Legal and Judicial Affairs

In a decisive move to reshape the apparel market, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has enacted a formal ban on importing second-hand clothing, tightening entry rules for these goods with permits now issued only under stringent conditions. The step comes amid ongoing concerns about the country’s fragile clothing value chain and the pressure it faces from cheaper, imported stock. Marketers have questioned the timing, warning that while the policy is billed as a lifeline for local manufacturers, it should be calibrated to…

Aboubacar Sidiki Diakité, a pivotal figure convicted for his involvement in the 2009 stadium massacre in Guinea, has died in custody following a medical emergency. Diakité, who was serving a 10-year sentence for his actions during the violent episode in Conakry—where over 150 lives were lost and at least 109 women were subjected to rape—was a controversial presence even behind bars. He established a political party and made attempts to vie for the presidency. The prison administration confirmed that Diakité succumbed at the…

At least 15 Zimbabweans have been killed in the Russia-Ukraine war after being deceived into joining foreign militaries, a development officials say exposes a trafficking pipeline preying on job seekers. Information Minister Soda Zhemu said employment agencies tied to criminal syndicates are enticing Zimbabweans with promises of lucrative pay before steering them into foreign armed forces. Recruiters have leveraged social media and bogus job listings to hook applicants, he added, with victims later stripped of their…

South Africa’s top cop, Fannie Masemola, has been summoned to court over a police health-services tender now at the center of a criminal investigation, thrusting the country’s law-enforcement leadership into fresh scrutiny. Masemola is due to appear on April 21 in relation to his alleged role in the awarding of a $21 million contract. The tender, issued in 2024 to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s firm, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was intended to deliver health services to members of the police. Amid corruption…

The Nigerian police have apprehended 15 individuals in connection with allegations of rape and sexual assault that emerged during the Alue-Do festival in Ozoro, Delta State. This investigative action comes in the wake of shocking footage that surfaced online, depicting women being chased, stripped, and assaulted in public spaces, igniting a wave of outrage on social media. The hashtag #StopRapingWomen swiftly gained traction, amplifying demands for accountability concerning gender-based violence. Authorities have refuted…

Zimbabwe civic group urges international bodies to block bid to extend presidency and Parliament terms The Defend the Constitution Platform called on international organisations to stop proposed constitutional changes that would extend the tenure of Zimbabwe’s presidency and Parliament, citing reports of intimidation and violence around the debate. The Defend the Constitution Platform has urged international organisations to block planned amendments to Zimbabwe’s constitution that would lengthen the terms of the presidency…

Rising Violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Puts Civilians at Risk The United Nations has raised the alarm over escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in Ituri Province, warning that civilians face growing dangers and widespread displacement. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted that humanitarian agencies are "deeply concerned by the impact of continued violence on civilians." Recent clashes between armed groups have resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people…

Prosecutors have asked the Harare Regional Magistrates Court to compel prominent pastor Walter Magaya to enter a plea in a rape case, saying repeated pre‑trial motions have stalled the prosecution and risked harming witnesses and alleged victims. In papers filed at the court, the State described a series of what it called “frivolous and vexatious” applications lodged by Magaya’s defence that, prosecutors argue, were intended to frustrate the prosecution despite what they say is a prima facie case. The filings ask the…

Human Rights Watch Calls for Protection of Civilians Amid Rising Violence in Burkina Faso Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a strong plea to all parties entangled in the conflict in Burkina Faso, urging them to adhere to international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions. These conventions prohibit summary executions, attacks on civilians, and sexual violence. This appeal comes on the heels of harrowing reports indicating that militants have killed at least 38 civilians, abducted nine women, and destroyed property in…

Senegal Doubles Prison Sentence for Same-Sex Relations Amid Growing Anti-LGBTQI+ Sentiment The Senegalese parliament has approved a controversial bill that significantly increases the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations, doubling it to a decade. This government-backed legislation passed with overwhelming support, tallying 135 votes in favor and three abstentions, marking a shift in the country's legal stance on LGBTQI+ rights. The new law, a pivotal campaign promise from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and…