Legal and Judicial Affairs

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has taken a dim view of the Burkina Faso government’s recent submission to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, highlighting its glaring omissions regarding human rights abuses. Various organizations advocating for human dignity have urgently appealed for enhanced protections for civilians amidst the ongoing armed struggles. They emphasize the necessity of lifting restrictions placed on journalists, dissenters, and political opponents, while also demanding that those responsible for…

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…

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…

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…

Venâncio Mondlane, an independent candidate vying for the presidency in Mozambique, has issued a powerful call for a nationwide strike to protest widespread electoral malpractice. According to a civil society group known as Mais Integridade, the fraudulent activities were so flagrant that they unfolded right under the noses of various observers. "It’s hard to believe what we've witnessed," one member of the group noted, reflecting the disillusionment felt by many. Tragically, the political climate has grown increasingly…

The Capitol Building, the heart of Liberia's legislative activities, became a hotspot for political unrest recently. This past Thursday, a faction within the Lower House attempted to unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa. However, their scheme unraveled when Koffa's loyal supporters, despite his absence abroad, intervened spectacularly, closing the Chamber doors and halting the coup attempt. Reportedly, those lawmakers who endorsed the resolution to oust the Speaker believed they were promised a hefty payday of U.S. $25,000 each.…

Tragedy struck in the northwestern region of Nigeria’s Jigawa state, where a catastrophic fuel tanker explosion has claimed the lives of over 90 individuals. Eyewitness accounts reveal that crowds had gathered around the tanker in the aftermath of the accident, driven by desperation to siphon off fuel when disaster struck. “It's concerning that, despite repeated warnings from law enforcement urging the public to maintain a safe distance from fuel tanker mishaps, people continue to jeopardize their safety,” expressed a…

In the wake of a catastrophic blaze at Mbare Musika, Zimbabwe’s largest informal retail hub, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has instituted a State of Emergency. This decision comes as a response to the widespread devastation that impacted roughly 4,000 vendors, leaving many grappling with the loss of merchandise valued in the thousands. The flames, which raged through the market, not only destroyed goods but also disrupted the livelihood of countless traders. “This unfortunate incident has turned many lives upside down,”…