Podcasts about bambari

C'est une information RFI. En Centrafrique, le pouvoir dit formellement « oui » à un dialogue politique avec l'opposition avant la présidentielle de décembre prochain. Le 30 mars, le président Faustin-Archange Touadéra a dit à demi-mot qu'il entrouvrait la porte à ce dialogue. Le 4 avril, il a autorisé dans les rues de Bangui une manifestation de l'opposition du BRDC, le Bloc républicain pour la défense de la constitution. Et ce lundi matin, son ministre-conseiller spécial Fidèle Gouandjika confirme officiellement qu'il y aura un dialogue politique entre le pouvoir et l'opposition. Avec qui et sur quels sujets ? En ligne de Bangui, Fidèle Gouandjika répond aux questions de Christophe Boisbouvier. RFI : le 4 avril dernier, l'opposition a organisé à Bangui une manifestation que vous aviez d'abord interdite et que vous avez finalement autorisée. Est-ce le signe d'une décrispation politique ? Fidèle Gouandjika : c'est le ministre de l'Intérieur qui a pris de son côté, sans aviser le Conseil des ministres et qui a interdit cette manifestation. Et le président de la République a tapé du poing sur la table et a instruit le ministre de l'Intérieur d'accorder au BRDC, le Bloc républicain pour la défense de la constitution, leur marche. Et donc, je pense que c'est un signe continuel de décrispation parce que le président a toujours tendu la main à l'opposition dite démocratique.En décembre dernier, le président Touadera a exhorté les opposants à faire preuve de maturité politique, sous-entendu à ne pas boycotter l'élection de décembre prochain. Mais est-ce que cet appel à la raison ne serait pas mieux entendu si vous donniez votre accord à l'ouverture d'un dialogue politique ? Le président de la République vient de marquer son accord pour l'organisation d'un dialogue politique avec le B RDC. Mais le président de la République ne va pas s'asseoir avec les leaders de l'opposition démocratique autour d'une même table pour faire ce dialogue. Parce que ces opposants-là ne sont pas à son niveau. C'est le gouvernement qui sera appelé à les entendre et certainement d'autres institutions républicaines qui vont s'asseoir avec eux pour discuter de cette affaire-là.Donc, il y aura un dialogue politique entre le gouvernement et l'opposition du BRDC, le Bloc républicain pour la défense de la Constitution ?Bien sûr ! Il faut bien dire que quatre leaders de l'opposition demandent à ce que l'on revienne à la constitution de 2016. Mais c'est une aberration, monsieur le journaliste ! On a vu ça dans quel pays du monde ?Et au niveau du gouvernement, qui pourrait participer à ce nouveau dialogue politique ?On attend du BRDC les points qu'ils vont soulever pour que le gouvernement s'attelle déjà sur ces points-là.L'une des requêtes de l'opposition, ce sont des élections inclusives. Et est-ce qu'au terme de ce dialogue politique, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé, Crépin Mboli Goumba et Dominique Yandocka, qui sont actuellement binationaux, pourront être candidats ? Mais la seule condition, c'est qu'ils renoncent à leur nationalité [non centrafricaine] le plus rapidement possible pour qu'ils restent dans le délai pour briguer la magistrature suprême de l'État. C'est simple, prenez l'exemple du Sénégal, de la Côte d'Ivoire, du monde entier.Donc oui à un dialogue politique ? Eh bien, le Président a marqué son accord et on verra peut-être que c'est Fidèle Gouandjika qui conduira les pouvoirs publics comme d'habitude. Et on verra.Donc, vous pourriez diriger la délégation du gouvernement dans ce future dialogue politique ?J'en ai la capacité et les compétences.Si Faustin-Archange Touadera se représente au mois de décembre prochain et se fait réélire, est-ce que vous ne craignez pas que plusieurs opposants, comme Martin Ziguélé, ne dénoncent « la présidence à vie d'un Bokassa sans empire » ?Le BRDC fait son opposition dans les chancelleries occidentales. Ils tiennent leurs réunions au Café de Paris. Il s'agit d'une élection inclusive. Il ne s'agit pas d'une présidence à vie. Il ne s'agit pas d'un Bokassa sans empire. Ça, c'est insulter la mémoire de Bokassa. Et voilà.Alors vous dites que l'opposition fait ses réunions dans les chancelleries occidentales et à Paris. Mais cette opposition réplique que vous êtes sous la tutelle du groupe russe Wagner, qui pille les ressources minières de la République centrafricaine et notamment la grande mine d'or proche de Bambari !!! Ça, c'est un disque rayé. Vous savez très bien que la République centrafricaine a signé une convention militaire et économique avec la Fédération de Russie et que les Wagner ont sauvé la démocratie de la République centrafricaine en évitant un coup d'État qui pouvait engendrer un génocide. Et nous ne sommes pas sous tutelle de Wagner. La Russie viendra avec nous. Nous allons commencer à exploiter nos richesses minières, notre pétrole et comme ça, la République centrafricaine sera dans un temps à moyen terme un pays émergent.Donc votre principal allié reste la Russie ?Mais nous avons la Russie, nous avons la Chine, nous avons les États-Unis, nous avons les pays arabes, nous avons le Rwanda, nous avons tous les pays de l'Afrique et nous avons encore la France qui cherche à revenir par la petite porte, qui invite çà et là le président Touadera et qui pense qu'elle peut corrompre le président Touadera. Non, non, non, nous avons les yeux ouverts. À lire aussiCentrafrique: la surpopulation des prisons inquiète, notamment dans la centrale de NgaragbaÀ lire aussiCentrafrique: «Le président Touadéra doit respecter son serment, il n'y a pas de troisième mandat qui tienne»

À Bangui, une première entreprise de transformation de jus à base de fruits naturels locaux tels que la mangue, l'ananas, le gingembre, l'orange ou encore la pastèque a vu le jour. Jus Yourice, créée il y a trois ans par une jeune entrepreneuse de manière très artisanale, est devenue une entreprise semi-industrielle à la fin de l'année dernière. Dès les premières heures de la matinée, Naomie Persévérance et son équipe de dix personnes sont déjà au travail. Pour entrer dans cette usine de Bangui, capitale de la Centrafrique, les mesures d'hygiène s'imposent. Tout le monde a l'obligation d'enlever ses chaussures, de mettre des gants et un masque. Assise sur un banc devant une bassine, Dorcas, l'une des ouvrières, procède au triage des fruits.« Nous travaillons avec un réseau d'agriculteurs qui nous approvisionne en fruits. Ici, le processus de fabrication de la boisson se fait en cinq grandes étapes : le traitement de l'eau, la réception des matières premières, la fabrication des jus, l'embouteillage et l'expédition des produits finis. C'est ce qui me permet de prendre en charge ma famille. J'ai un contrat de 100 000 francs CFA. »Formation au SénégalÂgée de 32 ans, Naomie Persévérance Magalamon a suivi sa formation dans une entreprise de fabrication de jus naturels au Sénégal et sur internet. De retour à Bangui, la jeune entrepreneuse a décidé de lancer son affaire sur fonds propres : « Si on dépense au minimum 300 000 francs CFA, on peut faire une marge de 100 000 à 125 000 francs CFA de bénéfices. Par mois, nous produisons 2 000 bouteilles, l'équivalent de 100 casiers et un casier coûte 9 000 francs CFA ». Un argent réintroduit dans le fonctionnement de l'entreprise, le paiement des salaires et les investissements.« J'en prends trois ou quatre fois dans la semaine et en un mois, je peux en consommer une vingtaine de fois. Ça fait partie de ma culture de consommer ce jus naturel fait par une centrafricaine », explique Anis Zowé, un jeune homme qui fait partie des nombreux consommateurs séduits par l'initiative de Naomie.Recyclage des emballagesLes jus Yourice sont commercialisées sur tous les marchés de Bangui et dans quelques villes de provinces à l'exemple de Berberati, Bouar ou encore Bambari. « Les clients potentiels sont les particuliers, les services traiteurs, les bars, les stations services et les boulangeries, qui achètent et revendent nos produits, détaille l'entrepreneuse centrafricaine. Pour l'instant, en Centrafrique, on ne fabrique pas d'emballages. Nous recyclons les petits modèles de bouteilles de Heineken et de Desperado. On les lave et on les stérilise pour notre utilisation. »Difficile encore pour l'entrepreneure de gérer les périodes creuses, entre les récoltes de fruits. Cette année, Naomie Persévérance Magalamon souhaite acquérir une grande plantation de fruits à proximité de Bangui. Son objectif à long terme : augmenter sa production afin d'exporter ses jus dans d'autres pays d'Afrique centrale.À lire aussiCentrafrique: prometteur, le commerce des mangues reste encore très artisanal

On March 19th, nine Chinese mine workers were killed by gunmen at a site near the central town of Bambari in the Central African Republic. The attack was condemned by Chinese President, Xi Jinping and the Chinese embassy asked its nationals to not travel outside the capital, Bangui. Attacks against Chinese nationals are becoming common. Earlier this month three Chinese were kidnapped in the west of the country. So, why do these attacks keep happening and can this affect how the Chinese do business in the Central African Republic? Alan Kasujja has been speaking with journalist Tomi Oladipo and Paul Nantulya, who specialises in Chinese security firms.

Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-GeneralThe following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.Good afternoon, everyone.**Secretary-General's TravelsI have travel to announce. Tomorrow morning, the Secretary-General will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of the United States Senate. He accepted an invitation by Senator Patrick Leahy, President pro tempore of the Senate, to meet him and other members of the leadership of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.While on Capitol Hill, the Secretary-General will also meet with the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senators Robert Menendez and James Risch.The Secretary-General will return to New York the same day.**Gender ParityAnd this morning, the Secretary-General provided an update on the fifth anniversary of the Gender Parity Strategy.Speaking to the Group of Friends on the topic, he reiterated that gender parity is a key priority of his second term, adding that it is also a strategic goal for the Organization.The Secretary-General pointed to notable advances achieved in the past five years: gender parity has been reached among the UN's senior leadership two years ahead of the target date; along with parity among heads and deputy heads of peace operations; as well as parity among the 130 Resident Coordinators.The number of UN entities with at least 50 per cent women staff has also risen from five to 26.But, the Secretary-General added, gaps remain. In the field, he said, progress has been slow and in some cases we have gone backwards. Therefore, the next phase of implementing the Gender Parity Strategy will focus on advancing and sustaining progress in the field.His full remarks have been shared with you.**Deputy Secretary-General's TravelsFollowing her trip to the Aspen Ministers Forum in Prague, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is in Geneva today. Upon her arrival, she engaged with officials and staff from around the UN system. At an executive briefing with Member States, the Deputy Secretary-General reflected on the momentum needed to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the unique partnership opportunities for the forthcoming SDG Summit in 2023.During the high-level opening ceremony and dialogue of the 2022 Effective Development Cooperation Summit, she called for collective action for today's challenges, financing and investments in long-term development goals. “Put simply”, she stated, “we need multilateralism that delivers for people and planet”.The Deputy Secretary-General also met with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and with the Swedish State Secretary for Development, Diana Janse, as well as leaders from development organizations, the President and Chairs of the Governing Bodies of Geneva and other distinguished representatives.While at the Summit, she took the opportunity to participate in the UN SDG Action Campaign, which aims to turn division into togetherness and apathy into action.**UkraineTurning to Ukraine: As you know, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, arrived today in the country for a four-day visit. His first stop was Mykolaiv, in southern Ukraine, where he visited a bakery which is owned by a woman. That bakery has remained open throughout the nine months of the war but had to reduce the number of employees from almost 500 to just below 100. Our colleagues from the World Food Programme are supporting the bakery by distributing its loaves to people in Mykolaiv and the front-line city of Kherson.Also today, Mr. Griffiths visited a centre for displaced people. There, he met a family from the Kherson region who fled to Mykolaiv because their village has been under constant bombardment in recent days. They left with nothing but a bag of clothes and now depend on the support that UN agencies, NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and local authorities are providing for them.Also at the same site, Mr. Griffiths heard from many elderly people who shared stories of loss and pain, as well as how humanitarians are helping them.Mr. Griffiths saw how the electricity supply in Mykolaiv, which now hosts just half of its original population of 500,000, is unstable. Water and heating are still not reaching everyone, putting people at risk due to the freezing temperatures.He heard from the Mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkevych, and the Governor of Mykolaiv region, Vitalii Kim, about how the economy of Mykolaiv has been devastated by the war, which has impacted the repair of water, electricity systems and other essential services.We, along with our humanitarian partners, have reached more than half a million people in the Mykolaiv region with aid this year. Most recently, we have provided dozens of generators to hospitals, schools or places for displaced people, like the one Mr. Griffiths visited today.**Children and Armed ConflictAlso travelling today is Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict. She is conducting an official visit in Israel and the State of Palestine until 15 December.The visit is part of the Special Representative's efforts to engage with all parties on the importance of ending and preventing grave violations against children, a call emphasized by the Secretary-General in his latest annual report on children and armed conflict covering the year 2021.**YemenTurning to Yemen, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that on Friday, a group of unidentified men attacked a humanitarian UN convoy in Yemen that was traveling from Seiyoun to Ma'rib.Two security personnel from the escorts accompanying the convoy were killed in the incident, and another four were injured. There were no injuries among the UN personnel traveling in the convoy, which arrived in Ma'rib City safely later that day.This attack is extremely alarming, and indicative of the security challenges faced by the aid operation in Yemen, which supports 10.5 million people with assistance every month.Humanitarian workers must be able to carry out their work safely and without impediments. Actions like these not only put our staff at risk but also negatively impact the people we serve. Humanitarian personnel and assets must not be attacked, and all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid and minimize incidental harm to them.**Central African RepublicWe have an update from the Central African Republic, where today our peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA and the Government signed the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2023-2027. This is our main tool for the planning and implementation of UN activities in-country in support of the 2030 Agenda.Meanwhile, over the weekend, UN peacekeepers and the national defence forces repelled an attack by the Coalition des patriotes pour le changement in Boyo, 90 km north-east of Bambari, in the Ouaka prefecture. The attack took place near a temporary MINUSCA base. A UN vehicle parked inside the base was hit by several bullets; no UN casualties were reported.Following reports of mobilization by the Coalition des patriotes pour le changement in the Vakaga prefecture, the Mission has reinforced its presence in Birao and conducted an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission today.**International DaysToday is International Universal Health Coverage Day, and this year's theme is “Build the world we want: A healthy future for all”. It highlights that to build a safer and healthier future for all, we must strengthen our health systems to ensure they are equitable, resilient and capable of meeting everyone's needs.Also, today is the International Day of Neutrality.**Financial ContributionAnd today, the UN's coffers reached the 140 mark — meaning that 140 Member States have paid their regular budget dues in full.The latest cheque came from the Russian Federation. Spasibo!**Secretary-General's Press ConferenceAnd on a programming note, the Secretary-General will hold an end-of-year press conference in this room at 10 a.m. on Monday, 19 December, so just a short week from now.

Musicien et musicologue franco-algérien, Camel Zekri réuni sur scène deux peuples centrafricains que tout oppose, les Ongo Brotto de Bambari et les Pygmées Aka des forêts. Ensemble, les 7 hommes ont circulé dans toute la France pour jouer et partager leurs musiques hybrides. Une aventure musicale et humaine qui les amène à Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue en Normandie pour un dernier concert au festival des Traversées Tatihou. Raphaël Thomas a rencontré Camel Zekri, qui les accompagne à la guitare et qui est à l'origine de ce projet atypique.

