Centre for Smart Africa & Conflict Research - CSACR

May this Christmas fill your homes with laughter, your hearts with peace, and your lives with renewed hope. As we celebrate love and togetherness, may Kenya grow in unity, strength, and prosperity. Let this season remind us: better days are ahead when we stand as one. Wishing you and your families _a Merry Christmas and abundant blessings_ 😊

Centre for Smart Africa & Conflict Research (CSACR).

Happy Jamhuri Day! 🎉🇰🇪 It's a special day in Kenya tomorrow, marking self-governance and independence. Hope you are having a relaxing day, feeling grateful for this milestone. Wishing you a fantastic celebration, wherever you are! 🎉🇰🇪

The situation in our Neighboring Tanzania.

Kenyan human rights activists are calling on the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and East African Community (EAC) to hold Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu accountable for allegedly suppressing anti-government protests. The protests, which entered their second day, were sparked by the disputed election, with demonstrators accusing the government of rigging and suppressing opposition voices.

Human rights groups claim security agencies used excessive force, resulting in deaths, abductions, and beatings. Martha Karua, a human rights activist, stated that Tanzania is undergoing a "democratic re-awakening moment" and urged regional bodies to intervene and protect citizens' rights. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) also condemned the government's actions, saying protesters were exercising their constitutional rights and must be protected.

The situation remains tense, with reports of internet disruptions, curfews, and military deployment in major cities. The international community, including the European Parliament, has criticized the election as "neither free nor fair" and called for democratic partners to stand firm in defending democracy and human rights.

Kenyans and key lessons learned from Raila Odinga's life and legacy:

1. The power of collective memory: Kenyans are reflecting on their past actions and decisions, acknowledging the impact of their votes and support.

2. Accountability and responsibility: The writer highlights the importance of taking ownership of one's actions, particularly in politics.

3. The danger of propaganda and misinformation: The use of Cambridge Analytica to discredit Raila Odinga serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of propaganda on politics.

4. The value of integrity and authenticity: The writer emphasizes the need for honesty and authenticity in politics, rather than relying on convenient fictions or character assassinations.

5. The importance of supporting leaders who deserve it: Kenyans are mourning not just Raila Odinga, but also the opportunity to support a leader who truly deserved their love and support when it mattered most.

6. Collective catharsis and reflection: The outpouring of love for Raila Odinga serves as a moment for Kenyans to reflect on their values and priorities, and to consider how they can support their leaders and country in a more meaningful way.

These lessons can serve as a reminder for Kenyans and anyone interested in politics and leadership to prioritize integrity, accountability, and authenticity.

Farewell to a towering statesman, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. You embodied the spirit of our people, fearlessly championing the cause of justice, equality, and democracy. Your unwavering commitment to the struggles and aspirations of our nation has left an indelible mark on our collective history. At Centre for Smart Africa & Conflict Research (CSACR), we salute your legacy as a champion of African development, peace, and progress. May your soul rest in peace, Baba 🙏🇰🇪"

CSACR is an independent, non-governmental African think tank and whose purpose is to encourage a wider and more informed awareness of the importance of Africa within the context of international affairs.

CSACR vision is to become the leading think-tank and Centre of excellence for Africa's development research, training and advisory services on issues related to environment & climate change, conflict research & prevention and economic development.

CSACR mission is to encourage the involvement of Africans in national, regional and international development through the use of local knowledge and personal development in order to develop mechanisms that will obtain effective and sustainable results in fight against hunger, poverty, unemployment, conflicts and environmental abuses in Africa.

CSACR activities cover three main programme areas, environment & climate change; conflict Research & prevention and Trade & economic development.

We are therefore advocating for African Solutions to African problems. We welcome you on board for fruitful engagements.

The Community solar gardens in Kenya can help close the equity gap.

Community solar gardens can help close the equity gap Community solar gardens allow a group of households to sign up jointly to use a certain amount of solar power from a large project. They are growing fast.

Smart Technology

Somalia is leapfrogging towards becoming the world's first cashless society, writes Ahmed Mohamed Yusuf CEO of Hormuud Telecom.

Somalia points the way to first cashless society - African Business The launch of a national payments system has allowed Somalia to centralise its digital payments. The country is on the cusp of a digital revolution, with opportunity ripe for the picking.

Happy Easter holidays.

Call for Applications:

The coming information technology revolution in Africa will be a key enabler to expanding economies, financial inclusion, revolutionizing service provision to citizens, and promoting continental free trade. A data-based economy, allowed by such potentials as interoperability, data portability, and trust frameworks presents opportunities to mainstream marginalized populations in the digital economy, as well as expanding the economic pie in the region. At the same time, lax government regulation of digital platforms and technologies provide governments with data and technical tools for surveillance of their citizens, threatening human rights.

The Center for African Affairs and Conflict Research (CAACOR) Digital Identity and National Security in Africa fellowship 2020 Call for Applications. Download the application from our website https://bit.ly/2AeiBV5.