Muldays Mondays The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam II: Qatar,Saudi,Egypt...Who gives a dam?

An homage of colors for all the countries involved

Do you see Qatar? 

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NILE BASIN COUNTRIES AND (OTHER FRIENDS)?

Our countries above are: Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Rwanda, Egypt, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

the nile basin initiative 

An Update from the Nile Basin Initiative on the Great Dam:

“......“I urge member states to take advantage of the solution pathways that have emerged from this forum and build on the networks established. We all have a role to play in ensuring a water secure future in the Nile Basin region and making it a better place for all living beings,”

— The Nile Basin Initiative Secretariat Executive Director, Eng. Innocent Ntabana, October 2017

To learn more about, The Nile Basin Initiative and their role in Water Security and Scarcity 

Well that escalated quickly. It appears tensions have escalated quite a bit between Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Qatar. Yup, Qatar the country that seems to ooze the kind of wealth, we mere mortals could not even imagine because we are poor and useless.

“Yo! Keep your shit far away from us, because we have our own problems

”

— Qatar to all Nile States

Before we go any further, did you read the first part? Catch up 

So, Ethiopia is still not giving any $%&*@, they are going through with their Grand Renaissance Dam. This is the Ethiopia that is admired, take no bull approach to fighting for their narratives and spaces. I should also point out here that Ethiopia is doing exactly what China does to feed all those billions of folks at home. To understand some of the woes, read below on China re-creating dams and redirecting Water and the impact of this to India.

The difference between Ethiopia and China would be the openness to discuss all issues related to the dam

IS THE DAM REALLY THAT BAD OF AN IDEA?

There were initially concerns from Egypt and Sudan that the creation of the Dam will take away from sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, but Sudan is now on “Team Great Dam” as you read from our last post.

Sudan has played the role of mediator between Egypt and Ethiopia. I should point out Sudan has signed quite a few deals  with Ethiopia and stands to benefit from tremendous hydroelectric power. 

“We do not want your dam, it poses Water Security issues ”

— Egypt Tears and Feelings that are filling the Nile

From the Genesis of the Dam to current day, Egypt has made it clear, it does not want the creation of this dam. It does not want to halt building the damn, it simply wants to scrap it away. Egypt has gone as far, has threating to start a war with Ethiopia over the dam.  

The talks between Egypt and Ethiopia is just.....

“99 Problems but a Dam ain’t one”

— Mr. Sean Carter, but you may refer to him as Jigga

THERE IS JUST TO MUCH GOING ON......

Sudan and Egypt have trust issues that are all centered on the ongoing South Sudan War. President Omar al-Bashir has the belief that Egypt gives weapons to South Sudan tthat keeps the war going. 
 

COLONIAL COMPLICATIONS & FALSE LABELS

Egypt and Sudan have issues at home and in West Asia or the "Middle East". 

“I have a dream one day, continents will be judged for their continent status and not political relationships. West Asia not Middle East
”

— Water & Cassava

So you recall that Saudi Arabia and Friends cut diplomatic ties with Qatar because of their support for terrorism. All soughts of irony and it would be funny if the B.S was not getting people killed.
 

Do you know this ABBA SONG...... 

SAUDI ARABIA & SUDAN

BUT IN 2014....

SUDAN & QATAR

Qatar clearly wants to know Sudan more with that $70 million "investment" to Sudan.  

 Hala'ib Triangle 

This is another big issue between Egypt and Sudan that has lasted from 1899-Current Day

“OH GOD, WHY IS IT THIS MESSY???”

— Water & Cassava

Just watch

BACK TO SUDAN AND SAUDI

It is fair to conclude that it very awkward between Saudi and Qatar with repect to Sudan and Egypt.

Sudan is playing or trying to play mediator between Saudi Arabia and Qatar… 

“Oh SHIT this is to funny, I am in tears. You see the problems with labels and how they confuse folk?”

— Water & Cassava

But

“One of my parents once told me not to ever confuse tolerance with acceptance.
Sudan that comment was for you…
Bashir you don’t have the Madiba Effect or Diplomacy, so sit DOWN….Wait are you not suppose to be in the international court???….