En Centrafrique, un mois, jour pour jour, après les élections présidentielle et législatives, qui ont été perturbées par des violences suscitées par la Coalition des patriotes pour le changement, le pays semble de nouveau avoir été rattrapé par ses vieux démons et se trouve aujourd'hui dans une impasse. C'est en tout cas l'analyse du chercheur et spécialiste de la Centrafrique, Roland Marchal, qui explique qu'aucune force en présence n'est en mesure de gagner militairement. RFI : L’opposition centrafricaine ne reconnaît toujours pas de légitimité à Faustin-Archange Touadéra de diriger le pays alors qu’il a été déclaré vainqueur des élections du 27 décembre. Elle pointe notamment le taux de participation, ainsi que les violences qui ont perturbé son déroulement. Roland Marchal : Le problème est d’abord que vous avez d’abord eu des élections qui se sont tenues dans des circonstances extrêmement difficiles alors que les Nations unies, la Minusca, avaient promis un plan de sécurisation qui a complètement échoué et, comme toujours, quand on échoue, on fait de la surenchère plutôt que de répondre aux questions de base : pourquoi on a échoué ? Pourquoi on n’a pas pu voir les problèmes qui se sont posés les derniers jours avant et pendant l’élection ? Plus de la moitié du corps électoral n’a pas été capable de voter ce jour-là, pas parce qu’il ne voulait pas, mais parce qu’il ne pouvait pas. Donc, cela pose évidemment au-delà du pourcentage de vote qu’a recueilli le président [Faustin-Archange] Touadéra une énorme question sur sa légitimité. Mais il y a la mission de l’ONU en Centrafrique (Monusco), la communauté internationale qui jouent un rôle central en Centrafrique. Est-ce que leur soutien total du coup n’assure pas une légitimité à Faustin-Archange Touadéra ? La légitimité est donnée par la population. Elle n’est pas donnée par la communauté internationale. Je crois que la communauté internationale est prise dans son mode de pensée. Elle pense que c’est soit Touadéra, soit le vide absolu, et comme personne ne veut se retrouver face au vide, on soutient Touadéra. Mais si vous regardez concrètement, vous voyez qu’il y a des différences très fortes. Il y a évidemment des gens et des institutions qui se situent très clairement du côté du président Touadéra, j’ai parlé de Mankeur Ndiaye, on parlerait évidemment de l’ambassadeur du Russie. Je crois qu’il faut aussi mentionner la représentante de l’Union européenne. Mais si vous regardez la position américaine, elle est beaucoup plus critique et de la même façon, les représentants de la CEEAC [Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique centrale] sont également beaucoup plus réservés. D’ailleurs, ils ont appelé immédiatement à la reprise d’un dialogue nécessaire dont ne veut pas le président centrafricain et surtout pas son Premier ministre. Est-ce que ce n’est pas gênant pour la Minusca de se retrouver à combattre notamment aux côtés notamment des paramilitaires russes ? Il y a déjà une inquiétude des pays contributeurs de troupes que les Nations unies ne peuvent pas écarter, parce qu’il est très difficile de trouver des troupes pour l’opération en Centrafrique. La deuxième chose, c’est que d’un point de vue purement technique, le fait est que les forces des Nations unies interviennent avec des règles d’engagement, c’est-à-dire quand ont-ils le droit d’ouvrir le feu, sur qui, dans quelles conditions... qui sont extrêmement strictes, extrêmement codifiées, peut-être trop, certains le pensent. Évidemment, ces règles n’ont rien à voir avec (celles) des troupes en l’occurrence ici russes et rwandaises qui interviennent au nom d’accords bilatéraux entre le gouvernement centrafricain et leurs gouvernements nationaux qui, eux, sont déliés de toutes ces règles-là. Donc, on le voit et on entend des rumeurs de dommages collatéraux significatifs. Ce qui est sûr, c’est que du point de vue des Nations unies, même si on a eu une coordination militaire (avec ces forces russes et rwandaises) dans les premiers jours, il est sûr que ce type de comportement, ce type d’alliance va poser de plus en plus de problèmes et risque également de soulever des questions sur la durée possible de la Minusca puisque, encore une fois, au siège et chez les pays contributeurs de troupes, ce type de comportement est jugé absolument inacceptable. Lorsque la Coalition des patriotes pour le changement (CPC) lance son attaque il y a un peu plus d’un mois, son objectif semble être de rééditer l’attaque des ex-Seleka sur Bangui en 2013 lorsqu’ils ont fait tomber François Bozizé. Cette fois, cette coalition a été stoppée nette par les Forces armées centrafricaines (Faca) et tous leurs alliés. Peut-on dire que le rapport de force est en train de s’inverser en Centrafrique ? Si vous voulez, non. Il s’est inversé à Bangui, comme vous le rappelez très justement. Mais le problème qui se pose, c’est le même problème que Sangaris [opération militaire de l'armée française en Centrafrique de 2013 à 2016] a eu à affronter, que Sangaris a échoué à résoudre, et les autres interventions des pays de la région, la Micopax [Mission de consolidation de la paix en Centrafrique], la Fomac [Force multinationale de l'Afrique centrale], etc., avant. C’est-à-dire que vous êtes face à des mouvements armés qui évidemment dans une bataille frontale peuvent être battus relativement facilement, très facilement même. Par contre, ces groupes armés font des actions de guérilla, voire de guérilla urbaine, attaquent, perdent des gens et quelquefois peut-être même beaucoup de leurs combattants. Les forces russes et rwandaises ont certainement la capacité de reprendre n’importe quelle ville du pays aux rebelles, mais ont-ils la capacité de durer et de garder ces villes très longtemps ? Faut-il se rappeler de toutes ces villes dont les Nations unies annonçaient (qu’elles étaient des villes sans armes, comme Bambari, et qui ont été (ensuite) reprises par un mouvement rebelle très facilement au mois de décembre ?

En Centrafrique, la présidentielle et les législatives du dimanche 27 décembre se sont déroulées dans un contexte de menaces dues à la CPC, une coalition de groupes armés décidée à entraver le vote dans certaines localités. L’abbé Frédéric Nakombo, secrétaire général de la Commission épiscopale Justice et Paix, et chef de mission du Réseau Arc-en-Ciel, effectue une mission d’observation électorale. Il évoque un engouement populaire visible à travers tout le pays, mais qui a été entravé par les menaces et attaques de ces groupes armés. RFI: Le réseau Arc-en-ciel a déployé 121 observateurs de long terme. Il avait prévu de déployer en plus quelque 1 500 de court terme dans tout le pays pour le jour du vote, mais il a dû y renoncer. Pourquoi ? Frédéric Nakombo : Les raisons pour lesquelles les 1 500 observateurs n’ont pas été déployés sont liées à la situation sécuritaire qui était dégradée. Il y a eu un problème de menaces de groupes armés à l’endroit des observateurs qui se déplaçaient pour aller former des observateurs nationaux sur l’étendue du territoire. Eu égard à cette triste réalité, le Réseau Arc-en-Ciel a été obligé de se limiter à 499 observateurs de court terme dans les huit arrondissements de Bangui. Il a tenu compte aussi de ses environs, c’est-à-dire Begoua et Bimbo. Mais vous avez aussi des remontées d’informations de tout le pays… Oui. À Bangui, cela s’est bien passé. Au niveau des préfectures, il y a eu un sérieux problème d’insécurité et la situation est restée instable. Ce que nous avons constaté dans certaines localités, c’est que le vote n’a pas eu lieu parce que des groupes armés sont intervenus pour terroriser la population. Par exemple, à Bambari dans l’est du pays, dans l’extrême Nord-Ouest par exemple, près de la frontière camerounaise, à Bouar, Bozoum, Bocaranga, il y a eu des crépitements d’armes très tôt le matin qui n’ont pas créé un climat favorable pour les élections. Est-ce que vous avez une estimation pour le taux de participation ? Eu égard à cette triste réalité des attaques par le groupe armé et aussi de la situation de psychose créée par ce groupe armé, vous savez qu’à l’heure actuelle, on compte 20 préfectures, sachez que dans la moitié de ces préfectures, les électeurs ont eu affaire aux bureaux de vote. Il faut savoir que la majorité des électeurs à Bangui a voté. Il s’est posé un problème seulement au niveau de l’arrière-pays en province. Et cela veut dire qu’aujourd’hui, nous pouvons estimer au moins que la moitié des électeurs, au moins 50% a voté. Qu’est-ce qui explique, selon vous, la détermination de la population centrafricaine à aller voter comme on l’a vu à Bambari lorsque huit bureaux de vote ont ouvert mardi après-midi après l’arrivée de casques bleus ? Nous sommes au courant de cette triste réalité de la naissance d’une nouvelle rébellion sur le terrain. Aujourd’hui, la population d’une manière générale est déterminée à voter parce que la population ne voudrait plus vivre ces moments douloureux du passé où il y avait la violence, où il y avait des morts. La population dit non à la guerre. La population dit oui à la paix et pour qu’il y ait la paix, la population voudrait qu’on soit dans la logique de l’alternance démocratique. Vous le savez, l’élection présidentielle est nationale, alors que pour les législatives, il y a des circonscriptions locales. Qu’est-ce qui va se passer pour les nombreuses circonscriptions où l’on n’a pas voté ? C’est un problème. C’est vrai que l’élection présidentielle est nationale, et les élections législatives sont locales.  Vous savez, déjà au départ, il se posait un sérieux problème en ce qui concerne la campagne électorale. Une recommandation que nous pouvons faire à l’endroit de l’ANE (Autorité nationale des élections) pour revoir de près cette question des élections législatives pour qu’au moins, la situation soit apaisée et que cela permette aussi à la population des localités d’aller voter pour leurs députés, les députés de leur choix. Est-ce que vous avez des craintes quant à l’acheminement des résultats compilés depuis les zones les plus reculées du pays ? C’est vraiment difficile, parce que là maintenant, les nouvelles que nous avons eues ces derniers temps, beaucoup plus dans la préfecture de Mambéré-Kadeï, à Carnot. Hier déjà, les urnes ont été brûlées. Et la ville est sous contrôle de ces groupes qui sont là, qui font la pluie et le beau temps. Cet après-midi, à Gamboula déjà, les groupes armés sont là. Ils sont allés effectivement pour détruire les urnes. La Minusca est présente. Et je crois que si les urnes sont encore là, c’est parce qu’il y a la présence de la Minusca. Pour le moment, par rapport à la situation, il n’y a que la Minusca qui pourrait se mettre au service de l’ANE pour que les résultats compilés soient acheminés jusqu’à Bangui. Vous l’avez dit vous–même, on a plus ou moins voté dans dix préfectures et très peu dans dix autres, et cela sous la menace des groupes armés. Vous avez parlé d’un taux de participation d’environ 50%. Est-ce que cela ne pourrait pas remettre en cause la légitimité des résultats de ces élections ? L’objectif principal était d’organiser des élections crédibles, des élections démocratiques, des élections libres et apaisées. Malheureusement, la situation dans le pays avec cette crise, je dirais une crise militaro-politique, a fait qu’aujourd’hui, pour une élection apaisée, vous avez vu qu’il n’y a pas de paix en tant que telle, l’élection ayant été menacée. Election libre, c’est vrai qu’il y a eu une partie de liberté, mais vous voyez qu’il y a des gens qui n’étaient pas libres, ils ont été contraints par les groupes armés à faire ce qu’ils ne voulaient pas faire. Il y a eu tout cela qui pose problème. Mais nous attendons peut-être. Après les premiers résultats, on sera en mesure de se prononcer par rapport à ces quatre éléments que j’ai cités ici.

