CHAD – CHAD DECIDES 2024: DEBY DYNASTY

Chad’s Transitional President since April 2021, General Mahamat Deby takes Oath on May 23, 2024, to serve as CHAD’s elected President for a Fresh Term of 5 Years after his Victory on May 6, 2024 Presidential Election with over 3.7 Million Votes or 61.93 % of the Votes, beating 9 other Candidates in an Election that saw a high Voter Turnout of 75 %. This is according to the Country’s Electoral Commission-ANGE.

The 40 Years old took Power as the Leader of a Transitional Military Council-CMT, that took Power on April 21, 2021 after the Death of his Father, President Idriss Deby who was killed in a Battlefield against Armed Rebels in Northern Chad on April 20, 2021. By the Time of his Death, President Idriss Deby who was also a Military Man, had ruled Chad for 31 Years.

General Mahamat Deby managed to beat 9 other Candidates including his hand-picked Prime Minister, Dr.Succes Masra who was his main Challenger. Dr. Succes Masra came a distant Second with 18.54 %. Albert Pahimi, also a former Prime Minister under Gen. Mahamat Deby came Third with 16.93%. Dr. Masra challenged the Results in Court but his Petition was dismissed by Chad’s Constitutional Court. The Other Candidates conceded Defeat and sent their Congratulations and Well-wish Messages to Gen. Mahamat Deby.

Gen. President Mahamat Deby who has already led Chad for 3 Years as a Transitional President, has pledged to Focus on 12 Issues in his Government’s Transformation Agenda:

1. Security Reform – Peace and Security as the foundations of Chad’s emergence with emphasis on regional and international cooperation, Modernization of Defense and Security Forces and the strengthening of internal Security.
2. State Reform and National Unity – Transparency, Accountability, and Citizen participation in Public Administration and Reforms aimed at fighting Corruption and improving Governance.
3. Economic Transformation – Ambitious Plan to stimulate economic growth by harnessing the potential of Young People, Agro-industrial sector and economic Stimulators through massive investments in Infrastructure and Industry.
4. Education and Youth – Commitment to making education and support for youth a top priority, with initiatives to modernize the education system and promote entrepreneurship among young people.
5. Employment and Human Capital – Pact focused on work, employment, and skills development, particularly through professional training programs and support for entrepreneurship.
6. Energy – Commitments to unlock Chad’s energy potential, including the exploitation of renewable resources and the strengthening of energy infrastructure.
7. Agriculture and Rural World – Implementation of policies to develop Agriculture, support livestock breeders, and fight against desertification.
8. Health – Strengthening the health system with initiatives aimed at improving access to Healthcare and responding effectively to epidemics.
9. Diaspora – commitment to integrating the Chadian diaspora into national development through the establishment of support structures and political participation.
10. Culture – Initiatives to promote and enhance Chadian cultural heritage, including through the creation of a national museum and a Pan-African city of arts.
11. National Solidarity – Measures to strengthen solidarity and social inclusion, in particular through the creation of a national solidarity fund.
12. International Positioning – Strengthen Chad’s role and influence on the African and international scene, with an emphasis on regional peace and stability.

CHAD FACT-file and Major Issues

• CHAD is a huge Landlocked Central African Country – the 5^th Largest Country in Africa but with a relatively small Population of 18.7 Million People as of May 2024. At least 58% of Chad’s Territory is Sahelian Desert Land.
• Despite having a relatively Small Economy of $ 18 Billion, Chad is a Naturally Wealthy Country that produces large Amounts of Oil, Natural Gas, Gold, Uranium, Cotton and Livestock.
•  Chad is still classified amongst Low Income-Least Developed Countries with a GDP per Capita of just over $ 900.
• Despite its huge Natural Wealth in Minerals, 35% of Chadians or some 6.6 Million People live in extreme Poverty.
• In the most recent Global Hunger Index-GHI Report, Chad is ranked at Position 119 out of 125 Countries with sufficient Data to calculate GHI Scores. CHAD’s Level of Hunger is classified as SERIOUS.
• In the most recent United Nations Development Program-UNDP’s ‘Human Development Index’; CHAD is ranked among “Low Human Development” Category of Nations at Position 189 out of 193 World Nations. On the World Social Progress Index, CHAD is ranked at Position 168 out of 170 World Nations. The 2 Indexes take Account of Key Dimensions of Human Development that is; Healthy Life, being Knowledgeable-Education, a Decent Standard of Living-access to basic Human Needs, Housing, Safety, Personal Freedom and Rights, Foundations of Well-being and Opportunities for Progress among many other Indicators of Social and Human Development/Progress.
• In the most recent ‘Transparency International Corruption Perception Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by their Perceived Levels of Public Sector Corruption; CHAD is ranked at Position 162 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 20/100.
• In the most recent ‘Reporters without Borders- Press Freedom Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by the Level of Press Freedom enjoyed by Journalists and the Media; CHAD is ranked at Position 96 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 55/100.
• Despite its Massive Reserves of Oil and Natural Gas: Only 12 % of People in Chad have access to Electricity.
• In the most recent Basic Water Connection Report; Only 52% of People in Chad have access or are connected to Basic Water.
• CHAD has one of the Lowest Literacy Rate according to the most recent Report which ranks Chad’s Adult Literacy Rate at 27%, Way below the Global Literacy Rate which currently stands at 86%.
• N’Djamena is the Capital City and the largest City in Chad, Today Home to over 1.6 Million People.
• French and Chadian or Shuwa Arabic are the 2 Official Languages in Chad.
• French Colonial-era CFA Franc is still the Currency of Chad.

DR CONGO: LUMUMBA’S DREAM OF RAPID ECONOMIC & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STILL FAR FROM REALISATION AS THE COUNTRY CONTINUES TO PUNCH WAY BELOW ITS WEIGHT, 64 YEARS LATER.

FELIX TSHISEKEDI: DR Congo’s President since 2019 has TODAY, taken Oath of Office to lead the World’s Naturally Wealthiest yet troubled Nation for another 5 Years Term. The 59 Years old was declared the Winner of December 20, 2023 Presidential Elections with a Landslide Victory of 13.2 Million Votes or 73.47%, beating 25 other Presidential Candidates. Former Governor of Katanga Province, Moise Katumbi was announced as Number Two with 3.2 Million Votes. TShisekedi’s main Challenger in the December 2018 Election, Martin Fayulu was announced as Number Three with 960,478 Votes. Voter Turnout stood at a Low of 41 % with only 18 Million Voters out of 41.7 Million Registered Voters, going out to Vote. The Country’s Constitutional Court Confirmed Tshisekedi’s Victory on January 9, 2024 after dismissing 2 Petitions made against Tshisekedi’s Victory in this Election. Tshisekedi’s Ruling Party- UDPS also Won a Majority of Seats in the National Assembly clearing Way for President Tshisekedi and his Allies in the Sacred Union Coalition to easily form a New Government. Felix Tshisekedi was first Sworn in as DR Congo’s President on January 24, 2019 in the Country’s historic first Peaceful Transfer of Power from his Predecessor, President Joseph Kabila.

DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi paying Tribute to the Country’s Independence Icon and first Democratically elected Leader, Patrice Lumumba on June 2022

DR CONG Fact-File:

• DR Congo is the Second Largest Nation in Africa after Algeria, DR Congo is Today Home to 104 Million People, making the 4^th most Populous African Country.
• DR Congo is the World’s Wealthiest Nation in terms of Natural Resources. DRC Boasts of nearly 1000 different Minerals estimated to be Worth over $ 25 TRILLION DOLLARS.
• DR Congo is the World’s biggest Reserve and Producer of Cobalt that is used to make Phones, Electronics and Electric Car Batteries around the World. It is equally among the Top 5 Largest Producers and Reserves of Gold, Copper, Diamonds, Oil, Coltan, Timber, Rare Earths among many other Natural Resources.
• DR Congo is Home to the World’s Second Largest Tropical Rainforest after Brazil’s Amazon. Congo’s Rainforest and Congo Basin is the most important Carbon Sink in the World, absorbing more Earth-polluting Carbon Dioxide than the Amazon.
• Economically, DR Congo is classified amongst Low Income-Least Developed Countries with a Nominal GDP of $ 67 Billion and a GDP Per Capita of $ 1,300. Inflation, high Cost of Living and Unemployment especially Youth Unemployment are some of the main Economic Issues in the Run-up to December 2023 Elections.
• DR Congo is One of the Most Fertile and Arable Nations in the World. It has the Second Largest Cultivatable Arable Land in the World just after Brazil. DRC’s 80 Million+ Hectares of Arable Land is enough to grow Food enough to feed the entire Africa BUT its People are among the HUNGRIEST and most Malnourished in the World. DR Congo has the “Largest Hunger Crisis in the World in absolute Numbers” according to a recent World Food Program-WFP Report. Only 13% of DR Congo’s arable Land is under Cultivation. Cassava, Palm Oil, Plantain, Cotton, Rubber and Cocoa are some of the main Cash Crops in DR Congo.
• In the most recent-2023 Global Hunger Index-GHI Report, DR Congo is ranked at Position 122 out of 125 Countries with sufficient Data to calculate the 2022 GHI Scores. With a GHI score of 35.7; DR Congo’s Level of Hunger is classified as ALARMING.
• According to a recent World Bank Report; DR Congo is among the 5 Poorest nations in the World where over Half or 62% of Congolese which translates to 60 Million People live on less than $ 2.15 a Day. One out of Six People living in extreme Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa live in DR Congo.
• In the most recent United Nations Development Program-UNDP’s ‘Human Development Index’; DR Congo is ranked among “Low Human Development” Category of Nations at Position 179 out of 191 World Nations. On the World Social Progress Index, DR Congo is ranked at Position 164 out of 170 World Nations. The 2 Indexes take Account of Key Dimensions of Human Development that is; Healthy Life, being Knowledgeable-Education, a Decent Standard of Living-access to basic Human Needs, Safety, Personal Freedom and Rights, Foundations of Well-being and Opportunities for Progress among many other Indicators of Social and Human Development/Progress.
• In the most recent ‘Transparency International Corruption Perception Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by their Perceived Levels of Public Sector Corruption; DR Congo is ranked at Position 166 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 20/100.
• In the most recent ‘Reporters without Borders- Press Freedom Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by the Level of Press Freedom enjoyed by Journalists and the Media; DR Congo is ranked at Position 124 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 48/100.
• Despite having a relatively high Literacy Rate of 81% Adult Literacy Rate; DR Congo’s Literacy Rate is still below the Global Literacy Rate which currently stands at 86%.
• Despite being Home to World’s deepest River and Africa’s second largest and longest River, the Congo River which has a Potential to generate 100,000 Megawatts of Clean, Renewable Hydropower Energy or 13% of the World’s Hydropower Capacity: ONLY 22% of People in DRC are connected to Electricity Today.
• Access to Quality and Affordable Healthcare is still a big Challenge in DR Congo. Only 10% of People in DRC are covered by any Health Insurance. The Ratio of Doctor to Patients in DR Congo currently stands at 1 Doctor for Over 3,100 Nigerians which is below the World Health Organization-W.H.O Standard Requirement of 1 Doctor for 1000 People.
• Despite having over Half of Africa’s Surface Water Reserves: Only 12% of People in DR Congo have access to Safely managed Drinking Water according to a World Bank Report of 2022.
• Insecurity is still a Major Challenge in DR Congo more so in Eastern DRC. Over 120 Armed Rebel Groups have been terrorizing and killing People in Eastern DRC Provinces of Kivu, Ituri and Goma for more than 27 Years, Killing nearly 6 Million People and displacing over 7 Million People in Maze-like Conflict fueled by Local and Regional Politics, Imperialism, Ethnicity, Battle for Resources Especially Land, Minerals and Territorial Disputes. Attempts by the United Nations, National and Regional Forces have done little to exterminate the protracted Conflict.
• Located astride the Equator along the Coast of East Africa; DRC is a Top Tourist Destination. DR Congo has 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including its Rhumba Music that was added on UNESCO’S intangible Cultural Heritage. Virunga, Geramba, Salonga, Kahuzi-biega and Okapi National Parks are the other 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Kinshasa: DR Congo’s Capital City is Africa’s second Largest City after Lagos, it is one of the Most Populous Cities in the World with over 17 Million Residents.
• French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba and Swahili are the National Languages in DR Congo.
• Congolese Franc or CDF is the National Currency of DR Congo.
• Majority or over 96 % of People in DR Congo are Christians mostly Roman Catholics, the Country is however a Secular State.
• After the Fateful 1884 Berlin Conference on Partitioning and Colonization of Africa:  a Belgian Brute by the Name Leopold 2, then the King of Belgium, grabbed DR Congo and made it his Personal Property and Fiefdom, Reigning Terror on Congolese from 1885 to 1908 when he handed it over to the Colonial State of Belgium, who went on to subjugate DR Congo for another 52 Years until June 1960, when the Country regained its Independence. During his 23 Years Reign of Terror, Leopold 2 is believed to have Killed over 10 Million Congolese People.
• Shortly after regaining its Independence, DR Congo elected its First Leader, a Bold, Visionary Pan-African Revolutionary, H.E Patrice Lumumba as its first democratically Leader. At the Age of 36, H.E Patrice Lumumba, DR Congo’s Freedom Fighter, Bold Independence Icon, First Democratically elected Leader of the DRC and an esteemed Pan-African, Anti-Imperialism and Neocolonialism Crusader was Murdered in Cold Blood on January 17,1961, 6 Months after leading his Country to Independence. At the Age of 36; Patrice Lumumba was brutalized, killed by a firing squad, chopped into Pieces, dipped into Acid and later burnt in a heinous Plan believed to have been led by the then Governments of USA, Belgium and their Congolese Collaborators led by Cruel Col. Mobutu Sese Seko and some Officials at the then United Nations.

“History will one Day have its Say; It will Not be the History taught in the United Nations, Washington, Paris or Brussels but the History taught in the Countries that have rid themselves of Colonialism and its Puppets. Africa will write its own History and both North and South of Sahara it will be a History full of Glory and Dignity. Political Independence has No Meaning if it is not accompanied by Rapid Economic and Social Development. -H.E PATRICE LUMUMBA.

HISTORIC FIRST, AFRICA CLIMATE SUMMIT

“We, the African Heads of State and Government, gathered for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) in Nairobi, Kenya, Express Concern that many African countries face disproportionate burdens and risks arising from climate change-related, unpredictable weather events and patterns, including prolonged droughts, devastating floods, and wild/forest fires, which cause massive humanitarian crises with detrimental impacts on economies, health, education, peace, and security, among other risks, Acknowledge that climate change is the single greatest challenge facing humanity and the single biggest threat to all life on Earth. It demands urgent and concerted action from all nations to lower emissions and reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, Recognize that Africa is not historically responsible for global warming, but bears the brunt of its effect, impacting lives, livelihoods, and economies, Call Upon the Global community to act with Urgency in reducing Emissions, fulfilling its Obligations, keeping Past Promises, and supporting the Continent in addressing Climate Change, specifically to: accelerate all efforts to reduce Emissions to align with the Paris Agreement, Honor the Commitment to provide $100 Billion in annual Climate Finance as promised 14 years ago at the Copenhagen Conference, Uphold Commitments to a fair and accelerated process of phasing down Coal and abolishment of all Fossil Fuel Subsidies, and Swiftly operationalize the Loss and Damage facility agreed at COP 27”. – reads part of Africa’s DECLARATION on Climate Change after the End of the historic First African Climate Change Summit, held in Nairobi Kenya on September 4 to September 6. This inaugural Summit brought together 13 African Heads of State and Government in Nairobi.

The stark Absence of Presidents of Africa’s biggest Polluters/ Emitters of Carbon Dioxide and other Greenhouse Gases, Presidents Ramaphosa of South Africa, El-sisi of Egypt, Tebboune of Algeria and Tinubu of Nigeria in this Summit Casts Doubt on the Viability of the United African Front and Voice in Combating Carbon Emissions and Climate Change in the upcoming COP 28 in Dubai and beyond, as proposed by the Leaders present in the Nairobi Summit.

