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Feb. 8th, 2010

What Happened when Snow Fell in Washington.

mood: determined

Over the Weekend a Massive Blizzard Hit the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. It did have some impact on the Confused Eagle. While this was happening several interesting events took place that should impact the African Policy of the United States.

First of all there was an interesting incident in Rwanda. In previous postings This Blog has documented the attempts by the Security Forces of Rwanda to prevent the Democratic Green Party from actively organizing in the Country. Over the weekend it was announced that Joseph Ntawangundi an Advisor to Victorie Ingabire of the Opposition FDU (Union of Democratic Forces) was arrested. It was alledged that Mr. Ntawangundi was an active participant in the Genocide of 1994. This Charge was denied by Mrs. Ingabire who was herself targeted for an assault. President Kagame then issued a long statement accusing her of being a loud noise. Sadly I think that we will here more about this issue.

At the National Prayer Breakfast both Secretary of State Clinton and the President took time to Address that Horrible Anti-Homosexual Bill in Uganda. Congress has held hearings and passed Resolutions Condemning this Bill. Kudos to this act of Bipartisanship.

This is only the tip of the iceberg regarding Uganda. Press Freedom is a Concern. The Nation is an instigator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, There are internal conflicts as well. And over the weekend it came to Light that their Government is not particularly pleased with the New US Ambassador. It seems that He thinks that the Ugandan People actually have a Voice in how to run their Country. Where have we heard that before?..... I know it was in Kenya.

Speaking of Kenya, The Amicus Briefs that were filed to Stopped to the ICC Investigation in Kenya were found not to have any bearing on the case. Since there is an ICC Education team in Kenya it is expected that there may be an investigation. And in another situation With the UN Investigators holding Captain Camara responsible for the Soccer Stadium Massacre and His being Cleared by the Government shows that there are times that the ICC may be useful. The Guinea Situation needs to be investigated post haste.

I do have one point of Contention. The Congress has set aside funds in the Foreign Appropiations Bill for this year to monitor the upcoming Ugandan Elections. So why weren't similar funds set aside for the two crucial Elections that will occur within the next 4 months. They are the Presidential Elections in Sudan and the General Elections in Ethiopia. Both Elections will have a major influence on US Policy in Africa. Both Country have large Diaspora and Support Movements here in the US as well. But why overlook these situations?

Tension Alert: It seems that Botswana has recalled some Diplomats from Zimbabwe. The Government in Gabarone has bucked the trend among regional actors by actually taking a Hard Line against the Mugabe led Government. The Leaders in Botswana also have had close ties to the US as well. This may be an interesting situation as it develops over the next few weeks.
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Feb. 3rd, 2010

Regarding US Laws and the Congo

mood: creative

The Year 2010 has the potential to be a watershed year for Relations between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After a Decade that had the net result of Millions of People Killed, Raped and Left Homeless, The involvement of six neighboring states and the looting of Natural Resources change is possible in the DRC.

When Most People think of US Interests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the result leads to Tunnel Vision. At some point this month AFRICOM will begin training the Congolese Army (FARDC) at a Base near Kisangani. There are other concerns as well such as the Congo Conflict Minerals Act and the several efforts to address the serious problem that Women have as they are habitually targeted for Sexual Assault in the Eastern Part of the Country.

However there are already two Laws on the books that could offer some redress to creating a Sane US Policy towards the DRC. First lets dust off the History Books and go back to the days of the Kennedy Administration. At that time the Country had just achieved Independence from Belgium. And the United States Congress put in an interesting clause in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Section 105 of Public Law 109-456 hereby states: The Secretary of State is authorized to withhold assistance made available under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 other than Humanitarian, Peacekeeping and Counterterrorism Assistance, for a foreign country if the Secretary determines that the Government of the Foreign Country is taking actions to Destabilize the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It does make you wonder why this isn't being used against such erstwhile allies such as Rwanda and Uganda and for good Measure Angola and Zimbabwe. Where is Congress on this? Or Even the Secretary of State or better yet other African Activists?

While this point is being mulled over the effort to have S. 2125 aka the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief Security and Democracy Act of 2006 Implemented as well. Humanitarian Relief is a large issue in the DRC with various Militias from the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda literally setting up their own fiefdoms in the Eastern Part of the Country with the willing or unwilling complicity of the United States.

Sometimes the percieved problems with the Strategy of the United States can be resolved if previous Legislation were enacted upon. The Situation regarding the Congo is a perfect example of this. There were loud voices in the Activist Community demanding that the US take concrete steps to address the myriad of issues that plague the Country will all means short of Military Action. There were voices as well that did not want an American Military Response either.

So now that the old Law Books have been dusted off and that there is an apparatus in place to rein in some of the nefarious actors that are in the neighborhood the question is will any action be taken in Washington? And they should remember that people are watching........
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Jan. 25th, 2010

Points of Interest

mood: refreshed

We Are a Couple of Days away from the State of the Union Message. But there have been movement in a Couple of Crisis Situations where the United States has a role to play.......

First of all is Uganda again a source of Concern in Washington. In a Previous Post I reported that the House Foreign Affairs Subcommitee on Africa and Global Health held hearings on the Anti-Homosexual Bill moving through the Ugandan Parliament. Now there is word that Congress has directed the Secretary of State to Monitor the Upcoming Elections in Uganda that will occur in 2011.

