Dream’s Post

INCREASINGLY, THE RWANDAN DIPLOMATIC APPARATUS BECOMES A TERROR NETWORK PART V AND CONCLUSION The assassination of Seth Sendashonga in 1998, a former Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) minister who had spoken out against the rising number of killings involving the RPF armed forces, occurred in Nairobi, Kenya. Amnesty International reported that Kenyan authorities suspected a Rwandan diplomatic agent of playing a pivotal role in the assassination killings (amnesty.nl). In 2022, CitizenLab, an American NGO, exposed the Rwandan Embassy in the United States of America for their unethical behavior. The embassy infiltrated the family of Mr. Paul Rusesabagina, the hero of the Hotel des Milles Collines, and had gone so far as to secretly listen to the conversations of their child at school. With mounting concerns over the unlawful actions of Rwanda's diplomatic missions, it is imperative for the receiving countries to rise up for the rightness and condemn all forms of unethical behavior, regardless of who is responsible. Rwandan diplomatic personnel have been engaging in uncontrolled actions that violate international law. In particular, they have been impeding the right to freedom of expression, association, movement, and citizenship of origin. These rights are not only enshrined in international legal texts but are also critical components of liberal democracy and deeply ingrained in the customary mentalities of the populations of the host states where Rwandan diplomats operate. By attacking these rights and freedoms, Rwandan embassies are directly undermining the international respectability of human rights. What's more concerning is the fact that they have been targeting private rights and spreading baseless rumors about the morality and integrity of both Rwandans and foreigners who support them. Indeed, the violation of one's privacy is a heinous act that cannot be tolerated. The right to privacy is of utmost importance, and it becomes even more crucial when foreign diplomatic personnel violate it. As responsible Rwandan diplomatic missions' host States, it is their duty to ensure that people’s privacy is safeguarded against any such infringement. Such actions are a direct affront to the values that Western democracies hold dear and must be stopped.

I digress, but it's too hilarious to pass up. #Poland and #Lithuania pledge to help #Kyiv repatriate #Ukrainian men of fighting age. These people sought refuge in these democratic... #EU member states because they had no intention of defending their own #democracy... in the first place. So now, sending them back to fight for the #democracy and the "values" they have shown no interest in fighting for previously, seems like a good idea indeed. 💡😏 Pèifú... 👏 Never mind the lack of training, this is a secondary consideration, given the enormous enthusiasm and motivation of the new forced recruits... 🙃😉 If this sounds like a logical fallacy... That's because it is. 😂...🤭 Nonetheless... "Ukrainian citizens have obligations towards the state. We have long suggested that we are also able to help the Ukrainian side in ensuring that those who are obliged to perform military service go to #Ukraine." says #Poland's defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. _____ From a democratic standpoint, though, the elated recruits are not yet out of options. They can always go... south, go #GlobalSouth, or... get a #Russian passport. 😂🤣... 🤭 #geopolitics #geopoliticalrisk #policy #policymaking #internationalrelations #internationalaffairs #diplomacy

In our latest article with The Conversation Africa, Christopher Isike and I examined what #DonaldTrump's second term and America first policy mean for Africa. The Conversation U.S. The Conversation UK African Centre for the study of the United States, University of Pretoria #US #America #Africa #Trump #ForeignPolicy #immigration #democracy #RumanRights #trade #investment #ClimateChange #AU #Sahel #counterterrorism #TransactionalPolicy https://lnkd.in/dTxGc5Kr

After the Second World War, the United States was pivotal in establishing international institutions like the United Nations. This leadership extended through the Cold War and culminated in the defeat of the Soviet Union. America’s superpower status allowed it to shape the international system according to its interests, promoting a liberal world order. With Trump’s victory in November becoming increasingly likely and the confirmation of JD Vance as his vice president, the UK is now faced with the urgent task of preparing for a more isolationist America. The rise of China and its increasing power in international institutions have led America to view supranational ‘global governance’ in transactional terms. The potential impact of these changes on the UK’s foreign policy and immigration system is of the utmost importance and cannot be overstated. The time to act is now. These impending changes should serve as a wake-up call for UK policymakers. If Trump wins, the UK will have to increase its defence investments significantly and grapple with issues stemming from supranational global governance that the UK government, and by extension, the British people, have little control over. We must start considering potential strategies to navigate these changing global dynamics. ✍️Doug Stokes https://lnkd.in/eCjPtFqJ

𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀: 𝗔 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 Scotland has halted diplomatic engagements with Israel, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which many label as genocide. This bold stance reflects Scotland's unwavering commitment to human rights and international law. The decision comes after significant backlash over a recent meeting between Scotland’s External Affairs Secretary and Israel's Deputy Ambassador, highlighting the tension within the Scottish government and its coalition partners. As global pressure mounts on Israel, Scotland’s actions could inspire others to reassess their diplomatic ties. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gpPdmNTy #Scotland #GazaCrisis #HumanRights #Diplomacy #MiddleEast #InternationalLaw #IsraelPalestine #GlobalPolitics

India and Canada are facing a significant diplomatic standoff that could reshape their relationship. Dive into the complexities of this ongoing tension and its potential global implications. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gQ8hTK83 #IndiaCanadaRelations #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #InternationalAffairs #CurrentEvents #TusharUnadkat #businesscommunication Thanks to WFY Magazine

