Laws

South Africa's Telecom Landscape: A Controversial Shift in Policy Recently, the Financial Times reported significant developments in South Africa’s telecommunications policy, initiated by the government's Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi. He announced a plan that would permit telecom companies, including Starlink, to bypass the mandated 30% Black ownership requirement through measures such as ‘equity equivalence’. This initiative proposes that these companies might engage in local partnerships, create jobs, or…

UN Calls for Urgent Review of Somalia’s Counter-Terrorism Laws Amidst the backdrop of Somalia's complex socio-political landscape, Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights while combating terrorism, embarked on a significant tour from May 10 to May 20, 2025. His mission was to scrutinize Somalia’s counter-terrorism laws, ensuring they align with international norms covering human rights and humanitarian concerns. Reflecting on the visit, Saul remarked, “The Somali authorities have been proactive. Their…

In an important move for Somalia, the nation's two-chamber parliament gave the nod to essential electoral laws on Monday. These regulations, covering election procedures, political parties, and organizations, as well as the foundation of an electoral commission, came to life. Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Ali Hoosh, brought these laws to the table. All 170 lawmakers in attendance said yes, in unison. As reported by Sadia Yassin Haji Samatar, the House of the People's second Deputy Speaker, the measures sailed through with…