Legal and Judicial Affairs

In a recent dialogue with journalists, President Emmerson Mnangagwa firmly reaffirmed his dedication to adhering to the constitutional mandate of a two-term limit. As he articulated his vision, he indicated that his presidency will conclude in 2028, as originally scheduled. This steadfast declaration comes amid persistent discussions about extending his tenure to 2030, discussions he categorically dismissed. “While I respect the democratic rights of those advocating for an extension, my decision is resolute. I will not allow…

Muhsin Hendricks, renowned as the world’s first openly gay imam, was tragically killed in what appears to be an assassination in Gqeberha, South Africa. The circumstances surrounding his death are nothing short of shocking; his vehicle was ambushed, highlighting a dark chapter in the ongoing struggle for acceptance and safety faced by LGBTQI+ individuals. Hendricks was not merely an imam; he was a revolutionary figure passionately advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ people within the Muslim community. His mission was…

Amid growing discontent, activists have stepped forward, prominently featuring King Okabi from the Ogale community, urging an end to Shell's reckless pollution practices in the Niger Delta. As the legal battle commences between the Ogale and Bille communities and the oil giant, the call for accountability has never been louder. For over six decades, the Niger Delta has suffered under the weight of Shell's negligence. The company’s aging and poorly maintained pipelines have unleashed a torrent of environmental degradation,…

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the government has officially categorized the recent tragic collision on the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway as a national disaster. This devastating incident, which has left a profound mark on the community, resulted in the loss of 24 lives. The accident unfolded near the Lutumba tollgate, a junction typically bustling with activity. In a catastrophic moment, a bus operated by Urban Connect, en route to Beitbridge, collided with a truck laden with magnesium headed for Chirundu. The…

Since the military coup in Niger in July 2023, former president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have remained confined in a distressingly precarious situation. Their prolonged detention serves as a grim reminder of how swiftly political fortunes can shift and the consequent havoc it wreaks on lives. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, an independent authority charged with scrutinizing cases of wrongful confinement, has labeled the incarceration of Bazoum and his spouse as arbitrary. Their conclusion…

For nearly a month now, the judicial system has come to a standstill, with magistrates resolute in their decision to abstain from their duties. This protest stems from persistent grievances regarding subpar working conditions and insufficient salaries. As a result, countless court cases have languished in limbo, leaving many seeking justice in a precarious state of uncertainty. The National Trade Union of Magistrates, known as SYNAMAG, has voiced strong disapproval toward the government’s apparent neglect of the judiciary.…

In a painful reminder of the desperate journeys undertaken by countless individuals seeking a better life, Libyan security forces have unearthed nearly 50 bodies from two mass graves located in the arid southeastern desert. This grim discovery shines a light on the tragic realities faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of a new beginning. The recent unearthing of a mass grave containing 28 migrants in the city of Kufra aligns with the discovery of another grave just days prior, where 19 bodies were…

In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community, the military junta in Niger has issued an expulsion order for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Strikingly, they provided no official rationale for this decisive action, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind it. The ICRC has been a steadfast presence in Niger since 1990, tirelessly delivering crucial healthcare services to over 120,000 individuals affected by armed conflict. Their commitment to alleviating…

In recent years, the plight of children in Mali has escalated, leaving an indelible mark on their lives amid escalating violence and widespread atrocities. The ongoing conflict, fueled by various factions, has created an environment where the most vulnerable—our children—face unimaginable horrors on a day-to-day basis. What does it say about our collective humanity when the innocent are caught in the crossfire of such chaos? Reports suggest that between April 2022 and March 2024, more than 2,000 egregious violations against…

In a recent outcry, civil society organizations have expressed their profound concern regarding statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, which they label as "dangerous lies and threats." Their statement articulates a robust rejection of Trump's assertions that South Africa is engaging in land confiscation and systematically mistreating select groups of people. To many, the very notion seems not only unfounded but absurd, particularly when such claims emerge from high echelons of the U.S. government. This backlash…