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a significant exodus of Russian citizens has occurred, with many seeking refuge in European countries. However, these exiles are facing unexpected challenges to their freedoms within the European Union, as detailed by Dr. Gleb Bogush, a research fellow at the Institute for International Peace and Security Law at the University of Cologne and visiting professor at the University of Luxembourg. Despite fleeing an increasingly repressive regime at home, Russian citizens encounter restrictive policies in Europe that limit their rights and freedoms. 📌Entry restrictions are a major issue. Several EU countries have imposed near-total bans on Russian citizens, even those with valid visas, violating EU laws against nationality-based bans. The suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement has resulted in longer visa processing times and additional checks, severely limiting legal entry options for Russians fleeing repression. Humanitarian visa opportunities are scarce, and work permits or business visas have stringent requirements inaccessible to most. 📌Once in the EU, Russian citizens face further obstacles in seeking asylum. The process is lengthy and complicated, with high evidential thresholds to prove persecution risks. Many asylum systems are deficient, failing to adequately process claims. The Dublin procedure complicates matters by requiring asylum seekers to apply in their first EU country of entry, often leading to returns to states with inadequate protections. 📌Family reunification is another challenge. Restrictive definitions of “family members” prevent many Russians from visiting relatives in the EU. Additionally, Russian citizens face stigmatization and discrimination based on nationality, despite opposing their government's actions. The document proposes several solutions to address these issues: ☑️Flexible Reception Programs Implement unbureaucratic programs for Russian citizens targeted by repressive measures, allowing them entry and residence in the EU. ☑️Temporary Residence Permits Provide opportunities for Russians already in the EU to receive or extend temporary residence permits, even if they do not qualify for international protection. ☑️Third-Country Applications Allow Russian citizens to apply for reception programs from third countries, avoiding the need to return to Russia. ☑️Family Reunification Uphold the right of EU citizens and residents to reunify with their Russian family members by broadening definitions of eligible family members. ☑️Special Identity Documents Introduce procedures for issuing identity documents to Russians unable to renew passports due to non-cooperation from Russian diplomatic representations. Dr. Bogush argues that a coordinated approach is essential for supporting civil society actors fleeing repression and promoting democratic values. Please read the full policy brief here: https://ow.ly/I3LM50Trohn

🌍 Diplomatic Progress: US-China Cooperation on Wrongful Detentions 🇺🇸🤝🇨🇳 In a significant step towards improving US-China relations, three Americans wrongfully detained in China have been released. This marks a major achievement for the Biden administration's diplomatic efforts to secure the release of citizens held unjustly abroad. 🙌 Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung are finally returning home to their families, just in time for Thanksgiving. The release was part of a diplomatic prisoner swap, with China securing the release of three of its nationals held in the US. This milestone highlights the power of international diplomacy and the importance of advocating for human rights on a global scale. 🌐 As we celebrate the safe return of these wrongfully detained Americans, it’s a reminder that behind every political negotiation, there are real people whose lives are impacted. Let’s continue to push for justice, humanitarian efforts, and global cooperation on the international stage. https://lnkd.in/db8Cg2wy #Diplomacy #USChinaRelations #WrongfullyDetained #HumanRights #PrisonerSwap #BidenAdministration #ChinaUSRelations #InternationalCooperation #Thanksgiving #USCitizensAbroad #GlobalJustice #InternationalDiplomacy #ForeignPolicy #PoliticalNegotiation #HumanitarianEfforts

Diplomatic Entanglements and Namibian Democracy: On tuesday, German ambassador Thorsten Hutter hosted a lunch meeting in Windhoek, on behalf of the European Union, with the leader and the deputy leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). Ambassadors of the EU, Portugal, Spain and France attended. In terms of diplomatic protocol and etiquette, it was a rather unusual move. This was underlined by a Germany embassy post, on behalf of ambassador Hutter on X (Twitter). It showed a photo of the participants and stated, among others: “Honoured to have the party president of the IPC for an exchange on current affairs in Namibia.” As if this was not enough to raise eyebrows, an IPC spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday that the discussions included the upcoming elections and IPC’s strategies addressing grievances among liberation struggle fighters. He suggested it indicated “that Swapo’s hegemony received a massive blow”. OH, THE IRONY The exchange, which, according to ambassador Hutter honoured the hosts, and the subsequent triumphant tone of the IPC statement are somewhat ironic. In the past, the very same IPC spokesperson has expressed strongly worded anti-Western, pro-Russian and homophobic opinions on X. While not official policy statements, they were diametrically opposed to what EU member states stand for in terms of their policy orientation. Rather, the statements actually conformed to dominant Swapo positions on these issues. It therefore might be interesting to learn from the IPC what its motives were in bragging about this exchange at a time when its long promised – but not yet offered – transparency and accountability over the funding of their recently purchased fleet of cars remains a matter of public interest. The publicity deliberately given to this event by those participating also invites speculation over the intended message. The IPC can celebrate it as recognition over and above all other parties. There doesn’t seem to have been similar consultations with Swapo nor the official opposition party, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), or any other political parties and their leaders represented with mandates in the National Assembly. WHAT ARE THE REAL MOTIVES? This invites questions about the motives at play and requires a clear explanation from the German ambassador and the EU mission. It is also noteworthy that not all Western states with embassies in Namibia attended the occasion. It should come as no surprise that Swapo, as the party in government, reacted strongly, considering such meeting could be regarded as undue interference in domestic policies. Not least, as foreign minister Peya Mushelenga pointed out when summoning the ambassadors, by discussing matters which fall under the government’s discretion. Other parties might feel similarly snubbed. After all, they will compete as much as Swapo and the IPC…