Ndiho Media,LLC.

BY PAUL NDIHO

APRIL 6, 2010

Less than a week before Sudan’s first multi-party elections, opposition parties are threatening to boycott the poll, which they say is rigged in favor of the incumbent president, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir
Sudan’s first general elections in more than 24 years are drawing mixed reactions from the Sudanese people and international observers. Some are saying it is essential for the poll to succeed, while others agree with the decision of opposition parties not to participate.
“The elections should be delayed, many voters don’t know the programs for the candidates, many parties didn’t give their opinions because there is no freedom in the country, no freedom and not enough time, and the government puts many obstacles in front of the parties”
But many on the streets in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, say that the elections should take place on time, and all concerned Sudanese should go and cast their votes.
“The peace in Sudan is related to these elections, and these elections give the Sudanese citizen his freedom to say his opinion, we are against the boycott and it should be on time.”
Howard University professor, Suleiman Nyang, says that the political situation in Sudan is complicated. “Sudan situation is problematic. Bashir and Northern Sudan would like to maintain Sudan as one unity. However, opposition to the Northern hegemony is still very strong in the South.”
Apart from the Umma party leader, the main opposition presidential withdrew last week, saying the vote was “rigged” for the incumbent, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. But Sudan’s women are well represented in the coming election, as some 500 female candidates will be on the ballot for various seats. An elections commission spokesman says women are slowly entering politics in Sudan:
“In Sudan, we need to go gradually, because we have to make sure women participate. Maybe if the women proved that they can actually take part in the political life in Sudan so actively and so well – in the next elections maybe it will be normal that they can share in the different constituencies just like men.”
Over the weekend, Sudan’s elections commission announced that the first multi-party polls would go ahead on time, despite opposition demands for a four week delay. The U.S Special envoy Scott Gration says Sudan’s polls will be open and fair.
“It gives me confidence that the elections will start on time, and that they will be as free and as fair as possible, these people have gone to great links to ensure that the people of Sudan will have access to polling places and the procedures and process will ensure transparency and people vote will get registered and counted in best way possible.”
Gration says that while the vote in Sudan will proceed, a comprehensive and lasting peace there requires the participation of all of the country’s political factions.

By Paul Ndiho
April 1, 2010

George Haley is the brother of Alex Haley, the famous author of the much acclaimed novel, Roots. George Haley has made his own connection to West Africa as the U.S. ambassador to the Gambia, appointed by President Clinton to the post in 1998. George Haley overcame racism in post-segregation period in America to accomplish much as a young lawyer and public servant. VOA’S Paul Ndiho sat down recently for a one-on-one interview with Ambassador Haley, who says he still has an appreciation of the power of the individual.

“I can. I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” Now, like I said, it is subtle, but very profound because none of us is like any other individual. Every individual is unique, and he or she has some responsibilities if he or she takes them along.”
Ambassador George Haley was born in 1925. The second of three boys, he lost his mother when he was six years old. Though times were hard, his father kept the family together in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was teaching at the institution that eventually became the University of Arkansas. In 1998, President Clinton nominated him as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Gambia. Haley had visited the West African country numerous times, and Gambia was the setting for his brother’s novel, Roots.
“Perhaps the most important experience was my arriving as the Ambassador from the United States. When my wife and I arrived, there was just a great celebration of our coming. People were saying that “you’ve come home,” you know, I mean, they were, out with vibrations, not only from Jufree, but other parts of the Gambia when the plane set down, and we could hardly move. I mean, they were lifting us up, and there was just warmth.”
Gambia called to him across the span of two centuries, keeping alive the name of his ancestor Kunta Kinte, the great-great-great-great-grandfather who had been snatched from Africa and forced into the slavery from which he never escaped.
“It was a very emotional to think that Kunta Kinte really grew up and didn’t really have time to grow up there, he was a teenager when he was captured pretty much. But this was his village, and to think in terms of the village that my seventh generation ago relative was born in and, how he had come about, it was and continues to be a really emotional kind of thing.”
In 1976, George Haley’s brother Alex published his novel called Roots. It is the saga of an American family, starting with Kunta Kinte, kidnapped in 1767 and taken to Maryland to be sold as a slave. In 1992, Haley’s beloved brother and famed author Alex Haley died suddenly of a heart attack. George Haley says it a genealogical search by Alex led to the writing of Roots.
“He said, that he went into the archives, sometime after completing Malcolm X, and he saw these people pouring over the books that their ancestors had, and he said, “I think I’ll do that,” after having learned through grandma and others a little bit. He got down to grandma’s parents and others and he looked and he saw all of the people: his aunts, and uncles, but grandma’s name was not on there, and he couldn’t figure it out.”
Despite his family’s bleak story of slavery, 84-year-old George Haley says it feels good to have played a role in certain parts of history. He notes the struggles of other African America leaders and pays special tribute Benjamin Elijah Mays, President of Morehouse College in Atlanta, and his former schoolmate and civil right icon Martin Luther King.
“My mission is to try to make the world a better place than which I found it, to make some improvements in it. To have you and others say, well look, here’s an old guy who tried to help. Church Hill once said, “What is the use of living, unless it is to make the world better for those who come after you?” I like that, and I would like to feel that the world is a little better for my having lived.

