Soccer in Mogadishu

What to keep in mind...

Always remember to forget the things that made you sad
But never forget to remember the things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue
But don’t forget to remember those that have stuck by you.

Always remember to forget the troubles that have passed away
But never forget to remember the blessings that come each day.

(Sent to me by a friend. Don't know who the author is.)

New South Sudan minister of finance freezes govt accounts

The corruption saga goes on. Now the new finance minster has frozen the government accounts of GOSS. We just have to wait and see how things turn out. The only consolation is that when people see that GOSS is really serious about tackling corruption, they may think twice before considering playing.

Gabriel Changson Cheng was a founding member of Ivory Bank, the first bank instituted by South Sudanese. Unfortunately, the bank was terribly bogged down by corruption that almost cost its closure! Will Cheng deliver now as finance minister?

Olympic Genocide and Darfur

China came out blasting. It is to be expected when calls are being made for the world to boycott the Olympis Games over their policy in Darfur. Are these people really serious in making such huge unprecedented moves?

Itis like the world is pinning its only hope in ending the crisis in Darfur on China. Instead of engaging it more constructive, such calls labeling the 2008 games as "Oympic Genocide" by actress Mia is by far too extreme.

But still we live in a world of hypocresy and bullying, where the big call the shots.

Sudanese football and the African Cup of Nations

I have always find it a big shame that Sudan, a founding member of the Confideration of African Football that organizes the African Nations Cup, has never participated since 1976. There is no doubt that Sudanese are passionate about the sport.

What usually caused our poor performance are interference in team selections that are biased. There is no programme for seeking talent among the youth. Shamefully, most sports arenas are run down and has bad pitch. (El Marriekh and Hilal FC has good stadia, admittedly compared to the National stadium!)

So has there time come to make it to the next African Nations Cup 2008 finals ? Our coach thinks so. I am wishing him luck!

I do . . .

World's tallest man gets married.

South Sudan arrests minister of finance over corruption

Thumbs up for VP Salva Kiir. Aluta continua.

Khartoum police, Darfur former rebels clash

The Darfur fighting has come to town . . . I was following closely the developments of the fighting between Minawi's forces and the police. It is a clear indication of the tension between the former rebels and the government, the severity of the degree of mistrust.

No matter who was responsible, the police should have known better instead of being trigger happy. The Khartoum police are notorious for fuelling these kinds of tensions. There have been several such attacks between former SPLA forces in Khartoum and the police over the flimsiest of issues. They lack the power to diffuse tensions. Whether intensionally or not, it does not add to trust.

Meanwhile, Khartoumers have to brace themselves for more of the same . . .

419 email scam

I have been getting these kinds of emails in my inbox for quiet a long time. I just wonder how people fall for these kind of scam.

FROM THE DESK OF MR. IBRAHIM RASHEED,

THE BILL AND EXCHANGE MANAGER

AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING UNIT.

FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPT.

BANK OF AFRICA (BOA)

ANNEX OUAGA-BURKINA FASO.

I am IBRAHIM RASHEED, the manager in charge of auditing and accounting unit foreign remittance department of bank of africa (BOA)ouaga-burkina faso in west Africa.With due respect and regards I have decided to contact you on a business
transaction that will be very beneficial to both of us at the end of the transaction ,

During our investigation and auditing in the bank, my department came across a very huge sum of money belonging to a deceased person, a foriegner who died in a plane crash and the fund has been dormant in his account with the bank without any claim of the fund in our custody either from his family or relation before my discovery to this development,Although personally, I kept this information
secrete within myself and to enable the whole plans and idea be profitable and successful during the time of execution.

The amount involved is (us$9,210.000.00) (Nine Million Two Hundred And Ten Thousand United State Dollars ). Meanwhile, all the whole arrangement and directives needed to put claim over this fund as the next of kin to the deceased, Upon your acceptance all the information will be forward to you as soon as you indicate your interest and willingness to assist me and also benefit your self to this great business opportunity,In fact, I could have done this deal alone but because of my position in this country as a civil servant,we are not allowed to operate a foriegn account and would eventually raise an eye brow on my side during the time of transfer because I work in this bank, this is the actual reason why it will require a second party or fellow who will forward claims as the next of kin with affidavit of trust of Oath to the bank and also present a foriegn account where you will need the said fund to be transferred into, after due verification and clarification to designated bank account,I will not fail to inform you that this transaction is 100% risk free,

On smooth conclusion of this transaction, you will be entitled to 40% of the total sum as ratification, while 10% will be set aside to take care of expenses that may arise during the time of transfer such as telephone bills etc,While 50% will be for me.Please you have been adviced to keep top secret as I am still in service and intend to retire from service after I conclude this deal with you, I will be monitoring the whole situation here in the bank until you confirm the money in your account and ask me to come down there for subsequent shearing of the fund according to percentages previously indicated and further investment,either in your country or any other country you may advice me to invest in. All other necessary information will be sent to you when I hear from you, I suggest you get back to me as soon as possible, stating your wish in this deal.

Yours Sincerely

IBRAHIM RASHEED

There is nothing authentic about in the letter. With all the ramblings in poorly punctuated, spelt and composed English, I wonder how they catch their prey. But it happens. Be warned.

UN envoy barred from Darfur camp

The Sudanese government don't cease to amaze at every opportunity. This latest move barring the top UN envoy from visiting the refugee camps in Darfur will do nothing to ease the tension.

I just could not understand the political move. They could just have refused him visa from the start.