In a joint Call to Action, the Summiturged World Leaders to rally behind the Proposal for a Global Carbon Taxation regime including a Carbon Tax on Fossil Fuel Trade, Maritime Transport and aviation, that may also be augmented by a Global Financial Transaction Tax-FTT to provide dedicated, affordable and accessible Finance for Climate-positive Investments.

Kenya’s President William Ruto; the Host of this Summit deplored Underinvestment in Africa’s Renewable Energy Resources. Africa accounts for over 40% of all Renewable Energy Resources in the World. To accomplish the Vision of Economic Transformation in harmony with Climate needs, the Summit called upon the International Community to contribute or invest towards increasing Africa’s Renewable Generation Capacity from the current 56 GW to at least 300 GW by 2030.

Africa is also Home to the World’s Biggest Carbon Sink, Peatland, Rainforest and Carbon Sequestration Capacity. Africa’s Congo Basin absorbs more Carbon Dioxide than the Amazon; a Global Climate Change Mitigation Service, for which, President William Ruto says Africa should get Compensation.

President Ruto has described this inaugural Africa Climate Summit as a Success; Governments, the Private Sector, Multilateral Banks and Philanthropists have pledged to commit $ 23 Billion for Green growth, Mitigation and Adaptation efforts across Africa.

GABONESE HEAD TO AN ELECTION AS BONGO FAMILY SEEK TO RULE GABON FOR 60 YEARS

• About 850,000 Gabonese People will head to the Ballot on Saturday, August 26, 2023 in an Election that will either see the 64 Years old incumbent President, Ali Bongo, extending his Family’s 56 Years Grip on Power by 5 More Years or an Unprecedented Change of Guard in this Oil and Timber Rich, Central African Country.  16 Men and 2 Women are seeking to End the Bongo Dynasty by Unseating President Ali Bongo who is still recovering from a Stroke that he suffered in 2018.
• Ali Bongo took Power in 2009 after the Death of his Father, President Omar Bongo, who was in his 42^nd Year in Power when he Succumbed to Cancer on June 2009. The Two, Father and Son, have now Ruled Gabon for 56 Consecutive Years and may Rule for the next 5 Years to make it 61 Years in 2028, when Gabon is expected to hold another Election. A Constitutional Amendment passed on April 2023 abolished Term Limits in elective Positions, a Change that now allows President Ali Bongo to keep vying for the Presidency after every 5 Years.
• Albert Ondo Ossa: a Professor of Economics and former Cabinet Minister now running under a united Opposition-Alternance 2023 Ticket, is the main Challenger to President Ali Bongo in this Election. Prominent Figures who have stepped down for Ondo Ossa in this Opposition Coalition are former Prime Minister, Ndong Sima, former Advisor to President Omar Bongo Mike Jocktane, former Minister and MP Barro Chambrier, Businessman Therence Gnembou, Educationist, former Minister and MP, Paulette Missambo who is one of the 2 Women in this Election. Victoire Duboze, also a former Cabinet Minister now remains the only Woman Candidate in this Election. Ali Bongo’s former Vice President, Maganga Moussavou is also a key Candidate in this Election.

GABON Fact-File:

• Gabon is a Central African Country along the Atlantic Ocean Today Home to 2.4 Million People.
• Economically, Gabon is classified as an Upper Middle-income Country with a Nominal GDP of $ 21 Billion and a GDP Per Capita of $ 8,820. Gabon has the Third highest GDP Per Capita in Africa.
• Gabon’s Economy is largely dependent on Oil and Timber: the Country’s main Exports. Gabon is among the Top 10 largest Producers/Exporters of Oil in Africa, it’s also among the Top 10 African Countries with the biggest Oil Reserves. Oil accounts for over 70% of Gabon’s Total Exports, the Sector contributes 40% to the Country’s GDP and nearly Half of Government Revenue. Gabon is also the World’s second largest Producer and Exporter of Manganese.
• Gabon is the World’s Third Most Forested Country. 88% of Gabon is covered by Forest.
• In the most recent United Nations Development Program-UNDP’s ‘Human Development Index’; Gabon is ranked among “High Human Development” Category of Nations at Position 112 out of 191 World Nations. On the World Social Progress Index, Gabon is ranked at Position 105 out of 169 World Nations. The 2 Indexes take Account of Key Dimensions of Human Development that is; Healthy Life, being Knowledgeable-Education, a Decent Standard of Living-access to basic Human Needs, Safety, Personal Freedom and Rights, Foundations of Well-being and Opportunities for Progress among many other Indicators of Social and Human Development/Progress.
• On the latest Human Capital Index which is a Measure of Human Capital that a Child born Today in Gabon can expect to attain by their 18th Birthday in Terms of Education and Health Standards in their Country expressed in a Scale of (0-1). Gabon scored 0.5; the Second Highest Score amongst 46 African Countries in the 174 World Countries assessed by World Bank in their 2020 HCI Report. Mauritius and Seychelles had the highest Score in Africa at 0.6.
• On the most recent ‘Transparency International Corruption Perception Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by their Perceived Levels of Public Sector Corruption; Gabon is ranked at Position 136 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 29/100.
• On the 2023 ‘Reporters without Borders- Press Freedom Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by the Level of Press Freedom enjoyed by Journalists and the Media; Kenya is ranked at Position 94 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 58/100.The Rankings is based on a 0-100 Score;100 being the Best Possible Score-highest possible Level of Press Freedom and 0 the Worst.
• Located astride the Equator along the Coast of Central Africa; Gabon is a key Tourist Destination with 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lope-Okanda Ecosystem and Relict, and Ivindo National Park. Other top Tourist Destinations in Gabon include,
• Pointe-Denis Beach, Loango and Akanda National Parks, Makokou and Kongou Falls, Fernan Vaz Lagoon, Mandji Island, Lastoursville, Lambarene, Lope National Reserve, Coco and Tropicana Sandy Beaches among others.
• The Colonial-Era CFA Franc is still being used as Gabon’s Currency.
• French- inherited from former Colonial Ruler-France, is Gabon’s official Language. Fang, a local Language is seen by many as Gabon’s National Language.
• Gabon is a Secular State. 85% of Gabonese People are of Christian Faith, about 10% are Muslims.
• Libreville is Gabon’s Capital City. Other big Cities in Gabon are Port-Gentil, Masuku, Oyem, Moanda, Owendo and Mouila.

ELECTORAL RAMIFICATIONS

48 Years old Top Gabonese Army General, Brigadier General BRICE OLIGUI NGUEMA was on September 4, 2023 Sworn in as Gabon’s Transition President after Overthrowing his Cousin, President Ali Bongo in a Bloodless Coup on August 30, 2023, Hours after his Declaration as the Winner of Controversial August 26, 2023 Presidential Election. The highly disputed Victory would have enabled the Bongo Family Rule Gabon for 60 Years. General Brice Oligui had been the Head of Gabon’s most Prominent Military Security Unit – the Republican Guard and Presidential Security Unit under President Ali Bongo.

PRESIDENT ALI BONGO took Power in 2009 after the Death of his Father, PRESIDENT OMAR BONGO, who was in his 42nd Year in Power when he Succumbed to Cancer on June 2009. Gen. Brice Oligui equally served as President Omar Bongo’s ‘Aide-de-Camp’ and Commander of the Country’s Presidential Guard.

The new ‘Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions-CTRI’ Junta led by Gen.Brice Oligui has placed President Ali Bongo and his Family under House Arrest. Ali Bongo’s eldest Son and right-hand Man, Noureddin Bongo and other Top Bongo Regime Officials have been arrested for what the Junta termed as high Treason, Drug Trafficking, Corruption, Money Laundering and other Economic Crimes.Without giving a Transition Timeline, Gen. Brice Oligui says the CTRI will move “Quickly but Surely” to “Reorganize Gabon’s Institutions in order to make them more Democratic and more in line with International Standards for Human Rights, Fundamental Freedoms, Democracy and the Rule of Law.”

ONDO OSSA; Alternance 2023-Gabon’s Opposition Coalition Leader has Criticized the Military Takeover terming it as 2 Coups in One; a Coup against his Electoral Victory and a Coup amongst the Bongo Clan. “He’s a Cousin of Bongo, how can I think he is different? It is a Palace Revolution; We are still under Bongo Power, this Young Man grew up in the Palace, I knew him as a Relative of Bongo, as all Gabonese know. Basically, I think the Bongo Family got rid of one of its Members. This is a Family Affair where one Brother replaces another. I’m asking CTRI to restore Republican and Constitutional order. The Electoral Process must be brought to a Conclusion, and the Results must be announced so that I can become the Legitimate President and then the Legal president once they have been validated by the Constitutional Court. I have no Doubts about my Victory. Everyone has the Results, including the Diplomatic Missions.”-Alternance 2023 Leader, Albert Ondo Ossa.

Brig.Gen.President Brice Oligui Inaugural Speech:

“As the former Ghanaian President, Jerry John Rawlings said, “When the people are crushed by their leaders, with the complicity of the judges, it is up to the army to give them their freedom.” It is with this spirit that on August 30, 2023, like a meteorite in the dark night, the Defense and Security Forces of our country took their responsibilities by refusing the electoral Coup d’état which had just been announced by the Gabonese Elections Center following an outrageously biased electoral process. The Republican Army refused to support a Crime which, once too often, would have cost the lives of many Citizens. The defense and security forces had a double choice: either kill Gabonese people, who would have legitimately demonstrated, or put an end to a rigged electoral process, the conditions of which did not allow democratic expression.

It is with full responsibility that we said NO. Never again in our beautiful Country, Gabon. Without any Violence, Clashes and Bloodshed, the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions-CTRI changed the Regime which had Confiscated the Power of Institutions of the Republic for several Years, in Contempt and flagrant Violation of democratic Rules. We thank the people who spontaneously supported this Patriotic Act.

Our country deserves strong, credible institutions, healthier governance, more in line with international standards in terms of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. With the Government that will be set up in a few days, made up of experienced people and people with proven competence, we will strive to give everyone reasons to hope for a better life. Here and now, I solemnly undertake to spare no effort so that, at the end of this transition, our country will be endowed with strong, democratic and credible institutions.

Today, the Happy Times dreamt of by our ancestors are finally coming to us. We therefore need profound Change. This is why I am already instructing the future government to reflect without delay on the mechanisms to be put in place in order to:

•Facilitate the return to the country of all political exiles.

•Amnesty to Prisoners of Conscience.

•Restore the scholarship for secondary school students.

•Financing the national economy with local partners and local financial institutions.

•Create synergy, with the support of local banks, for the payment of pensions for retirees.

•Revise the conditions for granting Gabonese nationality.

•Revise land laws in the Gabonese Republic.

At the end of this transition, with the contribution of all Gabonese development partners, we intend to hand over Power to Civilians by organizing New Free, Transparent and Credible Elections in Peace.

Honor and fidelity to the fatherland. Thank you.” – Brigadier General, Brice Oligui Nguema in his inaugural Speech after being Sworn in as Gabon’s Transition President on September 4, 2023.

The Two Leading Political Figures in Post-Bongo Gabon, Transition President, Brig.Gen Brice Oligui and Opposition Coalition Leader, Prof. Ondo Ossa met on Tuesday, September 5,2023, the Day after Brice Oligui’s Inauguration and shared the following Messages on their Official Social Media Accounts:

“My dear Compatriots, Today at my Home, I had the Opportunity to talk privately in Collegiality with the President of the CTRI. Let us Believe in a Better and Brighter Future for our dear Country, Gabon.”- Alternance 2023 Leader, Prof. Albert Ondo Ossa.

“Today I visited the home of Prof. Ondo Ossa with whom I was able to talk with, in a Friendly atmosphere, in a spirit of Frankness and Constructiveness.”- CTRI-Gabon’s President, Brig.Gen. Brice Oligui.

ZIMBABWE : ZIMBABWEANS DECIDE, 2023

6.6 Million Zimbabweans head to the Ballot to Vote for a President and 210 Members of Parliament as ZANU-PF: Zimbabwe’s Independence Party that has Ruled Zimbabwe since its Independence, seek to extend its 43 Years in Power. August 23, 2023 Election is being seen by many, as a Rematch of 2018 Election between the now 80 Years old ZANU-PF Candidate, President Emmerson Mnangagwa who Won the 2018 Election with 51% and his main Rival, 45 Years old ‘Citizens Coalition for Change-CCC’ Candidate, Nelson Chamisa who came a Strong Second with 45% of the Votes Cast.

• 10 Men and 1 Woman are seeking to Unseat the Sitting President, Emerson Mnangagwa, who is seeking a Second 5 Years Term. President Mnangagwa took Power on November 2017 after leading a Bloodless Coup that ended a 37 Years Regime of his Longtime close Comrade and Boss, President Robert Mugabe. Over 20 Political Parties will be Challenging ZANU-PF’s Grip on Power in this Election.

• Hyperinflation, high Cost of Living, Food Inflation/Food Poverty, Unemployment, Struggling Healthcare System, Corruption, Cronyism and Impunity, Violation of Human Rights and Freedoms, Looming Debt Crisis, Currency Crisis and the ever depreciating Zimbabwean Dollar, Western Economic Sanctions, are among Issues that continue to trouble Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans To-date. October 2022 Labour force Survey by ZIMSTAT says that only 3.3 Million out of some 9 Million Working-age People in Zimbabwe are in some form of Employment, 88% of the 3.3 Million being in informal Employment. The Survey also established that 48.8% of Youths between the Age of 15-24 are just “Roaming around the Streets” without Formal Education or Training.

EMERSON MNANGAGWA AS PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWE, 5 YEARS LATER:

• In the Run-up to July 2018 Election; President Mnangagwa pledged to within his first 5 Years establish and operationalize Special Economic Zones and ensure Consistent Economic Growth of at least 6% per annum between 2018 to 2023.

• On Agriculture, Mnangagwa promised to facilitate the Irrigation of at least 200 Hectares per District and Operationalize Zimbabwe Agricultural Commodity Exchange. He also promised to Issue Land Security Tenure Documents i.e. 99 Years Leases and A1 Permits. He also pledged to diversify Agriculture to include other Agricultural Products other than the dominant Tobacco and Wheat.

• On Healthcare, Mr. Mnangagwa promised to establish at least one New Hospital per District by 2023 and ensure that the Country’sTreasury allocate at least 15% of the National Budget to Healthcare in line with the Abuja Declaration.

• On Mining, Mnangagwa promised to support Beneficiation and Value Addition of Minerals by setting up Quotas for minerals including Platinum, Lithium, Diamond and Chrome Ore to be beneficiated or refined locally and impose Levies and Taxes on Exports of Raw Minerals. Zimbabwe has the biggest Reserves of Lithium, Platinum and Chromite/Chrome Ore in Africa. Zimbabwe has nearly 40 Recoverable Minerals that include Gold and Nickel. President Mnangagwa promised to amend Amend Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act Chapter 21: 05 to transform the Mining Industry.

• On Energy Mnangagwa promised to increase Power Generation by operationalizing Kariba and Batoka Hydro Stations, Shilands Power Station, repair and revamp Bulawayo Power Station and extend Hwange Power Station 7 and 8 and Connect all Rural Areas with Electricity.

• On Transport, he promised to operationalize NRZ and revamp Railways Infrastructure along Victoria Falls-Bulawayo-Harare-Mutare; Somabula-Rutenga-Chicualacuala/Beitbridge; Bulawayo-Plumtree and Chitungwiza-Harare Fast Rail. Develop Sub-regional Routes Lion’s Den-Chirundu towards Kafue, Harare-Nyamapanda towards Moatize; Beitbridge-Chicualcuala and Harare towards Makuze. Dualise Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu; Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls; and Kwekwe-Nkayi Road Network and regravel 300 Kilometers of Roads per year in all Rural Provinces by 2023.

