Police use water cannon to disperse demobilised

The Mozambican police again this week used water cannon to disperse a group of demobilised soldiers who were attempting to march on the of office of Prime Minister Alberto Vaquina to demand that all demobilised troops receive a pension of 20,000 meticais (664 USD) a month. It was the second time the police have used water cannon against the crowds protesting for the Forum of Demobilised Soldiers. On the first occasion, in February this year, the police also used tear gas and baton charges. Reports reveal that the police, armed with anti-riot shields, firearms and tear gas, were prepared and waiting for the demonstrators as they neared Vaquina’s office. An apparent standoff with between the two groups was short lived as a riot police vehicle armed with water cannon arrived and successfully dispersed the protestors. Members of the riot police then waded into the dispersing crowd, clashing violently with the scattering demonstrators, and made four arrests. The Forum later stated that it will continue to demonstrate despite the actions of the police.

Original article http://allafrica.com/stories/201303121345.html

Resentment as South Africa speaks business for continent

Researchers and experts have warned that there is growing resentment among African nations about the way in which South Africa has set itself up as the mouthpiece for the rest of the continent in its role as a member of key developing nation blocs. South Africa is currently a member of the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) developing nations grouping, as well as the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) group.

It seems a number of experts think that South Africa is walking a political tightrope, and warn that the country should be wary about overplaying its role as the leading nation of Africa. John Maré, an international relations and trade consultant, argues that many African leaders, both in politics and business, are resentful of South Africa having too great a role in the leadership of Africa. “The manner in which South Africa acts in the BRICS context becomes especially relevant and, given perceptions [outside Africa] that Africa wants South Africa to be its leaders, it will not go down well,” he said.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201303111843.html?viewall=1

AU Court Orders Zim to Allow the Diaspora to Vote

The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights has ordered the Zimbabwe government to make provisions to allow Zimbabweans abroad to vote in this weekend’s referendum. The decision came after lawyers acting for Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights filed a case before the Commission on behalf of a number of exiled Zimbabweans. The Commission instructed the government to provide all eligible voters the same voting rights and facilities that are afforded to Zimbabweans working abroad who represent the government. 

However, it is unlikely that provisions will be in place for a postal vote this weekend, and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has already stated that postal votes for people in government service will not be provided due to time constraints. Gabriel Shumba, an exiled human rights lawyer who led the application, said that the government might not honour the Commission’s rulings: “It would not be the first time”, he warned.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201303130233.html

Zambia: Government agents abduct opposition leader's wife

Saturday 9 March saw state agents abduct the wife of the opposition party spokesperson, the United PArty for National Development's Charles Kakoma, who was not at his house at the time of the incident. While UPND officials say those that abducted Mrs Kakoma were unknown and the matter had been reported to police, Zambia Reports has been informed that State agents were involved in the operation that seeks to cripple the leadership of the opposition. So far, UPND campaign manager Garry Nkombo and his counterpart Ackson Sejani are locked up on false murder charges in the Livingstone Remand Prison while there are manouvres from President Michael Sata to implicate others opposition leaders in criminal related cases.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201303111823.html

Zambian ruling party accused of promoting violence

The Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR) has released a video documenting how leaders of the ruling Patriotic Front promote violence. The CDDR has now urged President Micahel Sata to "stop its reckless manipulation of violence and show greater responsibility to uphold unity in the country". The video contains recordings of President Sata's orders to military and ministers urging them to engage in violence, as well as an assault against a former party member. The CDDR also denounced the government's arbitrary detainment of 13 prisoners, who continue to be held under politically motivated charges - some even with a death sentence hanging over them.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201303111822.html

Taxi driver's death shows extent of SA police brutality

A Mozambican taxi driver who was recently handcuffed to the back of a moving police vehicle and dragged to a police station in South Africa has died. The driver had allegedly been hassled by the police after parking his vehicle illegally. 27 year old Mido Macia's fate has provoked widespread revulsion at the brutality of South African police forces who continue to make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. On Friday 8 March, nine police officers were charged with murder over his death. Thousands gathered for his funeral near Maputo in Mozambique, and the incident has inspired civilians from all over southern Africa to unite against such barbarism.

Original article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21730394

Violence mars build up to Guinean elections

Despite a suspicious track record in a number of dodgy African elections, it has emerged that the Republic of Guinea has again opted to contract the South African firm Waymark Infotech to draw up the country’s list of registered voters ahead of the May elections. Not only is the company suspected of past irregular behaviour in Guinea, its poor track record reportedly extends to Zanzibar, Congo and Cameroon, according to the company’s Wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waymark_Infotech - worth a look for any interested readers). Additionally, it is documented that President Alpha Condé’s son used to work for the firm.

This decision to contract Waymark has contributed hugely to the pre-election violence we have seen marring the West African republic this last week; earlier last week, the Guinean opposition coalition announced that it would withdraw from the election process due, primarily due to concerns that Waymark was again being used for voter registration purposes. A member of the Executive Committee of the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea revealed to the press recently that the opposition had asked experts from a Francophone organisation to assess Waymark’s transparency, who promptly concluded that Waymark was “not ready” to organise the voter list.

Original article: http://www.voanews.com/content/guinea-election-opposition-boycott/1610067.html