You are not a Arab Brother because of a language and a religion is....YOU ARE AFRICAN , AFRICAN BEFORE ANYTHING”

— Water & Cassava

SUDAN AND EYGPT (PETTINEESS)
Sudan has banned all agriculture and animal imports to Egypt
 

Egypt has banned sudan journalist and Sudan has place travel restrictions.

THE SECOND POINT OF THE DAM MADNESS: CHINA

It seems like the norm to any development in Africa must include China. China spotted $1.2 billion to Ethiopia but still the country seems to be pulling off the unimaginable. The Dam still has a way to go, it takes 5-10 years for a full dam to operate. 
 

SO WHY WOULD EGYPT THINK ETHIOPIA GOT FUNDING FROM QATAR?

.......Ethiopia denies receiving funding from Qatar to build The Renaissance Dam

EGYPT AND THREATS

“Egypt president Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi issued a stern warning to Ethiopia over the mega dam  saying “water is a matter of life or death.” and that “No one can touch Egypt’s share of water.””

— All Bark and no Bite

Until next Mulday or if the Dam is destroyed

Muldays-Mondays : The Mythical Water Reptilians of Egypt and Korea

Over a month ago, we looked at the Mer-Ladies of Asia & Africa. We discussed the importance of Folk & Mythology and why such stories are important. Would you like to understand the importance of the uninterrupted imagination? Visit our Mul-Mondays entry on the Merladies of Asia and Africa. 

“Water is an intrinsic part of most spiritual beliefs...its spiritual and healing properties are seen in rites and rituals; and its representations are as numerous as they are diverse. These different.....[cultural aspects of water reflect the vast array of civilizations that have made water the central element in their practices]. ”

— UNESCO Water and World Views

So often African and Asian Folklore and Mythology gets lost in narratives and popular culture. 

SOBEK, "CROCODILE EGYPTIAN GOD"

Sobek offspring of Neith, Set and Khnum. Yes, all three siblings created him!! The Egyptian Gods have nothing on the ancient Mesopotamian Gods and their constant lack of sexual boundaries. He was worshipped and respected as the creator of the Nile. He was the God of Birth, Rebirth, and fertility.

He is depicted as a crocodile or a crocodile headed man. He was a complicated God, because based on the time-period and region of Egypt, he was either respected or feared. He also appears in the Book of the Dead, anytime you guest star in that book, well you are not remembered for love. Speaking of love, Sobek was also viewed as a protective God and he was respected in the underworld as he protected the dead from Set's wrath. Sobek was not know for his patience, something he shares with his friend in Korea.

“Sobek in crocodile form laid eggs on the Nile banks, thus starting creation as we know it....”

— Egyptian Mythology from a long time ago

“Depending on who is telling the story, Sobek and the Egyptian God Amen are the same people. Oh you didn’t know Amen was a God?”

— Water & Cassava

Temple of Sobek

Sobek

IMUGI, IMOOGI 이무기

이무기 are very old serpants that come from Korean Folklore and Mythology. In the development and growth of dragons, 이무기 is the first stage and dragon is the last stage. 이무기 stay under cold water for 1,000,000 years in order to become a dragon. They also do not breath fire but create storms from their roars. The sight of  이무기 means good luck. 

WORLD KINDNESS DAY......

On behalf of everyone here, Happy World Kindness Day! Depending on your location this is a week event.

See you next Mulday

Public Health Wednesdays(PHW): The F* Word, African Sexual Liberties & "Medical Diplomacy"

THE THREE  F WORDS IN GLOBAL HEALTH
 

“Superpower & Great Power States maintain a hold on Africa with the three F words: Food, Foreign Aid and F&*%$#@”

— Water & Cassava

...ONLY SEX POSITIVITY HERE... 

Learn the basics on how to use a male condom correctly. Male condoms are inexpensive, easy to find, not hard to use (a little instruction never hurts, though!) and really, really effective against HIV, chlamydia and a host of other sexually transmitted infections when used consistently and correctly.