By Paul Ndiho
Now in its 51st year, the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the world’s largest moot court competition, with participants from over 500 law schools in more than 80 countries. The competition is a simulation of a dispute between countries before the U.N.’s International Court of Justice. Teams from eligible schools prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case. VOA Producer Paul Ndiho caught up with law students from six African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia,Ghana and Nigeria and asked them what they hoped to get out of this competition and here is more.

By Paul Ndiho
March 23, 2010
Sudan’s National Elections Commission is carrying out voter education to reach various groups of would-be voters in both urban and rural areas ahead of April elections, which observers say may have to be postponed due to logistical delays.
Sudan is preparing for some of the most complex elections with 8 ballots expected to be cast in the north and 12 in the south by each voter. Some 16 million party supporters and voters countrywide will need to aware of the various polling stages ahead of the Sudan’s first multi-party election in 24 years.
The National Elections Commission, the N-E-C, made voter education one of its priorities and hopes to reach various groups of would-be voters in all areas.
In Khartoum State, workshops, mock polling simulation and mock ballot papers are being used to aid voter education.
“The work has not been easy. As we know, nearly 16 million people have registered but all of them are not in the same level of awareness and education in order for the elections to be successful. Because this is a democratic transformation process, we need all Sudanese to participate without any confusion, especially those who have registered.”
But observers say that the polls, already been delayed several, could be postponed again due to logistical difficulties.
The non-governmental Carter Centre, says that elections remain “at risk on multiple fronts,” and urges Sudan to lift harsh restrictions on rallies and end fighting in Darfur ahead of the ballot.
Voting is due to start in Africa’s largest country on April 11 in elections promised under a 2005 North/ South peace deal. Reena Hassan Mustafa, participated in the voter training exercises, and is ready to train others as well.
“We have come to be trained so that we can go and train others as well. We will tell them about elections and how to cast their votes.”
Close to two million people have registered to vote in Khatoum state and other constituencies.
Opposition parties have called for the elections to be postponed. But the two main parties in Sudan’s ruling coalition have resisted the call. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the main party in south Sudan, says any substantial delay could threaten a January 2011 referendum on southern secession.

By Paul Ndiho
03/16/10
Over the weekend, the sole challenger to South Sudan’s incumbent president Salva Kiir, Lam Akol, launched his campaign in the region’s capital Juba, promising an end to corruption if he wins in April’s elections.
Lam Akol, the leader Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), is campaigning on a promise to end corruption. Salva Kiir, south Sudan’s current president, launched his campaign recently in the semi-autonomous state, pledging to bring unity, peace and development to the South. Akol addressed corruption as he kicked off his campaign.
“Corruption has defeated people in the government. It needs new people to fight corruption. This corruption – there has not been a single day that a corrupt person has been brought to the court of law and charged. How can the government say it is fighting corruption?”
Akol caused waves last year when he broke away from the south’s leading party — the former rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) — to form the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC).
The former national foreign affairs minister says he formed his party because of SPLM mismanagement of the government of the semi-autonomous south. But the splinter party is under threat, according to its secretary general, Charles Kisanga.
“So we were again faced by the unconstitutional bans and threats against the SPLM-DC. Our members were arrested, intimidated and tortured. Today we have still four members at Mapel SPLA base outside Wau.”

Analysts say it is unlikely that Akol can win in April. But they say Akol may pull some votes from his home area, the oil producing Upper Nile State, and from voters disgruntled by the graft and government of the south.
“The man is so smart, I think you understand smart, he is so smart that he is the right person who can get us out of the territory we are in now.”
Tension between Akol and the SPLM continue, and SPLM accuses SPLM-DC of being supported by Khartoum and for running a militia in the south. The 2005 north/south peace deal gives the south 50 percent of all government oil funds from southern wells. Some Juba residents are skeptical about Lam Akol’s candidacy.
“Lam was the one making crisis during the war. They protected themselves out of the SPLM which is now our government. I can’t support him, I come to see what is happening here, but I can’t support him.”
Sudan’s 22-year-long war killed some 2 million people and displaced another 4 million. The war created much fracturing along tribal lines in the south. The upcoming elections are a key part of the accord that promises the south a vote in 2011 on whether the south should unify with or secede from north Sudan.