• On Water, Mnangagwa promised to Construct the Gwayi-Shangani; Mutange; Musami and Kunzvi Dams, and Wenimbi Pipeline, and start a National Program to enhance and improve all Water Purification Plants.

• On Education, he promised to construct 2000 Schools by 2023, repair and establish at least one Vocational training Centre in every District.

• On Housing, Mnangagwa promised to deliver at least 1.5 Million affordable Housing Units by 2023.

• On Business and Manufacturing, President Mnangagwa promised to accelerate implementation of Ease of Doing Business Reforms, Enact Corporate Governance Bill, Recapitalize the Industrial Development Corporation and Implement SADC Industrialization Strategy.

President Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF Party did not publish a New Manifesto for his 2023 Re-election Bid saying the past 5-Years Record speaks for itself.

FRONT-RUNNER Nelson Chamisa, a Lawyer and an Ordained Pastor says Zimbabwe’s Crisis is essentially a Crisis of Governance. In his “New Great Zimbabwe for Everyone” Manifesto, Chamisa and his New CCC Party says: “the Citizens Movement’s Philosophy places God First and Citizens at the Center for the flourishing of Happiness, Freedom, Peace, Unity, Justice and Properity to blossom Life, Liberty, Dignity, Security and Prosperity of each and every Citizen.” In his Manifesto, Chamisa has promised to build a $ 100 Billion Economy and create 2.5 Million New Jobs.

The Only WOMAN Candidate in this Election: Elisabeth Valerio and her UZA Party has her Manifesto pegged on 4 Pillars: Accountability, Stability, Dignity and Advancement.

The late Morgan Tsvangirai’s troubled ‘Movement for Democratic Change-MDC’ Party had Fielded Douglas Mwonzora who recently, controversially withdrew from the Race Citing Unfairness from the Electoral Commission-ZEC after disqualification of several MDC Parliamentary Candidates.

Zimbabwe Fact-File

• Zimbabwe, a Land-locked Southern Africa Country, Home to the 11^th Century Kingdom of the Great Zimbabwe is Today Home to 16.7 Million People.
• Economically, Zimbabwe is classified as a Lower Middle-income Country with a Nominal GDP of $ 21 Billion and a GDP Per Capita of $ 1,267.
• Agriculture and Mining are the main Contributors to Zimbabwe’s Economy: Tobacco, Wheat, Lithium, Gold, Nickel are some of the Main Exports from Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has the biggest Reserves of Lithium, Platinum and Chromite/Chrome Ore in Africa. Zimbabwe has nearly 40 Recoverable Minerals.
• In the most recent UNDP ‘Human Development Index’; Zimbabwe is ranked among “Medium Human Development” Category of Nations at Position 146 out of 191 World Nations and Number 132 out of 169 World Nations on the ‘Social Progress Index’. The 2 Indexes take Account of Key Dimensions of Human Development that is; Healthy Life, being Knowledgeable-Education, a Decent Standard of Living-access to basic Human Needs, Safety, Personal Freedom and Rights, Foundations of Well-being and Opportunities for Progress among many other Indicators of Social and Human Development/Progress.
• On the most recent ‘Transparency International Corruption Perception Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by their Perceived Levels of Public Sector Corruption; Zimbabwe is ranked at Position 157 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 23/100.
• Zimbabwe is a leading Tourist Destination with 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Victoria Falls, Mutarazi Falls, Lake Kariba, Masvingo- the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Chinhoyi Caves, Chiremba balancing Rocks, Natural History Museum, Hwange, Matobo and Mana Pools National Parks, are some of Zimbabwe’s top Tourist Destinations.
• ZANU-PF Regimes have continually attributed Zimbabwe’s Economic and Financial Troubles to Sanctions slapped on Zimbabwe by the United Kingdom, United States and the European Union back in the Year 2000 after President Robert Mugabe’s Radical Land Reforms. President Mnangagwa’s Effort to have the Sanctions lifted by paying Reparations to some 4,500 White Farmers who were kicked out of Zimbabwean Farmlands by President Mugabe to Resettle some 300,000 Landless Zimbabweans, has not borne Fruit, the historical Sanctions remain. The late President Robert Mugabe defended his Radical Land Reforms by saying they were meant to Correct Colonial Land grabbing and that he was only returning the Farmlands to the Rightful Owners.
• After Years of experimenting and struggling with many different Currencies in the Face of Inflation and Hyperinflation that in 2008 hit a World Record of 500 Billion Percent, forcing the Country to Print a Record 100 Trillion Zimbabwean Dollar Cash Note, and a Record of 8 different Foreign Currencies all being used as Legal Tender in Zimbabwe sometime in 2014: Zimbabwe is now experimenting with Gold Coins and a Gold-backed Digital Currency in a bid to prop and stabilize the Zimbabwean Dollar.

ELECTION RESULTS

On August 27, 2023: PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa was Declared the Winner of Presidential Election with 2.3 Million Votes or 52%. This Now clears Way for his ZANU-PF: Zimbabwe’s Independence Party that has Ruled Zimbabwe since its Independence in 1980, to extend its 43 Years in Power with 5 more Years. CCC’s NELSON CHAMISA once again finished Second with 1.9 Million Votes or 44%. Mubaiwa Wilbert of the NPC finished Third with 53,517 Votes according to Electoral Commission-ZEC Declaration.

President Mnangagwa’s Party, ZANU-PF also Won the Parliament Race, bagging 136 out of the 210 Elective Seats. Chamisa’s CCC Won 73 out of the 210 Parliamentary Seats. Gutu West Constituency Election was postponed.

“Nelson Chamisa who dismissed the entire Election Process and its Results as a “Blatant and Gigantic Fraud” also said he was the legitimate Winner. There is going to be Change in Zimbabwe whether Zanu-PF People want it or not. It’s not going to be easy but there shall be Change. We will not wait for Five Years, there has to be Change Now and we are going to lead in making Sure Change comes to Zimbabwe, we put a full Stop to this Madness, whatever it takes.”- Nelson Chamisa in a Statement.

Incumbent, President Mnangagwa expressed his Satisfaction with the Process and Results of this Election. “I am Grateful for the Trust you’ve placed in me through the Election. As we move forward, let us remember the Strength of our Nation lies in Unity and Stability. Regardless of our Affiliations, let us work together for the Progress and Prosperity of Zimbabwe.”- President Emmerson Mnangagwa. On those disputing the Results, President Mnangagwa said, “those who feel the Race was not run properly know where to go and complain”.

NIGERIA GENERAL ELECTION: NIGERIA DECIDES 2023

• 

NIGERIA: Africa’s biggest Economy, Africa’s biggest Oil and Gas Producer, Africa’s Most Populous Country goes into a High-stakes, Major Transition General Election. 80 Years old President Muhammadu Buhari who was elected into Office on May 2015 is now set to Retire after serving 2 Terms as President of Nigeria. President Buhari First rose to Power on December 1983 when as a Military General then, he Overthrew Nigeria’s First Democratically elected Civilian President one Shehu Shagari. General Buhari was Overthrown 2 Years later on August 1985 by General Ibrahim Babanginda during the Days of Junta Ping-pong in Nigeria.

February 25, 2023 Nigeria General Election Facts and Figures:

-93.4 Million Nigerians are Registered to Vote.

-18 Presidential Candidates;1Woman and 17 Men.

-18 Registered Political Parties are competing in this Election.

-360 elective Seats for the House of Representatives

-109 elective Seats for the Senate

-176,846 Polling Stations across Nigeria’s 36 States.

-39.7% of Total Registered Voters or 37 Million Voters are below the Age of 35: Youths are the biggest Block of Voters.

4 out of the 18 Presidential Candidates are seen as the Front-runners in this Election:

-76 Years old Atiku Abubakar with his PDP Party. The Former Vice President and Adamawa Governor is now running to become Nigeria’s President for the 6^th Time. The Prolific Businessman has background in Law and International Relations. He came a Strong Second in the February 2019 Election with 11.2 Million Votes and a WIN in 17 out of the 36 States of Nigeria.

-70 Years old Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Ruling APC Party. Tinubu: an Accountant served as the Governor of Lagos State between 1999-2007.

-61 Years old Peter Obi with his Labour Party. The former Governor of Anambra State is Professional Banker.

-66 Years old Rabiu Kwankwaso with his NNPP. The Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, former Governor of Kano State and former Defence Minister is a Water Engineer by Profession.

-44 Years old Chichi Ojei with her APM Party. The Finance Administrator from Delta State is the only WOMAN Presidential Candidate.

-39 Years old Educationist, Prof. Christopher Imumolen of the Accord Party is the YOUNGEST Candidate in this Year’s Presidential Election.

NIGERIA: FACT-FILE & MAJOR ISSUES

• Nigeria: a Country along the Atlantic Coast of West Africa is Today the most Populous African Nation Home to 219.6 Million People.
• Nigeria is Africa’s Largest Economy with a $ 450 Billion GDP Economy.
• Nigeria is the biggest Producer/Exporter of Oil in Africa.
• Nigeria has the biggest Reserves of Natural Gas in Africa: It’s Africa’s Second Largest Producer/Exporter of Natural Gas in Africa after Algeria.
• Although Oil and Gas make up 90% of Nigeria’s Total Exports: the Country is also a Major Producer and Exporter of Cocoa, Sesame Seeds, Cashewnuts, PeaNuts, Cassava, Palm Oil, Rice, Maize and Yams in Africa and in the World.
• Despite being a relatively developed Low Middle income Country with a $ 2066 GDP Per Capita; Poverty is still a Significant Issue in Nigeria Today with Over Half of the Country: 63% of Nigerians or over 133 Million People being Multi-dimensionally Poor according Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics.
• Nigeria has one of the highest Unemployment Rate in the World and the Second highest Unemployment Rate in Africa after South Africa.
• Access to Quality and Affordable Healthcare is a big Challenge in Nigeria-only 3% of Nigerians are covered by any Health Insurance as of June 2022 Data-The Ratio of Doctor to Patients in Nigeria currently stands at 1 Doctor for Over 5500 Nigerians which is way below the World Health Organization-W.H.O Standard Requirement of 1 Doctor for 1000 People.
• In the most recent UNDP ‘Human Development Index’; Nigeria is ranked among “Low Human Development” Category of Nations at Position 163 out of 191 World Nations and Number 128 out of 169 World Nations on the ‘Social Progress Index’.The 2 Indexes take Account of Key Dimensions of Human Development that is;Healthy Life,being Knowledgeable-Education, a Decent Standard of Living-access to basic Human Needs,Safety,Personal Freedom and Rights,Foundations of Well-being and Opportunities for Progress among many other Indicators of Social and Human Development/Progress.
• On the most recent ‘Transparency International Corruption Perception Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by their Perceived Levels of Public Sector Corruption; Nigeria is ranked at Position 150 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 24 out of 100. CORRUPTION is an Existential Threat in Nigeria. Research and Reports by Various Think tanks in Nigeria and abroad say that Nigeria has lost at least $ 600 Billion Dollars or Over -₦ 276 Trillion Naira to State Corruption since Nigeria’s Independence in October 1960.
• Nigeria’s Adult Literacy Rate currently stands at 62% which is way below the Global Average Adult Literacy Rate of 86%.
•  In the most recent-2022 Global Hunger Index-GHI Report, Nigeria is ranked at Position 103 out of 121 Countries with sufficient Data to calculate the 2022 GHI Scores. With a GHI score of 27.3; Nigeria’s Level of Hunger is classified as SERIOUS.
• INSECURITY is a Major Concern in Nigeria. An ongoing Deadly 14 Years Old Conflict in Northern Nigeria led by several Armed Militants key among them Boko Haram Insurgents whose main Aim is to Overthrow the Secular State of Nigeria and form an Islamic State, has so far claimed the Lives of over 50,000 People in Nigeria with nearly 2 Million others Displaced. Incessant Abduction/Kidnapping of School Children by Insurgents and Bandits who later demand Ransom Payment to Free the Children, Extrajudicial Killings, Deadly Ethnic and Religious Violence are all real Crises in Nigeria.
• Power/Electricity and Water Crises in Nigeria-Over 90 Million Nigerians Today do not access to Electricity; 33% or some 60 Million Nigerians do not have access to Reliable, Clean and Safe Water.
• Inflation and rising Cost of Living is also a major Concern for Nigerians Today.
• Lagos: Nigeria’s Commercial Capital City is the Largest and the most Populous City in Africa with a Population of nearly 25 Million People. Abuja is Nigeria’s Administrative Capital City 
• Although Constitutionally Nigeria is a Secular State; Majority of Nigerians are Muslims-54% followed by Christians at 46%. Religion is a Political and a Controversial Subject in Nigeria: Religious Tension and Violence is common in the Country.
• English is the Official Language in Nigeria. At least 520 other Local Languages are spoken across Nigeria’s diverse Ethnic and Tribal Lines.
• Nigerian Naira-₦ is the Country’s official Currency.
•  February 2019 Presidential Election recorded the LOWEST Voter Turnout and Voter Apathy: over 53 Million out of the 84 Million Registered Voters did Not go out to Vote: Voter Turnout stood at 35.7%. OUTGOING President Buhari with APC Party WON with 15.1 Million Votes with a WIN in 19/36 Nigerian States: his closest Rival Atiku Abubakar of the PDP Party garnered 11.2 Million Votes and a WIN in 17/36 States in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Intriguing Political Journey:Regaining Independence;33 Years Junta Rule To The Rebirth of Democracy

__>October 1,1960 Nigeria Regained its Independence from Britain; Nnamdi Azikwe gets appointed as Governor General alongside Tafawa Balewa as the Prime Minister.