The Framework for this was laid out in the Foreign Operations Appropiations for 2010. The Guidelines that are laid out state that the State Department has to prepare a Report every 120 Days until the Elections Take place. Then a Final Report will be prepared 30 Days after the elections take place. It makes you wonder why Uganda is getting the focus when there are other Elections that we should pay attention to take place like in SUDAN this coming April.

There is an interesting call by Congolese Advocates. They want full Implementation of S. 2125 aka the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security and Democracy Promotion Act of 2005. The reason that this Legislation is being pushed is that it was Introduced in the US Senate by none other than President Obama. This would have been a nice answer back in 2008 when the Republicans were asking " What Has He done in the US Senate?" Now its a good strategy for the Congolese to ask for Him to actually follow through with what He created.

Going back to Sudan. I have sources in Chad that have told me that JEM has received a shipment of 120 trucks and MILAN Missiles within the last week. With the Reports that the SPLM will boycott the Elections in Abeyi it does not bode well for the upcoming elections. Another question is begging to be asked. Are Chad and Sudan serious about Border Security or are they playing Lip Service Again? And President Bashir has stated that if Southern Sudan actually votes for Independence He will respect the outcome of the vote. What is He up to?

In the Central African Republic the Status of Charles Massi remains unknown. His wife and his Political Movement the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace Maintain that He was Tortured and Died in the Custody of the Government on Jan. 8th.  The Government has dismissed these claims as "Lies".

Some of the Stories that are developing now in Africa.....


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Jan. 21st, 2010

More Misdeeds in Africa

mood: contemplative

First of all there has to be an update to the Blog Post Interesting Arguments. The Main Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno-Ocampo will be in Washington on Feb. 4th. This could be the week before the Court Determines whether or not the Briefs filed last Tuesday have any Legal Merit. The Prosecutor has mentioned that He is determined not to let the Briefs filed delay Justice in Kenya.

Another Brief has been filed by Kenyan Women's Rights Groups. This Brief is supporting the Process Moving Forward at the Hague. I have also heard from some Kenyan contacts that a Kenyan Professor at Morgan State has confronted Professor Hiliare. The Attempts to contact Professor Cohn in San Francisco have not been successful at  this time.

Now there are investigations by the ICC into what is going on in Sudan, the Central African Republic, The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. There is ample reason to be concerned about the state of the Cases in the Congo however.

The Reports that General Nkunda will be extradited from Rwanda to the DRC sometime this year are good news if they can be verified. The Actions of the CNDP during the War need to be held accountable.  However the Lumbanga Case and its limited success and the Trials that began in November have raised concerns about the Fact that the cases so far eminate from actions that Have Occured in Ituri.

The Kivu Provinces which were the scenes of Military Operations by the UPDF and FARDC in one area and by FARDC and the RPF in another were margainally successful. Recently the Vice-President of the DRC gave an Interview where He accused FARDC of committing War Crimes in North Kivu. Will these charges be investigated as well? And where is General Nkunda? Is He being shielded by Kagame or has he been killed to keep him from being Prosecuted? it has been several Months since He has been seen in Public.

While there has been a legal effort to derail the Investigation in Kenya it appears that the ICC is not trusted in the DRC. Also some people are being shielded from Prosecution for various agendas. We know the Agendas that Rwanda and Uganda have for the DRC. Both Countries have Problems with War Crimes as well.

So who will ensure an Impartial Process in the Congo?


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Jan. 16th, 2010

Some Interesting Arguments

mood: chipper
First of All My Heart Goes out to those suffering in Haiti. The Rebuilding will be a long and ardous process.

I was doing some research on a follow to some the the concerns that I have raised regarding East Africa when a pair of articles caught my eye in Kenya. It seems that there are two different attempts to thwart the International Criminal Court from Investigating the Violence that plagued Kenya after the Controversial Presidental Elections in 2008.

One of the Groups is the International Association of Democratic Lawyers. This is an NGO based in Brussels. This is the first forway into Kenyan Politics that this group has made. There have been allegations made by Activists in Kenya that this group has links to as yet unnamed Members of the Kenyan Cabinet.

The Other Brief was Filed by Two American Professors. One Professor Max Hilaire is the Chairman of the Political Science Department at Morgan State University. One of his areas of Specialty is United Nations Law. The Other Person is William Cohn a Lawyer from San Francisco. Their Points of Contention are that the Events in Kenya did not meet the threshold for Crimes Aganist Humanity but were just " A Matter of Civil Unrest." The Other Point to be questioned is whether or not the Clause used to present the case was exaggerated.

The timing of these filings cannot be more interesting. They come a week after a Kenyan MP and Human Rights Activists gave a Press Conference regarding their Disappointment over "attempts" to delay this Process from Going Forward. At that time they suspected an unnamed Cabinet Member to be on the List of those perpetrators of the violence was behind the plot. The level of Tensions within Kenya are still simmering and could explode again during the next Presidential Elections.

It is good to see that the Anti-Homosexual Bill in Uganda has created such International Attention from Several Groups. But what about those in Malawi who are going through the same issue. Where are the vocal activists in this situation?

Word has emerged that the Sudan Military has launched a New Attack in Darfur. When will the World demand actions not words from Khartoum?

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Jan. 13th, 2010

Who is Paying Attention?

mood: creative

There are a series of situations that have been garnering the Attention of the World Media but sadly the US Media has dropped the ball. This has been occuring before the Tragedy that Continues to Unfold in Haiti. (They do need our Help they have suffered for too long.)

