Secure 2.0 Act - Major Changes to Retirement Planning & RMDs
Season #2 January 18, 2023
In today's episode, we dive into the newly passed Secure 2.0 Act and its impact on retirement calculations, from changes to contribution limits, RMDs, and new rules for 401k. This legislation has the potential to shake up the way we plan for retirement. So join us as we break down the details and help you understand how the Secure 2.0 ACT might affect your retirement.
Secure Act 2.0 Increases RMD Age Requirement to 73 and 75 in 2023 and 2033
The Secure Act 2.0, which was recently passed, includes changes to the age at which individuals are required to take distributions from their retirement accounts, also known as Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Historically, the age at which RMDs were required was 70 and a half, but the original Secure Act raised that age to 72.
The latest version of the Secure Act, however, has made another change to the RMD age requirement. Starting in 2023, individuals will not be required to take RMDs until age 73. In 2033, the age requirement will increase further to 75.
Many financial experts have been discussing the possibility of this change for some time, and it is seen as a positive development for investors. This change allows for individuals to keep their retirement savings invested for longer and potentially grow their nest egg.
However, it is important to note that the 2033 implementation date for the age 75 RMD requirement means that some retirees will miss out on this change and may be required to take early RMDs. Despite this, the change to the RMD age requirement is still seen as a win for investors as it changes the considerations and planning for retirement. Additionally, the Secure Act includes other changes that will impact retirement planning.
What is a Required Minimum Distribution or RMD?
For those who may not be familiar with the term, a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is a requirement set by Congress for individuals to withdraw a certain amount of money from their retirement accounts. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent individuals from using their retirement accounts as a personal piggy bank and to ensure that taxes are paid on the money in these accounts.
RMDs are required for a variety of retirement accounts, including 401ks, traditional IRAs, and even some annuities. The amount that must be withdrawn is determined by the IRS and increases over time. The purpose of RMDs is to make sure that the money in these accounts is eventually depleted, and taxes are paid on the withdrawals.
However, this requirement can be a burden on retirees. For example, if an individual only needs to withdraw $20,000 or $30,000 a year to supplement their income, but the IRS requires them to withdraw a much larger amount, it can bump them up into a higher tax bracket and affect their other sources of income such as social security.
The Secure Act 2.0 has made changes to the RMD age requirement, allowing individuals to delay taking RMDs until age 73 in 2023 and age 75 in 2033. This change is seen as a positive development for investors as it allows them to keep their retirement savings invested for longer. However, some financial experts advocate for abolishing RMDs entirely as they can deplete retirement savings and bump retirees into higher tax brackets. As financial planners, retirees, and investors, it is important to be aware of these requirements and take steps to protect our retirement savings from unnecessary depletion.
Ways to Mitigate The Tax Burden of RMDs
While the changes to RMDs in the Secure Act 2.0 are positive for retirees, the question of whether or not the genie can be put back in the bottle remains. However, there are strategies that can be employed to help mitigate the tax burden in retirement and control the income that is received during retirement.
One key strategy is to be strategic about where income is received from in retirement. This may mean deferring social security benefits or taking them earlier and using retirement accounts to supplement that income. By controlling the income that is received during the years leading up to RMDs, individuals can offset it with credits, deductions, or exclusions on their tax return.
Another important change in the Secure Act 2.0 is the decrease in the penalty for not taking RMDs. The penalty has been reduced from 50% to 25%, which changes the calculus for retirees. It may now make more sense for some individuals to not take an RMD in a given year if it results in a lower tax bill. Additionally, the penalty for correcting a missed RMD has been reduced to 10%, making it easier for individuals to fix any mistakes they may have made.
It is important to note that the IRS has yet to release the rules for these changes, so it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and consult with a financial advisor to determine the best course of action for their retirement planning. It is also worth noting that a lot of the software and online tools available for retirement planning are not yet updated to reflect these new rules and regulations, which may significantly change the assumptions and plans these tools provide.
Contribution Limits Get a Boost
The Secure Act 2.0 also includes an increase in catch-up contributions for certain types of retirement accounts in 2025. This change is in line with recent updates to the tax code, which have been inflation-adjusted to better reflect the needs of individuals and to keep pace with the cost of living.
Historically, tax brackets and contribution limits were fixed dollar amounts and were not updated frequently enough to keep pace with inflation. This made it difficult for individuals to save enough for retirement and for catch-up contributions to be meaningful.
The Secure Act 2.0 addresses this issue by updating the contribution numbers and making them inflation-adjusted. This means that Congress will not need to pass a law every year or every time to update these numbers, and they will automatically reflect reality and people's needs. Additionally, this change transfers control of these updates to the IRS, which is generally more favorable to individuals saving for retirement.
Overall, the Secure Act 2.0's increase in catch-up contributions, along with the other changes it made, is a positive development for individuals saving for retirement and it shows a shift towards retirement planning and tax code that is more beneficial for individuals and less controlled by Congress.
For those looking for more information on the Secure Act 2.0 and its impact on retirement planning, there are several resources available.
One resource is this article that I have written on the Secure Act 2.0, which provides more detail on the changes and their impact on retirement planning. Additionally, I will be offering webinars and more articles in the coming weeks that delve deeper into the different areas of the Secure Act 2.0 and how they impact retirement planning.
I am also working on a tool to help individuals with social security and retirement planning in the context of the Secure Act 2.0. This tool will help individuals stress test their retirement plans and make informed decisions in light of the changes.
Fidelity also has a really great article that you can check out here: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/secure-act-2
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Researchers collaborate to improve urban infrastructure resilience
by utsaengineer / Thursday, 23 January 2020 / Published in Civil and Environmental Engineering, COE Announcements, Electrical & Computer Announcements, Electrical and Computer Engineering, General, News, UTSA COE
JANUARY 23, 2020 — Data shows that 82% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, and it is projected that the percentage will increase to 90% by 2050. The size of the populations in urban centers is creating demands that overwhelm the capacity of infrastructures, particularly in times of distress.
Researchers at UTSA are working to remedy this problem. Through a $100,000 planning grant from the National Science Foundation, a team of researchers with expertise in engineering, computing, infrastructures, cyber-physical systems, political science, public policy and STEM education is leading the creation of the Engineering Research Center for Sustainable Urban Communities.
The Engineering Research Center for Sustainable Urban Communities will develop transforming technologies for one of the most important societal problems we currently face: engineering critical infrastructures of large population centers to achieve sustainable growth while improving equity and well-being of residents.
To achieve this mission, the center will develop the underlying science for a distributed sensor and data science framework to assist authorities and the private sector as they make decisions that yield the most benefit to urban residents.
The center will enable research and technology to improve urban infrastructure resilience. The proposed research will support superior real-time data processing, storage and dissemination to accelerate processing of large data sets in digital communities. Data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence experts will advance fundamental knowledge in their collective domains. Computing researchers will have access to the complete data flow chain and be able to study networking weaknesses against cyberattacks.
The networking will include narrowband and broadband wireless and wired data communication, networking with traditional and emerging sensor cloud environments, and various interfaces.
Researchers will develop critical infrastructure management and health informatics applications capable of exploring interdependences between these domains. Infrastructure researchers will leverage these advances to study efficiency and resilience of urban infrastructures during normal operating conditions and during different types of disruptions, such as hurricanes, floods and chemical spills using real-time data.
“UTSA is uniquely positioned to lead research advances in this area through an existing foundation of strategic initiatives and research centers on sustainability, climate science, water resources, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and energy,” said Adolfo Matamoros, a Peter T. Flawn Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at UTSA. “These strategic initiatives have been developed in close collaboration with partners from industry, the City of San Antonio, federal agencies, research institutes and the U.S. military. The Engineering Research Center for Sustainable Urban Communities will build on this foundation to advance smart city science and technology development and expand to include workforce development.”
Through this planning grant, a diverse group of stakeholders will join forces to develop consensus on advances in science and engineering needed to achieve sustainable growth of urban ecosystems through convergent research. The outcomes of the planning will provide a roadmap to guide future research efforts and foster new collaboration not previously considered.
Two stakeholder workshops will be held to develop a vision, goals and research plan that reflect the concerns and priorities of the San Antonio community. The first will be held on Friday, Jan. 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the John Peace Library, Faculty Center (JPL 4.04.16) on the Main Campus. A second stakeholder workshop will be held in April.
— Julie Paulson


Tag Archives: Gradus
Neal Kosaly-Meyer: Playing the Piano One Note at a Time
Posted on July 12, 2018 by maestrobeats
by Gabriela Tedeschi
Neal Kosaly-Meyer performing Gradus at NUMUS Northwest. Photo by James Holt.
Neal Kosaly-Meyer plays the piano one note at a time. Or at least, that’s the idea behind his ongoing performance series Gradus: For Fux, Tesla and Milo the Wrestler. He devotes an extended improvisation (20 minutes or longer) to each individual note on the piano, and to as many combinations of notes as possible.
This Saturday at the Chapel Performance Space he will perform one installment of the series: 40 minutes on one note (C sharp to be specific), 20 minutes on five notes in multiple octaves, and 60 minutes on two notes. Extended periods of silence are incorporated into all three sections. Kosaly-Meyer flips a coin to determine the number of notes per movement, how long the movements will be, and how much silence will be interspersed in each movement.
The idea for Gradus presented itself to Kosaly-Meyer over 30 years ago while he was a graduate student in the School of Music at the University of Washington. He had been thinking a lot about John Cage and how composers could follow in his footsteps by challenging preconceived notions of what music could be.
