Constitutional

In a surprising turn of events, a distinguished diplomat has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency ahead of the 2026 elections. Essa Bokarr Sey, a seasoned figure who has represented The Gambia in various capacities—most notably as ambassador to France, Taiwan, and the USA—stands at the forefront of this political endeavor. However, his announcement does not occur in a vacuum. It emerges against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding the recent revisions to the national constitution. The original…

Political Tensions Escalate as Somali Lawmakers Call for Presidential Resignation Mogadishu (AX) – A significant development in the Somali political landscape has unfolded, as a robust bloc of 103 members from Somalia’s bicameral Federal Parliament has issued a striking joint statement. They are not just calling for change; they are demanding the resignation of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This bold move comes amid serious allegations, including gross constitutional violations, abuse of power, and a perceived…

Somalia: The Federal Government Must Respect the Constitution, Says Northeastern State BOSASO, Somalia - The sun rose over Bosaso, casting long shadows that mimicked the growing divide between Northeastern State and the Somali federal government. The regional leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, stood firm, echoing a sentiment that resonates across the arid lands of Northeastern State: until honest dialogue is embraced, their stance on sovereignty will remain unchanged. In his voice, a blend of resilience and hope.…

On Wednesday, a monumental decision emerged from Senegal’s Constitutional Council, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s legal landscape. The council declared the first article of Law No. 08/2025, enacted on April 2, 2025, unconstitutional. This wasn’t just another legal technicality; it was a profound statement about the very principles that govern the safety and freedoms of Senegal’s citizens. This contentious law was introduced under the guise of being an “interpretive” measure. Its primary objective was to narrow the…

The current political situation in Somalia is a complex tapestry, woven with threads of negotiation, power struggles, and the ongoing effort to balance federal authority with local autonomy. Recently, Somalia’s federal government has been embroiled in mounting political tensions with its member states. In March, a decisive step was taken by the federal parliament to amend the governance model, opting for a presidential system. However, this decision has not been universally welcomed. Northeastern State, often seen as one…

Dr. Hage Geingob, the esteemed third president of Namibia, passed away after a brief yet courageous battle with cancer on February 4, 2024. He was a titan of democracy and a foundational pillar in constructing and preserving Namibia's democratic ideals. According to Dr. John Stetler, his former Economic Advisor, “His sharp and brilliant mind shaped the free and independent Namibia we call home.” This sentiment not only encapsulates Geingob's political acumen but also reflects the deep respect he earned throughout his…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a charged outcry that reverberates with urgency, Somali Senator Abdi Hassan Awaale Qeybdiid has openly accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of manipulating the national constitution to suit his unilateral whims. What does this mean for Somalia's already fragile stability and governance? During a candid conversation with SMS local television on a quiet Sunday, the senator expressed his dismay, describing the current governance as operating under “Hassan Sheikh’s special constitution” rather than the…

In a recent article for the Council on Foreign Relations, Michelle Gavin opines that the push to amend the constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will deepen the already palpable skepticism among citizens towards their government. Since assuming the presidency in 2018 through questionable means, Felix Tshisekedi has faced significant challenges in addressing the urgent needs of the Congolese people. "A leopard doesn’t change its spots," as the saying goes, and many citizens are beginning to believe little…

Renamo has seen a dramatic reduction in its parliamentary representation, losing two-thirds of its seats and stepping down from its status as Mozambique's second-largest political party. That title now belongs to the Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), which has made significant strides with independent candidate Venâncio Mondlane at the helm, securing a total of 31 seats. As the election results awaited confirmation, there were appeals for tranquility. This came shortly after the chair of the…

Gabon is gearing up for a significant referendum on November 16, where citizens will cast their votes concerning a newly proposed constitution. This impending decision has ignited a spectrum of reactions across the political landscape. One noteworthy aspect of the proposed constitution is that it would enable military leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to mount a campaign for the presidency. This particular element has raised eyebrows and prompted intense backlash from various opposition factions. The draft…