• October 1,1963 Nigeria became a Republic with Nnamdi Azikwe as its first President with Tafawa Balewa as its first Prime Minister.
• While in his Third Year in Office; January 1966 President Azikwe travels to West Indies on a Medical Trip and while away a Bloody Coup is staged by the Military to depose him leading to the Killing of his Prime Minister Tafawa, Senior Army Officers, Prime Ministers of the West and North of Nigeria among other Senior Government Officials. Major General/Commander Johnson Aguiyi alongside a battery of Igbo(Southerners)Power Elite suppressed the Coup and Seized Power to become a Millitary Head of State. This marks the start of Nigeria’s 3 Decades of Millitary Rule, Supremacy and Showdown.
• Northern Nigerians who suffered the brute of this Coup saw this as a Conspiracy by the Igbo Power Elite to annex and subjugate them creating vile Ethnic Animosity. July the same year 1966 the Northern Soldiers staged another deadly Coup against their Southern Colleagues and Killed Aguiyi who was now the Military Head of State. In this Violent takeover, the Northerners killed close to 30,000 Igbos forcing them to flee to the South. On May 1967 the Igbos declared their Independence in a Secession bid to have a Nation of their own which they named Biafra State. This announcement became the start of a Ghastly, Bloody Civil War (Biafran War) that lasted for Two and a half years until January 1970. Gun battle is believed to have caused over 100,000 Deaths with Drought, Hunger, Starvation and Diseases claiming over a Million Lives of the Igbo Community. Upon a thoroughly suppressed Igbo Warriors and a decimated Population; the Igbos surrendered on January 1970 and the Military Ruler General Yakubu Gowon who took over after Aguiyi’s assassination accepted them back to the Nigerian State ending the deadly Civil War.
• General Gowon ruled until July 1975 when he was overthrown in a bloodless Coup that happened while he was away in Kampala Uganda for the 12^th OAU Summit. General Muhammed Murtala took over as the New Military Head of State. Barely 7 Months into Office General Murtala was on February 1976 assassinated in a failed Coup attempt. His Chief of Staff who had been promoted to a Lieutenant General one Olesegun Obasanjo was immediately appointed by the Supreme Military Council took over as the New Military Ruler. Obasanjo ruled for Four Years until August 1979 when the First Ever Presidential Elections were held where a Civilian one Shehu Shagari won the Election. Obasanjo stepped down both as the Military Head of State and Army Officer and handed over to the Newly Elected Civilian Head of State Shagari on October 1979. The Supreme Military Council was dissolved to give birth to a New Nigeria.
• 3 Years into Office, Shagari’s democratically elected Government was on December 1983 deposed by the Military, a new Supreme Military Council was formed and Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Current President of Nigeria) took over as the New Military Ruler. Buhari ruled for around Two Years until August 1985 when a New Military Council (Armed Forces Ruling Council) formed by General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew him and Gen. Babangida took over. The new Military Ruler promised to restore Democracy; he ruled for 8 Years. In a Visit to Egypt on August 1993 Gen. Babangida stepped down and appointed a Civilian who was a Lawyer one Ernest Shonekan as an Interim President. Shonekan’s Transitional Government was in its Fourth Month deposed by General Sani Abacha on November 1993 who appointed himself as the head of Ruling Military Coucil and Head of State. Gen. Abacha ruled for 5 Years until June 1998 when he mysteriously died in his Presidential Villa. His Defence Staff Chief Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar was immediately sworn in the same Month. Gen. Abdulsalami promised to hold a Democratic Election within a Year in order to hand over Power. He established an Electoral Commission (INEC) that conducted Presidential Elections on February 1999. Former Military Head of State Olesegun Obasanjo won the Election and true to his Word Major Abdulsalami handed over Power to Obasanjo on May 1999. This marked the End of 33-Years of Junta Rule.A modified version of the 1979 Constitution adopted during Abdulsalami’s Reign came now came into force with President Olesegun Obasanjo marking the birth of yet another New Nigeria.
• In another Presidential Election on April 2003 Obasanjo’s Ruling Party PDP won a Second Term against his main Opponent and former Military Head of State Muhammadu Buhari(Now the Current President). Amid claims and accusations of intending to hang on Power with a Third Term, President Obasanjo bowed to pressure and stepped down after the Controversial April 2007 Presidential Elections won by one Umaru Yar’Adua. His main opponents again Muhammadu Buhari and Obasanjo’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar contested the results in Court but their Petititions were dismissed.
• President Yar’Adua suddenly left Nigeria for Saudi Arabia on November 2009 on a Medical Trip reportedly ailing with Pericarditis. After Three Months of his absence Concerns were raised with Pressure from Various Stakeholders in Politics on his inability to discharge his duties as President. Nigeria’s Senate bowed to Pressure and calls to declare Yar’Adua’s Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as an acting President. On February 2010 President Yar’Adua secretly returned to Nigeria with his state of Health still unclear with claims it had deteriorated. 4 Months later on May 2010 President Yar’Adua was announced Dead. His Vice President Goodluck was immeadiately Sworn in as President. 10 Months into office a Presidential Election was held on April 2011 and Jonathan confirmed his Position as President after beating his Close Rival Muhammadu Buhari.
• President Goodluck ruled until March 2015 when another Presidential Election was held. He lost to General Buhari, Conceded defeat and handed over Power on May 2015. This was Buhari’s 4^th Trial to become President through the ballot after his unsuccessful bids in 2003,2007 and 2011.He made history as the first ever Opposition Candidate to beat a sitting President.

KENYA; CRADLE OF MANKIND; ONE OF AFRICA’S MOST ROBUST DEMOCRACY; LARGEST ECONOMY IN EAST & CENTRAL AFRICA GOES TO A HIGH-STAKES TRANSITION ELECTION

August 9,2022 Presidential Candidates and their Running Mates: A-Raila Odinga/Martha Karua, B-William Ruto/Rigathi Gachagua, C-George Wajackoyah/Justina Wamae, D-David Mwaure/Ruth Mutua.

• KENYA;an East African Nation TODAY Home to 56.3 Million People is believed to have been Home to the OLDEST HUMAN SPECIES ON EARTH or the CRADLE OF HUMANITY after the Discovery of the Oldest Stone Tools ever at Lomekwi in Turkana County of Kenya.These Stone Tools discovered between 2011 to 2014 at the Shores of Lake Turkana Date to 3.3 MILLION YEARS AGO. These Tools that include Anvils, Hammers, Cores and Sharp-edged Flakes and other Stone Tools are in Fact 700,000 Years OLDER than any such Tools/Artefacts discovered before according to Paleoanthropologists. These Tools actually Pre-date the Oldest known Genus Homo or the Human Genus which Dates to 2.8 Million Years ago.

Modern History Timeline:

Colonialism in Kenya

• 1888-having invaded and occupied the Territory that is Today Kenya; British Colonialists Ruled Kenya, Uganda and Somalia through a Commercial Company known as IBEAC-Imperial British East Africa that had a Royal Charter. In 1889;Somalia fell under Italian Colonial Rule. In 1893;Unable to control the Vast Territory and with growing Resistance from Local Communities; IBEAC handed over the remaining Territory to the British Government which then divided it into the Uganda Protectorate in 1894 and the East African Protectorate-British East Africa or Modern Day Kenya in 1895.Fast-forward to 1920;Kenya officially became a Britain Colony on June 1920.
• Kenyans Resistance to British Colonial Rule started as early as 1890 when an Agikuyu Chief Waiyaki wa Hinga organized a Protest that led to the burning down of a Fort Building belonging to a British Colonial Administrator Frederick Lugard.It grew to a Full-fledged Resistance led by Gallant Men and Women like Mukite wa Nameme leading Abukusu Resistance in 1895, Koitalel Arap Samoei leading Nandi Resistance in 1896, Mekatilili wa Menza,Syotune wa Kathuke;Bold Women who led Agiriama and Akamba Resistance to British Colonial Rule in 1913.
• The Agikuyu-led fierce Mau Mau Land and Freedom Revolt led by Valiant Warriors like Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi,Muthoni Kirima,Musa Muariama,Baimungi Marete,Waruhiu Itote and many Others from 1951 to 1960 decisively placed Kenya on the Road to Independence. This was the Bloodiest Resistance to British Colonial Rule; Over 90,000 Kenyan People were Killed in this 9 Years Struggle for Freedom,160,000 others were arrested, tortured and detained according to KHRC.
• On May 1960; Nationalists led by James Gichuru,Tom Mboya and Oginga Odinga formed KANU; the Party that formed the first Government in Independent Kenya on June 1,1963 under its Leader then-Jomo Kenyatta as Prime Minister.On December 12,1963;Kenya became a Republic with Jomo Kenyatta as the first President and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga as the first Vice President.

        Post-Colonial Kenya;1963-2002

• President Jomo Kenyatta ruled Kenya from June 1963 until August 22,1978 when he Died from Heart Attack. Under his 15 Years Rule,Kenya’s Economy grew from $926 Million in 1963 to $ 5 Billion in 1978.The Country’s Population grew from 9 Million People in 1963 to 15 Million in 1978.The Country’s GDP Per Capita grew from $104 in 1963 to $349 in 1978.In 1978 after 15 Years of President Jomo Kenyatta; Adult Literacy Rate was at 36% from 20% in 1963;35% of Kenyan Men and 70% of Kenyan Women aged 15 Years and above were Illiterate. Life Expectancy improved from 48 Years in 1963 to 56 Years in 1978. Kenyatta’s Vice President then-Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi was Sworn in as Acting President and later on October 1978 as Kenya’s Second President after being Unopposed Presidential Candidate on November 1978 Presidential Election.
• President Daniel Arap Moi held Power for 24 Years until December 2002.Under President Moi,Kenya’s Economy grew from $ 5 Billion to $ 13 Billion. The Population doubled from 15 Million People in 1978 to 33 Million People in 2002.The Country’s GDP Per Capita had slowly risen from $349 in 1978 to $390 when President Moi left Office in 2002.On May 1990 when the first ‘United Nations Development Program’-UNDP released the first Global ‘Human Development Index’-HDI Report; Kenya was in the ‘Low Income-Low Human Development’ Category of Nations. In 2002; Adult Literacy Rate had risen to a high of 82% from 36% in 1978.Life Expectancy decreased from 56 Years in 1978 to 51 Years in 2002. KANU’s Candidate in the December 2002 Election-a Youthful 41 Years old Uhuru Kenyatta-President Jomo Kenyatta’s Son lost to a 71 Years old Mwai Kibaki who through NARC Coalition Won with a Landslide 62%;Uhuru got 31% of the Votes. On December 2002;President Moi handed over Power to his former Vice President-Mwai Kibaki ending KANU’s 39 Years in Power. President Moi Died on February 4,2020 at the Age of 95.

         Kenya in the 21^st Century;2002-2022

• Regarded as the only Kenyan President who managed to balance Economic Growth with Economic Development; President Mwai Kibaki’s 10 Years;2-5 Years Terms-2003-2013 were characterized by Robust Infrastructural Development, Economic Growth and Development, Democracy and Constitutional Development. President Kibaki will be remembered for overseeing Kenya’s highest Rate of Economic Growth;as an esteemed Economist,President Kibaki steered Kenya’s Economy growth from a sluggish growth of 0.2% in December 2002 when he took Power to an impressive 7.1% in early 2007 or 10% after Rebasing. Under President Mwai Kibaki; Kenya’s Economy grew from $13 Billion to $54 Billion making it Africa’s 9^th Largest Economy when he left Office in 2013. The Country’s GDP Per Capita rose from a low of $390 when he took Office to an impressive high of $1,210 when he left Office; this placed Kenya on a Trajectory towards Low-Middle Income Country.The Country’s Adult Literacy Rate rose to a high of 88% in 2013 after President Kibaki’s Free Primary Education in 2003.Life Expectancy rose from a low of 51 Years when President Moi left Office to a high of 63 Years when President Kibaki left Office.In Terms of Human Development;Kenya was still ranked as a “Low Human Development” Country in 2013 UNDP-HDI Report when Kibaki left Office;it ranked at Position 145 out of 186 World Countries assessed. On August 2010; President Kibaki’s Grand Coalition Government delivered one of the Most Progressive and Democratic Constitution in the World which is the Supreme Law in Kenya Today. President Kibaki’s Government will also be remembered for preparing and launching Kenya’s Vision 2030 on June 2008;a Long-term Development Blue-print that has largely been guiding Kenya’s State Development Programs ever since.The Development Blueprint aims at transforming Kenya into a globally Competitive, Prosperous industrializing Middle income Nation and provide all its Citizens with high quality Life in a Secure Environment by 2030. President Kibaki Died on April 21,2022 at the Age of 91.

The 4 Presidents Kenya has had since Independence: 1963-2022 Chronologically

                President Uhuru Kenyatta; Outgoing President of Kenya

• Kenya’s 4^th President;Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta-the Son of Kenya’s First President took Office on March 2013 and is set to leave Office after the August 9^th 2022 Presidential Election, effectively ending his 2;5 Years Terms as President. President Uhuru Kenyatta will be remembered for his massive and expensive Infrastructural Projects and steady expansion of Kenya’s Economy, Fundamental Freedoms and Democracy.
•  President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Key Achievements include Big Infrastructural Projects like the Standard Gauge Railway-Kenya’s Most expensive Infrastructural Project, Nairobi Expressway-Africa’s longest Expressway, Reviving of the Old Meter Gauge Railway, Ship building and Repair Yards and Ports-New Port of Lamu, Second Container Terminal at the Port of Mombasa and Refurbishing of Kisumu Port. Clean Energy-Electricity Connection, Dams-Thiba,Kariminu,Thwake etc, Clean Water and Sanitation, Hospitals like the KU National Teaching,Referral and Research Hospital among other complete and ongoing Projects make President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Conspicuous Infrastructural Legacy.
• President Uhuru will also be remembered for overseeing Devolution of Power to enhance equitable sharing of Resources and Development across Kenya’s 47 County Governments. Investment in Technical and Vocational Education Training Institutes, Introduction of a New Competency Based Curriculum of Education in Kenya as well Reforms and Investments that have seen Kenya achieve 100% Transition from Primary to Secondary School and 1:1 Child to Book Ratio is also part of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Key Achievements. Kenya’s Internet Penetration has grown from 31% when he took Office in 2013 to 93% in 2022.Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting in 2015 has greatly opened up Kenya’s Mainstream Media Space.
• His Administration has built nearly 11,000 New Kilometers of Road Network which according to Records is more than all Roads built in Kenya between 1920 when Kenya officially became a British Colony to 2013 when he took Office as the 4th President of Kenya. Under his Administration; Kenya’s Economy has grown from $ 5 Trillion in 2013 to over $ 12 Trillion Today making it the 6th Biggest Economy in Africa.
• Under President Uhuru Kenyatta; Kenya on September 2014 rose from a Low income to a Low Middle Income Economy. Kenya’s GDP Per Capita has almost doubled from $1,200 in 2013 to 2,100 in 2022.Life Expectancy has also increased from 63 Years in 2013 to 67 Years Today. In the most recent UNDP-Human Development Report of 2021; Kenya has risen to “Medium Human Development” Category; It currently ranks at Position 142 out of 189 Countries assessed.
• President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Government will also be remembered for its Investment in Clean Renewable Energy.Currently,Renewable Energy in Kenya accounts for over 70% of the Country’s installed Power generation Capacity.Nearly 90% of the Electricity in use across Kenya is from Clean Sources.
• President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Administration is however being criticized for what Kenyans term as grand Embezzlement and Corruption mainly through Overpriced Projects and Excessive borrowing that has seen Kenya’s Debt Portfolio increase from $ 1.8 Trillion in 2013 to over $ 8 Trillion Today. On March 2016; Kenya’s Auditor General then-Philip Kinisu said Kenya loses a Third of its Annual Budget or Ksh.600+ Billion to Corruption every Year. Kenya’s immediate former Auditor General-Edward Ouko disputed up to Ksh.1 Trillion of Public Fund that was either Misappropriated or Stolen between 2014 to 2019. “We cannot Lie, the Devil of Corruption is still Alive and Well here in Kenya”-President Uhuru Kenyatta on June 1,2022. On the 2022’Transparency International Corruption Perception Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by their Perceived Levels of Public Sector Corruption; Kenya is ranked at Position 128 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 30/100.The Ranking is given on a Scale or Score of 0-100; Score 0-Totally Corrupt National Public Sector to 100-Coruption Free National Public Sector.

KENYA DECIDES 2022; August 9,2022 Presidential Election

• This will be Kenya’s 7^th Multi-Party Democracy Presidential Election to elect Kenya’s 5^th President. The First Multi-Party Elections were held in December 1992 after Kenya’s Second Liberation Uprising that forced President Moi to forego his One Party Autocracy on December 1991.Constitutionally,Kenya Today has a Presidential System of Governance/Democracy where a directly/popularly elected President is the Head of State and Government.
• A Total of 22.1 Million Kenyans are registered to Vote in this Election across 46,232 Polling Stations spread out across Kenya’s 47 Counties. Kenyans are expected to Vote in a New President, 290 Members of Parliament, 47 Governors, Senators and Women Representatives for each of Kenya’s 47 Counties and some 1,450 Members of County Assembly from each of 1,450 Administrative Wards in Kenya.
• The Presidential Election had attracted a Total of 58 Aspirants but Only 4 fulfilled the Stringent and Demanding Requirements set by Kenya’s Constitutional Laws and the ‘Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’-IEBC.  To be Declared Winner in Kenya’s Presidential Election;One Must get 50%+1 Votes or more than HALF of all Votes Cast in the Presidential Election and at least 25% of Votes Cast in HALF of the 47 Counties or in 24 out of 47 Counties.
• The 4 Presidential Candidates in this Election are Kenya’s former Prime Minister-77 Years old Raila Odinga with his Azimio La Umoja Coalition–A Kenya’s Deputy President since 2013 To-date-55 Years old William Ruto with his Kenya Kwanza Coalition-B, Roots Party Candidate-62 Years old George Wajackoyah-C and Agano Party Candidate-65 Years old David Mwaure-D.
• FOCUS is however on 2 Front-Runners; Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga who is making his 5^TH Attempt to become Kenya’s President and one of his Stalwarts in the Violently disputed 2007 Presidential Election now the Deputy President of Kenya-Dr.William Samoei Ruto. This is William Ruto’s First Presidential Bid where he is seeking to Succeed his Boss-President Uhuru Kenyatta who he fell out with when he-(Uhuru Kenyatta)-made a Peace Agreement-March 2018 Handshake with his Rival Raila Odinga after his Controversial Re-election on October 2017 Repeat Election. President Uhuru Kenyatta made a Decision to Support his Arch-rival in 2013 and 2017 Presidential Elections-Raila Odinga; he has been Campaigning for him since the early 2022.