“It’s hard to find the frontier after a composer like Cage, who went right out to the edge of so many frontiers,” Kosaly-Meyer said. “This thought, learn to play the piano one note at a time, was kind of a thread to be able to push to do music that felt like it was on an edge, that felt like there was a risk being taken.”
Still, it wasn’t until he moved to San Diego with his wife and was able to play on a grand piano at a church he attended that he began to really explore the idea. Kosaly-Meyer believes performing on a grand piano is pivotal to Gradus.
“It’s not something you could do on an electronic keyboard or even an upright piano,” Kosaly-Meyer said. “I think to do something where you actually have enough sound, enough reverberation for a project like this to be interesting requires a grand piano.”
He began with 40 minutes improvising on the lowest A on the piano, and then began using combinations of As. Implicit in the idea of learning to play the piano one note at a time was the idea of learning to play differently by finding artistry in each sound. With attack, duration, dynamics, and intricate pedaling techniques, Kosaly-Meyer developed the ability to make a wide assortment of sounds using just one A.
His work temporarily came to a halt when he moved again and no longer had access to a grand piano. But years later, in 2001, his friend Keith Eisenbrey helped solve that problem.
Kosaly-Meyer met Eisenbrey while taking composition courses at the UW. They had done a lot of improvisation work together, and Kosaly-Meyer was able to develop the Gradus project and other works by bouncing ideas off of Eisenbrey. They became family when Eisenbrey married Kosaly-Meyer’s sister Karen, and in 2001 Kosaly-Meyer was able to continue with Gradus by rehearsing on Eisenbrey’s grand piano.
When he began sharing Gradus, it was positive feedback from Eisenbrey and other composers that emboldened Kosaly-Meyer to move forward with this musical venture. He began his annual performance series in 2002 in Seattle.
Kosaly-Meyer determined that Gradus works best with a two-hour, three-part structure that allows him to separate what he sees as three distinct ways of making music.
“I had come to a conclusion after working on this a little bit that playing with one note is a particular kind of making music, playing with two notes is another kind of making music that’s very different than just playing with one, and that playing with 3 or more notes is very different than playing with two,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from Cage, Kosaly-Meyer chose to incorporate silence—which really means all unintended ambient sounds—as an equal partner in the performance. If weather permits, Kosaly-Meyer leaves the windows open at the Chapel, allowing highway noise, barking dogs, and audiences’ creaking benches and coughs to form a chorus that supports his playing.
“I always found in improvising that music happened much more organically with an ensemble. Even if it was just an ensemble of two, it was so much easier for something musical to happen,” Kosaly-Meyer said. “Gradus is really the first kind of solo improvisation project I find that can stay musical and I think the trick is that it’s not really a solo project.”
This particular performance is dedicated to the late jazz pianist Cecil Taylor, who displayed incredible control over each and every note he played, no matter how intricate the performance. Kosaly-Meyer was also interested in exploring the interplay between the ideas of Taylor and Cage, who were at odds during their lifetimes because of Cage’s aversion to jazz and improvisation. Gradus combines Taylor’s spontaneity with Cage’s interest in silence as an equal partner.
“One thing that’s going on in Gradus is an attempt to harmonize a Cage way of thinking with a Cecil Taylor way of thinking,” Kosaly-Meyer said.
Neal Kosaly-Meyer presents Gradus: For Fux, Tesla and Milo the Wrestler this Saturday, July 14 at 8pm at the Chapel Performance Space at the Good Shepherd Center. For more information, click here.
Posted in Concerts, Events, Q & A, West Coast | Tagged and Milo the Wrestler, avant-garde, Cecil Taylor, chapel performance space, contemporary classical, Gradus, Gradus: For Fux, john cage, Neal Kosaly-Meyer, new music, piano, Tesla, wayward music series | Leave a reply


Gallery Openings and Events
Pyramid Atlantic Art Center Presents Imar Hutchins INHERITANCE
By Editorial Team on September 4, 2019
Fri, 06 September 2019 - Sun, 06 October 2019
Imar Hutchins, Banna-Ka [Benjamin Banneker], Acrylic and Collage on Canvas 2019. Courtesy of Pyramid Atlantic Art Center.
Opening Reception: Friday, September 6 from 6:30pm to 9pm
Artist Talk: Friday, September 13 from 7pm to 8:30pm
Artist Imar Hutchins exhibits six of his larger-than-life portrait collages in INHERITANCE. Each work measures 6 feet tall and 4.5 feet wide with subjects ranging from the artist’s mother to the late musician, Prince. The works combine screenprinting, collage, and painting, resulting in intensely detailed and colorful depictions of these figures: some iconic in pop culture and some iconic to the artist himself.
INHERITANCE is curated by Zoma Wallace and runs September 6 through October 6, 2019. An artist talk will take place on Friday, September 13 from 7 – 8:30 pm.
“All inheritance is not financial. All inheritance is not physical. And we can inherit from people who are not our direct ancestors. I would challenge people to think more broadly about inheritance. People, like the ones I depict, all have things to give us if we can receive them. They have lessons to teach us, but we need to be open to receiving that inheritance,” remarks Hutchins.
Much of Hutchins’ work is commission-based with a specified subject. However, Hutchins is selective about who he tackles. “I won’t do anyone’s portrait unless they are intergalactic…vibrating on a high frequency with something to share with us, with the world.” Once the figure is chosen, Hutchins begins researching his subject, which can take up to a year. “I need to be able to add something to the conversation, especially for someone who has been depicted a lot. What is it that people are missing about this person?”
Hutchins does everything himself when making a work, including milling the wood for his frames. The entire piece is imbued with intentionality from the beginning. “I want to be responsible for the whole thing. People feel it, whether it’s conscious or subconscious. You can tell when someone has put a lot of love in something.”
INHERITANCE is a rare opportunity to see multiple pieces by Hutchins in a single space. The exhibition will travel to the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky before all the works move on to their patrons, including private collectors and public institutions—such as the University of Kentucky, which commissioned a portrait of Hutchins’ grandfather who brought about the University’s integration 70years ago. Upon close inspection, viewers see that Hutchins has reproduced and collaged the hate mail sent to his grandfather in this piece, turning many small works of hate into one large work of love.
In addition to the large-scale canvases, Hutchins has created a limited edition screenprint based on his James Baldwin collage that will also be on view and available for sale at Pyramid. The Baldwin print is in honor of what would have been Baldwin’s 95th birthday this month. Hutchins selects only 1 or 2 of his collages a year to re-work into a print. “I love that kind of iconic poster art look, and each of my prints is really its own work, inspired by, but separate from, the collage. The basic shape will be the same, but the print design consists solely of areas of color. In some ways the prints are simplified versions of the larger pieces…all my work is …all my work is trying to be simple and at the same time evocative.”
Hutchins is a self-taught artist based in Washington, D.C. He is owner of DC’s iconic Florida Avenue Grill and was lawyer until about 5 years ago when he grew his artistic practice to a full time commitment. Hutchins works primarily in collage, mixed media and printmaking. His portraits combine vintage Black magazines, hate mail and other historical documents as well as found objects, tissue paper and new materials. He imagines that people themselves are collages.
This exhibition is made possible in part through funding from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County.
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 am–6 pm
Sunday: 12–5 pm
The exhibition, reception, and artist talk are FREE and open to the public.
Pyramid Atlantic is located at 4318 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville Maryland 20781. More information can be found at pyramidatlanticartcenter.org or by calling 301-608-9101.
By Editorial Team on January 23, 2023
Adah Rose Gallery Presents Jacqui Crocetta & Kyujin Lee Looking In Looking Out
Fri, 27 January 2023 - Tue, 28 February 2023
An opening is scheduled for Saturday, January 28 from 5pm to 7pm.
David C. Driskell Center Presents Faith Ringgold and Betye Saar RINGGOLD | SAAR: Meeting on the Matrix
Thu, 26 January 2023 - Mon, 22 May 2023
View the exhibitions through May 2023.
Addison/Ripley Fine Art Presents HOLY INVENTIONS Group Exhibition
Sat, 28 January 2023 - Sat, 04 March 2023
An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, January 28 from 5pm to 7pm.
VisArts Presents Alison Kysia Art, Islam, and Activism: Works in Progress; Cecilia Kim Private Varnish; and Sound of Fire Group Exhibition
Wed, 25 January 2023 - Sun, 12 March 2023
An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, January 27 from 7pm to 9pm.
Dale McGrath The Garden Year at Green Spring Gardens
Wed, 14 December 2022 - Sun, 05 February 2023
The exhibition is currently on view.
HEMPHILL Hosts Book Signing & Print Viewing: PHOTOSCAPES AND THE EGG by Patricia Z. Smith
The book signing is scheduled for Saturday, January 28 at 3pm.


Searcy Public Library Board Announces $2 Million Donation for Renovation Project
By Sophie Rossitto|2022-02-11T16:36:33-06:00February 11th, 2022|News|
Searcy Public Library officials announced Tuesday, Feb. 8, the name of the donor who helped kick start fundraising for renovations at the new location on Beebe Capps Expressway.
Longtime Searcy resident and businessman Larry Crain agreed to donate $2 million for a project to renovate the Searcy Public Library, according to Jean Ann Bell, the library board president. Bell revealed the donor’s name in a press conference at 10 a.m. outside the library’s new location at 954 Skyline Drive, which was previously home to the Searcy Athletic Club.