First of all is Guinea. The Country is teetering on the precipice of Civil War. Not only has the State Department said this but also the French Foreign Minister. According to reports Capt. Camara is going to recover from his wounds in Burkina Faso. From what I have been able to put together He needed assistance getting off the Aircraft. The Immediate Future does not look promising in Guinea.

Speaking of Burkina Faso They have been accused of providing Arms to the Rebels in Ivory Coast. Now they plan on sending in troops to ensure that the Often Delayed Elections can be held under Peaceful Conditions. You have to be kidding me. They wouldnt try to do this unless they can manipulate the situation into a result that they have predetermined that would be to the Benefit of Burkina Faso not Ivory Coast.

Recently US Special Envoy to Sudan Gen Scott Gration gave a Press Conference in Washington stating that He was Optimistic about the situation in Sudan. This flies against what recent Aid Agencies working in Southern Sudan have been saying. Where are the Wires Crossed? There is a legitimate concern that the Civil War can be reignited sometime after April. If that happens who will lead the call for his replacement? The Activists or the Republicans?

Speaking of Darfur and Chad. Why isnt the World Media Discussing the Reports that Chadian Rebels are using Northern Darfur as a Base of Operations? Or Even Better What about the Belgian Paratroopers assisting Rwandan and the FARDC near Dongo? And Israel has offered to assist Uganda as a result of Operation Lightning Thunder. Its going to be a busy Spring in Central Africa.
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Jan. 4th, 2010

The Ugandan Problem

mood: accomplished

Even since He seized Power back in 1986 President Museveni of Uganda has had reasonbly close ties with the United States.

In recent years Uganda has supported Key American Backed initiatives including sending Peacekeepers to Somalia. But He has enacted other Policies that contradict his image as an ally of the United States.

The First item that we have to be concerned with is the Horrible Anti-Homosexual Bill in the Ugandan Parliament. Not only does this make these Acts a Crime but also has the Ultimate Punishment ( The Death Penalty). The Bill also has a provision  that could punish landlords with 7 years in Prison for knowingly renting to Gay Tenants. Are they serious about doing this? I mean even the Evangelical Allies here in the US are backing away from this.

The Second Item is the current use of the UPDF. In the effort to "rein in" the LRA the Ugandan Military has deployed into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and Southern Sudan. These deployments along with the AU Mission in Somalia can be seen as Expansionist.

The Ugandan Intelligence Services have been really busy as well. It is believed that they have been manipulating the Peace Negotiations with the LRA. If that is the Case could they be Pulling the wool over the Eyes of those who have been advocating Justice for Northern Uganda. After All Why haven't the IDP camps in Northern Uganda been closed? Why hasn't Joseph Kony been captured?

Another Question that begs to be asked is why are there reports of A New Militia in the DRC getting support from Ugandans. The Ugandan Government has had meetings with their Congolese Counterparts regarding these reports. Ugandan Forces took part in the Civil War in the DRC and remain there to "gather intelligence". Tensions remain High with Kenya as well over some Islands that lie within Lake Victoria.

We cannot forget that the Kingdom of Buganda is threatening to secede from the Country as it is displeased with some of the Legislation moving through the Parliament.

Of Course this means that President Museveni and His Presidental Campaign could be where He wants to.

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Dec. 30th, 2009

More Concern Regarding Sudan

mood: chipper

As I stated in an earlier update the Upcoming Elections scheduled for April in Sudan are a Vital Concern for the United States. After All we brokered the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) that allows for the Presidential Elections.

Recently the Sudanese Parliament passed two Controversial Pieces of Legislation into Law. One Deals with the Referendum that will allow Southern Sudan to vote for Independence. The Other Law which is just as Critical Deals with the Security Forces of Sudan and the Powers that they Have.

Lets begin with the Security Forces. There have been serious allegations that during the long North-South Civil War that the Main Security Agency the NSS (National Security Service) Carried out Acts of Torture and Extrajudicial Executions while the conflict was underway. The New Law reduces the amount of time that a individual can be held by the NSS. However the current powers of arresting suspects and conducting search and seizure operations were not addressed. This raises the Concerns of the US regarding accountability.

An SPLM Official told Reuters that they are concerned that this law could lead to Voter Intimidation during the upcoming Elections which are scheduled for this Spring.

The Main Provision that is generating the Most Concern regards those who are originally from the South but Live in the North and how they will cast their ballots. Before it was removed from the Bill there was a Provision that those Southerners living in the North had to return to Southern Sudan to register to vote and cast their ballots there.

This raises concerns again that the ruling NCP (National Congress Party) feels that the provisions that were agreed to in 2005 are negotiable now. There have been several statements by the leadership of the South that if these elections do not go forward then they may declare Unilateral Independence.

The Situation in Sudan has not improved that much. Although there is little information regarding Janjiweed attacks in Darfur other actors such as Rebels from Chad and the LRA have moved into the region in order to launch attacks, and receive supplies. The Fact that the Comprehensive Policy Review by the Obama Administration took so long and created a firestorm on Capital Hill and amongst the Activist Community did not help matters any.

These Laws can be interpeted as the NCP trying to strengthen their hands prior to the election. The Leadership of the South has decried these efforts but other Opposition Parties have walked away from the Process itself by Boycotting the Votes. The Leadership of the South has not been paradigms of virtue either as the Situation in the South Continues to Struggle.

It will be an interesting time in Sudan in the Spring........


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Dec. 18th, 2009

Expectation for 2010

mood: accomplished
The Obama Adminstration will complete its First Year in Office on Jan. 20,2010. It has been an interesting time in African Politics and its effect on US Policy. Here are some things to watch out for in 2010.

