Was There a Military Coup in Brazil?

Does Brazil already have a new “acting President”?

It is being reported that, under pressure from the Army, Walter Braga Netto is now the “operational president” of Brazil, with Jair Bolsonaro effectively stripped of his decision making powers. According to veteran Argentine investigative journalist Horacio Verbitsky, this has already been communicated informally to the Argentine authorities. There has been as yet no official confirmation.

By Lucas Rocha. Revista Forúm

President Jair Bolsonaro’s excesses in the face of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Brazil have irritated the Armed Forces’ high command, which now appears to have “elected” Chief Minister of the Casa Civil, Walter Braga Netto, as the country’s new “operational president”.

According to the Argentine investigative journalist Horacio Verbitsky, a high ranking official of the Brazilian Army communicated to their Argentine counterpart that President Jair Bolsonaro is not being heard by the authorities when making decisions.

“There was a telephone communication from a high ranking Brazilian army official with one from Argentina, in which the Brazilian informed them that they had taken the decision to circumvent President Bolsonaro in all important decisions,” said the journalist on the program “Habrá Consecuencias”, from Radio El Destape .

Verbitsky affirms that Bolsonaro is acting as a “monarch without effective power” and who now commands the country is General Walter Braga Netto.

In recent days, Braga Netto’s stance at press conferences has caught the attention of the media. The general has tried to control the responses of those present and even overruled other ministers .

Braga Netto, who was the commander of the military intervention in Rio de Janeiro in 2018, was appointed to the Federal Government’s coronavirus committee as coordinator. According to the DefenseNet portal, in reality, he now acts as “Chief of Staff of the Planalto”, corroborating the Argentine journalist’s claims.

According to the website, “The new ‘informal mission’ was the product of a deal involving ministers and military commanders and the President of the Republic himself,”

“His ‘mission’ is to reduce the president’s exposure, leaving him in position ‘democratically’, to behave as if he does not belong to his own government. The general will begin to shape the executive’s actions in the (Coronavirus) crisis. He may even contradict Bolsonaro’s statements,” placing Bolsonaro in the same position as “a monarch without effective power ”.

Migrants, Protests & Aid Cuts: Legacy of US-Backed 2009 Coup in Honduras

As with Europe in Africa, the USA in Central America literally raped the countries of their natural resources leaving them in poverty and with dictators who are cruel and brutal. Then America builds walls to keep them from migrating. I know they can't all come to America, but America needs to be working to improve conditions in Central America giving the people hope and a reason to stay.

FILE PHOTO: A migrant holds flags of Honduras and the United States next to US-Mexican border

© Reuters / Kim Kyung-Hoon

As caravans of migrants stream toward the US border and protesters in Honduras demand the president’s resignation, a coup in Tegucigalpa exactly 10 years ago is now making for strange political allies in Washington.

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) thus found herself on the same wavelength as US President Donald Trump when she advocated cutting off the aid to the government of President Juan Orlando Hernandez in March, and tweeted out a photo with the daughter of the slain Honduran activist Berta Caceres on Friday.

Ilhan Omar✔
@IlhanMN

 In 2016, Honduran activist Berta Cáceres was murdered by US-trained Honduran special forces.

The next year, I had the honor of meeting her daughter, Bertha.

Today marks 10 years since the coup in Honduras. We in the US must stop funding its brutality.

Trump also wants to cut US funding to Honduras, but for a completely different reason: along with Guatemala and El Salvador, the country is a major source of migrant “caravans” that have been streaming across the US border over the past year. All three Central American nations have experienced Washington’s meddling throughout their history.

On June 28, 2009, the Honduran military raided the home of President Manuel Zelaya and led him away at gunpoint. He was replaced by Porfirio Lobo Sosa, leader of the National Party, who held the office until 2014, when he handed it over to Hernandez.

The administration of Barack Obama – specifically, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – was involved in planning and executing the coup, it later emerged. Clinton herself admitted it in her memoir “Hard Choices,” first published in 2014. After public scrutiny, however, the part of the book detailing her involvement in Honduras was removed from the paperback edition. 

In the decade since, Honduras has become a human rights nightmare, according to organizations such as Amnesty International, which accused state security forces of routinely engaging in torture and extrajudicial killings. 

Caceres, for instance, was murdered in 2016 in attack widely believed to have been in retaliation for her activism against the construction of the Aguas Zarca dam in the Gualcarque river.

Over the last several months, public anger at Hernandez’s rule has turned into widespread unrest. Riots first began in April, in protest over his plans to privatize the education, healthcare and pension systems of Honduras. In May, demonstrators set fire to the US embassy in Tegucigalpa, and later attacked containers belonging to the Dole Fruit Company. 

