governance

In a historic turn of events, President John Mahama made the unprecedented decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a move that marks the first time a sitting chief justice has faced such disciplinary action in Ghana's history. This bold step sends ripples through the nation’s political and legal landscapes, raising eyebrows and concerns alike. This suspension was not an arbitrary decision. It stemmed from the filing of three undisclosed petitions advocating for her removal. These petitions cite constitutional…

Across northern Nimba County, a profound shift is taking place as Liberians engage in a by-election to select a new senator for this vital region, which boasts the second-highest population in the country. The passing of the infamous Prince Johnson—known for his tumultuous past as a warlord and his influential role as a kingmaker in Liberia's political sphere—has left a significant void. His sudden demise has not only opened a seat but also ignited the aspirations of politicians eager to step into the spotlight. As the sun…

In Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened for a pivotal meeting. This gathering comes in response to a significant development: three member nations have announced their intent to withdraw from the bloc in January. As the discussions unfold, the leaders aim to explore the complexities surrounding the countries' exit and its broader ramifications for ECOWAS agencies. ECOWAS, a cornerstone of regional cooperation, has consistently upheld…

In recent days, a disturbing wave of unrest has swept through the military ranks of Burkina Faso, igniting fears of a potential coup against the ruling Junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore. This turmoil began with unsettling rumors of a conspiracy to overthrow his leadership, which came to power in 2022 amidst a backdrop of escalating insecurity and civilian discontent. The news of several army officers’ arrests has sent shockwaves through the armed forces. Reports suggest that soldiers are now enveloped in an atmosphere…

The political atmosphere in Zimbabwe is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, as the former Zanu PF member, Blessed "Bombshell" Runesu Geza, has launched a bold initiative that could ignite widespread unrest. Geza is advocating for a two-day national shutdown on April 22 and 23, 2025, as a protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration. This call to action isn't just a casual plea; it comes from a deep wellspring of frustration and a desire for change that many Zimbabweans can relate to. Interestingly, Geza…

The Trump administration is resolutely committed to employing every available diplomatic and economic measure to foster peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This assertion came from Senior Africa Advisor Massad Boulos during a recent online briefing. It followed his tour of four significant nations in the region, a journey that reflects the U.S.'s increasing engagement with Africa amidst multifaceted challenges. During these discussions, Boulos engaged with regional leaders to address the pressing issue…

On April 18, 2025, Zimbabwe celebrated its 45th Independence Day—a moment that should brim with pride. Yet, amid the flags and fanfare, a pervasive sense of disillusionment lingers. Corruption runs rampant, political repression remains a grim reality, and economic turmoil casts a long shadow over the nation. For many Zimbabweans, the celebration is bittersweet, marred by recent events that have rendered their struggles painfully visible. As the festivities unfolded, the government demonstrated its commitment to silencing…

The political climate in Libya has once again turned tumultuous, exacerbated by pressing economic woes and deepening rivalries between its two governing factions. This instability threatens to unravel the precarious peace that has stood since the ceasefire in 2020. Fast forward nearly 15 years after Muammar Gaddafi's regime crumbled, and Libya finds itself still grappling with a fractured identity. The nation is essentially split, with the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli on one side and the Government of…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a compelling report that casts a stark light on Tunisia's alarming trend of arbitrary detentions, which have become a cornerstone of President Kais Saied's increasingly authoritarian regime since his contentious power grab in 2021. This 42-page exposé delves deeply into the government's systematic crackdown on dissenters. It reveals a landscape where fear prevails, and those who dare to speak their minds face politically charged prosecutions designed to intimidate and silence critics.…

A wave of unease washes over both local and international human rights organizations as they grapple with the implications of a newly enacted law in Zimbabwe. Among these watchdogs is Human Rights Watch (HRW), which has raised alarms about the government's recent ability to deregister and confiscate the assets of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) they perceive to be acting in a “politically partisan manner.” Is this a necessary measure for national security, or a veiled attack on civil liberties? The law, known formally…