice President Fatoumata Tambajang of the Gambia, who also runs a CSO, in her contributions at the webinar by the WAEF, attributed democratic reversal in the region to political leaders’ disregard for normative values of democracy and inability to deliver on their political promises.

“It is time to rethink democracy within our context. First of all, what are the factors leading to democratic decline?

“The context in the Sahel is complex because we have civil leaders who are not ready to respect the constitutions and civil institutions. They are also not ready to deliver on their democratic promises.

“Most of our leaders believe that after soliciting for votes and getting victory at the polls, they forget to deliver their promises to the people. Citizens are getting more aware and saying they are tired of voting and not seeing results.

“They are saying we want decent lives; we want food in our homes; we want security and competent people in the civil service who can deliver on services. They are equally saying we want equal opportunity, gender equality,” Tambajang said.

Also, Mr Remi Ajibewa, former Director, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security at Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Commission, suggested that ECOWAS should focus more on citizens than incumbent presidents.

Ajibewa highlighted the many initiatives ECOWAS had done to safeguard democracy in the sub-region.

“We intend to see civilian coups, which manifest in referendums, popular uprising, military-assisted transition, and constitutional review after the election. It’s not that ECOWAS has not been doing well. It is a problem of perception.

“Citizens within the continent see ECOWAS as a body more interested in securing the regime of incumbent presidents and not working for the people’s interests. ECOWAS needs to move from ECOWAS of the government to ECOWAS of the people,” he said.

Ajibewa also said that safeguarding democracy in the continent required collective effort and urged stakeholders to work towards protecting and promoting democracy in the region.

“All of us, from civil society to member states, to ECOWAS, AU to the UN, all have a role to play. We need to mobilise to strengthen member states institutions to have a peaceful and inclusive electoral system,” Ajibewa said.

The Executive Director of Sahel Institute for Democracy and Governance, Mr Moussa Kondon, called on ECOWAS to redouble its efforts to protect democracy in the sub-region.

Kondon, also a panellist at the webinar, said that with ECOWAS, it was always negotiations and tonnes of negotiations while people were suffering.

“With globalisation, people have access to information and are more informed than before. ECOWAS must proactively engage and uphold its relevant instruments, especially those promoting democracy and good governance,” he said.

The Executive Director, GJF, Ann Iyonu, described the views and opinions of the participants as not only commendable but enlightened and useful in addressing the menace.

Iyonu expressed GJF continued commitment to supporting and promoting critical projects and discussions that are capable of promoting good governance and deepening of democracy in Africa.

“We at GJF we’ll continue to do the work we do on the foundation and try to protect the integrity of our democratic process.

“I assure you that on behalf of the Foundation and WAEF we remain committed to ensuring that democracy strives not only in the West Africa sub-region but the Africa continent.

Mr Ismail Abdulaziz, a senior editor with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), in his contribution, called on CSOs to strengthen democracy in Africa through the enlightenment of people and the leaders on what constitutes good governance.

“There is also need for the CSOs to hold power to account and to get the buy-in of the ruling party by not acting as alternative government.”

Abdulaziz believed that WAEF was also growing into respectable leader’s views in having good governance and constitutional government in the region.

“As democracy evolve in Africa, the issue of terms for leaders will be resolved and it will serve as a model for other democracies,” Abdulaziz said

Some analysts said that the major reasons for coups and its acceptance in Africa cannot be divorced from the lack of democratic dividends for the population.

They, however, added that in spite of peoples hope for a better future with the coupists, they may not deliver the expectations of the people in the region.

Other analyst believes that a true form of democracy with an inbuilt checks and balance through separation of powers among the different arms of government is another way to ensure that reversal of constitutionally elected governments did not continue to gain ground in the region.

Out of at least 242 successful military coups that have occurred globally since 1950, Africa accounts for the largest number at 106. This is a trend that need to be contained by all stakeholders.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of State for the Social Affairs Dalva Ringote Friday met with foreign diplomats in Angola to discuss issues related to the 3rd edition of the Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence – Luanda Biennial, to be held on November 22-24, 2023.

In her capacity as coordinator of the multi-sector commission, Dalva Ringote conveyed detailed information on the preparations for the event.

Luanda Biennial will bring together national and foreign personalities in Luanda and will focus on culture of peace.

During the meeting, the minister asked diplomats for contributions, as well as participation in actions planned before and during the event.

At the end of the meeting, she told the press that the event will focus on peace, security, education, human capital, which are crucial for the sustainable development of the continent.