En Centrafrique tout d'abord, élections présidentielles et législatives hier qui se sont déroulées « dans un contexte sécuritaire tendu» rappelle la radio Ndeke Luka. Sur son site, elle dresse un bilan de cette journée et observe que «plusieurs villes n’ont pas eu la chance de participer à ces scrutins. C’est le cas par exemple de Bouar, Bozoum, Bambari, Kaga Bandoro, Kabo, Batangafo, la liste est longue », nous dit Ndele Luka. Le double scrutin perturbé par les groupes armés Une liste au moins partiellement reprise par le RJDH, le Réseau des journalistes pour les droits de l'homme. Il confirme par exemple qu'à Bouar, dans l'ouest, « les rebelles de la coalition des patriotes pour le changement ont envahi la ville et commencé à tirer des coups de feux dès 4h du matin pour empêcher la population » de se rendre aux urnes. L'occupation de la ville de Baboua a également empêché la tenue des scrutins. Même son de cloche à Bambari, avec très tôt le matin, « des coups de feu de sommation pour lancer un message à la population ». Le RJDH rapporte aussi qu'à Ngaoundaye « des matériels sensibles et les bulletins de vote ont été emportés par des éléments 3R dans les régions ». Un vote dans le calme à Bangui et d’autres villes Mais le vote a tout de même pu se dérouler dans le calme à Bangui et dans d'autres villes. Ndele Luka note que des milliers de centrafricains ont tout de même « bravé la peur » pour se rendre dans les centres de vote de Bangui. Dans la capitale, « la mobilisation a été forte » estime la radio, avec « de longues queues d'électeurs » qui ont passé « des heures sous le soleil en dépit du retard accusé dans l'acheminement du matériel électoral dans plusieurs centres ». Un vote également suivi dans bien d'autres localités du pays, souligne l'article. Et à l'étranger aussi, conclut-il, « les Centrafricains de la diaspora ont voté en France, aux Etats-Unis, au Cameroun, en Côte d’Ivoire et en République du Congo ». L’œil de la presse internationale Un double scrutin centrafricain d'ailleurs largement suivi par la presse internationale. Très suivi même par la presse française. Le Figaro par exemple relate des « élections sous tension », Libération, « un scrutin à la participation bridée ». En Belgique, le site de la RTBF évoque un scrutin critiqué et qui « jette de l'huile sur le feu », en reprenant ici les mots d'un chercheur. Une analyse d'ailleurs partagée par L'Observateur au Burkina Faso. Il estime que c'est l'exclusion de François Bozizé qui « a réveillé les vieux démons des divisions politico-militaires » et que les élections d’hier « posent plus de problèmes qu’elles n’en résolvent », «car les groupes rebelles ne déposeront pas les armes de sitôt et le nouveau président, contesté avant d’être élu, n’aura d’autorité que sur Bangui et les localités alentours, et sous forte tutelle de la MINUSCA ». Avec ces élections « au forceps », conclut l'Observateur, « la légalité est donc sauve, mais pour ce qui est de la légitimité des élus, il faudra repasser ». Élections présidentielles et législatives au Niger Autres élections dans la presse aujourd'hui, au Niger, présidentielles et législatives. C'était « un jour historique » pour Tamtam Info, « car c’est la première fois au Niger qu’un Président démocratiquement élu sera remplacé par un autre tout aussi démocratiquement élu », estime le site internet. Il montre, photos à l'appui, le vote du sortant Mahamadou Issoufou au « bureau 00 de l'hôtel de ville de Niamey ». Le même bureau où a voté le candidat du PNDS, Mohamed Bazoum. Le Sahel, de son côté, relaye les mots hier de Mahamadou Issoufou. Il espère que « cette première alternance va permettre au Niger de consolider son statut de modèle de démocratie en Afrique et dans le monde ». Actu Niger partage pour sa part le bilan de la Coalition pour l'observation citoyenne des élections, qui avait déployé 750 observateurs hier. Un bilan faisant état de « quelques manquements, mais d'un vote dans le calme dans les 311 bureaux suivis ». Actu Niger publie par ailleurs l'avis des observateurs de la Cédéao, qui ont semblé apprécier « le climat apaisé et paisible » de cette journée électorale. Des élections là-aussi commentées par la presse internationale. C'est « une élection présidentielle pour une transition pacifique inédite », observe Le Monde Afrique en France. Au Burkina Faso, Le Pays salue d'ailleurs « le comportement du président sortant », qui « a accepté volontiers de se plier à la Constitution ». Ainsi, pointe Le Pays, « le Niger referme la porte de l’avalanche électorale qui a caractérisé l’année 2020 dans la sous-région ouest-africaine. Et contrairement à ce qui s’est passé en Côte d’Ivoire ou encore en Guinée, où les scrutins ont été entachés de violences meurtrières liées à la contestation du 3e mandat brigué par Alassane Ouattara et Alpha Condé, eh bien, conclut le journal burkinabè, au pays de Hamani Diori, tout porte à croire que la démocratie sortira par le haut à l’occasion de ce double scrutin ».

A República centro-africana foi hoje a votos para eleições gerais com o chefe de Estado cessante, Faustin Archange Touadéra dado como favorito para o escrutínio presidencial. E isto não obstante os apelos de adiamento de movimentos rebeldes que se coligaram ou da oposição, nomeadamente do ex presidente François Bozizé. Vladimir Monteiro é porta-voz da MINUSCA, a força das Nações Unidas na RCA, ele admite problemas de segurança e logísticos no terreno, mas alega que os eleitores terão aderido ao processo e à votação.  RFI: É o dia -D-, houve de novo apelos ao boicote. Quais são as informações que tem acerca do desenrolar da votação: se ela tem estado a decorrer de forma ordeira ? Como é que estão as coisas ?  Vladimir Monteiro: A situação em Bangui é uma situação, digamos, normal, alguns problemas, mas problemas de ordem técnica. Nomeadamente o atraso na abertura dos centros de voto. O que faz com que as pessoas estão a apresentar-se com entusiasmo e determinação para votar. Já nalgumas zonas do interior, nomeadamente na parte Leste, mas também em Bambari, em Bria houve tiros por parte desses grupos armados, dos elementos armados.  Houve tentativas de intimidação e houve inclusive o apelo do antigo presidente, François Bozizé !  Ele apelou a que não se votasse, é isso ?! Apelou para que não se votasse, ou seja na mesma linha do que aquilo que ele tem feito até agora. Ou seja impedir o processo eleitoral ! Mas as pessoas estão a ir votar. Também do interior temos informações de que há dificuldades, reconhecemos isso ! Mas tentamos dar uma resposta, tanto do ponto de vista logístico, porque houve material destruído, mas também do ponto de vista de segurança, com a multiplicação das patrulhas em Bangui e no interior do país, em apoio às forças de defesa e segurança da República centro-africana. E os capacetes azuis estão, então, completamente mobilizados, um pouco por todo o país, para tentar viabilizar este processo ? Completamente ! Estão completamente mobilizados, há uma tentativa de desestabilizar a população, as nossas forças em termos de comunicação. Com imagens dos capacetes azuis das Nações Unidas que perderam a vida anteontem, mas estamos determinados em apoiar o povo centro-africano. Aliás o povo centro-africano e a resposta desse povo foi clara ! Estão a votar, apesar das ameaças do antigo presidente e dos grupos armados que fazem parte da sua aliança. Mas com tantos apelos ao adiamento da parte desses movimentos rebeldes e de sectores da oposição não se teme que este resultado que venha a ser anunciado venha a ter problemas de legitimidade, de aceitação por parte dos demais componentes do xadrez político centro-africano ? Apenas duas regiões admnistrativas, num total de dezasseis, estão a conhecer problemas reais. Ou seja em quatorze outras regiões as coisas estão a correr de maneira quase que normal. Portanto não há esse risco que evocou agora. Há quem diga que os movimentos rebeldes estariam a ocupar uma parte muito substancial do território. Tem-se noção de quanto é que é isso ? Ouvi falar, por exemplo, em dois terços. É um número que lhe parece verosímil ? Eles, na sequência da aliança lançaram uma série de ataques em várias localidades do país e juntaram as forças, ou seja você tem os "Anti Balakas", você tem os ex "Sélékas" do MPC, do FPRC,  do MPC e, é verdade, que estão a criar alguma instabilidade em localidades identificadas, mas não há ocupação da maior parte do território onde as Nações Unidas e as autoridades estão presentes."

