Legal and Judicial Affairs

At just 36, Captain Ibrahim Traore has carved a remarkable niche for himself as the youngest head of state globally, seizing control through a military coup in 2022. Yet, beneath the veneer of youthful vigor lies a precarious foundation; Traore himself has weathered numerous attempts at coups, making his position seem less a triumph and more a continual struggle for stability, as observed by Enoch Randy Aikins, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies. Since taking office, Traore has voiced a fervent commitment to…

Recently, at least 190 families in Cape Town found themselves in a precarious situation, forced to evacuate their homes as flames threatened their neighborhoods. The South Peninsula, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant community, became a stage for nature’s fury, as fire crews valiantly battled on multiple fronts against at least five active fire lines. The audacity of these blazes is heightened by the fierce winds sweeping across the area. These conditions not only exacerbate the fire's reach but…

In a poignant gesture that acknowledges a challenging past, French President Emmanuel Macron recently articulated his intent to seek “forgiveness” for France’s colonial domination over Madagascar. This statement comes as part of a broader commitment to revisit the historical narrative, beginning with the return of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era. Madagascar, with its rich tapestry of history and heritage, endured French colonial rule from 1896 until it regained full sovereignty in 1960. This period marked…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels, known for their ties to Rwanda, have declared a ceasefire in the eastern regions of the country. This agreement will remain in effect until peace negotiations, facilitated by Qatar, are brought to a close. It’s a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has claimed an estimated 7,000 lives since M23 escalated its military campaign in January. In a joint statement, representatives from both factions characterized their recent discussions as "frank and…

In a pivotal decision that could reshape the political landscape, the Supreme Court has thrown its weight behind stability within the House of Representatives. The Court has ruled against the group identifying as the "Majority Bloc," which claimed the authority to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa from his position. This ruling not only underscores the principles of legality and governance but also highlights the tension within the legislature, where factions have vied for influence. Richard N. Koon, leading the charge for the…

In a historic turn of events, President John Mahama made the unprecedented decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a move that marks the first time a sitting chief justice has faced such disciplinary action in Ghana's history. This bold step sends ripples through the nation’s political and legal landscapes, raising eyebrows and concerns alike. This suspension was not an arbitrary decision. It stemmed from the filing of three undisclosed petitions advocating for her removal. These petitions cite constitutional…

Across northern Nimba County, a profound shift is taking place as Liberians engage in a by-election to select a new senator for this vital region, which boasts the second-highest population in the country. The passing of the infamous Prince Johnson—known for his tumultuous past as a warlord and his influential role as a kingmaker in Liberia's political sphere—has left a significant void. His sudden demise has not only opened a seat but also ignited the aspirations of politicians eager to step into the spotlight. As the sun…

In Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened for a pivotal meeting. This gathering comes in response to a significant development: three member nations have announced their intent to withdraw from the bloc in January. As the discussions unfold, the leaders aim to explore the complexities surrounding the countries' exit and its broader ramifications for ECOWAS agencies. ECOWAS, a cornerstone of regional cooperation, has consistently upheld…

On April 14, we marked a haunting eleven years since the tragic abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok by the extremist group Boko Haram in 2014. This incident did not merely shed light on the depths of human depravity but also highlighted the alarming systemic inadequacies in Nigeria's governance and security frameworks. Why, in a nation rich with resources and talent, do we continue to witness such harrowing events? Despite widespread condemnation and the fervent #BringBackOurGirls campaign, a staggering 90 of those…

The political climate in Libya has once again turned tumultuous, exacerbated by pressing economic woes and deepening rivalries between its two governing factions. This instability threatens to unravel the precarious peace that has stood since the ceasefire in 2020. Fast forward nearly 15 years after Muammar Gaddafi's regime crumbled, and Libya finds itself still grappling with a fractured identity. The nation is essentially split, with the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli on one side and the Government of…