Living Heritage of San Culture in the Spotlight in Ouagadougou

Living Heritage of San Culture in the Spotlight in Ouagadougou

From May 29 to June 1, Ouagadougou will come alive: masked dances, flautist performances, artists presenting their works, and gastronomic exhibitions will celebrate San cuisine at the FESCUSAN 2025 Festival. Who are the San? The term "San" originally comes from the Khoekhoe language and was later adopted by anthropologists. However, many groups prefer their own names, such as: - Ju/’hoansi (Northern Namibia/Botswana) - !Kung or ǃXun - Nǁnǂe (South Africa) It is also important to note that the term "Bushmen" is often considered derogatory today – "San" or specific group names are more respectful. Today, the San live scattered throughout Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, often in marginalized areas. Traditionally, they were hunter-gatherers with excellent knowledge of plants, animals, and survival techniques in arid regions (e.g., the Kalahari Desert). The San are also known for their culture: - Known for rock paintings and engravings that are thousands of years old. - Socially structured in small, egalitarian groups without a central authority. - Rich oral tradition, music, and dances (e.g., the healing dance). Many San have been displaced from their ancestral lands by national parks, agriculture, or mining projects. They advocate for land rights and the protection of their culture (e.g., the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana). The San, like other indigenous peoples, suffer from alcoholism, poverty, and loss of identity due to forced assimilation, and these problems are widespread. Now they have celebrated in Burkina Faso. According to local authorities, the event embodies several important values: Preservation of identity: a bulwark against globalization; Peace and unity: San culture serves as a unifying bridge, fostering a sense of brotherhood and harmony among all; Dynamism: The cultural and creative industries will be a powerful catalyst for employment and economic growth.

Kenyan President William Ruto is facing serious allegations

Kenyan President William Ruto is facing serious allegations

from his former Vice President, Rigathi Gachagua, of his involvement in gold smuggling with the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). Gachagua claims that Ruto placed personal and commercial interests above Kenya's national interests by facilitating meetings and business dealings with the RSF chief. According to Gachagua, Ruto placed his interests above Kenya's national agenda by facilitating the illegal trade of gold mined in Sudan, which was smuggled into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and subsequently shipped to Dubai. Gachagua revealed that Ruto personally invited Hemedti to Kenya in 2023 under the guise of diplomatic visits, but excluded him from the private meetings, which were devoted to business discussions about gold and not official state business. He claimed that Ruto used Kenya's diplomatic relations to launder the RSF's gold profits through the country. The proceeds were allegedly used to purchase weapons for the RSF militias involved in the Sudan conflict. Gachagua claims that Ruto forced him to extend the invitation on his behalf, as protocol only allows presidents to invite other presidents. Gachagua declined to invite Hemedti a second time due to international sanctions against the RSF leader, but claims his signature was forged to facilitate the visit. The visit was ultimately canceled after Gachagua confronted Ruto, who reportedly said, "You will see me!" Gachagua insists that the meeting was about gold smuggling from Sudan to Dubai via Nairobi and not about official state business. This invitation and the subsequent negotiations led to diplomatic tensions. Sudan accused Kenya of bias, while Kenya downplayed the allegations as misinformation. The Kenyan government has not responded directly to these allegations, but the accusations have strained relations between Kenya and Sudan and raised concerns about Kenya's role as a regional peace broker in the Sudanese conflict.89 In summary, as part of the "secret deal," President Ruto allegedly facilitated the smuggling and laundering of gold from the Sudanese RSF through Kenya to Dubai and used the proceeds to finance weapons for the RSF. This is based on detailed allegations by former Vice President Gachagua, which are backed by international sanctions against associated companies. The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Hemedti and UAE-based companies linked to gold purchases that fund the RSF. This indicates a network involving the UAE and Sudan in funding the paramilitary group. Gachagua called for international sanctions against Ruto, arguing that targeting Hemedti alone would be ineffective, as Ruto was the key figure who profited from and enabled the gold trade. The allegations have sparked a political storm in Kenya and raised doubts about the country's international reputation and diplomatic relations, especially since the RSF is under international sanctions for atrocities in Sudan. The Kenyan government has denied facilitating the RSF-linked gold smuggling, but the allegations continue to circulate and attract attention. There is something else striking. Those familiar with the allegations now made public will interpret the following differently. A Kenyan pilot was killed on May 3, 2025, when his cargo plane crashed in South Darfur, Sudan, during an airstrike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The pilot died along with several other crew members and RSF personnel on board. The incident raises questions about Kenya's involvement—or inadvertent involvement—in the Sudanese conflict. There are whispers that this plane was delivering weapons. It's possible. In any case, there are suspicions that the plane was part of an airlift that supplied the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with weapons and military equipment. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) apparently attacked the plane while it was unloading supplies. Witnesses reported that the plane landed and took off several times in Nyala before being hit by an airstrike during its final landing. @https://trendsnewsline.com/2025/02/24/rutos-secret-deal-gold-smuggling-with-rsf-leader-hemedti/ @https://www.facebook.com/atvgambia/posts/kenya-accused-of-facilitating-arms-transfers-to-sudans-rsf-via-jomo-kenyatta-int/1054332800094234  