By Paul Ndiho
03/09/10
The Commonwealth’s 54th member state Rwanda was inducted into the association with a flag raising ceremony at Marlborough House in London. Rwandan President Paul Kagame says that joining the Commonwealth of Nations is an important milestone for his country
Greeted by drummers and dancers from his country, President Paul Kagame was welcomed to Marlborough House, home of the Commonwealth secretariat in London. Rwanda became the 54th member of the Commonwealth at a summit in Trinidad and Tobago in November. Along with Mozambique, Rwanda becomes the second nation without formal historical ties to Great Britain to join the group.
“I hope that Rwanda can capitalize on the wide range of education and training programs that the Commonwealth provides. Secondly, we hope to tap into the trade and investment opportunities that the Commonwealth offers so that Rwanda can expand its economy and effectively participate in the global marketplace.”
Rwanda’s accession to the Commonwealth of Nations was approved in November 2009, despite objections by human rights groups that questioned whether the country meets standards of political freedom and human rights. Kagame defended his country against such criticisms.
“The Commonwealth is a family where there are many failings and failings don’t come from only one part of that family. Each family has its own failings, but when they come together they share good practices to overcome those failings.”
Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma says the group will have a close collaboration with Rwanda on a wide range of issues, including civic education, training of journalists and other areas in the run-up to elections in Rwanda later this year.
“The Commonwealth’s decision to welcome Rwanda was a collective act of goodwill and of affirmation and Rwanda’s willingness to engage on the values the Commonwealth embraces.”
Rwanda’s bid to join the group was supported by Britain, Australia, Canada and India. It also had the backing of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and the host country Trinidad and Tobago, among others. As part of Rwanda’s induction to the Commonwealth of Nations, President Kagame and his wife enjoyed a private lunch with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.

WWF teamed up with the much-loved Congolese musician Samba Mapangala and his Orchestra Virunga to work on a new conservation resource – one that drives home a positive message in an upbeat tune and uplifting tone. The song “Les Gorilles des Montagnes” focuses on why Mountain gorillas and their habitat in the Virunga landscape are important, emphasizing that they are the foundation of ecotourism, which will improve local livelihoods. It pays special tribute to the rangers and other conservationists of Virunga who dedicate their lives to protecting gorillas. The song was recorded in Swahili, the most commonly spoken language of the Virunga landscape.

By Paul Ndiho
03/05/10
Sudan’s first multi-party elections in over two decades are scheduled for April 11th. The ballot is stipulated in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The CPA ended the long and bloody conflict between the north and south, and the elections would give a chance to Sudanese to freely choose representatives for the first time since 1986.Several weeks from the country’s first national election in 24 years, Sudan stands at a crossroads. The election is a major milestone in its Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the CPA. Sudan’s government just signed a ceasefire with the main Darfur rebel group, paving the way for a broader peace deal. Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir took his campaign for the presidency to the semi-autonomous south, from which for over two decades was at war with his government.
“If I am elected President I will work to protect the peace, for the implementation of the CPA to its last article. If I become president whether the south separates or not I will still be with the southerners. The projects we have promised, we will implement.”
Sudan’s ruling party is under pressure to open the election to all key participants and make it credible. In Washington, a coalition of prominent religious leaders is calling on the U.S. Congress to support the continuing implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Bishop David Jones, says that there is widespread mistrust in Sudan.
“Quite frankly, what I encountered in meeting with bishops in Sudan was a profound mistrust with the government in the North. A sense that there was a fair that the elections might not happen….And it seem that the government was trying to manipulate the process, and I wish there was more trust. But some of the actions especially the genocide in Darfur has certainly had the effect of eroding the trust in the present government.”
Observers say that after the ballot, elected officials would then be able to work on making unity attractive to the south. Southerners will vote in January 2011 whether to remain in a united Sudan or form an independent country. Analysts say that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, the SPLM, is interested in consolidating its position in the south before the independence referendum. In February, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir began his campaign for president of the semi autonomous state, pledging to stamp out corruption.
“If they had not voted for me, they would have brought in their nominees and we would be fighting with their nominees. I have only one challenger and I don’t think the challenger is from the southern Sudanese political party, Nano, although a southerner. We will come and hear from him and I wish he comes to launch his campaign.”
Many southerners have become frustrated at the slow process of development and perceived corruption in their oil-producing region. Kiir has decided to run for the top position in the south, choosing a more junior member of the SPLM Yasir Arman to compete for the presidency for the whole of Sudan. But Kiir is widely expected to win the southern vote.