2022 Presidential Election Promises and Key Concerns among Kenyans

• Flanked by an esteemed Senior Counsel, Constitutional Justice Activist, former elected Member of Parliament,former Water,Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister,NARC-Kenya Party Leader and 2013 Presidential Candidate; Martha Karua as the Running Mate; Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja Manifesto is built around the following Key Pledges. National Industrialization and Manufacturing-One County One Product for Economic Revolution and Job Creation, Finacial Social Welfare Program to the most Needy Households,Women Empowerment,Universal Healthcare Program,Quality Basic Education for all Children, Clean affordable Water to all Households,Agriculture and Food Security,Digital  and Creative Economy,Blue Economy,Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and above all eradicate Corruption which he and her Running Mate have made Personal Commitment to root out by all Means. Raila Odinga who who alongside other Living and Dead Kenyan Patriots went through Hell to end President Moi’s One-Party Dictatorship in the late 80s to early 90s to deliver Kenya’s Second Liberation-Democracy and Social Freedom, has alongside his Running Mate-Iron Lady Martha Karua, promised to lead Kenya’s Third Liberation-Economic Liberation.
• Flanked by his Running Mate; sitting Mathira MP and former District Administrator under Moi’s Regime- Rigathi Gachagua; William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza has fashioned his Manifesto around a “Bottom-up” Employment creating Economic Model.His Key Pledges are built around Agriculture and Food Security, Micro,Small and Medium Enterprises Economy,Digital-Creative Economy,Service Economy,Housing and Settlement,Two-thirds Gender Rule Implementation,Universal Health Coverage and Environment.

• The Main Concerns amongst Kenyans in this August 2022 Election are escalating Cost of Living, Food Insecurity-(despite being an Agriculture based Economy;Kenya is still a Net Food Importer.1 out of 3 Kenyans suffer from Chronic Food Insecurity and Poor Nutrition.3 in every 10 Kenyans do not meet Dietary Requirements to sustain a Healthy and Productive Life. In the most recent-2021 Global Hunger Index-GHI,Kenya is ranked at Position 87 out of 116 Countries with sufficient Data to calculate the 2021 GHI Scores.With a GHI score of 23.0;Kenya’s Level of Hunger is classified as Serious.), unprofitable Cash Crops Farming, Cronyism and escalating Unemployment, OverTaxation and high Cost of doing Business, Neglect of the Innovative and Creative Capacity/Economy, incessant Government Corruption and Public Funds Embezzlement with Impunity, Access to Quality and Affordable Healthcare-(only21% of Kenyans are covered by any Health Insurance-National NHIF taking 20% of the 21% as of 2022-The Ratio of Doctor to Patients in Kenya currently stands at 1 Doctor for 17,000 Kenyans which is way below the World Health Organization-W.H.O Standard of 1 Doctor for 1000 People.), Mental Healthcare, the New Basic Education CBC Curriculum, Cost and Quality of higher Education, Soaring National Debt, lacking National Values, Ethics and Morality, Unaccountable Public Leadership, Administration and Management among other Issues.

KENYA-Key Facts

• Kenya is the World’s Home of Athletics Champions; Home to the World’s Greatest Marathoner of all Time-Eliud Kipchoge, Africa’s Fastest Man-Ferdinand Omanyala among other Past and Current 30 World Record Holders in different Field and Track Events. David Rudisha,Beatrice Chepkoech,Brigid Kosgei,the late Agnes Tirop,David Komen,Tegla Loroupe,Ruth Chepng’etich,Peres Jepchirchir,Hellen Obiri,Faith Kipyegon are among many other Terrific Kenyan Athletes. Kenyan Women Athletes are in the Guinness World Record for ‘Most Team Wins at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships’ with 7 Victories.
• Despite being a relatively developed Low Middle income Country that has the largest Economy in Central and East Africa; Poverty is still a Significant Issue in Kenya Today with 34% of Kenyans or over 18.6 Million People still living below the Poverty Line or living with under $1.90 per Person a Day.
• Kenya has the Most Expensive Elections in Africa and second Most Expensive Elections in the World.This particular 2022 General Election will Cost Kenyans Ksh.44.5 Billion;Over $17 or Ksh.2,027 will be spent on Each of the 22,120,458 Registered Voters.
• On the most recent ‘Transparency International Corruption Perception Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by their Perceived Levels of Public Sector Corruption;Kenya is ranked at Position 128 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 30/100.The Ranking is given on a Scale or Score of 0-100;Score 0-Totally Corrupt National Public Sector to 100-Coruption Free National Public Sector.
• Kenya is largely an Agricultural Country. Agriculture is the biggest Contributor making 32% of Kenya’s GDP;It’s also the biggest Employey.Kenya is among the Top Exporters of Tea, Macadamia Nuts, Coffee, Flowers, Avocados, Fruits and Vegetables or Horticultural Produce.Kenya is Africa’s biggest Producer and Exporter of Avocados and Tea.It’s the Second biggest Producer and Exporter of Macadamia Nuts and 5th biggest Producer and Exporter of Coffee in Africa.
• Kenya has Significant but largely Untapped Deposits of Titanium,Copper,Gold,Oil,Gemstones,Niobium,Manganese among other Rare Earth Minerals.
• Kenya is leading in harnessing Clean and Renewable Energy as the World rushes to phase out World Polluting and Global Warming Dirty Energy;the Largest Geothermal,Wind and Biogas Power Plants in Africa are all found in Kenya.
• Located astride the Equator along the Coast of East Africa;Kenya is a Top Tourist Destination.Kenya has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites-Second highest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa.These include Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site,Fort Jesus,Kenya Lake System,Mijikenda Kaya Forests,Lamu Old Town,Mount Kenya Forest National Park and Lake Turkana National Park-Lake Turkana is the World’s Largest Desert Lake. Sandy Beaches like Diani,Watamu,Chale,Vipingo,Bamburi,Lamu,Gazi,Kikambala,Nyali,Wasini,Shanzu etc along the Indian Ocean are leading Tourist Destinations. With 23 Terrestrial National Parks and 28 Terrestrial National Reserves that include One the 7 Wonders of the World; Maasai Mara Wildlife Reserve famous for the Wildebeest Migration; Kenya is a World leading Tourist Destination.
• On the latest Human Capital Index which is a Measure of Human Capital that a Child born Today in Kenya can expect to attain by their 18th Birthday in Terms of Education and Health Standards in their Country expressed in a Scale of (0-1). Kenya scored 0.5;the Second highest Score amongst 46 African Countries in 174 World Countries assessed by World Bank in the 2020 Report. Mauritius and Seychelles had the highest Score in Africa at 0.6 while Singapore had the highest Score in the World at 0.9.
• In the most recent UNDP ‘Human Development Index’; Kenya is ranked among “Medium Human Development” Category of Nations at Position 152 out of 191 World Nations and Number 116 out of 168 World Nations on the ‘Social Progress Index’.The 2 Indexes take Account of Key Dimensions of Human Development that is;Healthy Life,being Knowledgeable-Education, a Decent Standard of Living-access to basic Human Needs,Safety,Personal Freedom and Rights,Foundations of Well-being and Opportunities for Progress among many other Indicators of Social and Human Development/Progress.
• On the most recent ‘Reporters without Borders- Press Freedom Index’ Report that ranks 180 World Countries by the Level of Press Freedom enjoyed by Journalists and the Media;Kenya is ranked at Position 69 out of 180 Countries with a Score of 65/100.The Rankings is based on a 0-100 Score;100 being the Best Possible Score-highest possible Level of Press Freedom and 0 the Worst.
• Despite being among Africa’s Top 10 Countries with the highest Literacy Rate at Position 8 with 82% Adult Literacy Rate; Kenya’s 82% Literacy Rate is still below the Global Average Literacy Rate which currently stands at 86%.
• Nairobi is the Capital City of Kenya;It’s Home to over 5 Million People. Lake City of Nakuru, Lake City of Kisumu and Coastal City of Mombasa are the other 3 Kenyan Cities.
• Kenya’s National Language is Kiswahili; English and Kiswahili are the Official Languages of Kenya.
• Although Constitutionally Kenya is a Secular State; Majority of Kenyans are Christians-86% followed by Muslims at 11%. There are also Hindus,Sikhs,Bahai and many other Traditional and Contemporary Faiths.
• Kenya Shilling Ksh/KES Is Kenya’s Official Currency.

August 9,2022 Presidential Election Results

On August 15,2022: 55 Years old William Samoei Ruto made History by Winning a Popular, Democratic Presidential Election in Kenya in his First Bid with 7,176,141 Votes or 50%.His former Ally but Arch-Rival in the August 9,2022 Presidential Election;77 Years Old Former PM Raila Odinga came Second with 6,942,930 Votes or 49% in his 5th Unsuccessful Bid to become Kenya’s President. William Ruto also made History after Overcoming many Hurdles in his Presidential Bid to become the First Deputy President to immediately Succeed his Boss through a Multi-Party Democracy Presidential Popular Vote in Kenya. Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja Coalition Won a Majority of Seats in Kenya’s National Assembly with 171 elected MPs against William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Coalition that got 156 elected Mps.In the Senate;William Ruto’s Coalition got 24 elected Senators against Raila Odinga’s Coalition 23 Senators. Only 14.3 Million Kenyans out of 22.1 Million Kenyans registered to Vote turned out to Vote.

RT.Hon Raila Odinga and 6 Others filed Petitions at Kenya’s Supreme Court to dispute William Ruto’s Victory.In a historic Unanimous Ruling by 7 Judges;the 7 Petitions which had been consolidated into 1-Nine Issues Petition were dismissed in Totality on September 5,2022 and William Ruto’s Win Validated. Raila Odinga welcomed the Ruling but disagreed with it. “We have always stood for the Rule of Law and the Constitution.In this Regard;We Respect the Opinion of the Court although we Vehemently Disagree with their Decision Today.Our Lawyers proffered irrefutable Evidence and the Facts were on our Side.This Judgement is by No Mean the End of our Movement;In fact it inspires us to Redouble our Efforts to transform this Country into a Prosperous Democracy where each and every Kenyan can find their full Belonging.”-Excerpt from Raila Odinga’s Statement after Supreme Court Ruling.

On September 13,2022; William Ruto was Sworn in as Kenya’s 5^th President alongside his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua in a lively Ceremony that was graced by 18 African Heads of States/Government, Dignitaries from all over the World and over 60,000 Kenyans who filled up the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

(PHOTOS/IMAGE-COURTESY)

THE GAMBIA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS-GAMBIA DECIDES 2021

Saturday,December 4,2021: Gambians Vote in the First Presidential Election in 25 Years without former Military Strongman Yahya Jammeh who was forced to Yield Power on January 2017 after losing to the Incumbent President Adama Barrow in the December 2016 Election.Lt.Yahya Jammeh had ruled the West African Nation for 22 Years from July 1994 when he took Power after leading a Bloodless Military Coup to Overthrow Gambia’s First President Dawda Jawara to January 2017 when he was forced out in an ECOWAS Intervention after his Attempt to Cling on to Power even after losing and conceding the December 2016 Election.

Despite being Exiled in Equatorial Guinea;Yahya Jammeh is still an Influential Figure in Gambian Politics To-date. On September 5,2021;APRC-the Party of former Ruler Yahya Jammeh announced an Alliance with the Ruling NPP Party to Support President Adama Barrow’s Bid for Re-election.The Move now casts Doubt on President Adama Barrow’s Government Willingness and Likelihood to Prosecute the Former Military Ruler and his Accomplices for Economic Crimes,Corruption,Torture,Killings,Rape among other Gross Human Rights Violations during his Jammeh’s 22 Years Rule should he get Re-elected in this Election. On November 25,2021; a 14,000-Page Document prepared by a “Truth,Reconciliation and Reparations Commission”-(TRRC) detailing Crimes Committed by Yahya Jammeh’s Regime was handed to President Adama Barrow.Between 240-250 Gambians Died at the hands of the Jammeh’s State Agents according to the Commission.The Report established that Jammeh,his henchmen and a personal Hit Squad known as the Junglas were responsible for Murder, Torture and Rape.According to immediate former Minister of Justice Mr.Abubacarr Tambadou on March 29,2019;Yahya Jammeh personally Stole at least $362 Million from the State during his 22-Years rule.

December 2021 Election Details;

A Total of 962,157 Gambians have been Registered to Vote in this Election across some 1,554 Polling Stations in Gambia’s 53 Constituencies.A Total of 6 Presidential Candidates have been Cleared to Vie by Gambia’s Electoral Commission-IEC.

The 6 Presidential Candidates are:

1.Incumbent 56-Years old President Adama Barrow with the Ruling National People’s Party-NPP.

2.Ousainou Darboe with the United Democratic Party-UDP.Mr Darboe is a 73-Years old Lawyer who briefly served as Barrow’s Vice-president and was part of the Coalition that defeated Yahya Jammeh;He is Contesting for the 5th time.

3.Essa Mbye Faal (Independent Candidate) – Mr Essa Faal;a 55-Years old Newcomer is a distinguished Lawyer and former Lead Counsel at the recently concluded TRRC Commission.

4.Mama Kandeh with Gambia Democratic Congress-GDC.The 56-Years old came Third in the 2016 Election and is now being backed by exiled Yahya Jammeh.

5.Abdoulie Ebrima Jammeh with the National Unity Party-NUP. Mr. Ebrima MSc;a 49 Years old Former Teacher who once headed Gambia’s Civil Aviation Authority is contesting for the First Time.

6. Halifa Sallah with the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism-PDOIS.The 68 Years old Sociologist is Serekunda’s MP and former Spokesperson and Close Ally to President Barrow.He is contesting for the 5th Time.

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The Gambia;Fact-file;

• The Gambia or Gambia also known as the ‘Smiling Coast’ Africa due to the Friendliness and Hospitality of Gambians is a Country on West Africa’s Coast of Atlantic Home to 2.5 Million People.Named after Iconic Gambia River;Gambia is the Smallest Country on Mainland Africa.
• With a GDP of $1.9 Billion and a GDP Per Capita of $787;Gambia is still classified among the “Least Developed-Low Income” Countries.
• In the most recent UNDP Human Development Index;Gambia is ranked at Position 172 out of 189 World Nations and Number 124 out of 163 World Nations on the Social Progress Index.The 2 Indexes take Account of Key Dimensions of Human Development that is;Healthy Life,being Knowledgeable, a Decent Standard of Living-access to basic Human needs,Foundations of Well-being and Opportunities for Progress among many other Indicators of Social Development and Progress.
• Nearly Half of Gambia’s Population or 48% Still Live in Poverty according to recent Statistics.Life Expectancy currently stands at 63 Years.