FC2 female condom Animation - English

For any questions, concerns on safe sex including testing, go here:

..African queeer resources on sexual health

....AFRICAN QUEER FACES AND THIER NARRATIVES 

---

MEDICAL DIPLOMACY

The violated and invaded spaces of African Sexual Liberties through the disguise of governance and aid in the name of “medical diplomacy” feeds the diet made of “Diplomacy of Dependency” of African states.
F f$%^&*# is part of health, just like the importance of a balanced meal, limiting alcohol or avoiding it in your diet, making sure to be active at least 30 minutes out of the day and so much more. I had a professor once tell me, once you hear or read “politics” or “security” in front or behind the word, the B.S is coming: Water Security, Food Security, and Global Health Security. It should be told, the person that uses this term to create any policy is the bullshitter!

“Never forget, any forms of medical diplomacy through “foreign aid” by the helping country is just a branding tool in their soft power to the “sick country”. ”

— Water & Cassava

International Health Cooperation for purposes of extending help (real health diplomacy) in health strategies are nothing new in the conversation of foreign policy. Europe was forced to incorporate such health strategies in their attempts of dealing with cholera and the plague. The International Sanitary Conference took place in Paris on July 23, 1851, this will be the beginning of Global Health corporation. 

“The motivation behind medical diplomacy or health diplomacy, is the ambition towards soft power or smart power to those that can wheel it on the global stage”

— Water & Cassava

THE HIGH AND THE LOW OF IT ALL.....

Foreign Policy discussions on health was at the low end of the pole like:

 “Graffiti is considered Art for some (Low Art by those with money) but paintings by Salvador Dali is considered not just high art, it is complex art”.

The game changer for health (low politics) vs (high politics) was the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It would forever change the language and corporation efforts towards global health security. In additions, the ability for actors to weaponize viruses presented new woes as bioterrorism. This moved health from the bottom of the pole(low politics) to the top of the pole “high politics” now known as foreign policy.  

Do you remember the “great global concerns” “the health security risks” of the Ebola virus? Did you see the praises Nigeria received on their approach to keep Ebola away?

Pay attention to the language in  8:05-:07

The Ebola virus has so far killed more than 2,800 people in West Africa, with the majority of deaths in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. But nearby Nigeria has been able to spread its message about the disease -- what it is, where to report it, how to prevent it -- with more success.

“The Econmics of Ebola was a powerful deterrent to stoping the spread of Ebola... Oh and Global Health Security”

— Water & Cassava

The Brookings Institute speaks on the economics behind Ebola

CDC

There is a very strange interest in spaces below the equator line with regards to family planning and sexual liberties with actors that range from religious spaces, NGOs and governments.  These actors occupy spaces in Africa and manipulate “STD/STI concerns” as a tool to control the people. 

Again, why not help build condom factories and leave resources to help combat the issue? It would cost less and make fiscal sense on every caring actor's budget.

Their presence rubs raw to our issues and concerns and these morph to problems in our already fragile-complex spaces. Sing it loud and proud, Come together right now....

Ike & Tina Turner - Come together 1971 Original by The Beatles, released 1969

THE STORY OF THE CONDOM

EGYPT

5000 years ago, the first documented condom was in Africa. Africans have always understood family planning and understand the need to protect the body from STD's/STI's. We also understood that not every sexual experience must result to a child.

Where was Europe 5000 years ago in the discussion of sexual liberties? We know that the state of war was the norm. We know that in all this barbarism and pillaging of lands and tribes, there was just no room to contribute on sexual liberties. Ah yes!! The roman soldiers did use sex as a way to build cohesion in their military units. No judgement here, War is seductive.

In Asia, Japan used condoms before Giacomo Girolamo Casanova shocked and was celebrated for his sexual liberties!

This a linen condom from ancient egypt. 

Vintage condom container from 1929. ..Wonder why Ramses?

They've been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt. See where condoms started and you'll appreciate how far they have come. One more reason to never go without one.

OPPRESSION  OF AFRICAN SEXUAL LIBERTIES IN THE NAME OF: AID & GOVERNANCE:

The addiction to aid that African countries simply cannot detox from by their former European colonial dealers is not going unnoticed by some very old friends. While Japan and Korea give money towards combatting HIV/AIDS, China gives condoms. 