Fruit companies are a symbol of US military and political meddling in Central America, which gave rise to the term “banana republic.”

On Tuesday, state security forces opened fire on a group of student protesters, injuring four people. Activists are no longer calling for merely reversing the privatization, but also for  Hernandez to step down.

While Hernandez’s economic policies have created a favorable environment for US multinational corporations, they brought ruin to the small farmers of Honduras, who are fleeing to the US in droves in search of work. 

The political establishment in Washington, however, has considerable interest in keeping Hernandez in power, as he has promised to keep open the US military base at Soto Cano. 

Good grief! How cheaply we sell our soul!

U.N. Report Cites Deaths, Abuses in Nicaraguan Human Rights Crisis

A reporter from NPR spoke to protestors who explained that while the initial issue was about the pension reform, the uprisings that spread across the country reflected many grievances about the government's time in office, and that the fight is for President Ortega and his Vice President wife to step down. - Wikipedia

Ortega is serving his 4th term as President and 3rd consecutive term, which required an act of parliament to enable. Outside observers are not allowed in Nicaraguan elections.

By Ed Adamczyk

Protesters participate in an anti-government demonstration Managua, Nicaragua, on July 12, 2018. A United Nations report released on Wednesday said there have been 300 killings and numerous human rights violations in a four-month crackdown. File Photo by Jorge Torres/EPA-EFE

(UPI) -- A United Nations report, released Wednesday, condemned Nicaragua's human rights record and urged action and accountability in the Central American nation.

The 41-page report by the U.N. Human Rights Office covers the period from April, when protests in Nicaragua against planned social security cuts began, to August. It identifies a disproportionate use of force by police, sometimes resulting in deaths; killings, disappearances and widespread arbitrary detentions; torture and violations of the right to freedom of opinion and peaceful assembly.

At least 300 people have been killed and at least 2,000 injured, mostly men under 30, the U.N. said. The casualty count reflects the protesters, who included university students and young professionals, the report said. At least 22 police officers died as well.

"The level of brutality in some of these episodes, including burning, amputations and desecration of corpses illustrates the serious degeneration of the crisis," the report said.

At least 300 civilians have been prosecuted on charges of terrorism and organized crime in courts that do not observe due process, the U.N. report said citing data from non-governmental organizations. Teachers, doctors and civil servants have been fired from jobs for criticizing the government, and authorities have harassed or stigmatized protesters and defenders of human rights, the U.N. report said.

"Repression and retaliation against demonstrators continue in Nicaragua as the world looks away. The violence and impunity of these past four months have exposed the fragility of the country's institutions and the rule of law, and created a climate of fear and mistrust," said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein.

The report urges the Nicaraguan government to guarantee the independence of the country's judiciary and resume a dialogue with its adversaries.

Elected Officials to be Charged with Treason by Unconstitutional Assembly

Venezuela lawmakers approve treason trials

for opposition leaders

By Andrew V. Pestano 

Venezuela's pro-government Constituent Assembly unanimously voted to put opposition leaders,

supportive of U.S. economic sanctions, on trial for treason. Photo by Cristian Hernandez/EPA

UPI -- Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, condemned as unconstitutional by the international community, has unanimously voted to put opposition leaders -- who support U.S. sanctions -- on trial for treason.

The pro-government legislative body's action came days after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions last week against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's regime.

The Constituent Assembly issued a decree Tuesday, seeking to "jointly initiate with the appropriate state organs an historic trial for treason against the homeland of those who may be involved in promoting these immoral actions against the interests of the Venezuelan people."

That would be themselves and Nicolas Maduro.

During a televised address, Diosdado Cabello, a key ally of Maduro, said the Democratic Unity Roundtable opposition coalition "worked in a sustained manner to achieve" the U.S. sanctions that harm Venezuelans.

Cabello did not reveal exactly how the treason trial process would move forward, nor was it said which opposition leaders will be put on trial.

Wednesday, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized the Venezuelan regime and the Constituent Assembly's Commission of Truth, Justice and Peace for "measures taken by authorities to criminalize leaders of the political opposition."

"The Commission, recently established by the Constituent Assembly, does not meet the basic requirements of transparency and impartiality, to conduct investigations that are independent and free from political motivation on human rights violations and abuses," OHCHR Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement.

A report by the U.N. office said extensive human rights violations and abuses committed amid anti-government protests show "the existence of a policy to repress political dissent and instil fear in the population to curb demonstrations."

"The generalized and systematic use of excessive force during demonstrations and the arbitrary detention of protestors and perceived political opponents indicate that these were not the illegal or rogue acts of isolated officials," the report noted.