Bell said the new library would be named the Janett Crain Memorial Library in honor of Crain’s late wife, who worked with many service organizations in Searcy. At the conference, Crain and Barry Hoffmann, the architect for the project, unveiled a rendering of the new library’s exterior.
Bell said the new public space was designed for all Searcy residents to enjoy.
“It’s really a community center, and we want people to feel that way about it,” Bell said.
Crain said he wanted to support the library renovation so people would have access to free internet services and because the project could have a positive impact on the local economy and commerce. Crain said he was also inspired to donate to this project because his wife loved education, children and serving the community.
“So she’s really the heart of this,” Crain said.
Crain said he grew up in Searcy and went on to work in the accounting and business fields. He owns multiple companies, including one that oversees car dealerships throughout Arkansas, the Crain Automotive Team website said. He also owns Crain Media, which runs seven FM radio stations in the state.
Friends of the Library Foundation board member Jan Smith said the renovation project would cost $5.3 million, according to a 2021 feasibility study. The new library would contain 33,000 square feet, three times more than the current building on East Pleasure Avenue. The money would go towards adding a coffee shop, career center, space for teenagers and children, media program room, and other features to the library, Smith said.
“I envision this new library as a showplace for Searcy and a place we can all be proud to share,” Smith said.
The board unsuccessfully campaigned for a new public library in 2017, Smith said. In early 2021, the Searcy Athletic Club building became available, so library board members teamed up with city officials to fund the purchase of the building.
Regional library director Darla Ino said she was thrilled and surprised when she learned about Crain’s donation. She said the board hopes to reach 75% of their fundraising goal before advancing to the public phase of the renovation.
Library fundraising committee member Willie Abrams said he hoped Crain’s donation would encourage others to contribute money to renovating the library.
“This is a major gift to challenge others in Searcy to step up so that we can have this in our community,” Abrams said.


Robert Riddoch
Pte Robert RIDDOCK, 3965, of Unknown Unit attached to THE BLACK WATCH ROYAL HIGHLANDERS, was born in Auchterarder Perthshire. He died on 30 July 1916 F&F. He is listed on the roll of THE BLACK WATCH (ROYAL HIGHLANDERS). The cause of death is given as Killed in action. Other information given: 6th Bn.
Private R RIDDOCH, 3965, served in the 6th Bn. of the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). He died on 30 July 1916 in France and is buried in CATERPILLAR VALLEY CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL and is commemorated on XI. G. 26.
Private Robert Riddoch, 1/6th, Black Watch, is commemorated on the War Memorial at Auchterarder.
Private Robert Riddock, 3965, 6th (Perthshire) Battalion (Territorial), Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), was killed in action on 30 Jul 1916 in France and Flanders. He enlisted at Auchterarder.
Private Robert RIDDOCH lived at Arnott Cottage, Feus, Auchterarder. He enlisted 8th November 1915 in the 1/6th battalion of the Black Watch. Home service at Bridge of Earn, Falkirk, Ripon, 1915 to 1916. Served France. Killed at High Wood. He died 31st July 1916.


Home » COVID-19 and Health Crisis » Building an Inside-led prison abolition movement:
Building an Inside-led prison abolition movement:
An interview with Bennu Hannibal Ra-Sun
By Devin Cole posted on January 12, 2021
On Jan. 5, Devin Cole spoke with Free Alabama Movement co-founder and freedom fighter Bennu Hannibal Ra Sun about the economic side of the ongoing 30-day Economic Blackout and Alabama prison strike in January, the growth of social media and prison abolition, and what it will take to build a truly structured prison and slavery abolition organization.
Devin Cole: Members of the Free Alabama Movement and other prison abolitionists are saying that Securus Technologies’ implementation of video visitation equipment is a front for permanently removing all in-person visitation and replacing it with video visitations only. Can you talk about these concerns and why they want to do away with in-person visitation?
Bennu Hannibal: Certain members of FAM have that interpretation and are expressing it. As for myself, I haven’t seen anything specific as to what Securus and ADOC’s plan is, but that doesn’t mean it’s not their overall plan. We do know that video visitation is already happening in other states, because Securus is a national brand. And we can extrapolate from those conversations and things that we are already aware of what the plan is for Alabama. We also know that some county jails are already using video visitation exclusively.
Whatever the decision, we know that it will be decided by economics and not what is best for the families. Under the current model, aside from the vending machines, the state doesn’t make any money on in-person visitation.
Bennu Hannibal Ra-Sun
On the flip side, they have costs associated with physical visitation, like having security staff to harass and inspect visitors, perform strip searches, etc. These are all costs to the operational budget of a prison that disappear with video visitation kiosks. So, they probably compared the numbers from what they are making off normal visitation, in contrast to what they will make off the contracts with Securus, including the other services that Securus will be charging for us to use their tablets, etc., and decided that if they go to video visitation and make whatever else they will make off these contracts — then that is more profitable and preferable to do.
I don’t know if they would switch to a system where in-person is only once a month, once every 90 days, or you have to earn it or whatever. But people in prison and our families should not have to pay to talk to our loved ones, and we should never be denied the basic need for human contact that all human beings need.
Securus is an unscrupulous company that has been caught and sued for providing location-tracking information to law enforcement, bounty hunters and bondsmen, which was used to track people and their family members — and that shows that they are willing to be a part of the police state and prison-industrial complex.
These companies have no incentive to be concerned with what the family members have to say or are going through. It is very clear that they have some perception of the financial exploitation that goes into prison plantation management, and they are not constrained by principles when it comes to human suffering to make their profits.
DC: The other four companies in this Economic Blackout that are being boycotted are JPay, Access Corrections, Union Supply Company and Alabama Correctional Industries. What are their roles in the slavery system of Alabama prisons?
BH: It’s not just about the Alabama prisons. Alabama doesn’t have JPay. The reason we added some of these companies is to give people in other states the opportunity to be a part of the Economic Blackout protest as well, because it is affecting all of us.
Even though the original idea of this economic boycott by Kinetik Justice was and has remained for the most part a statewide effort, I thought it would be wise to add other companies that provide similar services in other states to leave room for other states to get involved, to create an opportunity to build unity and to show that we are all in this together — because the actions we are taking in Alabama are related to the actions around the country.
Union Supply and Access Secure are prison profiteers involved in the overpriced incentive package and accessory programs that are used to exploit and extort money from us and our families. These companies provide their services to prisons nationwide and enjoy exclusive monopoly contracts with prisoncrats and politicians. We need to be getting at all of them, all across the country, all at the same time.
Through actions like the Economic Blackout, we want families to understand why we have to start demanding audits of these companies, so that we can show people what’s really going on.
Another thing I want to do while we raise awareness is to find five families that are willing to have their personal finances audited, so that they can see in exact dollar amount terms how much they are contributing to incarceration and enslavement by investing in these exploitative companies. When people start seeing how much money is being made, they’ll then start asking where is the money going? Family members will see that they are paying for all these weapons, the mace and rubber bullets, the night sticks and electric shields that are used to harm us — and that these suppliers and prison officials are getting rich off it all.
It is profits that are made and the kickbacks to the operating budgets that keep the structure of the incarceration system and its laws intact. It is the economic contributions and free or cheap prison labor that form the pillars that uphold the system; and when those pillars are stressed and broken, the entire system collapses.
These economic boycott campaigns are to get people to see what their money is going to and what the system would look like if they took all their JPay money out, all their Securus money out — what that would look like. Would it be better, or would it be worse? There has to be a scientific application of “What am I dealing with?”
The budget of Alabama prisons is $600,000,000. If we take the labor out, what does that do to the budget? If we take incentive packages out, what does that do to the budget? If we take the canteen money out, what does that do to the budget? And so on and so forth.
DC: In 2018, you wrote an incredible article called “Seeing the problem, being the solution, making the sacrifice.” (tinyurl.com/y4vhskez) In it, you speak extensively of the need to use social media, as in creating a mobile app for your organization that tells of all ongoing prison strikes, hunger strikes and all economic boycotts similar to that going down right now. Could you talk about the role that social media and technology have played in expanding these growing economic blackouts?
BH: We started using social media as part of our core strategy back in 2014 with our YouTube channel and Facebook page. When I came to prison back in 2001, I was shocked at the living conditions. I shared with the guys in prison that we needed a camcorder to document this stuff. I was 100% convinced that people in society had no idea that living conditions were that bad. Hell, I had friends and my brother in prison at the time, and I had no idea people were living this way.
So when the time came for me to put the blueprint for the Free Alabama Movement together, I knew that social media would play a very important role in the way we got our message and our proof out. I knew I could take that phone, create the social media platforms, and use this technology to push the Movement forward in unique ways.
As for the mobile app, I simply see this as the evolution in the area of technology for our Movement. There is a lot of activism taking place around the country on the inside of U.S. prisons, jails and detention facilities, but people don’t know how to wade through all the social media content to find out about it, because the information is hard to find.
For example, right now there is a hunger strike going on in an ICE detention center in New Jersey, with others joining in daily. There is action in Pennsylvania and other places that kicked off mostly at the start of the year. There is our economic boycott here in Alabama, which includes several hunger strikers.
Hardly any of us know about each other, even though we are all protesting and taking actions for the same issues. As things stand at the moment, our actions are all unconnected. With this app that we’re still working to develop, we could have a centralized source where people can see all these things happening, and we could reach out to organizers in Alabama, Texas, New Jersey, bring them to the table and come out with the united front. All the issues are the same, so why are we not all acting and moving and organizing together?