*) US President Trump pardons 15, including Republican allies US President Trump has pardoned 15 people, including some Republican allies and ex-government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad. He also pardoned his 2016 campaign adviser George Papadopoulos, who was convicted of lying to federal investigators probing Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Despite speculation, though, the list excluded members of Trump's own family, his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and the president himself. *) Morocco signs deals with Israel cementing normalisation Moroccan and Israeli officials have signed several deals, as the two countries normalise diplomatic relations. A US-Israeli delegation earlier arrived in Rabat from Tel Aviv on the first direct commercial flight between Israel and Morocco. Morocco followed the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan to normalise ties with Israel. *) Israel to hold snap election in March Meanwhile, in Israel, the parliament has been dissolved after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz failed to reach a deal on a national budget. The deadlock has triggered a snap election, to be held in March. It will be Israel's fourth general election in the last two years. Netanyahu has been the target of regular protests over corruption charges and his handling of the pandemic. *) Russia confirms sending 300 soldiers to CAR Rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) have seized Bambari, the country's fourth-largest city. At the Central African Republic's request, Russia and Rwanda sent military personnel to support the troubled country ahead of elections. Russia confirmed it has sent 300 military instructors to the country at the request of its leadership to help counter a surge in rebel violence. And finally… *) Google to feature song on homepage for first time Google will feature a song on its homepage for the first time. Commissioned by the tech giant, the Peter CottonTale-produced “Together” features Chance the Rapper, Cynthia Erivo and the Chicago Children’s Choir. It will land on Google's homepage December 23 and is also featured in Google’s “Year in Search 2020” campaign.

The French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered French warplanes to begin immediate flights over the Central African Republic, to try to put a stop to further efforts to destabilise the country, ahead of Sunday's general election. The United Nations says the fourth largest town of Bambari was retaken from rebels who'd seized it on Tuesday. The government has accused the former president François Bozizé of joining up with armed groups in an attempt to stage a coup -- something he's denied. Also in the programme: Thousands of migrants in Bosnia are having to live outdoors in freezing conditions, after an emergency camp was closed down and then set on fire; and why isn't President Trump signing the US coronavirus relief bill? (Photo: Part of the capital Bangui, Central African Republic. Credit: Reuters file photo)

Police in Uganda have arrested a prominent human rights lawyer over alleged money laundering. The United Nations says the town of Bambari in the Central African Republic has been retaken from rebels who seized it on Tuesday. The country is due to hold elections on Sunday. And we meet the Moroccan curator bringing works from African and Middle Eastern artists together in an online exhibition.

Pour la reprise des épisodes "Dans le viseur", le Collimateur inaugure un nouveau partenariat avec l'Ecole de guerre-Terre et le commandant Romain, qui raconte une mission de maintenance mécanique en République centrafricaine, qui prend un tour inattendu.

"I fear The Hawks are doomed. I found the Reaching Scroll I shared with Bambari scrawled over with unreadable symbols, so dense that it almost looked scorched. Not long after that we had word of a terrible power in the south- where the armies of our enemies marched there lies a wasteland of ash and ruin. The Icewatchers have been forced back, but the settlements they left behind were caught in the blazing flames of The Drake's breath and there has been no word from the forces we had set to harrying them. A strange quiet has settled over the remains of Caris, the stragglers of our armies finding their way north to Merrowvale, a city more canvas than stone these days. We have most of the kingdom's population but little of its food, and much of our most fertile land has been frozen, marched across and now burned. It has been a strange few months, it feels as though the world is holding its breath, waiting to see what happens next." - Extract from a letter sent by Saffron la Gorge, the princess scholar.

Bambari you are making a journey few westerners have managed since the days of the Stone Empire - I don’t know whether even Jack of the Wild made it that far across the plains, almost to the eastern barrier range. Your accounts will be extraordinarily valuable for scholars interested in those realms and, I suspect, as a record of a changing world. Be careful, Bambari. I have enjoyed our correspondence and you have so much potential. Please think twice before you make any decisions that put you in danger. I truly hope that one day I will get the opportunity to hear your stories of the wide world in person. -Saff

En julhälsning från Sveriges Radios korrespondent. Stockholm, tisdag 24 december. Julafton. Och i dag ska jag ringa min syster som bor i södra Europa. Där firar de i och för sig jul först i morgon, men hon är svensk och det här är ju en dag då vi förväntas tänka lite extra på varandra. Telefonsamtalen blir kanske mest: hur långt har ni kommit med julmaten?, men ändå. Det finns också en hel del andra som jag skulle vilja ringa till om det bara gick, och om jul alls betyder något för dem. Till exempel till den afghanske tjugoåringen Kaisalami som försökte tjäna ihop några euro om dagen som frisör i backen, i kanten av det ökända flyktinglägret Moria på den grekiska ön Lesbos. Han hade fixat en stol, en sax, en kam och någon sprejflaska och hängt en spegel på trädstammen. Han var full av skratt och hopp om att snart få börja ett lugnt liv i Europa. Jag skulle vilja ringa och säga inte god jul! men: må du få lite ro i den täta trängseln av människor som sover på presenningar runt dig och din familj. Det är kallt nu och varje natt är en kamp. Ja, Kaisalami, må du behålla ditt hopp för du är garanterat fast just nu på Lesbos. I London finns en butik i Covent Garden som samarbetar med en grupp frivilligarbetare på Lesbos. Varje julklappsköp i London leder till julklappar till de asylsökande på Lesbos. De får det allra mest efterfrågade sovsäckar, tält och förnödenheter. Jag skulle också vilja kunna ringa till Centralafrikanska republiken, till Bambari där jag var häromveckan och fråga en av de där killarna som ingick i blåsorkestern om julen betyder något för dem? De var kristna centralafrikaner på flykt undan det hejdlösa våldet inom sitt eget land. Blåsinstrumenten var gjorda av trädrötter. Det var obegripligt fattigt. Ryms jul i kampen om att överleva? Religion och julfirande har förstås inte längre någon direkt koppling. I det buddistiska Thailand, i shoppingens Mekka Bangkok stod granen stor och pyntad utanför varuhuskomplexet på Sukhumvit Road redan den första november. Glitter med stjärnor prydde entrén till grannkomplexet allt för att pigga upp konsumenterna. Granen av plast var hög och pyntad med stora papier maché-djurhuvuden i glada färger. Det är många fler som jag tänker på och skulle vilja kunna ringa till. Paul från Kamerun, ekonomen i vit skjorta som lyckats ta sig till Rom i båt över Medelhavet, men som inte fick något jobb. Belal, rohingyakillen från Myanmar, som jag mötte i flyktinglägret Kutupalong i södra Bangladesh och senare som servitör i staden Cox's Bazar. Också femtonårige tunisiske Monir, som tänkte köpa ny GPS för att åter sätta sig i en båt tillsammans med sina kompisar och styra mot Lampedusa. De svarar inte längre på sina mobilnummer, så jag kan tänka på dem i dag, men inte längre ringa. För att själv komma i julstämning var jag häromkvällen i kyrkan och hörde musik från tolv olika europeiska länder, i en julkonsert. Alice Petrén, migrationskorrespondent alice.petren@sverigesradio.se

We’re getting reports that Farmouth has fallen, the walls pulled down and the preceptory of Akone’s order burned to the ground. Assuming they continue to skirt the Woodmarch there is really nothing left between the army of the Ice and us. If they press northwards then we are in serious trouble. I hope things are going better for you, Bambari. I am afraid for our homeland. -Saff

I’m writing from Asterope’s Dawnstar, a ship making south towards Merremouth. Among the passengers here is a knight who was present at the fall of Farndale, one of the first battles where the war beasts were used. She has given me some details of the beasts and how they were used. First there were vast bull-necked creatures three or four times the height of a horse, built more like an ox but far heavier and with hooked tusks in addition to their horns. The attack that broke the city began with huge grapples being fired from ballistas on the field, trailing long harpoon ropes. These were attached to a harness on three of these beasts, which set about attempting to pull the wall down. The defenders tried to cut the ropes but they were cunningly designed, built around smith-canted chains. The walls themselves proved too solid for the beasts attack, although my witness has heard reports of this tactic having brought down less solidly fortified towns, but before the ropes were cut, the handlers changed strategy, and had the beasts set off at speed around the city, the ropes sweeping along the walls, dragging the grapples behind them and causing mayhem among the defenders. As they came around the west side of the wall, a different kind of warbeast - something like a huge rhino with solid armour plates over its head and back and a blunt double-horn emerged from the enemy line and charged straight into the east gate like a living battering ram. It’s mass and power was such that the gate burst open and one of the gatehouse towers fell. The beast charged on into the town, followed by Icewatcher heavy troops and it’s own handlers. Most of the defenders were still trying to deal with the first attack and the town was quickly overrun. My witness was injured but managed to get herself out of the west gate with a handful of others fortunate enough to have fast mounts. She mentions that the dress of the beast’s handlers was quite different from the Icewatcher uniforms and armour - lighter, built of skins and beaded leather. She guesses that they came from further east - if they belong to the Sleidlar, then you might not be as distant from the war as we expected, perhaps the entire southern ice has mobilised. Be careful Bambari. -Saf

Incidentally, I met the Blessed Pelwar yesterday and she mentioned that two days ago the last three members of the crew from The Ghost finally got home, along with the captain, who had made what sounded like a profoundly arduous journey along the Salt Coast, before reaching Maresca, where they persuaded some fishermen to bring them along to Aru-Sha. They were all in bad shape, as you might expect, but they were able to confirm that you departed into the salt flats, which was the main thing the Blessed cared about as it finally got the Quesitors off her back regarding your friend Percy. We will be taking a ship south for Vale soon, when we arrive I will tell you what I can of the situation in Caris. Good luck, Bambari!