• Agriculture,Tourism and Fishing are the main Economic Activities that support Gambia’s Economy.Groundnuts,Cashew Nuts,Fish and Timber are the Country’s main Export Commodities.
• Gambia has Spectacular Sandy Beaches like Kotu,Cape Point and Kololi among many other Tourist Attraction Sites like the Kunta Kinteh Island and its Related Sites which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site-a Major Trans-atlantic Slave Trade Route where Slave Trade began and ended upon its Abolition.Gambia has 7 National Parks and Nature Reserves,1 Community Wildlife Reserve,66 Forest Parks and 1 Ramsar Site.Gambia also attracts Birdwatchers with its nearly 600 Species of Birds.
• Gambia is largely an Islam Nation where Muslims make up to 95% of the Population;On December 2015;Yahya Jammeh declared Gambia an Islamic Republic,a Declaration that was later reversed by his Successor President Adama Barrow.Other Religions like Christianity are still practiced by the Minority.
• English-inherited from Gambia’s former Colonial Ruler,Britain;is the Country’s Official Language.Local Languages of Madinka,Fula and Wolof are also widely spoken.
• Gambian Dalasi-GMD is the Country’s Official Currency.
• Banjul-Gambia’s Capital City,Serekunda,Brikama and Bakau are the main and most populous Cities/Towns in Gambia.
• Gambia has only One Neighbor-Senegal-which Sorrounds Gambia to the North,East and South.
• Gambia has a very Unique Voting Process and Materials where Voters use Marbles Not the Usual and Common Ballot Papers used across the World.After the Verification of a Voter’s ID;a Voter gets directed to a series of Drums painted with Party Colours of different Candidates.At the top of each Drum is a Pipe through which a Voter Slots a Marble given by an Electoral Officer.As the Marble drops,a Bell Sounds to signify an Act of Voting.When Polls close,Marbles from each Drum are counted and tallied like it happens with Ballot Papers.This Mode of Voting was introduced after Gambia’s independence on February 1965 in order to facilitate Voting amongst a largely Illiterate Populace back then.The Country has maintained this Mode of Voting despite increasing Literacy Rate in Gambia which is Today at 53%.

DECEMBER 2021 ELECTION RESULTS

Gambia’s President Since January 19,2017;56 Years old Adama Barrow was on December 6,2021 Declared the Winner of December 4,2021 Presidential Election with 457,519 Votes or 53% followed by his Main Challenger and former Vice President Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party-UDP with 238,253 Votes or 28%.Ouisanu Darboe,GDC’s Mama Kandeh and Independent Candidate Essa Faal Rejected the Results citing Election Irregularities and Darboe Filed a Petition to have Barrow’s Victory Annulled.The Petition was dismissed by the Country’s Supreme Court on December 28,2021 over a Procedural Technicality.

On January 19,2022;Adama Barrow was Sworn in for a Second 5 Years Term.In a Ceremony graced by Eight of his Counterparts from West Africa;Presidents Akufo Addo-Ghana,Muhammad Buhari-Nigeria,Maada Bio-Sierra Leone,Cheik Ghazouani-Mauritania,Embalo Sissoco-Guinea-Bissau,Macky Sall-Senegal,George Weah-Liberia and Faure Gnassingbe of Togo and Gambians; #PresidentAdamaBarrow reiterated his Promise for a New Constitution and a State of Justice and Rule of Law.He said the #TRRC Report on Crimes committed by his Authoritarian Predecessor Yahya Jammeh handed to him on November 2021 is being scrutinized and that Action shall be taken Accordingly.The President also promised to continue delivering on his Infrastructure Development Promises,Diversification and Promotion of the Tourism Sector.Upon his Reelection;President Barrow pledged to continue to be a unifying President for all Gambians irrespective of their Differences.He called on all Gambians to Unite and Work for the Progress of the Nation.

(IMAGES COURTESY)

UGANDA DECIDES 2021-THE WHOLE STORY

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• Uganda Goes into a Momentous, Tense and Tight Election as 76-Years old Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni seeks yet another Term Hell-bent to Extend his Regime to a Record 40 Consecutive Years. This time round in the face of a Monumental Challenge from a Bold and Daring 38-Years old Pop Star turned Influential Firebrand Legislator and Activist Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known by his Stage Name Bobi Wine who is leading Ugandans and Ugandan Youth in a “People Power Revolution” to “Remove a Dictator” from Power.

UGANDA-Colonial History and Road to Independence

• Uganda-Home to Influential Traditional Kingdoms like Buganda, Bunyoro et al. fell under British Colonialism in 1894.
• Uganda National Congress-UNC-formed on March 1952 became the first Nationalist Movement to call for Uganda’s Independence from British Colonialism. Iganatius Musaazi,Abubakar Mayanja,Stephano Abwangoto,Ben Okwerede,Yekosafati Engur and S.B Katembo were the Founding Members of UNC. This was later followed by the Democratic Party-DP- in 1954 formed by Joseph Kasolo,Joseph Kasule,SB Kibuuka,LM Tyaba,M Kiddu and A Ntale. It was later followed by the formation of Uganda People’s Congress-UPC-in 1960 formed by Milton Obote,Grace Ibingira,John Kakonge,Cuthbert Obwangor,Felix Onama and Mathias Ngobi. It was later followed by a Buganda Kingdom Monarchist Party known as -Kabaka Yekka- in 1961.
• 1958-Uganda regained internal Sel-Rule with an internal Self-Government.
• The first National General Elections were held on March 1961-the DP Won a Majority of Seats followed by UPC. Benedicto Kiwanuka who was then the Democratic Party Leader became Uganda’s first Prime Minister. Another General Election was held on April 1962;Obote’s UPC had formed an Alliance with the Kabaka Yekka managed to defeat the DP and Milton Obote became Uganda’s second Prime Minister in the Run-up to Independence.
• Uganda regained full Independence on October 1962; Milton Obote and Kabaka Mutesa 2 who was then the King of Buganda formed the first Government in Independent Uganda. Obote remained as the Prime Minister with Kabaka Mutesa 2 becoming Uganda’s first President though the Position was largely Ceremonial.

UGANDA Post-Independence

• Kabaka and Obote got into Disagreements leading to a Fallout that saw Obote depose Kabaka on March 1966 to take over his Role as Uganda’s Second President; Kabaka fled to Exile in Britain. A New Constitution that abolished all Kingdoms in Uganda was adopted by Obote’s Regime in 1967. Kabaka Mutesa Died 3 Years later on November 1969 after drinking poisoned Alcohol according to Reports.
• Obote ruled until January 1971 when he was Overthrown by his Army Chief General Idi Amin Dada while attending a Commonwealth Conference in Singapore.
• General Idi Amin Dada tried to annex Kagera Region on Tanzania in 1978,a Move that marked the beginning of the End of his Regime. President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania responded with a heavy Military Offensive against Idi Amin’s Forces in a War that lasted between October 1978-April 1979 when Tanzanian Forces conquered Amin’s Forces and captured Kampala. Idi Amin fled to Exile in Libya and later Saudi Arabia where he lived until his Death on August 2003.
• UNFL-NCC Transition Government formed in Moshi-Tanzania Appointed Yusuf Lule Kironde as Uganda’s New President later on April 1979. President Lule was later impeached by the NCC in a Vote of No Confidence on June 1979-68 Days after his Appointment. The NCC Appointed Godfrey Binaisa as the New President. President Binaisa ruled until May 1980 when the UNFL-NCC Military Council removed him from Power. Paulo Muwanga was installed as the New President in a Military Presidential Commission Junta that ruled until the Elections of December 1980.
• Milton Obote’s UPC Party was announced the Winner of December 1980 Elections and Obote returned to Power as President. Yoweri Museveni-current President of Uganda whose Uganda Patriotic Movement won just One seat in the Election denounced the Election and formed a Guerilla Rebel Movement against Obote’s Regime. Museveni’s National Resistance Movement waged a Bush War against Obote’s Regime until July 1985 when Obote’s Army Commander General Tito Okello led a Successful Coup that toppled President Obote out of Power. Obote fled to Kenya.
• General Tito Okello’s Junta ruled Uganda for 6 Months until January 1986 when Museveni’s NRM Rebels captured Kampala and toppled General Tito Okello’s Junta. General Tito Okello fled to Kenya and Yoweri Museveni took Power.

UGANDA Under Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

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• January 29,1986-Museveni took Oath after declared the New President of Uganda by the NRM. President Museveni promised “Democracy and Fundamental Change”. In his inaugural Speech,Museveni said “The People of Africa and the People of Uganda are entitled to Democratic Government.It’s not a Favour from any Government.It’s the Right of the People of Africa and Uganda to have a Democratic Government”. He went on to say that “The Problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the People but Leaders who want to Overstay in Power”.
• President Museveni would later go against his Promise of Democracy by banning all Political Parties after taking Power. A New Constitution was adopted on September 1995 in Preparation for New Elections under Constitutional Order. On May 1996;10 Years after taking Power,Museveni Won the first Presidential Election with 74%. His former Minister Paul Ssemogerere who was his main Challenger came Second with 24%. The Economy of Uganda was by then growing and doing well under Museveni who was still a Favourite of the People being praised as Uganda’s Liberator. The Country had just promulgated a New Constitution marking a new promising Era of Democracy and Stability in Uganda.
• In the Elections of March 2001; Colonel Dr.Kizza Besigye-Museveni’s former Comrade in Arms and his Personal Doctor who accused Museveni of betraying their Vision Challenged him in the Presidential Election. Museveni was announced Winner with 69% followed by Besigye with 28%. Col.Besigye disputed the Results at the Supreme Court but his Petition was dismissed. President Museveni promised to step down at the End of his 2 5-Years Constitutional Terms in 2006.
• Contrary to his Promise; Museveni brought in a Ploy Referendum on July 2005. In it was an Amendment to lift the near 20 Years Ban on Political Parties and another cunning Amendment that removed the 2 Presidential Terms Limit as spelt out in the 1995 Constitution barely 7 Months to the next Presidential Election.
• The Amendment cleared Way for Museveni to Contest the Presidential Elections of 2006,2011 and 2016 where he was announced Winner in all the 3 Elections that were characterized by widespread Irregularities and Violence. Kizza Besigye who was his main Challenger throughout endured arbitrary Assaults,Arrests,Intimidation,Harrasment,Detention and trumped-up Charges. Besigye has been reported as One of the most Arrested and Harassed Opposition Politician in the World. His Petitions against Museveni’s Re-elections have always been dismissed at the Courts.
• Fast-forward to December 2017;at the Age of 73 Museveni pulled another Shocker. Through his NRM Majority in Parliament,he removed the Maximum 75-Years Age Limit  set by the 1995 Constitution for Anyone seeking the Office of President. This cleared Way for him to seek yet another Term in the January 2021 Presidential Election.

UGANDA-January 14,2021 Presidential Election

• For the Umpteenth Time;76-Years old President Yoweri Museveni is a Candidate in this Election Hell-bent to see his Regime reach 40 Consecutive Years in 2026 when the next Elections are set to take place.
• His Arch-rival since 2001 Dr.Kizza Besigye has bowed out of this Race. “I have taken a Decision not to particiapate in the oncoming Elections but this does not mean I am giving up the Struggle against Dictatorship and the Fight for our Freedoms that Museveni has taken away from the People.Uganda will not be free by Electoral Commission Officials announcing a New Winner who is not Museveni.I have agreed with my Colleagues that we get Someone to lead Plan A and they leave Plan B for me.Never ever imagine that I can leave the Struggle”-Kizza Besigye said in a Press Briefing on August 2020.

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• As is; Museveni’s main Challenger this time round is Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine. The 36-Years old is a celebrated Music Pop Star turned Firebrand Legislator, Social Justice Activist and Critic to President Museveni’s Autocracy. Through his “People Power-Our Power” Movement;Bobi Wine has been rallying Ugandans and Ugandan Youths demanding for a “Free prosperous and democratic Uganda with an empowered Citizenry and the formation of a People-centered Government that adheres to the Rule of Law while ensuring Dignity and providing Opportunities for all Ugandans”. He has been the Leader of this Movement since 2017 when he was overwhelmingly elected as an Independent Candidate beating the Candidates of NRM, FDC and DP to represent Kyadondo East as the MP.
• Just like Besigye; Bobi Wine has gone through and is going through Hell in his Attempt to Unseat Museveni through this Election.Bobi Wine has been arbitrarily Arrested,Assaulted,Harassed,Detained and Charged with trumped-up Charges on several Occasions.Most of his Campaign Rallies and Entourage have been disrupted with Arrests, Assault, Gunfire and Teargas. Most of his Campaign Managers are in Detention Today. Wine says he has survived what he believes were Assasination Attempts 3 Times during his Campaigns.He has since been wearing a Bullet-proof Vest and a Ballistic Helmet during his Campaigns. He recently evacuated his Wife and 4 Children out of Uganda after receiving Intel on planned Kidnap and Harm to his Family.

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• His August 2018 Ordeal during the hotly contested Arua By-election where he survived Assassination drew International Attention to Uganda; a Police Bullet that he says was aimed at him killed his Driver Yasin Kawuma. Bobi Wine and 5 other MPs who together they were campaigning against NRM Candidate in Arua were Arrested, Assaulted, Detained and Tortured by the Police and Military Police before being charged with Treason at a Military Court. The Beating visited on Bobi Wine weakened him to a point of using Crutches and a Wheelchair before being flown out for 2-Weeks Treatment at a US Hospital. The stoning on one of President Museveni’s official Car in an altercation between Rival Crowds was the Reason behind the Ordeal. President Museveni recently said Bobi Wine’s Assault was “a proper Beating done in the right way and in order”.
• Bobi Wine’s arbitrary Arrest and Detention on November 18,2020 sparked Outrage among his Supporters who took to the Streets in Protest. Police and Military Police responded with brutal Beatings and Gunfire in a Violent Clampdown that left 55 People Dead with Dozens injured. Hundreds were arrested and charged.
• Bobi Wine;a Candidate of the National Unity Platform-NUP- is campaigning on a Pledge of “People-centered Governance, Equal access to Quality Education,Health Services and Justice, Inclusive Economic Development, Land,Natural Resources and Environmental Development and Protection, National Security and International Relations as well as a Pledge to reverse growing Poverty,Corruption,Food Insecurity,Inequality,Economic and Physical Instability”.
• President Museveni on the other hand is campaigning under the Slogan of “Securing your Future”. On January 7,2021 he said “The National Resistance Movement has stood the Test of Time.We have correctly diagnosed Uganda’s Problems and prescribed the correct Solutions.We have resolved many Bottlenecks to Uganda’s Progress and we will continue to do so.It is why we are Days away from Victory”. Earlier on November 27,2020 he said “There is no Opposition in Uganda which I cannot defeat.I don’t see a Group that has a correct Position in the Politics of Uganda Today that can Defeat NRM”.
• On January 12,2021-a Day to this Election-President Museveni ordered Uganda Communication Commission to “Immediately Suspend any Access and Use;Direct or Otherwise of all Social Media Platforms and Online Messaging Applications until further Notice”.The Government also ordered a Clampdown on all Virtual Private Networks-VPNs which Internet Users use to access the Internet when Mainstream Internet Connection is blocked.On the Evening of January 13,2021-Hours to this Election-the Government Ordered Total Shutdown of Internet in Uganda.Most of International Election Observer Missions have also been denied Accreditation to Observe this Election. Several International Journalists have also been denied Access to Uganda to Cover this Election.

• A Total of 11 Presidential Candidates have been cleared for this Presidential Election.There is only One Woman;Nancy Kalembe.
• A total of 18.1 Million Ugandans have been registered to Vote for a President and 527 Members of Parliament across 134 Districts of Uganda. With 80% of Uganda’s Population being under the Age of 35; Nearly 10 Million of the total Registered Voters are under the Age of 35. This is a Generation that has been born and brought up under President Museveni’s Regime.

Election Results and Aftermath

On January 16,2021;
YOWERI MUSEVENI;76-Years old President of Uganda since January 1986 was declared WINNER of January 14,2021 Presidential Election with 5.8 Million Votes or 58.6%.This cleared Way for him to extend his Regime to 2026 when he will have ruled Uganda for 40-Consecutive Years.His Arch-rival Robert Kyagulanyi-Bobi Wine was Announced Second with 3.4 Million Votes or 34.8%.This is from a total of 9.9 Million Valid Votes.Voter Turnout Stood at 57.2% according to an Announcement by Uganda’s Electoral Commission.