There is just too much information and too much trickery going on for people to be on top of what is going on and who and what is legit or not. This app will help to centralize information and actions and allow us to strengthen and grow our base from which to inform and educate.
When you look back to November 2017, you’ll see an article I wrote in the San Francisco Bay View for the Campaign to Redistribute the Pain 2018, where I presented the idea and laid out a potential structure building a nationwide, “Inside-led” organization called the National Freedom Movement (which is now growing). (tinyurl.com/y4yarmw4) The elevated levels of activity around the country today illustrate why having a national structure is so important, so that all of these campaigns can be organized and be happening simultaneously in several states. There are a lot of organizations involved in what’s going on in Alabama, New Jersey, Florida, so why can’t we all work together?
We can’t remain stuck in isolated borders when we are dealing with people who are committed to solving this gigantic problem. Prisons commissioners, police chiefs, mayors, doctors, and many other common groups, all have national meetings and platforms that they share every year. They are unified and they are together — that is why they are successful. We are not unified, and that’s why we are not successful!
There are many organizations on the outside supporting our struggle, but they already have their own agendas and plans that they organize around. The work they do for us falls within the context of the limited scope of what they are about. In other words, they are not structured exclusively to our needs and concerns.
Outside organizations are coming in and offering help, but not helping us build our own infrastructure. When they leave, or the cause of the moment dies off, they take their resources and infrastructure with them. That model is only mildly effective.
If we are to have long-term success and truly solve these problems, then we’ll have to build our own nationwide, Inside-led outside-support network ourselves. And that starts with the Inside coming together nationally first.
What I am proposing in the National Freedom Movement is that those of us on the inside come together and then organize our own outside-support organizations from the ground up: We provide the by-laws; we make the structure — and every component and every brick is set up by those of us on the inside.
We already have more than enough legit Inside-led organizations. The bottom line is we should be organizing together, planning together and dictating the action and the tempo nationwide from the inside. But we aren’t unified, and as a result, most — but not all — of our actions are reactive.
For those asking what they can do to help, help us build our own national infrastructure in the way we are describing. It’s paternalistic and destructive to the Movement to do otherwise. Over time, we see organizations pull out and take their resources with them, returning every now and then to play favorites amongst the Inside activists. They use their leverage and resources to play divide-and-conquer amongst inside factions. This benefits the government and not the struggle. That’s why we need our own outside-support structure. Without independence, we’ll always have these problems that we are having today with outside organizations.
DC: Any final thoughts or words you want to speak about?
BH: Starting out, this call was originally for a 30-day Economic Blackout in the form of work strikes, boycotts and protests. Over the past 4-to-5 days, however, we started to see the Economic Blackout aspect become overshadowed and hijacked. This was allowed to happen for a number of reasons — none of them positive.
For example, I am seeing an organization conducting a fundraiser “for the hunger strikers,” but with no offer of support for the others sacrificing. And, one of the reasons they say they are raising funds — to help pay for commissary — is a direct contradiction of the Economic Blackout. They say they are raising funds at the request of the Free Alabama Movement, but why would FAM be requesting funds to be spent in a way that directly contradicts the Economic Blackout?
Lost in the shuffle is the fact that the hunger strikers are taking action to support the Economic Blackout. Nevertheless, we have people reporting on the hunger strikers in a way that totally separates them from the Economic Blackout, where all freedom fighters are being called on to take action by quitting their jobs, rejecting visits and or foregoing canteen or incentive packages — and going on hunger strike if this is your choice.
These are obvious contradictions that compelled me to speak where I otherwise had been silent on certain matters. Supporters have to understand that their individual relationships and conversations don’t translate into universal support for FAM, and they should not be making statements and taking actions that cause contradictions or conflicts with overall Movement activities.
When the message gets hijacked, the companies to boycott are being given a pass, and the potential to expand the boycott is being lost. But this is what happens when outside support organizations put personal relationships before organizational principles. They started picking the people they like and reporting from that angle, instead of supporting the cause. And that’s another reason why we need to create our own outside-support structure.
We need everyone to stay focused on our fundamental approach to defining and solving this problem with economic direct-action campaigns, because this is how we are going to affect change. We support everyone who is making a sacrifice for freedom and all of the families, but we have to remain vigilant in our understanding that this is a comprehensive plan, not a reactionary one.
And it’s not just for 30 days. We want people to know that this is ongoing. We can’t let the State off the hook by forgetting that we are here to defund, divest and be disruptive with economic strategies and tactics. We’ll amplify that by any means necessary.
Bennu Hannibal Ra Sun is the founder of the Free Alabama Movement and Executive Director of the Campaign to Redistribute the Pain. He is the architect of the National Freedom Movement, an author, and he is fighting for the liberation of all people trapped in cages and behind walls.
Devin Cole is a transgender Marxist organizer and writer. They are the president of Strive (Socialist Trans Initiative), a transgender advocacy organization in northwest Florida, and a member of the Workers World Party – Central Gulf Coast (Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi) branch.
Ukraine: U.S./NATO-backed fascist coup & a growing people’s resistance
https://www.workers.org/2021/01/53733/?fbclid=IwAR1cdMsoWR0S501YdTGJLEzXvLQVJ24EmZRE72zewSvhWgDpu7WS7RwLb8s


Tag: FDRE
Ethiopia: Office of the Prime Minister – Joint Communique Issued at the End of the Official State Visit by H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (30.09.2022)
Author nilspeacePosted on September 30, 2022 September 30, 2022 Categories Africa, Development, Diplomacy, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Abiy Ahmed Ali, Ethiopia, FDRE, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prosperity Party, SomaliaLeave a comment on Ethiopia: Office of the Prime Minister – Joint Communique Issued at the End of the Official State Visit by H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (30.09.2022)
Opinion: Kenyatta will miss his old office very quickly…
It has been announced that the former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has been appointed to mediate and be a “Special Envoy” to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ethiopia. He will have to partake in the insurgencies in the DRC and the conflict in Northern Ethiopia (Tigray). Therefore, he has a massive take and lots of responsibility overnight.
The Former President be working with Heads of State in the DRC. Where he has to be working directly with the authorities in Kinshasa. That’s the place he has a shot and possibility to make a difference. Kenyatta already has a working relationship with President Felix Tshisekedi. Therefore, if there is hope for any substantial progress or delivery. He should hope to get somewhere in the DRC.
The M23 latest peace agreement was already made in Nairobi with the Nairobi Declaration. That’s why, Kenyatta has goodwill and could use the working relations from his years in office to make a difference, but we shouldn’t have to high hopes. However, we have to take what positives there are before downplaying this role and office.
On the other hand, in Ethiopia and Addis Ababa, is a place where Kenyatta might not be so much welcome. There won’t be much fanfare or acceptance of him. He will be a nonce and nuisance quickly. The Addis Ababa government have to already work with the African Union Envoy for the Horn, Olusegun Obasanjo. The former Nigerian President have struggled to bring any dialogue or talks between the stakeholders. This work has been stifled and his had an unforgiving role, as the FDRE and the Government of Tigray has both ceased talks or negotiations in general.
Obasanjo have tried and his hands are tied. We know the FDRE is directing how the AU Envoy can operate. While people will quickly question the mandate and what sort of mission Kenyatta has. This was quickly launched, as Kenyatta retired from the Office of Presidency. It is a way of softening the blow and give him a purpose. Though, what will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tell Kenyatta and what is his anticipated to do?
Will he make phone-calls, conduct field-work or even try to get stakeholders to meet each other? A man of peace can do a lot. He can do little or a lot. If any of the 10 years in Office will tell us. The former President could easily create a scandal or a way of using the office for enriching himself. However, it would be hard to find a way to make this happen. Nevertheless, people shouldn’t be shocked, if he found a way or a scheme to get some additional funds. That is his way and how he has run his government.
Ruto surely sent him on his merry. Giving him a token of appreciation and an honourable task. Kenyatta should use all diplomatic channels and shouldn’t expect much. It isn’t like his through IGAD, AU or any other body. No, his just appointed by the incumbent Kenyan President and that isn’t setting a strong mandate.
This is sort of like the mandate or role Stephan Kalonzo Musyoka had in the South Sudan in the previous term. He was the Special Envoy to South Sudan and he surely cannot show much, if anything He got a few free trips to Juba, but cannot be said to helped the process significantly.
This here office should be gazetted and the mandate should be set forward. Also, the current President should give a time-frame and possible plans for it. Since, it shouldn’t just be something to keep Kenyatta busy. Kenyatta should have a target to work towards in coordination with Kinshasa and Addis Ababa. However, time will tell if they will let him or see him as outside noise. Peace.
Author nilspeacePosted on September 16, 2022 September 16, 2022 Categories Africa, Development, Diplomacy, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Abiy Ahmed Ali, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Ethiopia, FDRE, Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, GoK, Government of Kenya, Kenya, President Ruto, President Tshisekedi, Prime Minister Abiy, Prosperity Party, Regional Government of Tigray, Tigray, Uhuru Kenyatta, William RutoLeave a comment on Opinion: Kenyatta will miss his old office very quickly…
Ethiopia: Press Release from the Caucus of Opposition Parties (COP) – (05.06.2022)
[VOL – JUNE 05,2022] Having Noticed the fundamental differences on the approach of the National Dialogue with the government and it’s allied Parties, we here by announce the Establishment of Caucus of Opposition Parties (COP) to present our alternatives for National Dialogue that will result in genuine democratic system.