This is not always a good idea because of quality and frankly size. 

The colonized penis and vagina is on the backdrop of a colonial framework that only saw our sexuality as primitive and barbaric. Please understand that for African women and men, it has stood for 500 centuries that our diet is made of pure white virginity or monkey savage black as tar hypersexuality. 
It is documented that African men were subjugated to extreme violence from their masters and were forced to apply sexual violence on women because they were not viewed as humans but working domesticated animals.

Africans, Indigenous Americans, and Asian people were housed in human zoos found in the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium from 1835-Late 1940s. Wealthy white men could touch “the exotic creatures” and of course have that barbaric jungle sex.

 Sarah Baartman 

 A young Khoisan woman that was enslaved and sexually exploited from modern day South Africa. She is a testimony to the colonized state of African genitals. Sarah was known for her large buttocks a result steatopygia and beautiful elongated genitals.

“Accumulation of large amounts of fat on the buttocks. This is normal!”

— Steatopygia

After her death, her brain and genitals were put up for display in French museums  like Musée de l'Homme until 1975. It was in 2002, that the French government gave her body back at the request of then President Mandela begging and pleading.

“ Her skeleton is very well cared for here because we never know what science will be able to tell us in the future. If she is buried, this chance will be lost... for us she remains a very important treasure”

— Musée de l'Homme, Philippe Mennecier, Assistant curator

Her body was used for racist distorted justifications in academia and literature that claimed African women were related more to monkeys than humans. 

“Our beauty is like to that of a monkey! In the name of black Jesus byway of Marcus Garvey, we pray that you rebuke those white lies!!!”

— Water & Cassava

There is a western hegemony on theory, academia and sexual narratives that dominate our current conversations, academia or popular culture around sexuality. This  by design is not empowering to African people but damaging to the African ontology. 

After, The Atlantic & Indian Ocean Holocaust, The Aftermath for African diaspora people in the Americas and Europe, Colonial Africa, Apartheid Regime, and the systematic oppression throughout these spaces …

“Do Africans truly understand and celebrate their sexual liberties without colonial guilt?”

— Water & Cassava

Think about this…

 We are not even allowed to question the questions behind our colonized sexual expressions and sexual liberties. Medical OR Health diplomacy are such pressing issues in Africa yet with all that aid, I do not see condom factories but condom distributions.

Our sex is brutally policed, I mean you do not think those condoms reach everyone right? You do not really believe applied public health is truly used in our spaces like we see in western spaces, right? In my early years of applied public health, my employer (uncle sam) allowed for funding to teach people the sexy in “cheeking condoms”.

African Sexual ontology is fluid and more open-minded than that of the former colonial masters, despite the alternative truths that circulate around this topic. 

“Africa is responsible for the entire existence of the human population as we know it today. How can anyone even suggest that sexual liberties, diverse sexual orientation, gender, fluidity in human sexuality would be a new concept?”

— Water & Cassava

Tuareg & Sexuality

As you read this, understand they are Muslim! These women are and have always enjoyed their sexual liberties. 

THAT JUNGLE SEX, THAT JUNGLE FEVER

What in the entire $%&* makes white colonial spaces believe that our sex is barbaric, unnatural, jungle like, dirty even immoral and unholy? Stop playing games, our sex is so holy that we birth the planet. 

There is romantic white vanilla softness that is praised with whites and their sexuality. We are not allowed to bask in our shea butter African sexuality in peace. We as Africans have our own traditions, practices and scholarships in sexuality that are wide and diverse.

Whitewashing of everything that comes from anything below the equator is the norm. Constant alternative truths and taking away contributions of the co called "other" in western distorted narratives even deceives good people out here that the vanilla spice is white. 

To understand why you think it is white, no fault to you. I tell you the colonized state is a disease, it even colonizes your stomach!

To understand more about the Theif that stole from our brother Edmond Albius:

This entry is about sexual liberties, so I should mention the queerness that is vanilla.  The vanilla plant is hermaphroditic by nature.

                THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

1500 years and you are still not holy! Carry on

On the plane returning from his journey to Africa Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, Pope Francis spoke about condoms as a method of preventing the spread of disease, saying that the Church was faced with a perplexity of whether to follow the fifth commandment (Thou shalt not kill) "or that sexual relations are open to life."

 PHILIPPINES PRIEST & “ALTERNATIVE CATHOLICISM

PEDOPHILIA, EPHEBOPHILIA & THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

HIV+ PRIEST THAT RAPE CHILDREN & THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

A catholic priest in Mexico was accquited and forgiven by the church after raping 30 young girls despite knowing he was HIV+. The kicker here, he was forgiven by the church. 

That is the Catholic Church on sex!  They are killing African men and women by making it clear condoms are not holy. I wonder what about the videos you just watched scream "HOLY". The church and to be clear, places of worship should not be given a platform of any to dictate legislature in health-related policies directly or indirectly.  They are more than welcome to be part of positive community engagement in public health education.

AFRICAN SEXUALITY: DID YOU KNOW?

1. We have special “aunties” or “older female relatives” in many African countries that offer marital advice before your special day. I am not speaking about making: Ugali, Jellof rice or Tajine. I am talking about SEX. These women are so legendary that you only know them on a need to know basis. #vipstatus

2. Chinamwali session from Zambia

You are so welcome!

 3. Labia Elongation (Nothing to do with FTM)

RUBBER TREES & CONDOM FACTORIES IN AFRICA

Top Rubber Producers in Africa

Liberia
Nigeria
Zaire
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
Central Africa
Ghana
Mali
Congo

None of these countries have condom factories because that would really be “medical diplomacy”. Outside of this fact, out of 1.2 billion Africans majority of condoms in Africa are either donated or from western manufacturers. There are less than 20 condom plants in Africa and less than half of these factories would be up to standards as you saw on the video. 

An average condom factory should produce 160 million condoms a year, operating 24 hours a day with staff from the business sector, social media sector, science sector and technology sector.

Anyone willing to help?

FYI: There is a current  shortage of roughly over 450 million condoms in Africa. 

.....MEANWHILE IN ASIA AND EUROPE...

The world’s largest condom maker is based in Malaysia. Malaysia is a top rubber producing country in Southeast Asia. However, it has decided to contribute to their public health narrative by designing and manufacturing their own condoms.

JAPAN SEXUAL LIBERITES: MEET ERICA

Japan's population decline could be the biggest humanity has ever seen. Adam Yamaguchi went to Japan to learn how they're looking to robots to prop up their dwindling numbers, and maybe even redefine what being "human" means.

FOUNDATION FOR RESPONSIBLE ROBOTS

You can catch the conference that looks at robots & human sexuality and what the future looks like:

To read the latest report on robot behavior and sex:

 Until next PHW!!

Muldays Mondays The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: Egypt, Oh Egypt! Isn't Sharing Caring?

Just how it works

What is Hydropower?
Simply, it is electricity generated from moving water. It is also one of the oldest power sources, we have on our big blue planet. Watch this video below to learn more!

Africa's Largest Hydro Power Plant. 

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam at completion will be the largest hydro-power source in Africa. The Dam will be powered by the Blue Nile River.

“Sharing is caring...”

— But Who Said I Cared? Egypt are you there?

.....About Egypt and The Nile.......

The Blue Nile River for Egypt is a vital organ and part of the country's identity. I mean honestly, would Egypt be EGYPT without the Blue Nile River? Ancient Egypt thrived on rich fertile vegetation because of the Nile and this allowed for Egypt to be a major key player in not just North Africa but througout the entire continent.

However, this is not quite the case today. 

“Arab Spring calling President Hosni Mubarak .... To soon??”

— Water & Cassava

The Egyptian government has very strong reservations and concerns about the development of the dam. Their reservations must be rightfully considered, as over 90% of all water supply for Egyptians comes from the Nile. They do not envision this creation by the Ethiopians as a tool that can stimulate development and advancement for all Nile Basin Countries.