On February 1,2021;Through his Lawyers,Bobi Wine filed a Supreme Court Petition to Challenge what he has called “Thuggery,Fraud and Coup” committed by President Museveni and Uganda’s Electoral Commission led by its Chair Mr.Byakama on January 14,2021 Presidential Election.

“By 6:00PM on the Day of Voting,it was clear from across the Country that despite all the Rigging he had done,Museveni was defeated Resoundingly.This has been the Most Fraudulent Election in the history of our Country.We therefore Categorically and Unequivocally reject the Results manufactured by Gen Museveni’s operatives and read by Mr.Byabakama because they do not in any way represent what the People of Uganda chose on the 14th of January 2021 and we have Overwhelming Evidence to this effect.We call upon the People of Uganda to reject this Mockery and refuse to acknowledge Museveni as the winner of the January 14th Polls because we Defeated him.
Fellow Citizens,when I was nominated to run for President,I informed the Nation that this was not just a mere Election but a Revolution and I want to tell you Today that the Revolution is going on and nothing will stop it.The Regime is desperate to close this chapter and pretend that everything has returned to normal but I will tell them Today this is only the Beginning.The people of Uganda had every reason to fight for Freedom and now they have an even bigger Reason;their Victory was Stolen in broad Daylight and they are going to defend it.
We have received numerous Calls advising us on different Strategies and we’re we are grateful.Those who are against going to Court have told us that it is a waste of Time.They have argued that the composition of our Supreme Court as it is Today would not rule against Gen.Museveni because he is the one who has appointed all of them to the Bench.They have made Reference to the past cases filed by Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi in the same Court and how the Decisions were arrived at.They have argued that going to Court is to give Museveni another Stamp of Legitimacy.
Then there are those who are advising us to go to Court.Even when they are skeptical about the Outcome,they think we have an Opportunity to file all this Overwhelming Evidence before a Court of Law both for the Present and Future Reference.They think we should exhaust all the present Legal Avenues and if they have any Shortfalls,use this Opportunity to expose them.
I must add that the Regime has been actively trying to Frustrate any Attempt to go to Court.They have intimidated our polling Agents but most crudely confiscated more than 4000 of our Declaration of Results Forms which are of crucial Importance in an Election Petition”.-Mr #BobiWine said in a Statement after 11 Days of House Arrest that began immediately when he returned to his House after Voting.He also said that over 3000 of his Supporters including most Members of his Campaign Team were still in unknown Detention;Some of his Top Campaign Aides arrested a Week to the Election were tried in a Military Court on February 1,2021.

FEBRUARY 22,2021

BOBI WINE-Uganda’s leading Opposition Leader and President Museveni’s Arch-rival in the January 14,2021 Presidential Election has Withdrawn his February 1,2021 Supreme Court Petition disputing the Election of 76-Years old Incumbent President #YoweriMuseveni.This comes after several Setbacks on his Petition that include a Dismissal to Amend his Suit and include new Grounds/Evidence on February 9,2021.The Judges advised his Legal Team to file Evidence by Affidavits to prove the Grounds they raised in the original Petition.On February 19,2021;the same Bench again dismissed his Application seeking the Court’s Permission to allow his Additional 127 Affidavits as Additional Evidence which it had rejected on account of being filed out of Time.Bobi Wine began filing his Petition 6 Days after a High Court Order that ended what it termed as Unlawful 12 Days House Arrest that began upon his Return to his Residence after Voting on January 14,2021.

The Supreme Court President Chief Justice Owiny Dollo in a disdainful tone asked Bobi Wine to have his Plan B if he had One.”We did not invite Anyone to this Court;If you have Plan B go ahead with it but don’t bring undeserved Chaos in Court”-CJ #AlphonseOwinyDollo on February 19,2021.President Museveni’s New 5-Years Term shall see him clinch a Record 40 Consecutive Years in Power come 2026 when the Country is expected to hold another General Election.Mr.#RobertKyagulanyi popularly known as #BobiWine was Reluctant to Legally Challenge what he termed as the most Fraudulent Election in the History of Uganda upon Advice from those who were for and against a #SupremeCourtPetition.

Those who were against a Court Petition said the Composition of Uganda’s #SupremeCourt would never Rule against #PresidentMuseveni since he is the one who appointed all of them to the Bench.They told Bobi Wine that going to Court would be a Waste of Time and that it will only end up giving President Museveni another Stamp of unjust Legitimacy.Those who were for a Court Petition advised Mr.Bobi Wine to take it as an Opportunity to file the Overwhelming Evidence which he claimed to have against the Election of President #Museveni both for the Present and Future Reference.They urged him to exhaust all legal Avenues and expose any Shortfalls of the same in the Process.

“Today we addressed the Nation and officially announced that we are Withdrawing the Election Petition from the Supreme Court and bringing it to the Court of the People.The Supreme Court has very sadly manifested Unprecedented levels of Bias,Partiality and Double Standards.The Court did not wait to be exposed;It exposed itself right from the Start.Declining our Request to file Evidence was the last Stroke.Ultimately,when all is said and done, the People of Uganda will have the final say on the Destiny of their Nation”-Bobi Wine in a Statement on February 22,2021.

MARCH 9,2021

‘Bobi Wine now says he won the January 14,2021 Presidential Election with 54.19% according to a Tally from loads of Results Declaration Forms in NUP Headquarters.He has called for Massive Protests.

“From the DR Forms in our possession at NUP Offices,it is clear that we Won the election with 54.19% of the Total Valid Votes cast despite the Election Fraud.The Constitution of Uganda under Article 29 gives us the Right to protest peacefully.I call upon all Ugandans to march to the respective electoral Commission Offices in your areas of Residence and those elsewhere to protest peacefully in any way they see fit.I call upon all of you fellow Citizens to rise up peacefully and unarmed, and demonstrate against a Regime that has Oppressed us and Exploited us for so long.This is the Time.We must do this for Ourselves,our Children and our Children’s Children.Museveni rigged Elections;Let’s Protest Massively Now.We are Demonstrating with Four Demands:

1.We won the January 14th Election.Our Computation from the DR forms shows that we won with 54.19% despite the massive Ballot Stuffing which Gen. Museveni engaged in.This Morning we have given Details of our Election Results and thereafter we’ll release the DR Forms on our Website. We demand that Gen. Museveni returns the Victory of the People of Uganda.If he claims even remotely that he won this Election,we demand that there is an INDEPENDENT AUDIT of the Election. 2.We are demanding that Gen. Museveni and his Regime of Shame immediately Stop Abducting the People of Uganda, which they continue to do on a Daily basis. 3.We are demanding that Gen. Museveni and his Security Operatives Bring Back Our People who who were Abducted.We are demanding that Gen. Museveni Immediately Releases all Political Prisoners Dead or Alive including those who are in Prisons and those who are in Torture Chambers across the Country. 4.We are demanding that Gen. Museveni immediately stops the Trial of Civilians in the General Court Martial and other Military Courts”-#BobiWine in a Statement on March 9,2021.

“Museveni has committed a lot of Atrocities as a Person that is why we have taken Evidence to the International Criminal Court.The right Place he should be in is Prison.
During the 1980 Election,there were no Hundreds of People Killed or Thousands in Jail like they are Today under terrible Torture.
This Election was Not Free and Fair.There is no Election in which I participated where we did not capture Pre-ticked Ballot Papers with People,the same Ballot Papers distributed by the Electoral Commission.
35 Years later,Museveni is still fighting People to remain in Office”-Veteran Opposition Leader in Uganda Col.Dr Kifefe Kizza Besigye in an Interview on February 4,2021.

UGANDA-Quick Fact-file

• Uganda-named after the Influential Traditional Kingdom of Buganda that exists To-date is a Landlocked Country in East Africa Home to 46 Million People.
• With a GDP of $33 Billion and a GDP Per Capita of $794; Uganda is still classified among the “Least Developed-Low Income Countries”.
• In the most recent 2020 UNDP Human Development Index; Uganda is ranked at Position 159 out of 189 Countries in the World.
• 21.4% of Uganda’s Population or 9 Million Ugandans are still stuck below the Poverty Line each living under $1.90 a Day.
• Agriculture is the main Economic Activity and biggest Employer in Uganda. Coffee and Tea are the Main Export Cash Crops; Uganda is the largest Coffee Exporter in Africa and second largest Producer after Ethiopia.
• Uganda has Significant Minerals Deposit; the Country has considerable Deposits of Gold,Copper,Cobalt,Nickel,Crude Oil and others that remain largely untapped.
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park are some leading Tourist Destinations in Uganda; Bwindi and Rwenzori are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. River Nile which is the longest River in the World originates from part of Lake Victoria in Uganda.
• Uganda’s official Language is English which was inherited from its former Colonial Master Britain. Swahili and Luganda are widely spoken and used as National Languages.
• In Faith and Religion; 85% of Ugandans are Christians with about 12% being Muslims. Other forms of Faith and Beliefs are also practiced.
• Uganda Shilling-UGX is the Country’s Currency.
• Kampala-the Capital City is the largest and most populous City with a Population of over 1.5 Million People. Nansana,Kira,Ssabagabo,Gulu,Lira,Mbarara and Jinja are some of the other popular and populous Cities and Towns in Uganda.
• Uganda has been battling with a deadly Insurgency from the Lord’s Resistance Army-LRA;a Militancy that broke out in Northern Uganda in rebel against a newly established Government of President Museveni in early 1990’s.The LRA Militancy has since spread to 3 other Countries;DR Congo,Central African Republic and South Sudan.The 4 Countries formed a Joint Force;AU-RTF in 2012 to Combat the LRA Militants.The LRA Warlord Leader Joseph Kony who is One of the World’s most wanted is still at large in unknown Hideout. Fighting between the LRA Militia and Government Forces is reported to be responsible for nearly 200,000 Deaths from the start of the Insurgency To-date; Millions have been displaced and Thousands Abducted.

{IMAGES/PHOTOS COURTESY}

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GHANA: History, Nkrumah-ism, Political Journey, December 2020 Elections; All You Need To Know About This Iconic African Country.

Colonial History

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• 1821-Modern Day Territory of Ghana was annexed by British Colonialists and made a Gold Coast Crown Colony of the larger British Gold Coast Protectorate referred to as the “Gold Coast” due to its rich Gold Deposits and Gold Trade.
• “United Gold Coast Convention”-UGCC founded by J.B Danquah on August 1947 becomes the first Nationalist Party in advocating for the Independence of the Gold Coast. J.B Danquah was joined by other Nationalists;Ako Adjei,George Paa Grant,Ofori Atta or Paa Willie,Edward Akuffo,Emmanuel Obetsedi and later Kwame Nkrumah to establish the Party. Paa Grant became the fisrt President of the UGCC Party.
• Dr.Kwame Nkrumah;a Ghana,US and UK trained Teacher,Economist,Theologist,Sociologist,Philosopher and later a Distinguished Pan-African Icon was called in to join the UGCC by Ako Adjei who had met and known him at the Lincoln University where Nkrumah was a Black Nationalism/Pan-Africanism Student Activist and Leader.The Party through its President Paa Grant agreed to pay for his Return from Britain where he still was a Pan-African Activist and Student.Upon his return on December 16,1947;J.B Danquah proposed him to take the Position of General Secretary and Party endorsed him for that Position.
• Inspired by the Pan-African and Black Nationalism Ideals of W.E.B Dubois,Marcus Garvey,George Padmore et al;Nkrumah had become a Staunch Pan-African Activist to a Point of being a main Organizer of One of the most important Pan-African Congress in the Journey of Africa’s Decolonization;the 5^th Pan-African Congress on October 1945 at Manchester-Britain.
• As UGCC’s General Secretary;Nkrumah became a strong National Activist for Gold Coast’s Independence;a Style that did not sit well with the Party’s Moderate Approach.A large Protest by World War 2 Ex-ServiceMen from Gold Coast who were demanding their Dues for having been part of British Fighters in the War broke out in Accra on February 1948.British Authorities accused the UGCC of inciting the Protest and arrested its 6 Leaders.The 6 were detained and later released on April 1948. J.B Danquah and other UGCC Leaders blamed their Arrest to Nkrumah’s strong Activism for Independence marking the start of their Fallout with him.
• Under Pressure from the Masses who were for strong Activism in demand for Gold Coast’s Independence;Nkrumah quit the UGCC and formed his own Party-Convention People’s Party-CPP on June 1949 with a sole Mission of demanding Gold Coast’s Freedom.
• Nkrumah and CCP Activism gained Momentum.On January 1950 he was again arrested after leading an Independence Protest and detained for 3 Years leaving his Assistant Komla Gbedemah to sit in for him at the CPP.
• Legislative Elections towards Gold Coast’s Self-Rule were held on February 1951 and the CPP beat UGCC Winning 34/38 Seats.Nkrumah was elected for the Accra Seat while still in Prison. His election prompted his Release later the same Month.British Governor General asked him to form an interim internal Government.Nkrumah became Leader of Government Business and later the first Gold Coast Prime Minister in the Run-up to Independence.

Independence-Kwame Nkrumah’s Administration And Activism for Africa’s Independence and Unity

• March 6,1957-Gold Coast Regained its Independence as GHANA under the Leadership of Kwame Nkrumah.It became the first Country in Sub-Saharan Africa to Regain its Independence from European Colonialists in a Colorful Ceremony acknowledged by the then World Leaders.
• “At long last the Battle has ended and thus Ghana your beloved Country is free forever.We are going to create our own African Personality and Identity.It’s the only way we can show the World that we are ready for our own Battles.Let us remember that Nothing in the World can be done without the Support of God.We have won the Battle and we again Re-dedicate Ourselves;Our Independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total Liberation of Africa.”-part of Kwame Nkrumah’s impassioned Independence Day Speech that saw him hailed and named as “Osagyefo” meaning “Redeemer” in Akan Dialect. Later on April 1960;a Plebiscite and Presidential Elections were organized .Nkrumah Won the Presidential Election with a Landslide against J.B Danquah and Ghana became a Republic on July 1,1960.
• Nkrumah often regarded as “Africa’s Founding Father” began a Mission of assisting the rest of Africa to Regain their Independence.At Accra-Ghana;Nkrumah organized Conferences at that were Key in Mobilizing Africans towards the Decolonization of Africa.These were the first “Conference of Independent African States” on April 1958, “All-African People’s Conference” on December 1958-(a Significant Conference that was attended by over 62 African Pro-Independence Nationalist Organizations), “All-African Trade Union Federation” Conference on November 1959, “Positive Action and Security in Africa” Conference on April 1960 and the July 1960 “Conference of African Women”.Later in 1960-(the Year of Africa)-he led the formation of “Union of African States” and Women of the Union of African States” Organizations.
• Nkrumah also led the Casblanca Group of African Leaders from-(Guinea,Algeria,Libya,Mali,Egypt and Morocco)-in the 1961 Conference at Casblanca-Morocco. The 7 Leaders had a shared Vision of a United States Africa under One Union Government. Their Vision for Africa was well articulated in their Speeches at the historic first Summit of 32 Leaders of Independent African States later on May 1963 at Addis Ababa-Ethiopia. Nkrumah’s Speech was particularly striking in “United States of Africa” Vision. “Our objective is African Union Now. There is no Time to waste. We Must Unite now or Perish. I am Confident that by our concerted Effort and Determination, we shall lay here the Foundations for a Continental Union of African States. No sporadic Act nor pious Resolution can resolve our present Problems. Nothing will be of avail, except the United Act of a United Africa”-Part of Sir Kwame Nkrumah’s Speech at the Historic Summit. Their Great Vision for a United Africa however did not prevail; another Group of 25 African Leaders-Monrovia Group– who had met at Monrovia-Liberia prior to the Addis Summit wanted a gradual,staggered Approach towards African Unity unlike their Casablanca Counterparts who wanted to have a Union Government of Africa there and then. The Monrovia Group prevailed since they were the Majority in the Summit.This led to the formation of a Weak Organization as a Compromise between the 2 Groups-the “Organization of African Unity-OAU” on May 25,1963-(Today known as the African Union Commission). Nkrumah did not lose Hope;he continued championing for the Unity of African Countries and always cautioning Africans and African Leaders on the Dangers of a Disunited Africa in the face of growing Imperialism and Neocolonialism.
• Kwame Nkrumah; a Committed and Visionary Leader led Ghana with strategic Policies of Development making it a Model Country in Africa at the Time. He established Schools and Hospitals and made basic Education and Healthcare Free during his Administration. He began by building the great Akosombo HEP Dam and VALCO Industry in his Industrialization Plan to earn his Country Economic Independence. His 1959 10-Years Industrial Development Plan outlined Strategy to establish 600 Industries for 100 different Varieties of Products.Under his GIHOC-Industrial Plan;his Government had managed to establish 86 Industries across all Sectors of the Economy by the Time he was Overthrown from Power on February 1966.
• While on a State Visit to Hanoi-Vietnam and China;Nkrumah was Overthrown from Power in a US-CIA and other European Imperial Actors-assisted Military Coup according to several Accounts including his “Dark Days in Ghana” Memoir.Military Generals Kwasi Kotoka,Arthur Ankrah,Akwasi Afrifa  and Police Inspector General Willie Kofi were the Coup Leaders. Nkrumah’s hard-line stance against Imperialism and Neocolonialism in Africa by West and European Powers and Call for the Unity of African Countries is said to be the main Cause of their Plot in his Ouster.
• Nkrumah did not return to Ghana;his Comrade and Ally President Ahmed Sekou Toure welcomed him to Guinea and made him his Ceremonial Co-President. The 2 continued with their Campaign against Imperialism and Neocolonialism in Africa until late 1971 when Nkrumah’s Health started declining.Nkrumah flew to Bucharest-Romania for Treatment where he was reportedly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.On April 27,1972 Nkrumah succumbed while undergoing Treatment at the Age of 62.He was flown back to his Home Village in Nkroful-Ellembelle for Burial.