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of Grace Nduta Wairimu

Following the demonstrations in Kenya in June 2024, several citizens were abducted by unknown assailants. Numerous kidnappings of young people and politicians occurred, often in civilian clothes or presumably by security forces. Some of the abductees were only found after days, and many remain missing. These kidnappings are believed to be politically motivated and linked to protests and opposition voices. The kidnapped person was George Koimburi, a Member of Parliament for the Juja constituency in Kenya. He has held this position since 2021 and previously served as Managing Director of Baba Dogo Multi-Purpose Commission Agents and held various positions in the industry. Recently, Koimburi was embroiled in a controversy in which the National Police and the Criminal Investigation Department revealed that he had staged his own kidnapping for political reasons. Investigations revealed that he worked with proxies to fake the kidnapping. He was found safe and sound in a hotel, while the staged kidnapping caused political tensions. The case remains under investigation, and arrests have been made of collaborators involved in the staged incident. A few days ago, MP Koimburi was found at a coffee plantation, hours after reports of his alleged abduction surfaced. Now, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of Grace Nduta Wairimu, Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Kanyenya-ini District, in connection with the alleged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi. Grace Nduta Wairimu is a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Kanyenya-ini District in Murang'a County, Kenya. She belongs to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and holds degrees in information technology, community development, and social work. She has experience as a clerk and has been active in the county assembly, including submitting statements on local issues such as the payment of tea premiums and serving on various committees. The DCI announced that Wairimu was taken into custody on May 29 as part of the ongoing investigation into what authorities believe was a staged kidnapping of the MP. "We wish to confirm that Grace Wairimu was arrested today, May 29, 2025, as part of the ongoing investigation into the staged kidnapping of MP Juja," the DCI stated. Wairimu stated that she attended a church service and political rallies on May 25. Investigators located her with MP Koimburi at the Ellis Bar and Restaurant in Kiganjo, Gatundu South, throughout the night. Social media circulated speculation. Several users, including politicians, claimed that Wairimu had been kidnapped by unknown assailants earlier that day. The DCI denied social media reports that she herself had been kidnapped and is treating her arrest as part of the investigation into the staged kidnapping. Now, several social media posts report that Nduta was escorted out of a restaurant in Kandara by unknown individuals. Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the incident. The following is reported on your social media: "Staged kidnappings, murders, and incitement will soon come to an end. Once the alleged kidnapped man is released from the hospital and the DCI has him firmly under control, even the incidents of June 2024 (invasion of Parliament/sniper attack) will be known." It's strange what was going on here. Let's recap. Wairimu and Koimburi were together all day. And, as many claim, also at night. This begs the question: What is the point of all this that the DCI is doing here? Why would Wairimu kidnap Koimburi? What is the reason? What was the trigger? What was the purpose of this? Political or criminal kidnapping? The DCI plays in the Ruto league, so you shouldn't take it too seriously.

