governance

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…

In a significant turn of events, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has decided to drop all legal allegations against Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive at Binance Holdings. Gambaryan, who had been held in custody since April, can finally breathe a sigh of relief. According to the anti-corruption agency, the focus will now shift to advancing the ongoing money laundering case against Binance itself, as they determined that Gambaryan merely served as an employee and did not play a role in pivotal business…

In Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, there’s been a whirlwind of pushback against the prospect of President Emmerson Mnangagwa extending his tenure past 2028. Despite his firm assertions that he wishes to serve only two terms, the internal dynamics within his party are growing increasingly fractious. Some factions are fervently calling for a change in the Constitution, seeking to abolish term limits altogether. Dubbed the ED2030 campaign, this slogan has not only kept the populace of Zimbabwe brimming with apprehension, but…

The Taiwanese government has firmly declined South Africa's request to shift its representative office from Pretoria to Johannesburg. This demand followed pressure from China, which had urged the South African administration to complete the relocation by the end of October. Speaking on behalf of Taiwan, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized the importance of honoring a 1997 agreement. That year marked a significant turning point; Pretoria officially severed diplomatic ties with Taipei but allowed Taiwan to retain its…

President Hakainde Hichilema has made a bold move by terminating the appointments of three prominent judges: Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda. These findings are especially notable given that he had previously suspended them over accusations of judicial misconduct. This action has ignited fresh allegations suggesting a potential encroachment of political influence into the realm of justice. Digging a bit into the past, it’s important to note that back in 2016, these very judges were…

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the head honcho of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in parliament, recently expressed serious concerns regarding the Speaker's decision to abruptly adjourn the assembly. He declared that the Speaker's move was misguided and hinted at his intentions to initiate a recall. This interruption by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin came amidst a heated contention over which party rightfully holds the majority in Parliament, a matter complicated by a recent shuffle of MPs switching allegiances ahead of the…

South Africa is currently grappling with a profound water crisis, a situation deeply entrenched in failing infrastructure, sluggish governmental action, and a staggering lack of access to clean water for countless individuals. This predicament jeopardizes not only public health but also the socioeconomic fabric of the nation. Consider the eThekwini Municipality, where a staggering 54% of water revenue is lost due to leaks, theft, and unbilled usage. Without prompt repairs to these leaks, residents might face ongoing water…

Wicknell Chivayo, a well-known and often divisive figure in Zimbabwe’s business landscape, has firmly rejected any suggestions of his involvement in a contract for supplying ballot papers to the Namibian Electoral Commission (NEC). Chivayo expressed his dismay, deeming the claims linking him to this contract both unfounded and alarming. A report by the Daily Maverick pointed to Chivayo's connections with Ren-Form, the firm awarded the task of designing, printing, and packaging ballot papers for Namibia's upcoming…

As Guinea-Bissau gears up for its forthcoming elections, a notable chill has fallen over the media landscape, prompting serious worries about the state of press freedom in the country. Many media outlets face insurmountable obstacles, particularly the hefty $5,000 licensing fees imposed by the government, which they must pay to continue broadcasting. Consequently, a significant number of radio stations have found it challenging, if not impossible, to muster the funds necessary to renew their licenses in time for the…