Therefore, We, the Caucus of Opposition Parties (COP) composed of below mentioned opposition political parties, who are key stakeholders with significant followers and influence in Ethiopia are fully committed to peaceful resolution of all conflicts and political differences that are flaming the current worsening political schisms and deadly hostilities.
Understanding the current dire situation Ethiopia is facing, all political parties, including the ruling party, agreed that the best way to tackle the gargantuan problems is through a National Dialogue. The government taking part in the initiative of the parties organized meetings where the modalities and process of the National dialogue was discussed. However, while the discussions were in progress and the stakeholders were debating the best way to organize the national dialogue, the government unilaterally prepared a bill regulating the process and passed it through the one party dominated parliament ignoring the concerns of the political parties.
Then, the government, exacerbating the matter further, started a dubious process of selecting the commission that will facilitate the National dialogue violating the fundamental principles of a national dialogue which are inclusivity in all facets of the process by all key stakeholders. Furthermore, no provision was put in place to allow commission to reach out to those who are currently banned and are at war with the government.
COP strongly believes that the current toxic political environment that resulted in bloody wars, economic decline and further polarization of the differences between all political forces, including the government could only be resolved through genuine, inclusive National dialogue where all stakeholders are fully engaged and given a chance to take active part in the solution.
Having seen how the National Dialogue process was compromised and misdirected, COP members decided to question their participating in a current format of the National Dialogue and present an alternative formula for organizing a genuine National dialogue in order to confront the culture of conspiratorial politics and heralding political actions that would positively contribute to the development of democratic culture and dissuade the government in a constructive way from taking a wrong direction.
Therefore, COP proposes that The National dialogues intended to address the key issues facing the politico/social and Economic landscape today shall meet the minimum of international standards and practices in order to give the process a chance to succeed include the followings:
An immediate, real cessation of hostilities and Internationally monitored ceasefire in all areas in Ethiopia including Tigray, Afar and Amhara, in Northern Ethiopia, Oromia , Benishangul, and Somali States.
Assurance by the government that it and key stakeholders take steps to restructure a commission and the edit regulating the process in a way that makes the process inclusive, representative and genuine, whereby negotiating parties have a strong support base, credible claim of legitimacy in representing their constituency, the political will and the ability to implement what was agreed upon including shared responsibility of implementation of the outcome of the National dialogue.
In order to ensure transparency, independence and inclusiveness of the commission members, political parties shall have a meaningful presence in the commission and take part in the process and criteria of selection. In addition, any discriminatory clause shall be removed from selection criteria such as holding only Ethiopian passports for people of Ethiopian origin in order to benefit from their expertise.
In the agenda setting process, there shall be a clear and transparent process that accommodates agenda presentation and approval by all stakeholders without discrimination.
Since Ethiopia is not an Island in this intricately interconnected global world and every decision we make is important to the other countries. Therefore, we demand provision that permit involvement and engagement of credible, neutral facilitators or mediators from the international community take part in the National dialogue process when deemed necessary.
Transparent and agreed upon decision making process including consensus and mediation shall be agreed by upon by all key stakeholders.
Adequate confidence building measures, including supplying security of key participants, effective international oversight, release of all political prisoners and lifting of embargo on humanitarian aid to those who are in desperate need of food and medicine.
It’s in the best interest of our people to give a guarantee and safety of all participants in the process and transparent security arrangements whereby Opposition parties leaders are not threatened by harassment, imprisonment and/or extra judicial killings.
Member Parties
1. AFAR JUSTICE AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY
2. AFAR PEOPLE’S PARTY (APP)
3. ARENA TIGRAY
4. DONGA PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATION
5.HIBIR ETHIOPIA (HIBIR)
6. MEDREK
7. OGADEN NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT(ONLF)
8. OROMO FEDERALIST CONGRESS (OFC)
9. OROMO LIBERATION FRONT(OLF)
10. WOLAYTA NATIONAL MOVEMENT (WNM)
Author nilspeacePosted on June 5, 2022 June 5, 2022 Categories Africa, Development, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Afar Justice and Democratic Party, Afar People's Party, Arena Tigray, Caucus of Opposition Parties, COP, Donga People's Democratic Organization, Ethiopia, FDRE, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, HIBIR, HIBIR Ethiopia, MEDREK, OFC, Ogaden National Liberation Front, OLF, ONLF, Oromo Federalist Congress, Oromo Liberation Front, WNM, Wolayata National MovementLeave a comment on Ethiopia: Press Release from the Caucus of Opposition Parties (COP) – (05.06.2022)
Ethiopia: PM Abiy wants a Palace fitted for a King
“The Office of the Prime Minister is under preparations to construct a new national palace to the tune of 49 billion birr, becoming the second biggest public project next to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has consumed over 130 billion birr thus far. Situated on a sprawling 503 hectares of land at Yeka Hill, in Yeka Sub-city, the construction touches five woredas, which will harbor the construction of halls, lakes, housing units and road infrastructures, among other facilities. Part of the government’s 10 year perspective plan, the project will see the evacuation of thousands of people. However, the residents will be given a chance to develop their own property on their land, if it fits the standard of the area, where the palace will be built. Sources told The Reporter the UAE government will contribute a portion of the budget needed to construct the palace” (The Ethiopian Reporter – ‘Government inches to build palace for over 49 billion birr’ 21.05.2022).
It seems to be official that the ruler of Addis Ababa and beyond, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is planning to change his estate and his residence. As there are now plans to spend about a $1 billion United States Dollar on building a new Palace. That will be instead of residing in the Menelik Palace and the Grand Jubilee, which will become a museums.
The OPM and the ruling regime is prioritizing building a lavish Palace for their ruler. Instead of spending money on food security, agriculture or anything that can help the citizens. Because, the state has created a famine in Northern parts of the Republic. While it is having severe droughts in the Ogaden and surrounding areas. It is also possible hurt and suffering in the Afar region and parts of the Amhara region after warfare last year. Also, we have no estimation or idea of the damage, the pain or suffering in the Oromia region as well. Therefore, the state isn’t creating sustainable mechanisms or programs. Instead they are choosing to build a magnificent building for the Prime Minister to reside in.
The state who just received $300 million USD to “rebuild” and “retool” parts of the war-torn regions of the Republic. As the Republic is having a rising inflation hitting around the 40% rise. While also lacking foreign exchange. Meanwhile the Federal Government has also invested and imported more weaponry, tanks and other equipment to further their internal conflicts. Therefore, there is no shadow of doubt. That things will only get worse… before they get better.
As the famines, droughts and steady arrival of conflicts. The use of war to silence to silence dissent and opposition. While spending fortunes on prestige projects like the Palace of the PM. That just shows what sort of mismatched priorities the PM has and he has no ideal of how it is wrecking the economy.
In the last budget the state used 12 billion birrs on food security, 17 billion birrs on job creation, 33 billion birrs on health care and 16 billion birrs on education. So, you can easily see how the Federal Government is prioritizing the Palace over all the other necessities. Yes, some funds will come from the UAE Government, but that’s still a waste of government spending. This is not for developing the Republic or helping the citizens in need. No, this is just to boost the ego of man and his lofty ambitions.
Abiy wants so badly to be seen as a King and be a monarch. Now, his building a grand palace in his name and during his tenure. That just shows his intentions and he has no scruples either. As his government is waging war, been blocking humanitarian aid and been vicious against any critics within his realm.
Now… his starting to build a Palace and soon his trying to figure out who can make him a crown. Peace.
Author nilspeacePosted on May 22, 2022 May 22, 2022 Categories Africa, Development, Economy, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Abiy, Abiy Ahmed, Abiy Ahmed Ali, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopian Prosperity Party, FDRE, Finfinne, Menelik Palace, PM Abiy, Prosperity PartyLeave a comment on Ethiopia: PM Abiy wants a Palace fitted for a King
Ethiopia: The Federal Government is cracking down on all critical media…
The latest arrest is now Meskerem Abera, the journalist who has also just been abducted at Addis Abeba airport earlier today on the 21st May 2022. She is following a long line of government critics who has been apprehended, arrested and taken to unknown location. In addition to that, another kidnapping and arrest is of Tadious Tantu as well. Who has been gone missing since yesterday.
This is a grand scale of going after anyone who isn’t following the Federal Government line in the media. That is very obvious, because this a broad-net of journalists taken into custody over the last 48 hours.
Here is some brief reports of others arrested as well.
“The Amhara region based Ashara media outlet announced that police arrested 5 of its staff last night & that it cannot establish their whereabouts today. The five are Kelemu Gelagay, Daniel Mesfin (editors/cameramen), Gashaye Negussie, Getnet Yalew, Habtamu Melese (reporters)” (Zecharias Zelalem, 20.05.2022).
“News has just broken that Solomon Shumiye current affairs talk show host with a decent following on the Gebeyanu YouTube channel, has just been taken into police custody. We’re at about 10 media staffers detained across Ethiopia in just the past 24 hours” (Zecharias Zelalem, 20.05.2022).
Earlier in the month another arrest was also done:
“Journalist Gobeze Sisay accused Ethiopia Government of crackdown on dissent media
✅Gobeze says his arrest is similar to the Tamerat Negera case, where Oromia police censor media, claiming “Oromophobia”
✅Tamera is #Oromo but opposes ethnic-federalism policy of Abiy’s OPP” (Awasa Guardian, 10.05.2022).