Bambari, good to hear from you! Did you have a bound scrying mirror, by any chance? I have seen some of those, and they always seem to have some quirk or limitation. I once saw one that only showed images as though reflected in turbulent water, another that could dictate exactly what it perceived but at a very great length so picking out the relevant information was extraordinarily hard work. I even heard of one that manifested a ghostly arm with a paintbrush, capable of depicting what had been witnessed in watercolours with a degree of abstraction somehow dependent on the skill of the invoker. Of course I am not a smith-enchanter and this kind of binding magic is not usually the province of the church, but there is a relationship to an interesting piece of history here. It seems that at one time there was a very large mirror here in Aru-sha that was built specifically for a magical use. The histories of the city agree that it existed and that at some point it broke, or was broken, very unlucky, and what became of it after that is unclear except that my research suggests that the best scrying mirrors are made from fragments of that mirror. So it is possible that he did not have a part of your magic mirror, but instead he carried one that was made from a different fragment of the same original. If it was a good quality scrying mirror from the Western Kingdoms, the odds of that are fairly high.

It’s been a bloody year in the Central African Republic. Two months ago, a massacre claimed the lives of dozens of people in the country after suspected Islamist rebels attacked a group of civilians. The massacre was just the latest in a wave of violence for the country of 4.5 million. At the beginning of this year, the CAR’s capital had been considered a safe haven in the war-torn country. It was the only place the government claimed control, as three-quarters of the landlocked nation is occupied by armed groups. But since the spring, the country has witnessed an upsurge of violence, notably with attacks targeting churches and church leaders in the capital city, Bangui, and Bambari, another important city in the country. Four Catholic priests were targeted, with three of them killed in separate Islamist attacks. In response to the violence from the past couple years, a militia composed primarily of Christians has also committed atrocities against Muslims. But the unrest hasn’t divided the church, says Paul Mpindi, the director of Mission French Africa; a radio ministry that focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and stewardship in French-speaking Africa. “I’m so thankful for the Catholic Church and Protestant church because they are working together,” said Mpindi. “The bishop there has been at the forefront of the peace transition, helping the government, helping the rebels, and working with the Muslims.” Mpindi joined associate digital media producer Morgan Lee and editor in chief Mark Galli on Quick to Listen to discuss why violence is once again on the upswing, who really makes up the country’s “Christian militia,” and what it will take for peace to prevail in the country. This podcast is brought to you in part by Christianbook.com, a huge selection of Christian books, Bibles, gifts, music, and more. This episode of Quick to Listen is brought to you by Kingdom At Work, a movement that seeks to inspire, equip, and ignite leaders to advance God’s kingdom through their influence in the marketplace. To attend one of their workshops or learn more, visit KingdomAtWork.com. What is “Quick to Listen”? Read more Subscribe to Quick to Listen on Apple Podcasts Follow the podcast on Twitter Follow our host on Twitter: Morgan Lee Follow our guest’s website: Mission French Africa Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter: The Galli Report Music by Sweeps Quick to Listen is produced by Morgan Lee, Richard Clark, and Cray Allred

Now my dear boy, I can understand that you are afraid that this makes you a pariah squared, but think about it this way: Either you are a pariah or you aren’t. If you are one already, how different is it? Hardly at all! People may not like what you are, but they can be persuaded - especially if you have the art of charms at your fingertips. Just remember that a person who dislikes you for what you are before they know who you are can never be entirely relied upon. As for background on the blood of fire, well, that is hard to come by- but what our histories tell us, the accounts that you won’t find in any books in Parieso or Aru-Sha, is that The Diabolist was in the same line of business that many of us in the coven are. I suppose you may have gathered this already, but you are old enough to know that there are powers in the world so dangerous that even to name them invites desperate peril. Those of us at the heart of the coven have been part of a long and careful project of containing them, protecting the world from a return to the disasters of the past, mediating the ancient contracts that hold them and preserve the structure of nature. The story goes that the Diabolist caused the plague that wiped out old Carisona, but our accounts tell us that he was trying to prevent the plague and failed. Perhaps he succeeded in containing something even worse, however. We are safe for now, the borders of the forest are strong and although the rangers have passed south, we have our own devices and the foresters are conscious of the danger. I do not think even these enemies in the south wish to see our work disrupted, our enemies are no friends to them. I am sure we will be safe, for now at least. I am very proud of you Bambari. You have travelled further than I ever have and it sounds as though you have the chance to make quite an impression in the world. Mark my words: There will be people who would treat you as a pariah now but will one day wish they had met you. - Your very proud mother

Well I don't think we’ll be back anytime soon, so it should have died down...or we will have. Writing this real fast as things possibly about to be fairly ropey. There's a caravan or troop of people(?) heading our way on the lands just south of the salt desert. Any idea about their ways or customs? Also still no kitten pics???? How hard is that to source? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maia’s breath, Bambari, I am a scholar not an artist. Do you want me to convey this scroll to someone who specialises in crudely drawn felines or do you want access to the greatest repository of knowledge in the Western Kingdoms? Perhaps you are right about staying away, I don’t think the Quesitori will send anyone east of the mountains, my suspicion is that going east on a suicide mission was the only thing that saved Percy from very serious trouble. When you describe a caravan that sounds as though you mean wagons? If this is so then they are most likely to be the Lunzideren ( sometimes referred to as the Luns, but I would not do so in their hearing, or the Rolling People ) they sail the plains in wagon villages following the wind. Their culture revolves around the quality of their silks and the greatest power lies with the silk houses who control this trade- be very careful around them and their representatives. If the village has dark wagons avoid those and do not even ask about them as this could cause great offence. They are often described as civilised but Bambari you particularly must be careful- all my accounts agree that they have a certain social rigidity and place great value on good manners and appropriate deference.

Yeah I noticed, Percy’s pretty sunburnt and cranky. But thanks for just asking after him. We’re all in trouble. The quill ink evaporated in the desert leaving just black mush, hence I haven't replied. We’ve just found some water, which is great as I was pretty sure we were going to die. Percy's great and all but I really don't think he thought this journey through. I really don't recommend deserts. We’ve gone south and seem to be off the salt flats. Is there anything in the Library about the people or lands south of the Salts? I was chatting on the boat over to a Sailor. We talked about the war and Sudec. He said some Identical twins who ran a cult overthrew the old queen and took power three years ago. I think Ulumbriar was trapped but these twins must have used their connection to the bloodline of ice to empower her and are manipulating her or her followers. Also another sailor said he knew a guy from the Church from years ago, called Hector, he didn't give a last name. He said that Hector was interested in bloodlines and went over to the Ice Watchers side. Maybe he did some research that helped them free Ulumbrairs power. The sailor said he knew Hector from Aru-sha, so whatever he found out must be in your library. Can you look into bloodlines and see what it says? It may be the key to this. Also where are our kitten pics? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No, Bambari, I mean that master Cleft is in trouble with the church, apparently the Quesitors want to talk to him about something to do with hiding a suspect. I don’t follow the details but as far as I can tell Blessed Pelwar sort of snuck him out of the city before they found him and they are kicking up a big fuss here now.

