Legal and Judicial Affairs

The Senate of Liberia has agreed to the draft budget for 2025 put forth by a faction within the House of Representatives, identifying themselves as the "majority Bloc." However, this move hasn't come without its share of controversy. Analysts, including the beleaguered Speaker Fonati Koffa and a former Supreme Court justice, have raised eyebrows about the legitimacy of this financial document. They point to ongoing tensions between the Speaker's supporters and those seeking to remove him from office. This hefty budget,…

In a decisive move, Lagos State officials are urging philanthropists, individuals, and organizations to register with local safety agencies when planning large gatherings—specifically, those expecting over 250 attendees. This call for precaution comes in the wake of a tragic series of incidents where numerous lives were lost due to dangerous stampedes at charity events. It’s a reminder of the paramount importance of safety during the festive season, a time usually filled with joy and generosity. Just last Christmas, a…

Chad's electoral commission has put out a call for military support to safeguard election officials and candidates ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary, local council, and regional elections, all set for December 29. An impressive 8.3 million citizens have registered to cast their votes. In addition, over 1,000 election monitors have been authorized to oversee the electoral process. However, the campaign trail has been anything but smooth. Candidates and their rallies have faced significant disruptions, primarily from…

In a startling turn of events, over 1,500 inmates have reportedly fled a prison in Mozambique. This massive jailbreak is occurring amidst a backdrop of escalating violence following the country's elections. Many of those who escaped have since been recaptured, yet it's believed they capitalized on the unstable security climate created by the ongoing political unrest to break through the prison walls. According to Mozambique News Reports and Clippings, there are allegations that the Frelimo government may have tacitly allowed…

In a somber turn of events, tens of thousands of Mozambicans have sought refuge in Malawi, fleeing the turmoil following a contentious presidential election held on October 9. Authorities anticipate that this number will continue to climb. To accommodate the influx of asylum seekers, the Malawian government is gearing up to transfer individuals to a more spacious facility, a necessary step given the escalating humanitarian situation. The chaos erupted after the Mozambican Constitutional Council announced Daniel Chapo as…

The ministers of justice and Islamic affairs in Morocco are pushing for significant reforms to the nation's family law. For years, advocates for women’s rights have been calling for an overhaul of the legal framework designed to safeguard women and children within familial structures. They seek not just modifications but a fundamental shift towards equality, particularly regarding inheritance rights, custody of children, and a complete ban on child marriages. This bold initiative proposes more than 100 amendments to the…

Nearly two decades after the last execution, Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty. This significant shift comes from a country where such a fate was all too real not long ago. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who himself was once on the perilous edge of facing the death penalty during the War of Independence in the 1960s, recently put his signature on legislation paving the way for this landmark change. The final execution took place via hanging back in 2005, largely because no one wanted to take on the grim…

In a recent address, President Filipe Nyusi, who is nearing the end of his current term, urged for a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the unrest that has swept through the nation over the past few weeks. These protests erupted following the October 9 elections, during which Daniel Chapo, the candidate for the ruling Frelimo party, was announced as the victor. Nyusi expressed his concerns, noting that the ongoing violence is detrimental to Mozambique's economy, stating that it “restricts business operations and port…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Primate of Southern Africa, has issued a cautionary note suggesting that we may see an uptick in reports of misconduct involving church officials, especially following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby's departure came on the heels of an investigation that unveiled his failure to report allegations of abuse perpetrated by John Smyth—a barrister, educator, and director of Christian camps—during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth was a prominent figure…

Human rights advocates are strongly encouraging the authorities in Mozambique to take decisive action against the ongoing repression and violence directed at protesters challenging the questionable election results. The Committee to Protect Journalists has painted a grim picture of the situation, stating that the nation has "plunged into turmoil as security forces engage in violent confrontations." Disturbingly, they report that at least nine journalists have faced assault or arrest, while two foreign correspondents have…