We can easily see that this is deliberate acts of silencing everyone and only get out the message of the state. A way of taking away anyone who speaks, thinks or even considers to question Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed Ali and his Prosperity Party. His party and Federal Government is aiming at anyone who blinks their eyes twice and thinks about questioning his actions.
That’s why these mass-arrests are happening. The sudden kidnappings of journalists, activists, civic leaders and advocates are targeted as well. This is all deliberated and by taking out the journalists the media will not report on it and neither will there be a media who questions these violations of people’s rights.
The PM and his party can rule with their tyranny, as there is no voices of reason. There is only incarceration and detention of anyone who dissent. The government is certainly showing it’s vicious side and instead of settling grievances with words. They are instead using it’s authority to silence it’s critics. That is not a shocker, as unity is spread to the sound of guns and ammo. Therefore, it follows a pattern of violence as a means of solidifying power. Peace.
Author nilspeacePosted on May 21, 2022 May 21, 2022 Categories Africa, Development, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Abiy Ahmed Ali, Arrests of Journalist, Ashara, Daniel Mesfin, Ethiopia, Ethiopian Prosperity Party, FDRE, Gashaye Negussie, Gebeyanu YouTube channel, Getnet Yalew, Gobeze Sisay, Habtamu Melese, Kelemu Gelagay, Media, Meskerem Abera, PM Abiy, Prosperity Party, Solomon Shumiye, Tadious Tantu, Tamerat NegeraLeave a comment on Ethiopia: The Federal Government is cracking down on all critical media…
Ethiopia: If Ethiopians are joining the war in Ukraine – They are dying for a War that isn’t theirs to begin with…
“Everyone now clearly understands that Russia and all Russians lie. Trying to recruit Ethiopian Youth, Russians do not tell anybody that as of April 18, 2022, over 20000 of RU invaders has already met their Death in Ukraine. Felt defeated in Ukraine, Russia insidiously tries to mislead and play its dirty games” (Embassy of Ukraine in Ethiopia, 18.04.2022).
Today in Addis Ababa there been long lines and queues outside of the Russian Embassy. As there are reports of a total of 2000 Ethiopian citizens that has signed up to fight on the Russian side of the Ukrainian conflict.
That is only mere reports that has been refuted by the Russians, but they are willing to lie about everything. While the Ukrainian Embassy in Addis Ababa says they are recruiting. The Ukrainians are the ones who is defending their territory and nation against the Russian-Belorussian invasion, which has lasted for over 50 days now.
It is very unique, if these Ethiopians join this war. This isn’t a world war and neither is a conflict that has spiralled outside of the borders of Ukraine. No, for now it is a Russian-Belarus-Ukraine thing for the most part. The Russians warns everyone else of not to move, think or coordinate. While the Russians has already gotten Syrian mercenaries and could easily try to conscript Ethiopians to fight their battles.
There is already reports that the Russians needs reinforcement badly. As on Job-Sites and Work-Offerings the Ministry of Defence is offering unique and patriotic-based contracts for the ones who is willing to sacrifice and fight for Russia in Ukraine. The Russian Federation and it’s army needs recruits. That is evident after all the losses and the total failure of the swift invasion, which was supposed to happen within 48 hours or three days…
However, here we are and Ethiopians are queueing outside the Embassy. Some is said to have with them a passport and documents to prepare visa’s and signing up to participate in the conflict. That means Ethiopians would fight on the Russian side of the conflict.
The ones that queueing today is supposed to part of Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” which is supported by Amhara Regional State and been vital in the war against Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Fano is the extremist and fascists of Ethiopia who has fought for Amharian supremacy and a Greater Amhara. So, they will fit well in with the Z brigade of Moscow and be in-line quickly with the Russian propaganda of Kremlin. Therefore, if that is true. It is a match made in Hell and not in Heaven.
Nevertheless, the Ethiopian mercenaries or conscripts is signing up for a war that isn’t theirs in the first place. They will not be honoured and be respected for their efforts. These will be cannon-fodder and die like flies on the front-line. The Ethiopian soldiers will not conquer or overcome Ukrainian forces. They will only be a temporary fix and a possible strategy of cutting the losses of the Russians own brigades.
The Ethiopian Youth and “Fano” might see this as a possible way of training, expertise and a possible pay-check. They rather fight a war far away and get credit for it. In such a way of leaving desperation at home to flee to “greener” pasture in Eastern Europe. However, they will bleed and die for nothing. The Russian will not honour their sacrifice or write tales of glory for their participation. No, they are just useful pawns on the chess-set and the first to catch a bullet for them.
The Ethiopian mercenaries will not linger much hope. When the Russians themselves has struggled and lead to many tactical defeats for the last 50 days. Why would Ethiopians make a huge difference? No, I don’t think so. Not because they are not warriors and cannot fight a battle. No, it is because of the conflict they would enter and the enemy they are meeting. It is not like it will be easy and be friendly. No, it will be brutal and they spare no one. Especially, the soldiers and the ones who is representing Russian invasion force.
That’s because the Ethiopian or “Fano” will be part of the invaders and an invasion. They are not part of the defence or the ones who is defending their homeland. No, they are going after Ukraine and on Ukrainian soil. That is a death wish and they will not return home as heroes. They are joining an imperial power and partaking in unjustified war. This is why nothing good will come out of it.
The ones signing up for this… is signing up for a death sentence and Moscow will not repay them. They are just taking a bullet for Kremlin and no love will ever be lost. These youths and Ethiopians will not return or be able to tell about the war they entered. Because, the Russians wouldn’t spare them. They are the ones they can risk and send to the front-line without any costs. Since, they signed up for it and they got to fight. There will be no option to flee or seek shelter. No, they are there to fight the cause of Russia.
A cause that will end up in caskets or not even that. They will be left behind on the battlefield and forgotten. A bloodshed and a sacrifice of a willing. Youth and Amhara militia members who fought a war that wasn’t theirs. The tears and losses will be felt by their families and loved ones. Who knew that they went and never heard from them again. Families and villages who saw their sons leave for war in Eastern Europe. Where they never returned from and only got a mantle or a signed off on war-grave. However, they will not return with stories of greatness or of adventures. No, they will be scorn, torn and bleed for a conflict, which wasn’t theirs and never will be theirs to begin with. They will be the lost souls and the sons of far away who could have lived life in peace and created a future in Ethiopia. Instead they sought after glory and a pay-off from Russia. A pay-off they will not receive. Since most of them will die before the Russian Federation or Ministry of Defence has to even care about their salaries. Peace.
BTW: It would make a difference, if the Amhara or Ethiopians joined the Ukrainian side either. This is a war for the soul of Europe and a war against European imperialism. Where the NATO/EU and Russia are on each side. As the Ukrainian are fighting for its own independence and sovereignty to join whatever entity or alliance it see fit. While Russians wants to have control of their neighbours. Which is why there is no natural reason or argument to defend the participation of Ethiopian Youth or “Fano” in either sides of the conflict in Ukraine. They will not be remembered or written tales of glory. No, they are mercenaries who will die in unmarked graves, which is undignified for their sacrifice, but an end, which is most likely to happen.
BTW II: Don’t say nobody didn’t warn you or didn’t write about it. Because, I did and I am concerned, because their lives matters. Just like all lives does and this was a death that could have been avoided. However, decisions are made and there is always consequences to the actions we make. Peace.
Author nilspeacePosted on April 18, 2022 April 18, 2022 Categories Africa, Army, Development, Diplomacy, Europe, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Abiy, Abiy Ahmed Ali, Amhara, Ethiopia, Fano, FDRE, PM Abiy, President Putin, Russia, Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin2 Comments on Ethiopia: If Ethiopians are joining the war in Ukraine – They are dying for a War that isn’t theirs to begin with…
Opinion: It seems like Abiy don’t need Hailemariam Desalegn anymore…
There is now reports that the former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has an arrest warrant on him. There is a pending corruption case, which questions missing funds $50 million, which was misused and not spent as promised on agricultural equipment from Poland. Therefore, an old case is suddenly appearing and haunting the former Prime Minister.
When these sorts of things happens years after. As we have seen the succession of Abiy and the years in power. This seems like a sting and operation to take down a former ally who paved the way for Abiy to get into office. That is how it seems to me.
The money is most likely eaten and the ones in office is doing the same. If not they are misusing funds to combat it’s own people and asking for donors for military equipment to kill their own. Surely, the former PM have to answer for his own grievances.
However, this is a political game, as Abiy is safe and has the throne. He feels superior and untouchable, as the warfare haven’t hit home and neither has the crippling economy. So, as long as the gig is working. He can focus on consolidating all power and this way go after someone who can put him in a bad light.
Which just happens to be the former Prime Minister. A man who did the noble thing and resigned after failing. A PM stepping down after misusing his office and suspending the rights of his people. Using the Command Post and the State of Emergency to further the plight of the demonstrating youths. Alas, the former PM did the graceful thing and bowed out.
Nevertheless, Abiy rather silence and get rid of his critics. That’s why this fits a pattern and now he seeks a former ally and a predecessor. In such a way to silence and stop him too. To use the past and the courts to go after him. It is just so fitting and a political move, as the same courts has been used against high profiled opposition. Therefore, we know the drill and the motivation for it now.
Just like Abiy have gone after and gotten rid of the ones that made him like Lemma Megersa. It seems like he has put the target on Hailemariam now. The one who was before him and to signal that anyone can be touched. That is how it seems… and it wouldn’t be shocking. As there are plenty of political prisoners lingering in jail and the former PM would maybe even join fellow jailbirds who he put behind bars during his reign.
