The Quest For Peace In Syria (When The Eagle and The Bear Agree)

The world witnessed a rare moment in the last few days. This was when the US and Russia agreed on a ceasefire and peace plan for Syria. This plan is supposed to gradually bring an end to the Syrian Civil War that has claimed so many lives. The whole world watched with much anticipation as the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavarov and the US Secretary of State, John Kerry met to agree on a peace plan for Syria. I had a feeling those who always prayed and hoped that these two super powers will fail again to agree on a peace plan for Syria.

It is a known fact that the Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad is being backed by the Kremlin likewise the various rebel movements notably the Free Syrian Army is also being backed by Washington. Both super powers are fighting a proxy war in Syria. But certain rebel groups such as the Al Nusra Front which is an affiliate of Al Qaeeda have to be forced to accept the ceasefire plan. In the plan the rebels have been granted the right of self defence if attacked by the Syrian Government. With ISIS also lurking around in Syria, I hope this plan will bring the various forces together to fight them and push them out of Syria. The world is watching as the two super powers have taken a bold step to ensure that they find a political solution to the Syrian Civil War. President Bashar Al Assad will definitely listen to the Russians as they have been his main backbone throughout the civil war. If not for the involvement of the Russians with their airstrikes on rebel targets, the Syrian President would have been long gone. The future of Syria is to be determined in the next few days if the ceasefire is to hold and that is if all the warring factions implement their parts in the agreement. So much blood has been spilt, women and children have borne the brunt of the carnage going on in Syria. Their attempt to flee the conflict too is being hampered by most of the countries bordering Syria refusing them entry. This has created a humanitarian crisis in the Middle East as Syria’s neighbors can’t take any more refugees with Europe being the worst affected.

The ceasefire holds for now, Bashar Al Assad has been emboldened but the opposition is wary and observing this latest initiative with caution and will be seriously monitoring the next moves of the other parties or factions involved in the civil war. Lets all hope the Eagle and the Bear continue to agree on major issues in this world. This will go a long way to reduce the tension between these two super powers in the international arena as they are both jostling to overpower each other in terms of diplomacy, intelligence and military capabilities. Don’t forget to #PrayForSyria and all the conflict zones all over the world.

Burundi; Not Again In Africa

I have been monitoring reports on all media platforms about the unfortunate turn of events in Burundi for the past two weeks and it seems the situation is deteriorating with each passing day. I think the African Union and the International Community, especially the United Nations should impress on the incumbent President to drop his idea of seeking a third term in office.

The situation has to do with opposition parties protesting against President Pierre Nkurunziza's desire to seek a third term in office and have gone ahead to set a date for elections to be held. As a result of the protests, about twenty people have been confirmed dead with many of the protesters also injured as due to the manner in which the security forces are trying to quell the protests. This region has already had its share of violence and conflicts in recent years. Rwanda and DR  Congo have had their own share of conflicts with the former still trying to battle rebels who have hampered the country's stability for a long time.

Due to  the crisis in Burundi, hundreds of Burundians are fleeing across the borders to DR Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda. As usual the International Community will fold their arms and wait for the situation to get out of control then they will quickly evacuate their citizens and watch as the Burundians kill each other. I pray and hope it does not get to that level. The President of Burundi must be made to respect the Constitution which prevents him from seeking a third term in office. He must also be blamed for the deaths that occur as a result of the decision he has taken to disrespect the constitution. This situation must be nipped in the bud before it creates a serious humanitarian crisis in the region.

Its high time African leaders are made to know and understand that the countries they rule are not their personal properties. The African Union must be tough on this attitude of some African leaders who do everything possible to stay in power for as long as they want. Africa does not need another conflict such as the one simmering in Burundi. Innocent lives must not be sacrificed due to the selfish ambitions of an individual and his cronies. #AfricanLivesMatter.