Bambari, some very confused messages, are you alright? What do you need me to do? Did you know your friend the Paladin is in trouble? Saffron

Season 3 of Crudely Drawn Swords begins - if you haven't listened before, we hope that this will provide an excellent jumping-on point. If you have, then buckle in- The Hawks are back and they have a whole new set of problems to contend with... --------------------------------- Bambari, this is interesting - from a source related to Enigma's network, an agent with the codename of "Mist" the account of a prospector who had travelled extensively through the southern forest. "First time I passed by Sankastra Palov must be ten years gone, I had an idea about maybe mining some copper down in the southern barrier range there [...] well anyhows I struck this little settlement down near the glacier and it weren't like any place you ever saw - they had igloos and tents and a few shacks- weren't hardly none of them looked like it would hold up if a gust of wind went by but there they were and there was folks crowding in there. A lot of them was a little bit loose-minded if you take what I mean, they weren't bad people but they didn't seem well fitted to conversation or they would talk to you endlessly but not much of it would make any sense. Well I was passing through but I stopped by there and made a few Schmeckels ( I was headed east of the mountains ) by selling them game I had hunted. Seemed to me there weren't anybody bringing much trade that way and they weren't all the most practical folks. In fact seemed to me the main thing they had in common was that they all said that they had been called there by some voice in their dreams. All considered the place was surprisingly orderly for all that they was mostly folks with trouble in their minds. Well I helped out there a little time but one night while I was sleeping I heard a voice in my dreams too, it felt real far off and I couldn't make out any words, but sure I could tell it was a voice that wanted me to stay there at the edge of that ice. Well I packed out the next morning and I didn't come back in a good long time I can tell you." [ continues ... ]

The Hawks are ready to travel- there is just time to tie up some loose ends in Aru-sha before they board their ship and say goodbye to the comfort and safety of the western lands where they have made themselves so many friends during their adventures. Percy darts in, Bambari expresses the beauty of flight, Enigma takes a seat and Tristan gives an old friend the finger in this retaliatory episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Bambari has made a lot of difficult discoveries lately and now it is time for him to learn something of his place in the world, while outside the bridge of flame, the Hawks are laying metaphorical cards on the table. Tristan is a good guy really, Enigma is the shadow of a memory, Bambari is an angry teenager and Percy is just one man in this well-drained episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

The Hawks have been keeping it underground as they investigate the blocked waterway that is leaving Aru-sha thirsty. As they close in on the cause of the problem things prove to be both simpler and far more complicated than they might have expected. Tristan is strong versus fire, Enigma is bringing the steam, Percy is understating the situation and Bambari is using magic to discover the true meaning of friendship in this too-hot-for-daytime episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

The Hawks have seemingly exhausted every opportunity to make an easy buck by simply asking someone to give them a huge amount of money and being given a huge amount of money and it seems that, filled with anger and resentment at the unreasonableness of not having won the lottery when they didn't even buy a ticket, our heroes will have to demean themselves with that most tiresome of trivialities, a sidequest. Percy discovers a crime, Tristan performs forensics, Enigma finds her calling and Bambari gets the bird in this ornithological episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Financing a ship sailing for months through dangerous waters turns out to be a very expensive proposition, the hawks now realise they need to get hold of a lot of money, information, money, cosmetic surgery and money. Time to hit up their contacts and persuade someone to give them a huge amount of money for no good reason. Tristan gets seated, Percy gets his fortune, Enigma gets weird and Bambari gets lampshaded in this expository episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Sometimes the most generous gifts backfire, whether it is the kindness of gifting an amulet to the kind of person who likes amulets, the generosity of introducing someone to long-lost family or the cordial greeting of throwing someone's useful magic item into the sea, it seems there will be some ungrateful jerk who just gets angry about it. Tristan loves boiled eggs, Enigma loves seats, Percy loves long conversations with old friends and Bambari does not love anything about Aru-sha in this affectionate episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

The show of the century seems to have gone with barely a hitch and now we are at the after party and it's time to catch up with old friends and enjoy some new gifts. Enigma is generous, Tristan is subtly concealed, Percy is suspicious and Bambari is crankier than normal in this chilled-out episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Night comes in, like some cool river, but here in the great city of Aru-sha we will celebrate its arrival as three great singers, Ophra Mezzira, Tristan Wilde and -returning to the stage for the first time in five long years- Otelo di Lutez, perform for our pleasure. It's time for Tristan to play the music, it's time for Bambari to light the lights, it's time for Percy to turn PI and Enigma to play The Thief on the Crudely Drawn Swords show tonight.

Coming up twenty gold short for that cool scroll you want to buy? For Tristan and Enigma the solution is obvious: Put on the largest concert the city has ever seen. In an afternoon. How hard can it be??? Elsewhere Percy and Bambari dive deeper into lore and history, gain some valuable knowledge and finally get a definitive answer to a question that has been bugging them for ages in this fiftieth episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

The Hawks arrive at their destination, sailing into the harbour of the ancient city of Aru-Sha. An opportunity to catch up with old friends, discover some unwelcome truths and hatch a madcap scheme the like of which the western kingdoms have seldom seen since the last time Tristan and Enigma came up with a "good" idea. Percy is cryptic, Enigma narrows her eyes, Tristan has a run of bad luck and Bambari receives absolutely no clarification in this divisive episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Percy is facing a duel to the death and the other Hawks may not intervene. If he loses, it spells disaster for our heroes, if he wins they have an easier journey ahead of them but how can they reconcile their actions with their wider moral standing? Percy hits the deck, Bambari asks awkward questions, Enigma uses her talents and Tristan stares off into the distance in this pugnacious episode of Crudely Drawn Swords. Features beat, "Haters" by Rujay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPrRZoDW0Fc Song, "Gifts Of The Sea" by The Patient Wild: https://soundcloud.com/the-patient-wild

The battle for control of The Ghost is not going as well as its instigators might have hoped, but can the Hawks turn the tide and change the direction of the ship?* Bambari threatens, Enigma draws attention, Tristan makes his peace and Percy makes a promise in this escalating episode of Crudely Drawn Swords. *This works on two levels and may be the best show notes sentence so far.

The Hawks have decided it is time to take control, passengers turned mutineers, but will Captain Arsenne give up his ship and his way of life so easily? It seems unlikely. Luckily the Hawks are experts at the top of their game! Percy lays down the law, Enigma just about hangs on, Tristan gets his chance and Bambari makes a clean sweep in this mutinous episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Dans ce nouveau numéro de Planetoscope, on se rendra aux Etats-Unis et plus précisément dans le New Jersey. Notre correspondante a passé quelques heures dans un centre de tir ouvert aux adultes et aux enfants dès l’âge de 8 ans. Ici on vient tirer à l’arme à feu en famille ou entre amis pour une journée de détente. On s'intéressera ensuite au contrôle des armes à feu aux Etats-Unis. Les fusillades entretiennent systématiquement le débat sur le droit de porter une arme et soulèvent la question de sa légitimité. Posséder et utiliser une arme aux Etats-Unis, comment ça marche ? Ce sera le grand décryptage de Planetoscope. Dans la seconde partie de votre émission, on prendra la route entre Bambari et Alindao avec des miliciens centrafricains. Notre reporter est monté à bord d'un 4x4 de l'UPC, groupe armé issu de l’éclatement de la Séléka qui inspire la terreur à Bambari. Enfin Matthias Raynal viendra nous parler de son coup de coeur média de la semaine. A quelques jours du deuxième anniversaire des attentats du 13 novembre, c'est un film diffusé dans Envoyé Spécial, qui a attiré l'attention de notre journaliste. Son titre: "Un comprimé pour oublier".

It's good to help people and it is doubly good to help people who are on your side and making a big difference to the war that you are fighting in. However, it can also lead to some awkward conversations, tough negotiations and maybe just the mildest hint of murder. Tristan mediates, Percy makes his case, Bambari closes some doors and Enigma goes for the throat in this juridical episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

There is a vacancy for Ship's Cook on board the Ghost, who could fill the greasy shoes of the late Mr. Cupcake? Percy remembers his vocation, Bambari takes the biscuit, Tristan shares the old stories* and Enigma enjoys the ocean spray in this thalassic episode of Crudely Drawn Swords. ================= Footnote: There are many stories of the Pirate ( later Admiral ) Shanks, it is certain that most of them are pure fiction, or wild exaggerations of actual events. Fictional and real characters are conflated so that many of the tales of this redoubtable seaman were doubtless first told about other heroes, now forgotten. However it seems possible that somewhere, among all the worlds, there was a genuine Shanks and that if there was, he might have looked a little bit like Stuart, who plays Tristan, and that various people resembling the other Hawks and even the GM may have been members of his crew at one time or another.