Ghana Under Military Coups and Autocracy

• Lt.Gen Arthur Ankrah took over Power after Nkrumah’s Ouster and ruled via a Miliatry Council-NLC until April 1969 when he was forced to Resign.He was succeeded by Lt.Gen Akwasi Afrifa who ruled until Agust 1970 when the then Speaker of Parliament Nii Ollennu took over as Interim President during a Transition. Kofi Busia and his Busia Government led by Veteran UGCC Leader Edward Akuffo took over after Legislative Elections.The Busia-Akuffo Government ruled until January 1972 when it was Overthrown by General Kutu Acheampong. Gen.Acheampong ruled until July 1978 when he was Overthrown by Lt.General F.W.Kwasi Akuffo. Gen.F.W Akuffo ruled until June 1979 when another Military Officer Flt.Lt Jerry Rawlings Overthrew him through his Armed Forces Revolutionary Council-AFRC.
• Flt.Lt Jerry Rawlings began by trying former Military Government Officers and Heads of States in what his AFRC Junta called a “House cleaning Exercise to Reset the Country’s Direction and Moral Values”. Three former Military Heads of State-Kutu Acheampong,FW.Akuffo and Akwasi Afrifa- and 5 other Senior Military Officers were Court-martialled and Sentenced to Death by Firing Squad;they were all Killed by a Firing Squad between June 16-June 26 1979. Jerry Rawlings had himself earlier led an Unsuccessful Coup against the Government of Gen.F.W.Akuffo  on May 1979 where he and 6 other Soldiers were arrested and Sentenced to Death. He was later Freed from Jail while awaiting Execution by Mutineering Soldiers who joined him in Overthrowing F.W.Akuffo on June 1979.
• Jerry Rawlings and ARFC Junta ruled until September 1979 when they organized an Election in order to hand over Power to a Civilian Government.On September 24,1979 Jerry Rawlings ARFC Junta handed over Power to an elected Civilian Government of President Hilla Limann. Jerry Rawlings started criticizing Limann’s Government accusing it of Corruption and failed Governance. After 2 Years of Limann’s Government;Jerry Rawlings Overthrew it in another Coup of December 1981.

Jerry Rawlings Military Rule-Ghana’s Transition to Constitutionalism And Multi-party Democracy

• After 11 Years as PNDC Military Ruler; Jerry Rawlings PNDC Government formed a National Commission on Democracy and later a Constitutional Committee during Africa’s Years of Multi-Party Revolution in a bid to restore Constitutional Order and Multi-Party Democracy in Ghana. A new Multi-Party Democracy Constitution was adopted in a Referendum May 1992.General Elections were held later on November 1992;Jerry Rawlings and his newly formed National Democratic Congress–NDC Party was elected for the first Time in a Multi-Party Democracy Elections with 58.4% against 4 other Candidates.
• Jerry Rawlings was Re-elected on December 1996 Elections with 57.4% against 2 other Candidates led by then ‘New Patriotic Party-NPP’ Challenger John Kufour. Jerry Rawlings peacefully left Office after the End of his 2 Constitutional Terms on January 2001. John Atta Mills;his Vice President and NDC Candidate in the December 2000 Elections lost to NPP Candidate John Kufour who Won with 56.9% followed by John Atta Mills with 43.1%. “Democracy is not realized merely by having a Machinery for registering Voters and getting them to Vote every Four Years but also by there being a Machinery for Identifying the Needs of those Voters in between the Election Periods and monitoring the Realization of those Needs”-President Jerry Rawlings Quote on Matters Democracy and Elections.
• Jerry Rawlings-Ghana’s longest serving President-1981-2001- is remembered for bringing the Country back to Democracy and Constitutional Order through the 1992 Constitution that is still in Use Today. The Execution of 3 former Military Heads of State,Some Supreme Court Judges and other Senior Military Officers by a Firing Squad during his AFRC-PNDC Junta Rule has however remained a Controversial Matter in his Legacy. A Charismatic Hands-on Leader;Jerry Rawlings held Ghana together after the sluggish and tumultuous Years that followed the Ouster of Ghana’s Founding President Kwame Nkrumah. In 1991 his Government built a National Mausoleum in Honour of Sir Nkrumah-Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra where Nkrumah declared Ghana’s Independence on March 1957. Until his Death on November 12,2020-(Reportedly from COVID-19 Complications–.Official Government Communique from President Nana Akufo Addo said the former President Died while receiving Treatment after a ‘Short Illness’).; Jerry Rawlings-an Outspoken Pan-African was serving as African Union’s Envoy to Somalia.

Ghana Under the- “Gentle Giant” -President John Kufuor

• President John Kufuor successfully led Ghana for 2 Terms-January 2001-January 2009. His sound Economic Policies saw Ghana’s steady Economic growth rising from a Low income Country to a Low Middle Income Country in 2007. Cocoa Production doubled under his Government
• John Kufuor is mostly  remembered for his School Feeding Program, Free Maternal Care, Construction of Tamale and Sekondi Stadiums and the Renovation of other Stadiums,Reforms in Banking and expansion of Road Network. His LEAP Program lifted Millions of Ghanaians out of Hunger and Poverty;an Initiative that saw him Win the ‘World Food Prize’.

Ghana Under President John Atta Mills

• Kufour was succeeded by his former NDC Challenger and former Vice President to Jerry Rawlings John Atta Mills who managed to NPP’s Candidate now Incumbent Nana Akuffo in a tight Election of December 2008 that ended in 50.2% to 49.8%.
• President Atta Mills ruled for 3 and a Half Years until July 24,2012 when he reportedly succumbed to Cancer while undergoing Treatment at the Age of 68.
• Under Mills; Ghana was in 2011 named the fastest growing Economy in the World. It’s under his Government that Ghana began and became a successful Oil Producer.

Transition to President John Dramani Mahama

• Atta Mills’ Vice President John D.Mahama was sworn in on the same Day President Mills’ Died in accordance to the Constitution.
• John Mahama was confirmed as President after Winning the December 2012 Elections.He won the Election with 50.7% via NDC beating the now Incumbent President Nana Akuffo of the NPP who came Second with 47.7%.
• President Mahama ruled until December 2016 when he lost his Bid for a Second Term to his main Challenger Nana Akuffo who got 53.7% against his 44.5% .
• Mahama had started several Big Infrastructure Development Projects like the University of Ghana Medical Center-UGMC, Roads among other Infrastructure that were still ongoing when he lost his Bid for a Second Term. Several Corruption Scandals saw his Government fall out of Favour with Ghanaian Electorate. His Government however had managed to complete the Bui Dam 400MW HEP Project President Kufour had began late in his last Term in Office.
• John Mahama is once again the main Challenger to Incumbent President Nana Akufo Addo in the December 7,2020 Presidential Election. He has promised to create 1 Million sustainable Jobs within his first Term in Office if elected saying Youth Unemployment is rife in the Country. He has also promised to complete Major Development Projects he had started in his first Term which he says were Abandoned when President Nana took Office on January 2017.

President Nana Akufo Addo 4 Years In Government

• President Nana Akufo’s Government is being credited with Free ‘Senior High school’-Free SHS Education for all Ghanaian Children in Public Senior High Schools, the National Builders Corps-NABCO Graduate Training and Employment Program, Several ongoing Roads and Road Interchanges in his ‘2020 Year of Roads’ Program and his ambitious ‘One District-One Factory’-1D1F and ‘One Village-One Dam’-1V1D Projects that are ongoing. NPP Campaign Communicators claim that Nana’s Government has established 28 New Factories and 375 Small Earth Dams between January 2017 when he took Office To-date. President Nana’s Critics say the complete and ongoing Big-Budget Roads and other Infrastructure, 1D1F and 1V1D Projects are being done through borrowed Funds that are rapidly increasing Ghana’s Debt Burden. His Administration has also been accused of Corruption Scandals and Nepotism.
• President Nana Akufo’s April 2020 Pledge to build 88 New District Hospitals in 88 Districts that he said don’t have Hospitals within a Year and some 6 New Regional Hospitals continues to draw Criticism from his Rivals and a section of the Population who have asked him why he had to wait until the last Year of his first Term to build such essential Public Infrastructure.
• His Government’s April 2020 Move to Pay Water and Electricity Bills for all Ghanaians for 3 Months during the difficult Period of Corona Virus Pandemic Lockdown earned him Accolades in Ghana and across the World. His July Commitment to extend the Relief for another 3 Months has been acclaimed as the most Compassionate Government Decision to relieve its People in the wake of Hardships brought by COVID-19 Pandemic. Electricity Bills Relief for Ghanaians who use less than 50KWH per Month has been extended to 2021.

Ghana December 7,2020 Presidential Elections

• There are 12 Presidential Candidates in this Election led by Incumbent who is the Oldest Candidate; 76-Years old President Nana Akufo Addo seeking his second and last 4-Years Term via the NPP Party followed by his Arch-rival in 2012 and 2016; 62-Years old immediate former President John Dramani Mahama via the NDC Party. President Nana is a Lawyer/Economist by Profession while Mahama is a Media Communicator by Profession. The 2 will be facing off against each other for the Third Time in yet another Tight Race between them.
• There are 3 Women in this Race led by former first Lady 72-Years old Konadu Rawlings,51-Years old former Miss Ghana Brigitte Akosua and 65-Years old Akua Donkor.The Youngest Candidates are 48-Years old Accountant Hassan Ayagira and another 49-Years old Accountant Kofi Akpaloo. Another notable Candidate is Reverend Christian Kwabena Andrews;a 55-Years old Priest,Teacher and Politician via his ‘GUM-Ghana Union Movemen’ Party.He says he is campaigning to bring back the Leadership,Dream,Spirit and Policies of Ghana’s Founding President Sir Kwame Nkrumah which he says have been abandoned.
• There are slightly over 17 Million Registered Voters expected to Cast their Votes across some 33,367 Polling Stations across Ghana’s 216 Districts. A total of 27 Political Parties will be contesting in this Election that will also involve the Election of 275 Members of Parliament according to the Electoral Commission of Ghana led by its Chair Mrs.Jean Mensah.

Election Results

Incumbent President Nana Akufo Addo was on December 9,2020 declared the Winner of December 7,2020 Presidential Election with 6.7 Million Votes/51.3%. On January 7,2021 he was Sworn in for his Second and last 4-Years Term as President of Ghana. “If we inherited Dreams and Visions from our Founding Fathers; We should leave Legacies of Achievements and Realities to our Children and their Children. I invite all of You to join in the Exciting Business of Developing our Country”-He said in a Statement after taking Oath of Office.

President Akufo Addo was Sworn in despite an active Supreme Court Petition filed against his Victory by his Main Challenger since 2012; Immediate former President John Dramani Mahama. Mr John Mahama who was announced Position 2 in the Election with 6.2 Million Votes/47.3% denounced the Announcement terming it as “Fictionalized Results of a Flawed and Discredited Election”. “The Petition details Serious Violations of the 1992 Constitution by the Electoral Commission and seeks among others; a Declaration that the purported Declaration of the 2020 Presidential Election Results is Unconstitutional, Null and Void and of No Effect Whatsoever”-Mr. Mahama in a Statement shortly after filing the Petition on December 30,2020. A Ruling on this Petition was made on March 4,2021;all the 7 Supreme Court Judges dismissed the Petition saying it had no Merit thus affirming the Re-election of President Nana Akufo Addo.

The Country’s Ruling Party-New Patriotic Party-NPP and its main Challenger and immediate former Ruling Party-National Democratic Congress-NDC Won an equal Number of Elective Seats in Parliament with 137 each.

GHANA-Quick Fact-File

• Ghana is a Country along the Coast of Atlantic in West Africa Home to 31.3 Million People.It shares Border with Ivory Coast,Burkina Faso and Togo.

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• The Country is Named after the King of Wagadu Empire/Kingdom who was known as Ghana meaning ‘Warrior King’. The Empire/Kingdom existed between 8^th-13^th Century. Its Capital was situated in Modern Day Town of Koumbi Saleh in Mauritania.
• With a GDP of $68.3 Billion;Ghana is the 9^th Largest Economy in Africa and Second Largest in West Africa after Nigeria.
• Ghana is a lower Middle-income Country with a GDP Per Capita of $2,202-(highest in West Africa)-and a Global Rank of Position 142/189 on the Human Development Index; The Country is relatively well-off with just about 20% of its Population below the International Poverty Line of $1.90 per Person-per Day.
• Ghana is Africa’s largest producer of Gold and 7^th largest producer in the World. It’s also the second largest producer of Cocoa in Africa and the World just after its Neighbour Ivory Coast. The Country is also a Significant producer of Crude Oil since 2011.
• With Stable Democracy; Ghana is a Peaceful Country that attracts Tourists from all over the World. Its Coastline’s Beaches–Cape Coast Castle,Labadi,Busua,Kokrobite and Aborigines are some Top Tourist Destinations. Mole and Kakum National Parks and Aburi botanical Gardens are also Top Tourist Destinations. The Country has 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Ghana’s official Language is English-inherited from its former Colonial Master. Pidgin English, Akan, Ewe and Dagbani are some widely spoken local Languages/Dialects.
• About 71% of Ghanaians are Christians with about 18% being Muslims. The rest observe indigenous Beliefs or have no Religious Beliefs at all.
• Ghanaian Cedi is the Country’s Currency; It’s the Third most Valuable/Strong Currency in Africa.
• On November 21,2020-Ghana became the first Country in Africa to launch Universal Quick Response Code Payment System on a National Level where Ghanaians can now use the (GHQR) to make all types of Payments from Multiple Sources including Mobile Bank and Mobile Money either through Smartphone Scanning or a USSD Code. The Government and Central Bank of Ghana said this is in a Plan of expanding Financial Inclusion and making Ghana a Cash-lite Society.
• Accra is the Country’s Capital,largest and most populous City. The other big and populous Cities are Kumasi and Tamale.

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