Sara Duterte Makes Assassination Threats Against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr

 

Sara Duterte the Vice President of the Philippines has made threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Asian country's two most powerful political families are now in conflict. Sara Duterte stated if she were to be murdered President Marcos would not be safe. A powerful struggle is occurring and it might escalate to violence. Sara Duterte also vituperated Martin Romualdez who serves as Speaker of the House. of Representatives. Allegations have been made about what Sara Duterte's office has done with certain funds. Sara Duterte could be subject to criminal charges. Removing her from office could cause complications. Upcoming elections in the House of  Representatives provide an opportunity for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to consolidate political power. Sara Duterte feels that the political alliance did not provide her benefits. As time passed the association between the two leaders became more contentious. The fall out also reflects another controversy. Attempts have been made to change the  Constitution of the Philippines. Some fear this would enable a return to dictatorship and authoritarianism. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. insisted the changes are not to increase power of the executive branch. Sara Duterte could use the anger related to the constitutional changes for her own political gain. The coalition is disintegrating, which makes the political life in the Philippines more turbulent.     

The Failed Coup In The DRC

 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo foiled a coup. A number of African nations have been experiencing coups in the 2020s. The difference with the DRC was that it was not against a longtime regime. During this coup attempt, the presidential palace was attacked. The leader of this coup was Christian Malanga. He was killed during the coup attempt according to authorities in the DRC. Video shown shows the group with flags of the former Zaire. Those who were in the coup group appear to have nostalgia for the Joseph Mobutu dictatorship. Christian Malanga was involved in opposition politics and gold mining prior to the coup attempt. Malanga based on the information gathered was a refugee who settled in the United States. This was in the 1990s when Zaire was falling into civil war. His political activities were working for the United Congolese Party. The political party has been described as a movement to remove the current government. Questions have arisen about possible US involvement in the plot. No evidence has been uncovered of a CIA operation. Three American were allegedly were part of the coup group. The DRC is facing challenges from M23 rebels, Rwanda, and external powers seeking to exploit its natural resources. The coup attempt no matter how small was a demonstration of political instability. When this transpired political factionalism had reached record levels in the DRC. The New Zaire Government in Exile another organization wanted to revert the DRC to the years of 1971 to 1997. If enough evidence is gathered it could implicate the New Zaire Government in  Exile as being an accomplice to the coup.  

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's Political Goals For Senegal

 

Senegal has elected a new president. The agenda is going to be much different than the previous administration. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed his desire to strengthen democratic institutions and enhance  diplomatic relations with other African countries. His ideology seems to be closer to a Pan-Africanist vision. The first measures of the new administration is an audit of the gas, oil, and mining sectors. The motivation for the audit is to detect possible corruption and to ensure that Senegal's natural resources are not being exploited by foreign entities. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye gave a promise to investors that they are still welcomed in Senegal. Senegal is about to accelerate with oil production. The Sangomar gas and oil project  has been developing offshore oil drilling sites. The new administration has also expressed the need to defend Senegalese sovereignty. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's major goal is to achieve African unity. This dream was what many African leaders were aiming for in the 1960s. The longtime heads of state on the continent have abandoned Pan-Africanism. Warfare in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia undermine Pan-African goals. There is hope considering President Faye is now one of Africa's youngest heads of state. The election result shows that a new generation of African leaders are emerging. While others cling to power, there is a growing sentiment for political change. How effective policies and reforms are depends on the leadership and resources available. 

Thaksin Shinawatra Returns To Thailand

 

The former prime minister has returned to Thailand. Thaksin Shinawatra has been in exile since the 2006 coup. Shortly after his arrival he was sent to prison. Reports now state that Thaksin suffered a medical emergency that required hospitalization. He faces charges of corruption, which Thaksin insists are politically motivated. The question remains how legitimate are the charges if they were made by a military government. Rumors have circulated that the former prime minister reach an agreement with the military establishment. The option available to him would be to seek a royal pardon. Thaksin does still have some political influence and imprisonment could have implications in future elections. The military  backed parties can always do a coup by stealth. Thaksin's businesses have been subject to scrutiny. The Advance Info Service contracts connection to the military indicated a monopoly run solely by the Shinawatra family. Telecommunications were not his only business ventures. Not all of his companies were successful, but the one that survived made him wealthy. The major crime he is accused of his hiding his assets. This indictment was made by the National Counter Corruption Commission. Thaksin Shinawatra  demonstrates that wealth has a negative effect on democratic institutions. His return does indicate a shift in Thailand's political atmosphere. However, many still remain in exile due to the military.   

Protests Against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte

 

Peruvians are showing their frustration with the current administration. Demonstrations have spread across the country. Most of the protesters are either associated with leftist groups and labor unions. The discord is being generated from the ineffective leadership of President Dina Boluarte. The accusation is that her government has become more authoritarian. Legal question remain about the removal of former president Pedro Castillo. Evidence suggest that attempts were made to depose his government by right-wing factions. He could not bring stability and the biggest error was dissolving the congress. Dina Boluarte was not elected. One of the demands of protesters is that she either resigns or new elections to be held. The biggest motivation for public discord is growing poverty and wealth gaps. Peru is a major copper producing nation, but only a few people of benefited from this natural resource. Being a large metal producing country, more Peruvians should see an increase in their income. Rage has grown so much that the demands for a new constitution and the congress to be dissolved are being proposed by activists. Peru's government in response has deployed an estimated 24,000 police officers. President Dina Boluarte is developing a network  of repression to remain in power. If elections were held in the next few months, most Peruvians would not vote for her. Peru since 2017 has developed into an illiberal democracy. A former Free Peru Party member has now become a more conservative president. Dina Boluarte's power comes from the congress, police, and military. All those institutions are being weaponized against the population. Either a coup or uprising will end her presidency if elections do not take place. The only means of defense  the Peruvian public  has are demonstrations and suffrage.     

President Zelensky Wants To Halt Elections

 

The crackdown on internal dissent continues in Ukraine. President Volodymtr Zelensky wants to have elections halted. This includes the parliamentary elections and the presidential elections scheduled for next year. So far no EU country has made a statement about the plan. President Zelensky justifies the action saying conditions are not stable for elections. He explained further as long as martial law is in place the decision will remain. Ukrainians should have a right to select their leaders . These actions show the development of an authoritarian political structure. The warning signs first came with the attacks on the press. As the Russia-Ukraine War continues the chances of a Ukrainian victory become less possible. The counteroffensive has not push Russia back to its borders. The Wagner Group incident did not spark a massive rebellion or coup. The events in Bakmut show that using mercenaries creates complications in warfare. President Zelensky stated that what he is doing is within the parameters of the Ukrainian constitution. The political opposition might have a legal argument to challenge halting elections. What some observe is this is a way for President Zelensky to remain in power. Winning an election would be difficult considering the military defeats. The UK, France, and Germany are going to support Zelensky no matter how anti-democratic the administration gets. For those countries causing a Russian defeat is more important than the welfare of Ukrainians. Peace talks become more out of reach with every passing month. If elections are not held this marks the start of an authoritarian regime. The silence of the European Union exposes the contradictory and corrupt nature of their foreign policy.