Elections: All eyes in Washington are literally watching to see if the Elections in Sudan go forward as planned. There is some concern whether or not if they will occur at all. There is now an Arms Race between the North and the South, If there is any problems the Christian Dominated South may just go ahead and secede from the Country and wreck the Comprehensive Peace Accord (which Khartoum wants anyway). This election cycle must be scrutinized so all parties abide by the CPA.

Second Election that is just as important but has not been discussed in Official Washington but has caught fire in the Blogosphere is Ethiopia. Meles Zenawi has been a staunch ally of the United States to the point that he is accused of performing US Policy as a proxy. In Recent Weeks there was an announcement that Ethiopia would coordinate Strategy with the US regarding both Somalia and Darfur. the Last Election Cycle resulted in a Crackdown that was so severe that Congress tried to withhold Military Aid until the Human Rights Climate Improved. This is a situation that should not be ignored.

Third Election of interest is in the DRC. The Mandate for the UN Mission (MONUC) ends in June of 2010. President Kabila will use this and his Presidency of SADC to show that he is a strong vigorous leader. The Situation in the Eastern Part of the Country does not bear the case. This is a powderkeg.

There are two elections that need to take place. They are in Ivory Coast and Somaliland. There are mitigating factors in the Ivory Coast with Conflict Diamonds and allegations that Burkina Faso shipping Arms to the Rebels. But Somaliland needs to hold their elections so that the International Community can begin the process of bring this entity into the Community of Nations.

The US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health was supposed to Hold Hearings regarding Africa and Elections on December 17th. They were postponed to a later date. Hopefully they will reschedule this to occur after the New Year........

Other Interests: The LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act continues to move forward in the US Senate. There is hope that this could be finalized before Christmas. As this report was being prepared there were fears that the LRA was planning another attack such as what occured at Doruma last year. Could the LRA be telegraphing what they think about the pending US Legislation?

In Recent Days there has been a new round of fighting in Eastern Chad. There are some advocates who now realize that this conflict is tied into the Darfur Situation. When will those who are mediators realize this? A similar claim can be made regarding the Ogaden being part of a Solution for Somalia.

I wish I could be more optimistic regarding the situation in Kenya but if reports that the Country will run out of food in April are true then the Country may explode into violence again.

The MDC and ZANU-PF have agreed to resume talks again. The Comments made by President Mugabe about ZANU-PF reclaiming power without the MDC are chilling. The Situation Behind the Scenes are not enthusiastic for the next election cycle.
 
Will the Niger Delta Militants start to Organize similar efforts in other Countries besides Ghana? Could Equatorial Guinea be another potential target of theirs? Or even Cameroon?

With the Situation in Guinea, Allegations of Close ties to Xe (Blackwater) and reports of Arming Insurgents in Ivory Coast should the Administration look into relations with Burkina Faso?

These are just the highlights of what may be the major factors in US-African Policy affecting the Administration Next Year.........
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Dec. 12th, 2009

Xe in Africa

mood: curious
The Mainstream Media has had a Field Day with Xe Systems. This Company formerly known as Blackwater has been criticized for accompining the CIA on Missions in both Iraq and Afganistan. With the recent reports of Mercenary Activity in both Guinea and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the Confused Eagle thought it would be prudent to check into the actions of this company in Africa.

In 2008 the Company started an attempt to revamp its image by rescuing three American Aid Workers in Kenya. At that time the country was convulsing in violence after a controversial electoral process that left hundreds dead and thousands of other internally displaced.

The Company has retrofitted a vessel and has offered its use for anti-piracy operations off the Coast of Somalia. There are no reports if this vessel

In 2006 the company provided emergency care to an American Citizen in Chad and reportedly conducted a Medevac (Medical Evacuation) in Burkina Faso as well. The Company was in Burkina Faso training the Police Forces of the Country.

For the Most Part the Operations conducted by Blackwater/Xe Systems in Africa have been underreported. The Rescue in Kenya of the three workers at the Orphanage was the target of much chest thumping of the Company. However the Burkina Faso Contract is one of the least reported project of the company.

It appears that this company seeks to keep a low profile with most of its Operations.
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Dec. 10th, 2009

More Information regarding the Congo

mood: creative
First of All today is Human Rights Day. The Day when the UN General Assembly passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The UN Panel of Experts report on the Democratic Republic of the Congo has some criticism of the United States or should we say some entities within our borders.

The Report was Critical of Niotan Incoporated. This is a Mining Company based in Nevada that processes Columbite-Tantalite for its use in the Electronics Industry. The Process of Seperating these two elements leads to the production of tantalum and niobium. When it is a finished product it is known as Coltan. The Company does have interests in the Congo.

In a Press Release that was worded to distance itself from the Conflict that currently plagues the Eastern Part of the Congo the Company states that it currently has a policy of not purchasing the ore that originates from the DRC. It also states that it recgonizes the serious humanitarian issues that currently plague the country and looks forward to addressing the situation in accordance to the reccomendations of the United Nations.

The Report named two persons that are currently in the United States at this time and are believed to be fundraising for the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) which is a Militia that is comprised mostly of the Rwandan Army from the Era of the Genocide.