The official also mentioned the gender issues, women’s participation in democratic processes and women’s empowerment.

“We want to ensure that the great themes that move the continent are taken into consideration by the Heads of State and Government who will be able to participate in the event ”, she said.

The minister said that conditions are being prepared for the successful completion of the event to be held under the motto “Education, Culture of Peace and African Citizenship, as Tools for the Sustainable Development of the Continent”.

It will contribute to three fundamental purposes, among which the implementation of the “Action Plan for a Culture of Peace in Africa/Let us Act for Peace”, adopted in March 2013, in Luanda.

The event was instituted by Decision 558/XXIV, adopted by the 24th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU in 2015, which directed the African Union Commission (AUC) to work, in concert with UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of Angola, for its materialization.

The Biennial of Luanda is an initiative of the Angolan Executive and takes place every two year

Source: Angola Press News Agency

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has urged all Okakarara residents to participate in and register for the next electoral process, which includes voter registration and the presidential and national assembly elections.

Beatrice Shililo, ECN regional voter education officer for the Otjozondjupa Region, told Nampa in an interview on Wednesday that the ECN is participating in this year’s Okakarara Annual Trade Fair to educate the town’s community through civic education.

She stated that voter registration will take place from January to March 2024.

Shililo noted that the ECN will also utilise the opportunity to teach the Okakarara community about their fundamental rights and freedoms, with the hope that once they have the appropriate knowledge, they will grasp the necessity of participating in the electoral process.

“Because of voter enthusiasm, we decided to do more civic education. We want to know why certain Namibians are refusing to participate in the voting process. We hope that by providing them with enough information, they would change their minds and participate,” she said.

She stated that for the upcoming elections, the ECN has abandoned the use of electronic voting machines in favour of the old system of using ballot paper, and she emphasised that residents should not be concerned because they will be well educated in advance in order to avoid rejected or spoiled ballot papers, as the ECN wishes for every vote to be recorded as a valid vote.

“Voting is extremely crucial. Namibians must understand that when they vote, they are electing the administration that will make decisions for the country. It is also always for Namibians’ desired improvements in the country to become a reality. Voting is Namibians’ only voice in a democratic country,” she said.

She further added that the duty of the voter education officers is to provide Namibians with the correct knowledge so that they can exercise their rights, but choosing the right leaders is entirely up to each Namibian, and it starts with getting involved and voting.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

With the evidence of the strong bonds of friendship, Angola and Cuba recently decided to further raise their bilateral relations, in search of a balance between the different levels of co-operation.

By Manuel Jerónimo, ANGOP journalist

As announced during the recently concluded state visit to Angola by Cuban President Miguel Mário Diaz-Canel Bermúdez, the two countries now want to put the citizen and the private sector at the centre of attention.

The two governments expressed their determination to continue deepening historical ties, with a new focus on raising the scope of socio-economic relations to the same level as “excellent political relations”.

Ensuring the generational transmission of the legacy of genuine brotherhood and solidarity between these two geographically distant peoples is another facet of the new paradigm proposed for the future of relations.

Bermúdez had been in Angola from 20 to 22 August this year on his first state visit to the country and the third by a Cuban leader, following those of his predecessors in March 1977 (Fidel Castro Ruz) and February 2009 (Raúl Castro Ruz) respectively.

In one of his speeches, Miguel Bermúdez, who has been in charge of Cuba since April 2018, said that the current political leaders of both countries have a responsibility to continue and strengthen the historic bonds of friendship that unite the two peoples.

According to the statesman, the talks he held in Luanda with his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, concluded that everything must be done to ensure that the new generations perpetuate the feeling of deep friendship already rooted in the current representatives of the two nations.

To this end, he said, the members of the current generation must ensure that the new generations “are born, grow, develop and also multiply this feeling of friendship, so that it really is indestructible, as everyone aspires to and as it has been until now”.

He said that the continued deepening of the historic ties between the two countries involves raising the scope of economic, commercial and financial relations to the same level as their “excellent political relations”.

Still, João Lourenço revived the recent past in which Angolans and Cubans together wrote “indelible pages in the history of Africa, particularly southern Africa”, merging in a common endeavour.

According to João Lourenço, both peoples poured their sweat, blood and tears into guaranteeing Angola’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, liberating the African continent from the Apartheid regime and restoring freedom and dignity to the peoples of the region.