Kenya's Ruto apologizes to Tanzania amid diplomatic tensions over deported activists

Kenya's Ruto apologizes to Tanzania amid diplomatic tensions over deported activists "Our neighbors from Tanzania, if we have wronged you, forgive us," said William Ruto during the National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi. What is Ruto apologizing for? The apology follows an incident in which three Kenyan activists, including politicians such as Martha Karua, were denied entry to Tanzania or deported for attempting to attend an opposition trial. One activist was reportedly detained, tortured, and left at the Kenyan border, sparking regional outrage. Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan politician, lawyer, and former Minister of Justice, was detained and deported along with several other high-ranking Kenyans upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on May 18, 2025. The question remains as to why Karua traveled to Tanzania. There are several reasons for this. Karua, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, and other Kenyan activists (including Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi) were invited by the East African Law Society to attend the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Lissu, the leader of Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, is accused of treason. He is accused of using social media and YouTube to call on the public to boycott the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections after reporting on election rigging and the disqualification of Chadema candidates on the president's instructions. Specifically, the charges are treason and disseminating false information. Karua called on the Tanzanian people to boycott the elections, claiming that the police had tampered with election materials and disqualified his party's candidates on the president's instructions. Treason is punishable by death under Tanzanian law, although this punishment has not been carried out since 1994. Karua's arrival was shortly followed by Tanzanian immigration officials, who detained the group for six hours and then deported them to Nairobi without explanation. Karua claimed they were denied entry because of their ties to Lissu. She described this as a political move to prevent international scrutiny of the process. The Tanzanian government responded. Officials claimed the group did not have work permits to practice as lawyers or legal professionals in Tanzania. They further argued that their presence violated local law. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan defended the deportations, warning of "rogue individuals" who could undermine Tanzania's stability. The Kenyan government could not remain silent. Isaac Mwaura stated that Kenya respects Tanzania's sovereignty but faced backlash from human rights groups. Critics condemned the deportations as a violation of the East African Community (EAC) principles of free movement and an attempt to suppress opposition solidarity. Elections are coming up in Tanzania. This incident highlights the growing political tensions in Tanzania ahead of the elections, which are accompanied by rigorous suppression of dissent and limited space for civil society. It also strains relations between Kenya and Tanzania. Lissu's trial continues amid tight security. Activists such as Boniface Mwangi continue to be detained in Tanzania under unclear circumstances, heightening concerns. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu accused the activists of interfering in domestic affairs. Dar es Salaam has not yet responded to Ruto's apology. @https://www.facebook.com/TheCitizenTanzania/videos/kenyan-president-william-ruto-extended-a-heartfelt-apology-to-uganda-and-tanzani/667645896275038 @https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/19/africa/tanzanian-opposition-leader-treason-trial-intl @https://www.pgaction.org/inner.php/es/news/consultations-death-penalty-tanzania.html%3Fprint%3D1 @https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyvm8l5rrvlo