Therefore, this is just a sign of cleaning the house and furthering his consolidating of power, which is a enterprise, which doesn’t seem to slow down. However, it just takes new forms and the PM isn’t done with doing so. Peace.
Author nilspeacePosted on January 31, 2022 January 31, 2022 Categories Africa, Corruption, Development, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Abiy Ahmed Ali, Ethiopia, FDRE, Hailemariam Desalegn, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, Lemma Megersa, PM Abiy, Prosperity PartyLeave a comment on Opinion: It seems like Abiy don’t need Hailemariam Desalegn anymore…
Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta – An appeal to the Government and the People of Ethiopia (03.11.2021)
Author nilspeacePosted on November 3, 2021 November 4, 2021 Categories Africa, Army, Development, Diplomacy, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Abiy Ahmed Ali, Ethiopia, FDRE, GoK, Government of Kenya, Kenya, PM Abiy, President Kenyatta, Prosperity Party, Uhuru KenyattaLeave a comment on Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta – An appeal to the Government and the People of Ethiopia (03.11.2021)
Ethiopia: Venable LLP hired to clean Abiy’s tarnished image
It is now reported that the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) have hired the lobbying firm Venable LLP to promote Ethiopia in the United States of America (USA). This is not the first time an African Warlord or President with conflicts is hiring lobbyist to “clean-up” their image abroad. It is all done to sway the U.S. Congress and get a favourable tune from the White House. Because, the broken Washington D.C. is for sale and everyone can be bought, apparently.
Venable LLP had 81 clients in 2020 and spent $7,400,000 in lobbying fees for various of causes. The Venable LLP had 44 lobbyist working for them last year.
What is striking is the two fellas that is representing Ethiopia in Washington D.C. is Thomas Quinn and Loren Aho. Open Secrets says Quinn speciality is Taxation by a vast margin and Defence. While Aho have also Defence as speciality. This is not government affairs or foreign affairs, which is where the Ethiopian government needs help to sway public opinion about the war in Tigray and all the other atrocities across the Republic.
On a FARA form filed by Quinn on the 4th February 2021. Quinn is an attorney and a partner in the company. It states that he has three foreign principals his working for as a foreign agent. In his filing, these are: “Embassy of Ethiopia, Embassy of the State of Qatar & Hong Kong Trade Development Council”. This means that works for these others as well. While banking the thousands of dollars per month from Addis Ababa. We can wonder how much Qatar and HKDC is paying him too.
The Ethiopian Embassy is paying Venable LLP US$35,000 per month. When they have a taxation expert and minor lobbyist on his payroll. The company has an outreach and has a big team. Though, the two who is handling this has this history. This is information in the public domain from ProPublica and OpenSecrets. It is not like the American lobbyists isn’t looked into, as a public oversight to their actions and how they influence U.S. Congress.
That Quinn and Aho is hired to this is to whitewash and make Abiy’s government look good in the public eye in the US. It is to get Committee’s to act in favour of Addis Ababa. That is why they have hired these fellows. Where they are trying to sway and swing things in their direction. So, that they are not sanctioned or embargoed in any way. Especially, now that they are going into an election, warfare in Tigray and other lingering conflicts across the Republic.
Prime Minister Abiy has hired these guys to look good. That is the reason. As his team isn’t able to get positive headlines in Western Media and the use of this as a platform to get that. This is why regimes like this uses lobbyists to become “cleansed” from the “bloodstains” abroad. Also, to ensure their leadership and legitimacy across the board. In a manner, which they get vouched for by the International Community.
It is ironic that Abiy does this, as he holds a grip on local-media and accreditation of foreign media houses too. Just give people a pass, if they follows his guidelines and writes his stories. If they don’t, then they are banished from the Republic. Peace.
Author nilspeacePosted on February 17, 2021 February 17, 2021 Categories Africa, Development, Diplomacy, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, PoliticsTags Abiy Ahmed Ali, Dr. Abiy Ali, Ethiopia, FDRE, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Loren Aho, PM Abiy, PP, Prosperity Party, Thomas Quinn, Venable LLPLeave a comment on Ethiopia: Venable LLP hired to clean Abiy’s tarnished image
Teff-Flour Patent Belongs to Ethiopia: Sanction Roosjen and his businesses now!
It is now revealed that someone named Jans Roosjen of the Netherlands has a United States Patent on the Teff Flour, the tradition food source backing done thousands of years. Roosjen is officially a pre-historical human being, he is back-to-future, he is the mirage and the answers of all things. Since he can patent something that has been part of Ethiopian culture and their practices, without their consent and without consideration. He is not the owner of Teff Flour. The United States Patent Office shouldn’t accept this, because this is taking someones national pride and food culture and stamping their ill-gotten name on it.
This is a mockery of invention, this is cultural and staple food theft. It would be like stealing french-fries from Belgium, the Kimchi from South Korea or the Feijoada from Brazil. No one owns that invention, but you cannot patent it too. This is made for the people and owned by the people, secondly, as a foreigner you should appreciate the culture, not steal it. That is what this man has done with the Patent of Teff Flour milling. Like he invented it, he didn’t invent it, he just served a document and filing to the Patent Office. They should have dismissed it as a insane thinking of a European man, who has no ownership to the food cuisine of Ethiopia.
Teff History:
“Teff (Eragrostis Tef) is a cereal crop of Poaceae or Gramineae family with small grains. It is believed to have originated in Ethiopia between 4000 and 1000 BC [1]. Teff seeds were reported to be discovered in a pyramid which is thought to date back to 3359 BC [1]. It is a primarily cultivated cereal crop in Ethiopia with high market price and socio-economic values. Its center of origin and diversity is Ethiopia” (…) “The cultivation of teff as a major cereal crop in Ethiopia was started thousands of years ago. As mentioned in the Introduction, some researchers have indicated that teff production in Ethiopia has a history of more than 4000 years. Teff is a primarily cultivated cereal crop in Ethiopia with high market price and socio-economic values” (Daba, 2017).
Encyclopedia of Life (eol.org) states this:
“Between 8,000 and 5,000 BC, the people of the Ethiopian highlands were among the first to domesticate plants and animals for food and teff was one of the earliest plants domesticated.[4] Teff is believed to have originated in Ethiopia and Eritrea between 4,000 BCE and 1,000 BCE. Genetic evidence points to E. pilosa as the most likely wild ancestor.[5] A 19th century identification of teff seeds from an ancient Egyptian site is now considered doubtful; the seeds in question (no longer available for study) are more likely of E. aegyptiaca, a common wild grass in Egypt.[6]” (eol.org – ‘Eragrostis tef’).
That Roosjen own business, which is on his page teff-grain.com, where he states: “given the fall-numbers the mixing of teff-grain or flour with other flours/seeds is patented”. That is very insane, that a man from Netherlands or Holland is thieving a 1000 year old tradition and trying to keep it to himself. That is disgusting, it would be okay if he imported it through Prograin, the company he is owns and serves, but patenting it, is taking it a bit to far.
So the Roosjen started a shop in 2004, patent it in 2006 and has forgotten the tradition of the food. It is time for the world to patent everything for Nethlands, the wind-mills and when coming to foods. It is time for Ethiopians to patent Dutch tradition food, to retaliate like Pannenkoeken, Erwtensoep, Poffertjes and Stroopwafels. Because if a random Dutch man can patent food for centuries and get away it. The Ethiopian and government, should do similar acts until the Dutch retract this nonsense. This is demeaning and insulting of all humanity. Its like patenting human life itself, Roosjen next project could be to patent one of the pyramids of Egypt. Since he could already has stolen, the pride and staple food of injeera of Ethiopia.
Roosjen, you do not own an African Cuisine, you don’t have the rights to patent 8000-year old tradition food from Ethiopia. How dear you, you should retract it and be glad to mother, that you can still import this food and the flour itself. The Ethiopian partners of yours should stop selling to you. Since, you have betrayed their tradition and their cuisine, they should boycott you and yours families business.
A Dutch Company and a Dutch Man is lucky to be able to trade the commodity, they should sanction the man. The farmers, the traders in Addis Ababa, the ones who has traded with his company and the ones licensing sale to him. Should stop immediately, he doesn’t deserve it. Because he has stolen part of the pride of Ethiopia. No one has the right to do so. No-One has the right to do so, it is insulting and demeaning.
Daba, Tadessa – ‘Nutritional and Soio-Cultural Values of Teff (Eragrostis tef) in Ethiopia’ (May 2017)
Author nilspeacePosted on March 25, 2018 March 25, 2018 Categories Africa, Business, Civil Service, Development, Ethics, Governance, Government, Law, Leadership, Trade, TransparencyTags Eragrostis Tef, Ethiopia, FDRE, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Food Culture, glutenvrijmeel, GoE, Government of Ethiopia, Heritage, Horn of Africa, Injeera, Injera, Prograin, Staple Food, Teff, Teff Flour, Teff Seeds, Teff-Grain-Com, Tradition2 Comments on Teff-Flour Patent Belongs to Ethiopia: Sanction Roosjen and his businesses now!