When on a soothing ocean cruise, what could be more pleasant than a nice calming swim? Obviously, that would be a very bad choice if you were wearing armour or your ship was under full sail or there were sharks around but sometimes isn't a bad choice still better than being actually on fire? Bambari gives orders, Percy chills out, Tristan dives to the rescue, Enigma goes deep and Torquil keeps trying to steal the spotling in this pelagic episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

The Hawks are on a sailing ship, with the wind behind them, the sky above them and the open ocean before them. A chance to relax and enjoy the journey, assuming Tristan has found them a ship with a cheerful captain and a jolly crew of cheerful yet competent sailors. Tristan is a notorious liar, Bambari joins the dots, Percy carries a long weight and Enigma takes some heat in this swell episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

It would be fair to say that their adventure downriver started out less relaxing than they might have hoped, but now the Hawks are floating free and get a little time to rest and relax. Enigma drinks to the past, Bambari makes himself useful, Percy tells a story and Tristan cleans up in this Jeromian episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

After their bold escape from the embattled city of Vale, our heroes have a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a pleasant meander downriver to the sea, sharing some stories and making hilarious dick jokes. Or at least, that is the plan. Bambari discovers some magic he can get behind, Percy provides a cooling embrace, Tristan smooths the situation and Enigma walks a fine line in this high-contrast episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

When the world has collapsed into chaos, sometimes the safest thing to do is hide. Find somewhere safe, out of the storm, and hunker down. You just need to hope a group of awful bullies don't kick your door in and start ruining everything, but surely nobody's luck is that bad. Bambari identifies something legitimate, Enigma identifies something illegitimate, Tristan shrugs off responsibility and Percy shows his creative side in this dastardly episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

A secret tunnel leads to almost certain safety, assuming that there are no tricky stairways to navigate and the streets are devoid of peril. Percy identifies a talent, Tristan is surprisingly gullible, Enigma stands perfectly still and Bambari gets the point on the slippery slope that is this episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

The city is under attack and at a time like that any good adventurer needs to get to rescuing the defenceless, especially when that is an opportunity to reinforce their own bitter personal narratives and score points in old rivalries. Enigma knows secrets, Percy gets into an awkward situation, Bambari lays down some sick rhymes and Tristan gets into an even more awkward situation in this extricative episode of Crudely Drawn Swords!

Vale, capital city of Caris, is under attack from a magical snowstorm that is filling its streets with the walking dead. The Hawks have made their way to the limited safety of the Iron Church, but for the next part of their plan to be enacted, they will have to confront implacable enemies and remember what the next part of their plan was. Enigma is weaponised, Percy awakens the sleeping, Bambari delivers some burns and Tristan dances into the fire in this chilling episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

We've all done it- you wake up one morning in a generic mainstream tavern in the capital city after a great night of music and fun only to discover that the worst storm in living memory is sweeping through and you and your friends are in terrible danger. Bambari is blanketed with snow, Enigma gets a chance to chill, Tristan improvises an old traditional song on the spot and Percy is living it luge in this winterborn episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

What could be more restful than a quiet evening at a generic inn? Well, that depends a lot on what musicians are performing there and how the audience feels about them, one would suppose. Tristan meets an old friend, Bambari shakes a leg, Percy gets bundled and Enigma is nothing more than she seems to be in this calming and melodic episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

The Hawks are bringing a trade delegation to Vale, the capital city, but can they find the useful contacts they will need to build a trade alliance with Batmazgorod? They'll have to work hard to use their contacts, apply their expertise and charm if this is to work. Bambari is a good guy, Enigma wears a memorable coat, Tristan remembers a war and Percy explores the irony of religion in this mercantile episode of Crudely Drawn Swords. * Apologetic note: My faulty USB interface ( THANKS ALESIS ) was clipping and the sound quality is poor at the start. Although it is noticeable throughout, it definitely gets better after the first few minutes.

The Hawks seek to create an underground alliance with the dwarven kingdom of Batmazgorod, but first contact is not going entirely to plan and Tristan's anthropological expertise seems worryingly limited. Percy shows feline elegance, Bambari leaves the door open to opportunity, Tristan prepares his negotiation strategy and Enigma totally rules in this diplomatic episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Picking up after last episode's cliffhanger ending, the Hawks are engaged in a battle against an ancient monstrosity. Even if they win, will there be something even more dangerous beyond the long-sealed gates of Batmazgorod? Enigma punches above her weight, Percy strides on through, Tristan is only in it for the experience and Bambari is a physical Adonis in this ingressive episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

If the hawks are to carry out their grand scheme and get help from the underground kingdom of Batmazgorod, they need to open a gateway sealed hundreds of years ago, by an ancient evil. Percy rushes in, Enigma lets fly with bow and arrow, Tristan discovers the difference between theory and practice and Bambari is surprisingly effective in this satisfying buffet of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Finally, some answers to the big questions that have been plaguing our heroes, and all delivered through the medium of tedious and excessively detailed poetry by annoying elves. Could life get any better? Probably- here's hoping that all the news is good! Enigma is enjoying the culture, Bambari is hating the culture, Tristan knows a lot about dwarven culture and Percy is no expert in the more artistic cultural pursuits in this enlightening episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

In the heart of the Woodmarch Forest, the Hawks have met the famous Witch of Woodmarch, discovering something interesting about her family in the process. A chance to discuss recent revelations, learn a little about Bambari's past and, of course, share a hearty breakfast. Percy offers Tristan a wake-up call, Enigma is not a sausage and Bambari has an imaginary friend in this much coven-ted episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

The Hawks have arrived at the dangerous Woodmarch forest, and now they must venture deep through its shadowed glades if they are to find the elves, risking hazardous wildlife, mysterious spirits and terrifying witchery. Enigma is treated with appropriate reverence, Percy clashes with Tristan and Bambari gets a wake up call in this sylvan episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

With affairs in the grey lands resolved to several people's satisfaction, it is time for the Hawks take a moment for breakfast, before setting out in search of the ancient past. Bambari reflects on geography, Enigma protects her allies from spoilers, Percy starts Bambari's training and Tristan is strangely quiet in this big-budget cerealisation of Crudely Drawn Swords.

In the second half of the Hawks adventures in the shadowed realm, they draw closer together, make further bargains and gain some sweet ink. Bambari gets a good deal, Tristan sings about feudalism, Enigma reflects on her situation and there is an opportunity for Percival Cleft to show his quality in this DEADicated episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Spoiler alert: Something bad happened at the end of the end of the last episode and now the people to whom the bad thing didn't happen must stage a daring bid to rescue the person to whom it did. This episode we take a break from our regular Dungeon World adventures because the realms of the dead, through which our heroes must pass, work by different rules. Percy shares a forgettable anecdote, Bambari is a powerful wizard, Tristan talks to humble creatures and Enigma keeps curious company in this darkling episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

In Hyde Mansion, events are coming to a head as the Hawks close on their prey, or possibly vice versa. Hidden trapdoors will open, thieves will come out of the closet and everyone will learn that sometimes when one door opens, another closes. Bambari isn't talking to Tristan, Enigma meets her match, Percy keeps his cool and Tristan makes it all about Tristan.

The Hawks make their way into the mansion where it seems a dangerous Icewatcher cell may be holed up, but can they locate their enemies without walking into any further traps, falling into any dangerous pits or accidentally burning the whole place to the ground? Percy gets everyone down, Tristan finds a catch, Bambari bricks it and Enigma goes in search of the satire in this enigmatic episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Following Enigma's dashing rooftop chase, the Hawks have a destination- an old mansion on the edge of town and a very simple mission: Get into the building. How hard can it be? In this episode of Crudely Drawn Swords: Tristan shoots at statuary, Percy turns turtle, Enigma is effective and Bambari doesn't even want your stupid healing.

A gentle stroll through the nocturnal streets of Farmouth has been interrupted by a crossbow bolt and our heroes set off in hot pursuit of the would-be assassin. Tristan throws some knives, Percy shares some anecdotes, Bambari drops some rhymes and Enigma risks everything - Crudely Drawn Swords is back; shout it from the rooftops.

A body has been dragged out of the river, having been stabbed in the back multiple times. Our heroes begin to suspect that they did not accidentally drown and naturally dive into investigating everything else in the city, arguing amongst themselves, picking out a team name and purchasing sausages. Enigma works her contacts, Tristan trades his clothing, Bambari befriends his natural allies and Percy grows increasingly confused in the latest episode of Crudely Drawn Swords.

Our heroes are back home in Farmouth, but it seems that those familiar streets are not as safe as they used to be. Percy moves up in the world, Bambari sucks on a scab, Tristan demonstrates the art of disguise and Enigma may be lion about something as our second adventure begins...

Night has come and with it a deadly foe. In the epic conclusion to our first adventure, Tristan and Percy face an enemy that exceeds them in every respect, Enigma shows a natural talent for dressage and Bambari uses a powerful magic item. Some friends will be parted, others reunited , but the Black Gate casts a long shadow and the ice does not give up willingly.

At the wall, the Icewatcher army has arrived, now Tristan, Percival and their allies face the battle of their lives. Meanwhile Enigma ( enigma ) and Bambari have their own troubles as they make their way down the pass towards Farndale in a desperate bid to get help.

The party have split and we follow Enigma ( enigma ) and Bambari as they make their way down from Windrush pass to get help for their friends at the wall, getting to meet some interesting new people keen to help them on their way!

The party's bid for escape continues, but their efficiency is somewhat compromised by the fact that Bambari has given Tristan more hallucinogenic mushrooms than health and safety guidelines recommend and now they face another challenge as they approach the border fortifications.