Egypt points out to signed agreements with all Nile Basin Countries that guarantee them the amount of 55 billion cubic meters of Nile Water per year including veto power on any matters that concern the damn.  Did I forget to mention Egypt wants to honor agreements signed in 1902, 1906, 1929 and 1959.

 

refresher course on african colonialism 101

Egypt gained full independence in 1953 from Great Britain, I mean to argue 1922 would really be insulting to the fact that in 1922, Egypt was still controlled by the British and they lacked full autonomy.  

The other Nile Basin Countries and year of independence:  

Rwanda(62)
Burundi(62)
 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)(60)
Tanzania(61)
Kenya(63)
Uganda(62),
Sudan(56)
Ethiopia(Independent since year 0). 

“Can you appreciate, why the other nations might think Egypt is full of Sugar Honey Ice Tea?”

— Water & Cassava ... Wondering, Why the colonial past won't stay in the past?

Now let us be honest, the last three Egyptian presidents were not exactly focused on Africa or Water security laws. 

Hosni Mubarak, Oh Where do I begin with you papa? Oh wait you are Arab right? I mean, how dare I call you an African?

Mohamed Morsi, you actually considered attacking Ethiopia with weapons!! So to stop her ambition from building the dam. I am not to sure if there are enough profane words to describe that situation. 

Ah yes, current President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ! I will give you credit for understanding the tact in diplomacy. Readers this one here has started a "River Nile" is ours campaign throughout the continent. He traveled to Tanzania, Gabon, Chad and Rwanda to complain. So the next move will be someone from the west. Then the final straw, pleading your case to powerful global north spaces, as the the entire global community pleads with you. Well played Sir, well played...

To understand his campaign efforts, go here

 

“Did you know 60% of the Nile comes from Ethiopia?”

— Petty, yup we all are

The population of Egypt is growing very fast and a huge majority stay in the Nile but you would think an investment in the public health sector would come in handy right now. Even with the colonialist agreement, Egypt currently receives only 660 cubic meters a person.  Clearly with a population of 95 + million, we can conclude there are people clearly lacking access to water. Egypt must admit dropping the ball with the Nile due to widespread inefficiency, pollution and waste.

There is also Lake Nasser that has more than enough of water for the people of Egypt in addition to Nile. 

 EGYPT NO LONGER A RESPECTED REGIONAL PLAYER

Egypt no longer enjoys a strong regional influence as it once did in North Africa or the continent. Egypt is still dealing with the aftermath of the Arab Spring and there are a host of other pressing concerns. The current President of Egypt is working on building regional power throughout Africa. However it faces fierce competition with next door neighbor Morocco. If you would like to know, just how Morocco is using soft power and influence, please read our last entry. 

BUT FROM ETHIOPIA'S POINT OF VIEW?

The country has invested over $4 billion in this project, Did I mention that employees took a slice in their paycheck, just to make this possible?

“Colonial Law: Hello Ethiopia, can we talk?
Ethiopia: $%^@ you and your talk
Colonial Law: Okay, let’s catch up say in 2017?
Ethiopia: $%^@ you today, tomorrow and another century from now

”

— Water & Cassava

SUDAN, THE PEACEMAKER?

Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir is a very smart man. Instead of barking and the other b word, he is now the peacemaker of this wonderful example of Africa Corporation in the dialogue of Water Security.

Yes, I forgot to mention, he wants to create a free economic zone which does not really include the other basin countries. 

He is also not willing to share the details of just how this would work. Continuously, all three players say the following after every meeting to the media, "The talks were great and The talks were productive". 

There is a positive note to all of this bickering. What B word did you think I was referring to? The countries that surround the Nile River are part of the Nile Basin Initiative. On October 23rd- 25th 2017, all of these countries shall meet and discuss moving forward on the dam and also for the the sake of International Corporation.  To learn more on the NBI:

“We forgot to mention, Egypt has been absent from the NBI for about 7 years. It is fair to say talks will be tense”

— Water & Cassava

Read the article below to understand more on Egypt's absence. 

Until next Mulday!

.