One of the individuals mentioned is Dr. Jean Marie Vianney Higiro. He was a Communications Specialist who ran the Rwandan Information Office during the Government of Agathe Uwilingiwimana. He left Rwanda in April of 1994 and went to the US Embassy in Nairobi. On the Day he was supposed to become the Minister of Information in the RPF Government he fled here to the United States. Currently a Professor of Communications at Western New England College in Massachusetts. During His time here in the US he has been the target of at least one murder attempt. He has admitted supporting the "Rally for Unity and Democracy." According to the Washington Post the Kagame Government has tried to extradite Him back to Rwanda since 2008.

Felicien Kanyamibwa is currently residing in New Jersey and working for the Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceutical Company. He is also Executive Secretary of RUD/URUNANA a Rwandan Politicial Exile Group. According to Sources in Rwanda Dr. Kayamibwa has been the target of an Investigation by the Department of Homeland Security.

The Panel of Experts has concluded that the FDLR has been active in the United States Fundraising so that the group can procour arms. These two men have been accused of being the points of contacts here in the United States. So If Homeland Security has been investigating these two men why are they here?

Surely Niotan is not the only Corporate Entity from the United States that is doing Business in the Congo or Specifically the Kivu Provinces. But why did the UN just happen to mention this one? The Friends of the Congo has an extensive list of who does business in the DRC. www.friendsofthecongo.org is where one can find the list and to request answers.

Meanwhile the People of the Congo continue to suffer........
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Dec. 4th, 2009

Some Late Breaking News Despite Tiger

mood: busy
Our Friends in the Mainsteam Media have had a Field Day Delving into the Life of Tiger Woods. The Editor of Confused Eagle believes that there are more Important Stories as well:

The Situation in the Central African Republic grows more acute by the hour. Recent Attacks by Rebel Forces and the abduction of Two French Aid Workers have compelled some Agencies to withdraw their Field Staff from the Country. And to make matters worse the LRA launched an attack before Thanksgiving here near Djemah that left dozens dead. Now 300,000 People have become displaced due to the conflict. The Ugandan Army is in the Country as well. So what will the LRA Disarmament Bill do for the CAR if/when the President Signs it.

The Confused Eagle was a outlet that had concerns regarding the Comprehensive Policy Review towards Sudan. It has been a month since the "New" Policy was rolled out. This past week the House of Representatives held new Hearings regarding what is going on there. Nothing really has changed. The Violence continues in the Country and the the Ruling NCP continues to Manipulate Events for their own benefit. Nothing Good will come from this.

The Confused Eagle has read the Panel of Experts Report Regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was good to see the Exploitation of Minerals Reported and the Actions of the Rwandan Government , The FDLR and the Congolese Army in the Fighting in the East and the rampant Sexual Assault. But why wasn't there more investigations into the Actions of the Ugandan Military or how the US Supported Operation Lightning Thunder? The US will be training FARDC beginning in Kisangani in Feb. Regarding that news will that be a Base where the US can stage forces from if things in Sudan take a turn for the worse?

Regarding Uganda the Anti-Homosexual Bill currently in their Parliament is a serious violation of Human Rights. Hanging someone because of their sexual orientation is morally and legally wrong.

Another Area of Concern is West Africa. Piracy is on the Rise in the Region as a whole and its not just in the Niger Delta itself. Piracy is rampant from Angola to Guinea.The Capital of Equatorial Guinea was raided by Pirates earlier this year. Last Month a Ukranian Sailor was murdered when the Oil Tanker he was on was attacked off the coast of Benin.

In an earlier report the Confused Eagle documented how Militants in the Niger Delta were travelling to the Oil Producing region of Ghana to set up a Similar Operation. Since an estimated 25% of Oil Imports to the United States will Originate from this region in 2015 this cannot be ignored. Some Analysits believe that the US Options are limited. The Pentagon did Game out a Scenario regarding a Potential Collapse of Nigeria some time ago. It showed that the US would not have any impact at all.

There is still resistance to the US setting up a Forward Base in Africa to conduct Operations if its deemed necessary. The Current Role of AFRICOM is to promote peace stability and security to Africa. But for most of the year this has been accomplished without much fanfare at all.

This is just some of the information to ponder if you want to hear anything else besides Tiger Woods' love life!!!

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Nov. 27th, 2009

The Info Dump

mood: calm
You have to Love Extended Holiday Weekends. Especially ones where the US Government reveals Information regarding Economic Data or Key Foreign Policy Decisions. This way they can say that they told us and the Information is released.

This Thanksgiving weekend is the example of such a process taking place. The UN started the ball rolling actually releasing a controversial report regarding MONUC.(UN Mission in the Congo). This report by a Panel of Experts which was discussed in the Security Council revealed that the current mission is failing. It also found that at least 25 Countries have been supporting the Rebel Movements.

Examples that have been revealed include:

Tanzania reportedly arming FADR with two shipments across Lake Tanganyika. Also the UN has evidence of two phone calls between leaders of the FDLR and the Governments of Tanzania and Burundi.

Reports of recruiting soldiers in Uganda

Money Laundering in Germany

and unspecified efforts within the United States.(including fundraising)

Another Point of Interest that has not hit the Mainstream Media here in the United States are remarks made by the Head of AFRICOM Gen. Ward. Speaking in Algeria he told reporters that the current strategy towards Somalia needs more time to work.

Well there are serious flaws in this strategy in my opinion.

1.) It does not address the current situation in the Ogaden. There has been a recent increase in the fighting in this part of Ethiopia with a substantial Somali Population. There is some contention that this is a must do in order to restore peace and tranquility to Somalia.