Defeated Gambia President Yahya Jammeh Steps Down

By Daniel Uria UPI

Defeated President of The Gambia Yahya Jammeh agreed to step down from office following negotiations with other African leaders two days after new President Adama Barrow was sworn into office in Senegal. Troops from Senegal had arrived in Gambia on Friday to ensure Jammeh accepted the results of the election and he later delivered an address on national television announcing his decision to step down and thanking the Gambian people. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo

Defeated Gambian President Yahya Jammeh announced he has agreed to step down two days after new President Adama Barrow was sworn in.

Following tense negotiations and the threat of military intervention from other West African nations Jammeh held a televised address to announce he would step down and uphold his duty to "preserve at every instant" Gambian lives, CNN reported.

Especially his own! Cudos to Senegal for bringing this about peacefully and for not taking advantage of a volatile situation.

"I have decided today in good conscience to relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation with infinite gratitude to all Gambians," he said.

Troops from Senegal entered Gambia the day before Jammeh made his announcement to enforce the results of December's election in which Barrow defeated Jammeh by claiming 45 percent of the vote.

Barrow was sworn in as president in Senegal on Thursday, as he and 45,000 other people fled Gambia in anticipation of the potential standoff between Jammeh and West African military forces, according to the New York Times.

The United Nations warned of a humanitarian crisis among those who fled Gambia and crammed into host's homes along the border in Senegal.

In addition the U.N. encouraged "all stakeholders, within and outside the Gambia, to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and ensure the peaceful transfer of power."

Jammeh was president of Gambia since leading a coup in 1994 and his government was condemned for human rights violations.

It is unclear when Barrow will return to Gambia to take office but he called his election a "victory for the Gambian nation" and promised an end to the violence.

"Our national flag will now fly high," he said as he was sworn in on Thursday. "Violence is finished forever from the life of the Gambians. There is no loser in this election. We promise to unify our people. Today most Gambians are united in order to give Gambia a new start. Today, I am the President of all Gambians."

Gambia President Yahya Jammeh Refuses to Step Down

By Daniel Uria  

President of Gambia Yahya Jammeh has refused to step down from office following meetings with several African leaders. President-elect Adama Barrow left the country to attend the France Africa summit in Mali in hopes of resolving the situation so he can be sworn in. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo

BANJUL, Gambia, (UPI) -- Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow flew out of the country after talks to persuade President Yahya Jammeh to step down failed.

Talks between Jammeh, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Liberian President Johnson Sirleaf and former president of Ghana John Dramani Mahama stalled after Jammeh refused to relinquish power, Jollofnews reported.

Barrow flew from Gambia to Mali to meet with the Economic Community of West African States at the ongoing France Africa summit where West African leaders will discuss the political standoff.

Jammeh's term is set to end on Thursday as Barrow hopes to have the issue preventing the presidential transition resolved so he can be sworn in, according to the BBC.

The African Union announced it will no longer recognize Jammeh's rule beyond Thursday and ECOWAS has said it will consider resulting to military force if he does not step down from office on his own.

Jammeh initially accepted the results of the election after Barrow won 43.3 percent of the vote versus his 39.9 percent.

He later filed a request with the Supreme Court to block Barrow from swearing in and said he will not step down until the court is able to reach a decision in May.

Jammeh has been accused of human rights violations since seizing control of the country in 1994 and thousands of Gambians have fled the country due to fear of the political uncertainty.

Defeated Gambian President Rejects Election Result, Calls for New Vote

"It is time he go and we thank him for everything he has done for the country," Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow countered Friday.

By Doug G. Ware, UPI

Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh on Friday said he rejects the result of the country's presidential election earlier this month, in which he lost to challenger Adama Barrow after 22 years in power. File Photo by Mohammad Kheirkhah/UPI | License Photo

BANJUL, Gambia, (UPI) -- Ousted Gambian President Yahya Jammeh is making it clear he isn't going to relinquish 22 years of power without a fight.

The recently-defeated premier said on state television Friday that he rejects the result of the presidential election -- citing "unacceptable abnormalities" -- and demanded a fresh vote.

"After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election," he said. "I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which have reportedly transpired during the electoral process.

"I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will be officiated by a god-fearing and independent electoral commission."

How to destroy a legacy

Last week - "Allah is telling me my time is up and I hand over graciously with gratitude toward the Gambian people and gratitude toward you," Jammeh said to the president-elect, as reported by AP.

Apparently Allah has changed his mind! Or did Jammeh suddenly decide not to listen to Allah? Or could it be the hordes of corrupt people around him who have no desire to retire and enjoy the fruits of their deceit? Allah was much more grace-full last week when Jammeh was set to raise the bar on peaceful transition of government in Gambia. Alas, money, or pride, or power has caused him to abandon his ethics and void the people's obvious choice. Nothing good can come from this and the blood spilt will all be on Jammeh's hands. He will be remembered as a greedy, selfish autocrat who cared only for himself and not the Gambian people.