Trade Union Left Forum Home / News / ‘Keep Water Public’ campaign seeks referendum date
‘Keep Water Public’ campaign seeks referendum date
Fósa is one of the unions that has formed the coalition behind the ‘Keep Water Public’ campaign. Launched at the end of October, the campaign calls on the Government to confirm a date for a constitutional referendum on the public ownership of water services. The campaign is supported by Fórsa, SIPTU, Unite, Connect and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Speaking at the campaign launch, ICTU president and Fórsa general secretary, Kevin Callinan, said the campaign to name the date for a referendum represented a shared commitment by trade unions to ensure the future of public ownership of water services: “It’s time now to end any lingering uncertainty about the future of water services in Ireland. A referendum would give people the opportunity to have their say, in addition to providing us all with a unique opportunity to safeguard public ownership of water for future generations.
“In that sense, there should be no further hesitation, and we are urging the Government now to name the date. In doing so, it would be taking a welcome and positive step,” he said.
Public ownership of water services ensures safe and sustainable access to water for everyone.
Assistant general secretary Catherine Keogh, who has been working closely with Fórsa members in local authorities providing water services, has said the feeling among members is very strong: “They want the Government to name the date for a referendum, to clearly indicate when we can expect to cast a vote to protect the future of our water services. That feeling is universal, so I expect we’ll see strong support for this campaign,” she said.
Fórsa’s head of Local Government Richy Carrothers said the unions had come together to maximise participation in the campaign by union members: “Privatised water services result in higher costs and poorer services for the public. Public ownership of water services ensures safe and sustainable access to water for everyone.
“A referendum would help protect Irish water services from any future attempt at privatisation, providing a constitutional guarantee of public ownership. Opinion polls show that a huge majority of the Irish public want a referendum to ensure water services can never be privatised.
“We’re inviting all union branches and members to take part in this campaign by signing the petition and talking to their local political representatives about naming a date for this important referendum.
“This is the kind of grassroots campaign that unions excel at, and I’m confident that Fórsa members will seize the opportunity to get this message across to the Government parties,” he said.
You can sign the petition here and Fórsa members are encouraged to circulate the link among work colleagues, friends and family to seek their support for the campaign.
There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.
November 3rd, 2022 by TU Left Admin | Type: Standard


Library Home » Light Page » The role of the constitutional court of Russian-federation in annexation of Crimea-2014
The role of the constitutional court of Russian-federation in annexation of Crimea-2014
The doctrine of obligatory non-recognition provides that states are under an obligation not to recognise, through individual or collective acts, the purported statehood of an effective territorial entity created in violation of one or more fundamental norms of international law. This rationale underlies the Stimson Doctrine that was used as a justification for states not to recognise the annexation of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union. This rationale is also expressed in the International Law Commission’s Article 41 of the Draft Articles on State Responsibility. The obligation is a norm of customary international law and aims at preventing that a violation of international law becomes validated by means of recognition. It contains a “minimum resistance” and “a continuous challenge to a legal wrong”. The obligation arises where a territorial entity has been created in violation of an erga omnes norm, especially by violating the prohibition of the use of force, by violating the right to self-determination, or by violating the prohibition of systematic racial discrimination.
The “Treaty on the Accession of the Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation” was referred to the Constitutional Court on 18 March 2014 at 17:00.16 The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation issued a unanimous judgment (the opinion) on the constitutionality of this “Treaty” in less than a day after the “Treaty” was referred to it (actually within one night), i.e. 19 March 2014. 17 Such procedural expediency (dealing with the case actually per night) is not common for any Court, including the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, and raises a reasonable doubt about the independence of the Russian Constitutional Court in dealing with the requested opinion.
On-the-role-of-the-constitutional-court-of-the-Russian-federation-in-the-annexation-of-Crimea
On 21 March 2014, the Russian Federation annexed the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. This occurred after a series of events which took place in less than a month, and in which the Russian armed forces were clearly involved. The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation received a request for an opinion on the constitutionality of the treaty on the incorporation of Crimea on 18 March 2014, and issued its opinion on the very next day, on 19 March 2014. The annexation of Crimea was completed on 21 March 2014. The Court’s opinion was a direct instrument facilitating the internal legalisation of the annexation of part of the Ukrainian territory, which is an international crime. That is an unprecedented event, since, for the first time in history, the whole constitutional court was used for the commission of the gravest international crime – the crime of aggression.
International Consensus regarding the Illegality of the Annexation of Crimea
The occupation and annexation of Crimea were denounced by the international community as a grave breach of the ius cogens obligation of non-use of force (i.e. aggression). Such a breach triggers a corresponding international obligation erga omnes not to recognise the purported statehood of an effective territorial entity created in violation of the fundamental norm of international law, as well as not to recognise any territorial acquisition that is a result of that breach.
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Timeline: Trump's key decisions in Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Washington, DC, USAUpdated: Sep 01, 2018, 11:15 PM IST
File photo of US President Donald Trump. Photograph:(Reuters)
From the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem, to the halting of US aid to Palestinians, US President Donald Trump has made key moves in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Here is a timeline of the key developments since 2017:
Silence on settlements
On January 24, 2017, Trump's administration refuses to be drawn on whether he backs Israel's decision to approve 2,500 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank, the biggest project of its kind for years. "He wants to grow closer to Israel," his spokesman says.
First break with Palestinians
On February 15, welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House, Trump halts Washington's quest for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying he would back a single state if it led to peace.
On March 27 new US ambassador Nikki Haley promises an end to bias against Israel at the United Nations.
Trump at Western Wall
On May 3, Trump hosts Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas at the White House, saying of a Middle East peace agreement: "We will get it done."
On May 22, Trump becomes the first sitting US president to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old Town. Netanyahu announces new US military aid.
'Alleged' occupation
In September, US ambassador to Israel David Friedman, a longtime friend and advisor of Trump, angers Palestinians by downplaying the Israeli occupation of the West bank.
On December 6 Trump says "it is time to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel", breaking with the policies of his predecessors and provoking criticism worldwide.
Palestinians express rage. Palestinians have since refused all contact with the American administration, and no longer accept the United States as a peace mediator.
'Slap of the century'
On January 14, 2018 Abbas denounces White House peace efforts as "the slap of the century".
On January 16 Washington holds back $65 million, more than half of what that had been earmarked for the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
Washington says its move is not linked to tensions over Jerusalem, but it further heightens tensions with the Palestinians.
On January 25, Trump accuses Palestinians of disrespecting the United States after it snubbed Vice President Mike Pence during his visit to the Middle East.
He threatens to withhold aid worth hundreds of millions of dollars until they accede to US-brokered talks.
US embassy in Jerusalem
On March 5 Trump hosts Netanyahu at the White House and says US-Israel ties have "never been better".
On May 14, the transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem coincides with a bloodbath in the Gaza Strip, where about 60 are killed from Israeli fire.
On June 1 the United States vetoes a UN draft resolution calling for protection measures for the Palestinians and on June 19 announces its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council over its alleged bias against Israel.
Halt to US aid
The United States announces on August 24 it has cancelled more than $200 million in aid for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, then on August 31 decides to end funding for UNRWA, saying the organisation was "irredeemably flawed".
US shuts down major ransomware network Hive, helping almost 300 victims
UN survey shows opium production in Myanmar surged to a nine-year high in 2022


Equal Education Submits Recommendations for the Proposed National Development Plan
The Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) on behalf of Equal Education (EE) has submitted a commentary on the National Planning Commission’s (NPC) Proposed National Development Plan, Vision for 2030 (the Plan).
EE welcomes that the Plan identifies improving the quality of education as one of the highest priorities in South Africa. It is promising to see that the Plan emphasises the role that education can play in building social cohesion and promoting national unity. Improving the quality of education across the country will be fundamental in eliminating poverty and reducing inequality over the next two decades.
The Plan acknowledges that inadequate school infrastructure continues to plague the education system. It calls for the infrastructure backlogs to be addressed so as to meet the “basic infrastructure and equipment standards set by the National Department of Basic Education”. However, the Plan’s call to address the lack of basic infrastructure appears to be founded on the mistaken belief that binding “basic infrastructure and equipment standards” exist and have been set by the Department. EE recommends that the Plan call for the enactment of binding regulations governing minimum norms and standards for school infrastructure as the first step in addressing the school infrastructure crisis. The Plan should also set its own vision of what facilities should be provided to learners. EE’s recently launched court case against Angie Motshekga has highlighted the Departments failure to set binding norms and standards. Without such norms and standards, any proposal to remedy South Africa’s school infrastructure crisis will fail to prove successful.
The Plan has highlighted the plight of rural schools in South Africa. Rural schools continue to endure the consequences of chronic poverty and a critical shortage of qualified teachers. The difficult working environments often found in rural schools result in teachers leaving these posts and discourage teachers from taking up these posts. The Plan suggests that teacher bursary schemes be “strengthened and expanded” and measures be put in place to ensure “graduates are immediately absorbed into schools”. However, the Plan is silent on how to attract quality teachers to rural schools. EE recommends that an incentive structure should be introduced that sufficiently incentivises teachers to take up and continue to stay in rural teaching posts. These could include increased remuneration and accommodation and travel allowances.
EE values the opportunity to assist the NPC in shaping South Africa’s national planning strategy as it relates to the improvement of basic education. EE believes that if its recommendations are incorporated, the Plan will go a long way towards achieving the 2030 vision of quality education for all.
EE’s submission can be found online.
For more information please contact Lisa Draga (EELC Attorney) on 072 650 0214 or Yoliswa Dwane (EE Head of Policy, Communication and Research) on 072 342 7747
Carla GoldsteinEqual Education Submits Recommendations for the Proposed National Development Plan 06.12.2012