2.) There is no effort to assist Somaliland hold their elections early next year. There are serious concerns regarding Freedom of the Press but on the whole this is a relatively peaceful part of Somalia. IF it DEEMS that it needs to be Independent of Somalia than the US should assist it in all ways possible.

3.) Currently the Main Efforts consist of Supplying Arms to the Transitional National Government. Since this party has little influence beyond a small part of Mogadishu shouldn't the US come up with another Strategy besides using SEALs and UAV strikes to maintain a presence? Working with regional actors is a smart play than just alienating Eritrea despite reports of its support of the Islamist Militants.


On Friday Nov. 27th the State Department Issued a Statement regarding Concern for the Upcoming Elections in Sudan. This has been an Issue that Khartoum has felt fell into place with other parts of the Comprehensive Peace Accord. That is everything is negotiable. Since the US brokered this deal the Administration needs to Stand Up and say Abide by the Terms You Agreed too.

For Several Other Publications I had written an Op-Ed regarding the Massacre that occured in Conkary, Guinea. There is a UN Investigative Team currently on site. I hope that they can bring Justice to those who have suffered.
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Nov. 18th, 2009

Bad Intel?

mood: energetic
It has been a year since Operation Lightning Thunder was launched in Central Africa. This Operation which was launched by the Ugandan People's Defense Force, The Army of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Government of Southern Sudan had the assistance of the United States.

Although it has not been widely reported in Western Media According to Documents obtained by the Confused Eagle are pointing to a unique situation. It is alledged that the Main Negotiator for the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) David Matsanga sabatoged the Efforts to Reach a Peace Deal.

And the documents also make some unique charges against the Bush Administration. The Documents affirm that the previous Administration was not in favor of a Peaceful solution to this conflict. It also entered into the negotiations late in the process and tried to impose a "clock" by which a deal had to be negotiated or Military Action would be Authorized. We all know that Lightning Thunder was started on December 14,2008.

The Question now posed is the following: If David Matsanga who is now a Candidate for President of Uganda Sabatoged the talks why would he do so?One of the Documents claims that His actions were treasonous against the People of Northern Uganda. One report indicates that Mr. Matsanga even tried to procur Arms via Zimbabwe. He also has been implicated in organizing the Execution of Vincent Otii as well.Also when there was a sticking point in the negotiations then Mr. Matsanga would come up with the solution to break the impasse. If one takes the position that Mr. Matsanga was an agent of the ESO then these actions are understandable.

The Process by which the US supported the Planning of Operation Lightning Thunder may have been Comprimised. If the allegations that the ESO (External Security Organization) crafted Intelligence in such a way for President Museveni to receive Foreign Aid (DRC,GOSS and the US) are true then this is once again a Failure of the US Intelligence Apparatus. We have heard that the Ugandan Defense Ministry formally requested Aid through the US Military Attache in Kampala. Then the Process was Approved by President Bush and then was coordinated by the National Security Council by AFRICOM.

The total US Assistance amounted to Eighteen Advisors, Access to Satellite Imagery,Communications Gear and $ 1 Million in Fuel. The Operation was a failure due to the reprisal raids by the LRA that lead to the deaths of Hunderds of Congolese Individuals. Now the UPDF is deployed in both the DRC and the Central African Republic gathering "intel" regarding the LRA.

As a result of this failed Military Operation a Grassroots Efforts was launched in the US to support the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. The Actions of Mr. Matsanga should not diminish support for this Legislation. But the US should have closer scrutiny when it comes to its relations with Uganda. The reports indicate that persons in their Intelligence service manipulated Information so that the US would Assist them. This smacks of what happened when we entered Iraq back in 2003.

Since 1986 the people of Northern Uganda have suffered at the hands of a brutal insurgency and a Government willing to do anything to remain in power. We were also led to Believe that Joseph Kony walked away from the Deal. The Actions of the Main Negotiator for the LRA if they were successful in betraying the People of Northern Uganda for the Intelligence Services will make this person out to be a Hypocryte.

The Question now is How Damaged is this Process? and How much Damage will this cause for Ugandan-US Relations?

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Nov. 16th, 2009

Double Trouble

mood: determined
This posting has two concerns that if taken together can be construed as being interdependent.

First of All Lets Discuss One of the Most Serious Problems currently occuring in Africa. That is the Rampant Use of Sexual Assaults by Insurgents and Government Forces in Several Countries.

The List of such occurances is lengthy and troubling.

In Recent Days a UN Factfinding Mission Sent to Zimbabwe found that Groups such as WOZA (Women of Zimbabwe Arise) Members of the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) and Other Members of Civil Society have been attacked. The Allegations have been around since 2002 when the Political Crisis Began. So will the perpetrators be brought to justice?

Second is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We all have Heard the reports regarding the use of Rape as a weapon in the Kivu Provinces. Also MONUC is suspending contacts with One Unit Operating in the East. The United States has announced that it will assist Kinshasa with this large problem. What Happens if the UN Pull out its Peacekeepers are reports over the weekend are suggesting?

Its nice to see that the crises in Zimbabwe and Congo are being noticed. But what about Darfur? Khartoum has announced that It will close some IDP camps early next year. So what happens to those being treated for their attacks? And who will protect them?

Or will Impunity be the rule of the day such as what has occured in Guniea after the Massacre after the Opposition Rally?

PART II

There are Two New Areas to be concerned with:

First Reports indicate that Militants from the Niger Delta have travelled to the Oil Producing Western Region of Ghana. Links have been established and lessons have been learned. Already Land Grabs have occured and there are reports of Arms being moved into the Region. Now the question is will ExxonMobil make the same mistakes that Chevron and Shell made in the Niger Delta?