Jammeh lost to challenger Adama Barrow on Dec. 1 by winning less than 40 percent of the vote. Barrow was supported by more than 45 percent of voters, many of whom are itching for new leadership after more than two decades of Jammeh's rule.

"I have been declared the winner and the incumbent President Jammeh has congratulated me, which I think is a move in the right direction," Barrow told Gambia's Daily Observer Friday.

"We have to be patient because nothing will come easy and nothing is automatic," he added. "We are ready and we will work round the clock to make a difference but we are calling on every Gambians to put hands on deck. It is through hard work that we can achieve a better Gambia."

Jammeh, 51, took power in Gambia during a 1994 military coup and has presided over a government that has regularly drawn international criticism over a spate of issues -- including human rights abuses and systemic oppression.

The president has also been condemned for his advocacy for violence against the Gambian gay community. He said last year, "If you do it (homosexuality) I will slit your throat. If you are a man and want to marry another man in this country and we catch you, no one will ever set eyes on you again."

Barrow, 51, is scheduled to assume office next month.

Jammeh initially accepted the election defeat and was expected to concede. Friday's remarks, though, indicate he won't easily release his grip on the presidency.

"We should all put personal issues aside and Gambia is the most important thing, which I think President Jammeh has demonstrated," Barrow said. "He has been here for 22 years working for Gambia and we have to commend him for that, but it is time he go and we thank him for everything he has done for the country."

Antiestablishmentarianism Hits Africa; President Concedes Gracefully

The marbles have spoken: Gambians party after voting out 22yr ruler in shock election upset

    Supporters of president-elect Adama Barrow dance on a poster of incumbent President Yahya
    Jammeh during celebrations of Barrow's election victory in Banjul, Gambia, December 2, 2016.
   © Thierry Gouegnon / Reuters

Gambians are dancing on the streets after they dropped their marbles and voted out the long-term autocratic president Yahya Jammeh in a shock election, making former UK-based security guard Adama Barrow the new president of Gambia.

Barrow gained 45.5 percent of the vote, which is cast by putting a marble into a colored drum for the choice candidate, against Jammeh's 36.7 percent, according to Reuters. 

   A poll worker counts votes cast by marbles after the close of voting during the presidential
   election in Banjul, Gambia, December 1, 2016. © Thierry Gouegnon / Reuters

Jammeh, who had ruled Gambia for 22 years, conceded defeat in the election on state television Friday night and vowed not to contest the result in a phone call to Barrow.

"Allah is telling me my time is up and I hand over graciously with gratitude toward the Gambian people and gratitude toward you," Jammeh said to the president-elect, as reported by AP.

Election Commission chairman Alieu Momarr Njai earlier told reporters that Jammeh would accept defeat, adding that it's "very unique" that the president would do that after so many years in power, according to All Africa.

This would be the first peaceful transition of power in the West African nation’s history since it gained independence from the UK in 1965.

The news has brought massive crowds onto the streets of the Gambian capital, Banjul, dancing and cheering in an impromptu celebration of Barrow’s victory.

Before the election Jammeh, who previously vowed to rule the nation for "a billion years," predicted he would win the vote.

He gained power in 1994 as a result of a coup and has been accused by rights groups of human rights violations including torture and forced disappearances of political opponents and journalists.

Jammeh’s government shut down access to the internet and international calls on the evening before the election, prompting an outcry that it was a tactic to suppress freedom of expression. They also warned that no protests would be allowed after the election.

If Gambia is like most African countries we can assume that the President makes considerably more money than his salary would allow. Perhaps he's decided it's time to just chill-out and enjoy all the money he's stashed away in Swiss banks. At any rate, his stepping down might be the biggest act of democracy Gambia has ever seen. Let's hope and pray Barrow tolerates no corruption and brings about some prosperity for his people.

Amnesty International called the blackout “unjustified” and a “crude attack on the right to freedom of expression in Gambia.”

    Supporters of president-elect Adama Barrow celebrate Barrow's election victory in Banjul, 
    Gambia, December 2, 2016. © Thierry Gouegnon / Reuters

Barrow, 51, has two wives and five children and has vowed to bring the country back from the brink and restore human rights and true democracy in the nation. Eight opposition parties united behind Barrow during the campaign.

Barrow is a real estate agent and previously worked as a security guard at British retailer Argos in a north London store. He is also reported to be a fan of Arsenal football club.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has taken to Twitter to congratulate the small African nation on its momentous decision.

    Gambia is the smallest country in Africa, just a sliver carved out of Senegal.