At the most difficult moments in the history of the Angolan people, he recalled, Cuba was willing to take in and train young Angolans in different areas of knowledge.

As a result, he said, Angola today has “very well prepared” national staff, trained in Cuban schools, universities and military academies, or in the country by Cuban instructors and teachers.

In the view of the Angolan Head of State, the time is now to introduce a new model of bilateral cooperation adjusted to the new national and world realities and in which the private sector and citizens play a dynamic role within the framework of free enterprise.

According to João Lourenço, it is a question of giving bilateral cooperation a new paradigm aimed at high-level specialised exchange in critical areas of knowledge, through complementary practical mechanisms.

The Angolan statesman recognised that Cuba has been ingenious in its fight against the economic blockade to which for decades has been subject to.

Despite this blockade, he said, Cuba has shown “an impressive level of resilience” and the ability to find solutions for the survival of its people and the preservation of independence and national sovereignty.

First ambassador to Angola

Co-operation between the two countries dates back to the Cold War period, even before Angola’s independence.

After the proclamation of Independence on November 11, 1975, Cuba was the first country to send its diplomatic representative with full powers to the Angolan capital, Luanda, in the person of Ambassador Oscar Oramas.

Four days later (15 November 1975), Ambassador Oscar Oramas signed the agreement with José Eduardo dos Santos, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

This was followed a year later by the signing of the General Cooperation Agreement in February 1976, the year of the first state visit to Cuba by Angola’s first President, António Agostinho Neto, thus formalising the technical and military collaboration between the two countries.

Prior to this, Angola had already received the first Cuban military instructors to help it cope with the foreign invasion that was threatening the achievement of national sovereignty in competition with the dispute for power among the three liberation movements at the time (MPLA, FNLA, UNITA).

The first Cuban specialists arrived in Angola in October 1975. It is estimated that at least 450,000 Cubans, including military personnel, doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals spent 16 years in the country.

In other words, in the midst of the struggle for independence and the post-independence war against invasion by foreign forces, Cuba was already showing the first signs of rapprochement and solidarity for the defence and maintenance of Angolan sovereignty.

This was in the framework of the so-called “Operation Carlota”, which ended in 1991 with the departure of the last Cuban soldier, under the 1988 New York Accords, which led to Namibia’s independence in 1990 and the end of Apartheid in South Africa four years later (1994).

With the easing of military tension in the country, the cooperation model was reconfigured, focusing on the education and health sectors, before also encompassing the fields of energy, defence, security and industry.

In the field of diplomacy, the two countries have exchanged state visits on several occasions in both directions, since Agostinho Neto’s first trip to Cuba in 1976.

This was followed by trips by José Eduardo dos Santos in 2007 and 2014, and João Lourenço in 2019.

The first visit by a Cuban head of state to Angola was made by Fidel Castro Ruz in March 1977 and the second by Raúl Castro in February 2009.

Angolan teacher training

The training of Angolan teachers in Cuba dates back to the 1980s, with the first 845 professionals travelling to various levels and educational institutions.

Data from 2020 shows that of the 2,556 Angolan scholarship holders in training in Cuba, 77 are studying teaching at university level in various specialised establishments.

Until 2017, according to official information, Cuba received an average of 40 Angolan students for training in the areas of exact sciences and pedagogy at specialised centres in Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

Currently, there are 1,105 Cuban professionals in various locations around the country.

Over the decades, Cuba has also welcomed hundreds of Angolans, either individually or through government scholarships, in search of scientific knowledge in that Central American country.

Currently, of the 2,556 Angolan scholarship holders training in Cuba, 700 are being trained in medical sciences, including 50 in cardiology, heart surgery, internal medicine and general surgery.

Angolan government figures indicate that in 2018, 133 staff trained in Cuba returned to the country, in the specialities of medicine, computer engineering, electronics, biology, pedagogy, electronic telecommunications, law and others.

Under the General Cooperation Agreement, it is estimated that more than 40,000 Angolans have been trained in Cuba, in agriculture, health, construction, media, education, military, defence and security, transport and political science, music and theatre.

The National Health System has 2,644 health units, including 15 national hospitals, 25 provincial hospitals, 45 general hospitals, 170 municipal hospitals, 442 health centres, 67 maternal and child centres, 1,880 medical posts and 37 other facilities.

It is staffed by 69,816 workers, of whom 6,400 are doctors, 35,458 nurses and therapist technicians, 11,329 hospital support workers and 11,576 administrative staff

Source: Angola Press News Agency