African Day and the Sahrawi Republic

On the occasion of Africa Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic extended its warmest congratulations to the peoples and governments of the continent and reaffirmed its pride in belonging to a continent that embodies the values ​​of liberation, unity, and dignity. Western Sahara is a disputed territory in northwest Africa. It covers approximately 272,000 square kilometers, is largely desert, and is sparsely populated with approximately 620,000 inhabitants. 13 Until 1975, it was a Spanish colony, known as the Spanish Sahara. Then Spain withdrew, and Morocco and Mauritania laid claim to the territory. The indigenous Sahrawi people, led by the Polisario Front, resisted Moroccan control and proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976, which controls approximately 30% of the territory; Morocco controls the rest, including major cities and resources. Mauritania withdrew its claim in 1979. The United Nations considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory and supports the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. However, a promised referendum on independence never took place due to ongoing disputes. The conflict included guerrilla warfare and a 1991 UN-brokered ceasefire with a buffer zone between Moroccan and Polisario-controlled territories. Western Sahara is rich in phosphate deposits and fishery resources and has potential offshore oil reserves. It remains Africa's last major colonial territory without recognized independence. In summary, Western Sahara is a territory claimed by Morocco but contested by the Sahrawi people. It is a long-standing conflict and has an unresolved status under international law. In a press release, the ministry called for greater African solidarity to end the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara. It emphasized the need to uphold the decisions of the African Union, including the 2020 Summit Resolution "Silencing the Guns," which reaffirms the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination in accordance with the principles of the AU's Constitutive Act. The full text of the press release follows: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Press Release on the Occasion of Africa Day On the occasion of Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic extends its warmest greetings to all our brothers and sisters across the peoples and governments of our African continent. We renew our pride in belonging to this united continental space, which stands as a symbol of struggle, liberation, and dignity. Africa Day is not merely a commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963; it is a day to reflect on the long journey of our peoples towards freedom and independence. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to the noble ideals laid down by the founding fathers: African unity, respect for the sovereignty of states, the sanctity of borders inherited upon independence, and adherence to the values of justice, human rights, and the rights of peoples. On this significant occasion, the Sahrawi Republic expresses deep gratitude and pride for the unwavering and continuous support its just cause receives from African peoples and states, particularly through the steadfast position of the African Union in defending the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and the completion of their national sovereignty. The Sahrawi Republic reaffirms the vital role of the African Union and all African peoples who believe in its principles in supporting the Sahrawi people's struggle to liberate the occupied territories of an African state that is a founding member of the Union. This is a collective responsibility, rooted in our shared commitment to the spirit of liberation and justice upon which the OAU and AU were built. In this context, the Sahrawi Republic underscores the importance of respecting the decisions of the AU and its various institutions—most notably the critical resolution adopted by the 2020 Extraordinary Summit on “Silencing the Guns,” which emphasized the need to resolve the Western Sahara conflict through a solution that ensures the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, in accordance with UN resolutions and relevant AU decisions, and in line with the principles and objectives of the AU Constitutive Act. As a founding member of the African Union, the Sahrawi Republic renews its full commitment to the principles, objectives, and values on which the Union was built. It reaffirms its readiness to actively contribute to building a united, secure, and prosperous continent grounded in the rule of law, justice, human dignity, and the rights of peoples. Furthermore, the Sahrawi Republic warns against all attempts to undermine the sovereignty and independence of African states through illegal occupation of their territories, the systematic looting of their resources, or efforts to hinder their progress—such as the situation in Western Sahara, the last remaining colony in Africa. On this historic day, the Sahrawi Republic issues a sincere call to all vibrant forces across Africa to strengthen their solidarity with the Sahrawi people's struggle until they achieve their full right to freedom and independence, just like all African peoples who have fought for their self-determination. Long live a free and united Africa Long live the struggle of the Sahrawi people Bir Lehlou, May 25, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sahrawi Republic." (SPS)

Gen Langley and what he said about Burkina Faso

A survey was conducted in Kenya

A survey was conducted in Kenya. The survey wanted to know how Kenyans feel about the government. The result was not surprising. According to the latest TIFA survey, 54 percent oppose the broad-based government. The term "broad-based government" refers to the political and leadership collaboration between President Ruto and Raila Odinga, including their respective political parties. About one-fifth supported the government. The survey was conducted between May 2 and 6, 2025, among 2,024 respondents in nine regions. The responses varied: - In the Coastal Region, 57 percent of residents do not support the BBG, 22 percent support it, and 25 percent did not respond. - In the Western Region, approximately 50 percent oppose the BBG, 21 percent support it, and 29 percent did not respond. - In Nyanza Region (Rails Odingam's home region), 49 percent are against, 25 percent support, and 26 percent did not respond. - Central Rift (President Ruto's home region) recorded the highest support for the BBG at 37 percent. - Mt. Kenya and Lower Eastern – the home regions of former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper chairman Kalonzo Musyoka – recorded the lowest support at 13 and 12 percent, respectively. What is unclear is whether the 22 percent answered or did not answer. Did they have mixed feelings, a negative opinion, or simply decline to comment? @https://www.breakingkenyanews.com/2025/05/28/majority-of-kenyans-are-opposed-to-broad-based-government-tifa-poll/