By Paul Ndiho
03/05/2010
Western donors are criticizing a fund run by the World Bank for failing to pay out millions of dollars to projects in war-ravaged South Sudan, saying funds have been bogged down by red tape. The World Bank Multi Donor Trust Fund was set up as one of the main channels for donors to provide cash to the oil-producing region following its two-decade-long civil war. Donors have given the fund over 500 million dollars since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. Michael Elmquist, the head of a donor group, says more than 100 million U.S. dollars in funding still needs to be spent before a deadline of 2011.
“We are now just one year from the end of the fund and there’s still more than 100 million U.S. dollars in the fund that need to be spent and at the current spending rate we don’t believe that it’s going to be possible to spend all that money within that timeframe.”
The aid group Oxfam says the World Bank’s strict rules make it difficult for development organizations, particularly Sudanese groups, to apply for funding. The aid agency also criticizes the World Bank for being slow and ineffective, especially with regard to health and education projects.
World Bank official Joseph Saba has reviewed the South Sudan donor trust fund, and says it has been moving too slowly.
“The bank has not been satisfied with the performance of this trust fund, which in some respects has not met standards achieved by other trust funds we administer elsewhere, in large part due to severe capacity constraints. We want to move faster, while still ensuring
proper use of funds.”
Saba says the bank needs to disperse its funds quickly as the deadline looms and ensure that donor monies benefit the poor and are not lost to corruption.
South Sudan’s semi-autonomous government acknowledges that it is partly to blame for poor distribution of funds.
Aggrey Tisa, under-secretary of South Sudan’s Finance ministry, says donors have unrealistic expectations about the fund’s administration.
“Yes, the bank has been blamed for being slow, for being rigid, for being stringent in its procurement procedures. Maybe they have part of the blame, but to lay the entire blame squarely at the door of the bank I think is over-blowing it and being a little bit unfair.”
In 2011 Southern Sudan will go to a referendum to decide on whether it will split from the north as a separate country (or join a unified government, remain as one country.

By Paul Ndiho
02/27/10
Since the inception of reforms in the early 1990s, analysts say Kenya has made greater strides towards democracy. Executive power has been lessened and the legislature and judiciary now have considerable autonomy. Despite these gains, observers say corruption and abuse of power continues.

The leaders of Kenya’s fractious grand coalition played down fears of a crisis in government as the parliament reopened. Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki have been in a tense coalition since 2008. Their unity government has struggled to make progress on reforms. The latest crack in the union emerged when Odinga suspended two ministers to allow investigations in their ministries. But during President Kibaki’s speech to parliament, he reassured Kenyans that the country is on the right track.
“We, as the grand coalition government, have resolved to deal with the matter decisively. I am calling on the august House to work with the government in this endeavour. In order to win this war, we must apply the law in a manner that is impartial and just.”
Dr. Migai Akech a fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy, says that Kenyans are tired of the political rows.
“It’s difficult to say but they have to find a way to co-exist. I think it’s in the interest of both of them to co-exist.”
Observers say political corruption and abuse of power in Kenya spans the era of the Jomo Kenyatta. In 2009, Transparency International ranks Kenya among the world’s most corrupt nations. Mr. Akech says that there is a need to create mechanisms to enhance the accountability of the three branches of government.
“In terms of how corruption runs in Kenya, I think it’s a case of both. You have corruption at the top but you also have corruption at the bottom. And often I think we focus to much at the top level but we shouldn’t forget that there is much corruption at the bottom level which is equally problematic.”

Political analysts in Kenya say that during Daniel Arap Moi’s erra, corruption was widespread. In the 1990s, Moi was part of the Goldenberg scandal, where smuggled gold was exported out of Kenya. Mwai Kibaki was elected president in 2002 on the promise to end corruption in Kenya. But Ackech also says that there is culture of impunity in Kenya, and that has to change.
“It’s a culture that laws don’t apply and I mean just look at drivers on the streets in Nairobi… Many people don’t follow traffic rules. So I believe it has much to do with the mind set, I think the education system has much to do with it in that sense but also rules matter.”
Kenyan government says that the coalition government vows to work together to establish a plan to fight corruption and bring about the reforms that were promised to Kenyans.