Legal and Judicial Affairs

Human Rights Watch has raised significant concerns regarding the police's failure to act during the violent incident on June 26, when a group of armed men assaulted peaceful protesters. This alarming lack of intervention casts doubt on the government's ability to conduct the general elections scheduled for September in a fair and unbiased manner. In a heated atmosphere surrounding the upcoming national elections, the incident reflects more than just a moment of chaos; it unveils a deeper, systemic issue. Imagine being…

In a poignant ceremony, Liberia recently conducted a reburial for its former President, William Tolbert, precisely 45 years after his tragic assassination during a coup in 1980. This event served not only as a remembrance but also as a vital chapter in the nation’s complex history, marked by trauma and resilience. To chronicle such a narrative, we must delve deeper. Just ten days following Tolbert's brutal murder, 13 of his Cabinet members were subjected to a summary execution that remains seared into the collective memory…

In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian politics, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared his unwavering commitment to his supporters. He recently proclaimed his intention to contest against President Bola Tinubu once more in the upcoming 2027 election. Such announcements stir a mixture of hope and skepticism among the populace. Could Obi’s steadfastness transform Nigeria’s political narrative? While some might regard his promise as mere rhetoric, others see a glimmer of possibility in his…

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

In a significant move poised to reshape Nigeria's financial landscape, Bola Tinubu has recently ratified four pivotal pieces of legislation aimed at overhauling the country’s tax framework. These reforms are not mere bureaucratic adjustments; they are fundamental shifts intended to streamline revenue collection processes, alleviate the tax burden on select individuals and enterprises, and ultimately boost fiscal resources for government initiatives. The quartet of bills, comprising the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigerian Tax…

After a decade of deliberation, Zimbabwe has finally enacted the long-discussed Mines and Minerals Bill. This pivotal legislation endeavors to address the myriad mining-related challenges that have plagued the nation for years, rekindling hope for transformative solutions. Originally drafted in 2015, the Bill reflects significant revisions to outdated colonial-era statutes that have governed the sector since 1961. The previous laws were rife with ambiguities, allowing some mining enterprises to exploit loopholes at the…

Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, recently ascended to the position of chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With this new role, he sets his sights on reinstating constitutional order and fostering a more robust democratic framework across the region. Taking over from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who faced significant tribulations during his two terms, Bio steps into a complex landscape. Tinubu’s leadership was not without its hurdles. His tenure endured the strain of…

Human Rights Watch has issued a compelling call to action, urging the Guinean government to conduct an investigation into the disturbing abduction and torture of Mohamed Traoré, a distinguished lawyer and former president of the national bar association. Over the weekend, armed intruders stormed his residence, seizing Traoré and his daughter in a harrowing display of force. Known for his outspoken criticism of Guinea's military junta, which seized control in September 2021, Traoré's situation highlights the escalating…

In a pivotal moment for Liberian politics, a coalition of opposition parties has emphatically called for the appointment of a special prosecutor. This comes in light of serious allegations regarding witness tampering and claims of "torture" linked to the investigation of a devastating fire that ravaged parts of the building housing the national legislature. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. This coalition, comprising several significant political entities, issued a robust joint statement accusing the…

In a significant stride toward reconciliation and cultural restitution, the Netherlands has returned 119 ancient sculptures that were taken from the former Kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria over a century ago. These remarkable artifacts, widely referred to as the Benin Bronzes, were the spoils of conflict during a turbulent chapter in history; they were seized in 1897 when British forces invaded and subsequently exiled the kingdom's ruler. This return marks not just a physical relocation of art but a profound…