Second area of concern is the Dar Tama Region of T'Chad. According to reports over the weekend the Chadian Security Forces have launched an Operation near the town of Tchowtchow. At least 6 People have been killed, 10 other Tortured or Castrated and one person remains missing. Now the Chadian Islamic Front has called for Jihad and the Sudanese Government would like a change in the Government of Chad. All we can say is that the devil is in the details in this situation. More to follow on this topic and check out ramadji.com for more information regarding Chad.

The LRA launched an Attack in Southern Sudan which killed 4 Men. However 56 members reportedly surrendered to the Southern Sudan Military. A Report Last week stated that an Estimated 100 Fighters remained in the DRC and the majority of the rest were in either Southern Sudan or the Central African Republic. The US Senate will discuss the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act on November 17th. It is expected to be marked up.

Finally the Rebels in the Ogaden Region in Ethiopia launched an Offensive over the weekend reportedly capturing 7 towns. On Monday the Zenawi Regime Denied this. Resolving this conflict could be a viable part of resolving the Somalia Fiasco.
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Nov. 10th, 2009

The US has an Envoy for the Great Lakes

mood: creative
The Situation in the Great Lakes Region of Africa is still in Flux. Last Month the International Contact Group Met in Washington to discuss the situation. And now there is word that the US Special Envoy for the Great Lakes is in the Region. Who is this Individual and what are the Goals of the United States?

First of all the Envoy is Dr. Howard Wolpe. He is currently the Chair of the Africa Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars. He is also a former Member of the United States Congress and the Michigan House of Representatives.

This visit will make stops in Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Press Coverage of the stop in Kigali was the first interesting Piece of Information that I noticed. It seems that the US Envoy was holding Discussion about ratcheting up the Pressure on the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda). This Militia has virtual control of the Mineral Rich Kivu Provinces in the DRC. They were also the target of Operation Kimia II.

This Operation by MONUC (UN Mission in the Congo), FARDC, (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and the Rwandan Army Failed Miserably at the goal of defeating the FDLR. In Fact the Congolese Army which has a History of committing Rape and being suspected of having Elements cooperate with the FDLR went on another Rampage in the region causing the UN to suspend this Operation.

There are several other reasons to be concerned with Rwanda. The Kagame Administration has been preventing the Democratic Greens from actually organizing in the Country. Did the US Special Envoy raise concerns about this issue?

During the Visit to Uganda will the US Envoy address why the LRA has not been defeated? A recent statement by the Head of the Ugandan Army states that the LRA has been Diminished but not Defeated. Is this the reason why the Ugandan Army remains in both the Congo and the Central African Republic? The LRA appears to be benefiting from an Old Alliance with the Sudanese. How will this affect the two ICC Indictments (Kony and Al-Bashir)?

The US will be launching a New Effort to train FARDC. This Mishmash of Militia Forces have virtually no Loyalty to Kinshasa. Those who were with the CNDP (Nation Council for the Defense of the People) have left the Army and are believed to be heading back into the Bush to return to Bad Habits. What good can AFRICOM do to restore legitimacy to the Congolese Army?

Tanzania could become the New go to Ally for the US in the region could there be any other reason for the visit besides to keep it from becoming embroiled in the various conflicts in the region?

It is a good thing that Dr. Wolpe is an African Specialist with a special focus on this region at hand.


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Nov. 5th, 2009

Time In Washington

mood: creative
Reporting from Washington D.C.

After the Result of the Elections on Tuesday Night the Editor of the Confused Eagle travelled to Washington. 

The Background for the trip to Washington was for background regarding two crucial events that have been generating interest this year. First of all is Uganda.

First of All the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings regarding the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009. There has been a large grassroots effort in support of this Bill including a Lobby Day earlier this summer.

There is some Controversy regarding this legislation. There is concern that the Clause mentioning all available options may include having the US Military intervene to Arrest Joseph Kony the Mystical Leader who has avoided arrest for over two decades. An attempt to sign a Peace Accord last fall failed and resulted in the launch of the Controversial Operation Lightning Thunder by the Ugandans, Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Foreign Relations Committee is expected to Mark up the Legislation within a week. And the Surrender of Charles Arop a Senior LRA Commander who is believed to be behind the Doruma Assault on Christmas Day that Left over 100 People Dead and Scores more Wounded and several dozen Kidnapped. Timing they say is everything.

As the Editor of Confused Eagle was leaving Washington the Pledge2Protect Conference was getting underway. This is a conference that will focus on the Situation in Darfur.

In October the White House Revealed its Long Delayed Strategy regarding Sudan and it does not differ any from that of the previous Administration. Attempts by the Sudanese Government to Buy Influence within Washington with Money Alledgedly Supplied by Qatar is a source of Friction with Darfur Advocates.

The Situation in Darfur is in a downword cycle. The reports of violence have decreased but the root causes of the Conflict still remain. So this confrence is to determine what strategy will be upcoming to increase awareness as other advocates begin monitoring the runup to the Independence Vote for Southern Sudan in a little more than a year.

All in all a busy couple of days in the Nations Capital.


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Oct. 27th, 2009

A Growing Interest

mood: creative
Last Week The Mainstream Media in the United States, Canada and Britain mentioned that the United States was increasing its Military Support for the West African Nation of Mali.

Mali is in a strategically significant location. And there have been several interesting facts that have not been made to the General Public. Some of the things that our friends in the Media have not disclosed include that Mali is the location where Air Force Special Operations Command trains it Pilots to fly the Ospreys. (see Ospreys over Africa on morganrights.tripod.com)

Also earlier this month Mali and Niger reached a deal with Libyan Mediation with the Tauregs. According to some reports 1,100 fighters have already laid down their Arms. Niger however remains in the news as President Tandja won a Controversial Third Term in Office. Currently the Niger Constitution has terms limits limiting the President to two terms in Office. Also reports that a Canadian Diplomat that was released earlier this year was ransomed off by a Rebel Group.

The Stated Goal of the Weapons Deal is to Prevent Al-Qaida from getting a foothold in the region. It is believed that the only countries where the Group has a foothold are in Niger and Mauritania. But there are several other concerns in the region as well to contend with.

As this report is being prepared word has been revealed that the EU has placed an Arms Embargo on Guinea. The Backlash over the Brutal Suppression of an Opposition Rally Continues from its African Peers as well as Western Powers.

In an earlier item I stated the concerns regarding other regional security issues as well such as the reemergence of the MFDC in Senegal and the Growing internal strife within Gambia (MSM where are you?) amongst others. These could also be factors which the Arms transfer may have occured as well.

So what exactly did the US transfer? According to the Embassy 37 Toyota Trucks, Replacement Parts, Clothing and Sophisticated Comm Gear were transferred. And the transfer was made by the State Department not the Pentagon under Section 1206 of the National Defense Authorization Act. So this shows that the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Initiative is being taken seriously by the Administration.


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Oct. 24th, 2009

US Policy towards Ogaden

When it comes to US Policy in the Horn of Africa most of the Focus is on the current fiasco in Somalia. Then other concerns are Eritrea and Kenya.

One area that does not generate much interest is the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. This area which is along the border with Somalia was the scene of a Border War in the late 1970s which has repercussions to this day.

During that conflict Ethiopia was allied with the Soviet Union. Somalia switched its allegiance to the United States after the USSR switched its support to Addis Ababa.

Recently a conference was held in San Diego to discuss the Situation in the Ogaden. The Actions taken by the Ethiopian Government to keep this region in the country are comprable to what has been occuring in Darfur. But unlike Darfur there has not been any groundswell demanding the violence cease or that the US take action. After all the US and Ethiopia are currently allies.

The area in question has a large Somali Population demanding Self-Determination. The Zenawi Regime has been resistant to programs that increase Education for Women and the Poor. The region has also been suffering from drought and the rise of Somali Islamists are another reason for concern as well.

A Representative of the State Department told a Conference of those Concerned with the Situation in San Diego that the US maintains close relations with Ethiopia but Allies can disagree. The US favors Diplomacy over Military Operations to resolve this situation and that the US takes this situation seriously.

How seriously is this? An effort to link US Arms Sales to the Human Rights Climate stalled in Congress, Twice Ethiopia has intervened in Somalia at the behest of the US with Military and CIA support and Governance Concerns remain an issue. These are serious disagreements if one is asked.
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Oct. 21st, 2009

Regarding Guinea and Uganda

This is a two-part update. This report will cover two situations in Africa. One which has been a problem for over twenty years the other situation is a relatively new problem.

The Situation in Northern Uganda is the focus of a major Grassroots Campaign in the United States and with great justification. Since 1986 Thousands of Childrenhave been kidnapped and/or killed by the Lord's resistance Army. Within the last eightneen months the LRA has walked away twice from a Proposed Peace Deal with the Musevini Government.

Sadly this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the problems that plagues Ugnada.There are two other issues of concern within Uganda. The first is the Status of the Allied Democratic Forces/National Army For the Liberation of Uganda. This is a Force that in the past has been supported by both Mobutu and the Sudanese Government. In 2001 they were added to the Terror Exclusion List of the State Department. In 2007 President Museveni attempted to link Mr. Besigye his main Campaign Rival of Links to this group. After a Military Operation in 2005 with MONUC Negotiations took place. However in Early 2009 the Group renewed a threat to renew Conflict. Once again MONUC is mediating between these parties. Watch this closely.

The Second is the Treatment of Homosexuals in Uganda. This is a problem that not only plagues Uganda. As a matter of Fact Reports of mistreatment of LGBTs is an under reported issue in Africa. So when a Member of Parliament proposed a New Law that could Impose the Death Penalty for "Aggravated Homosexuality. " The Bill also wishes to impose a Jail Sentence of 7 years for Promoting Homosexuality. This is a Bad Law plain and simple.

Now on the other problem Guinea. This is a problem that the US should be concerned with for several reasons. First of all its a source of Bauxtite. (Aluminium Ore). This is a key component in the Defense Industry for construction of Air Frames and for the Automobile Industry as well.

Recent report indicate that France is urging its citizens to leave and that the EU is preparing Sanctions to show its displeasure with the recent crackdown that left over a hundred people dead and hundreds of more injured.

With the Coup in Guinea and in Bissau the recent rebel attack in Southern Senegal and the overall crackdown in Gambia leading already to instability in West Africa this is a situation that cannot be ignored.

The Military Leadership is already Negotiating with China for Exploration Rights and two News Outlets in Africa have reported that Mercenaries are either being used in Guinea (Liberian Mercs are reportedly behind the Massacre) or as a South African Newspaper recently reported there is an attempt to recruit in South Africa.

All in all growing Instabilty in West Africa could create new crises and renew old conflicts.
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