Legal and Judicial Affairs

In a significant turn of events, former President Ali Bongo and his family have arrived in Luanda, the vibrant capital of Angola, following their recent release from Gabonese authorities. This marks a pivotal moment for the Bongo family, who have endured tumultuous times since a coup deposed Ali Bongo and reshaping the political landscape of Gabon. The aftermath of the coup, which took place in August 2023, saw tragic repercussions for many. Among those affected were Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo, Ali's wife and son, who…

In a poignant moment of cultural restoration, Finland has returned a ceremonial stool known as the kataklè to Benin. This act of restitution follows over 130 years since the piece was taken by French troops and subsequently transferred to the National Museum of Finland. The three-legged royal chair, emblematic of the former Kingdom of Dahomey, resurfaced after a diligent investigation into its whereabouts. The stool, an integral part of Dahomey’s royal heritage, had been in storage in Finland since 1939, following an…

In a surprising turn of events, a distinguished diplomat has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency ahead of the 2026 elections. Essa Bokarr Sey, a seasoned figure who has represented The Gambia in various capacities—most notably as ambassador to France, Taiwan, and the USA—stands at the forefront of this political endeavor. However, his announcement does not occur in a vacuum. It emerges against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding the recent revisions to the national constitution. The original…

In a significant turn of events, Richard Koon, the leader of the Majority Bloc, has ascended to the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives. This decision follows a special election prompted by the resignation of his predecessor, Fonati Koffa, who stepped down on May 12. Koffa's resignation was not without controversy; it stemmed from an arduous series of legal disputes with the Majority Bloc that had plagued his tenure. Koffa voiced deep frustrations about the executive branch's alleged "failure" to adhere to a…

In Ghana, the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has resurfaced with renewed vigor. Originally passed by Parliament in February 2024, the bill has yet to be enacted, but its implications loom large. It stipulates severe penalties, proposing prison terms of up to three years for engaging in same-sex relations and five years for promoting LGBTQ+ rights. The nation's Supreme Court recently dismissed attempts to block this legislation. Their ruling underscored…

In a surprising turn of events, a U.S. court has dramatically scaled back a hefty $18 million defamation judgment awarded to Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, reducing it to a mere $500. This case originated from incendiary allegations made by former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, who labeled Anas a "criminal" and insinuated his involvement in the tragic murder of fellow journalist Ahmed Suale. How did we arrive at such disparate figures? Agyapong's legal representation petitioned for…

In the wake of widespread public discontent, the Gambian government has initiated an investigation concerning the controversial sale of assets confiscated from former President Yahya Jammeh. This decision reflects the growing disquiet among citizens who have raised concerns over alleged irregularities and a glaring lack of transparency surrounding these transactions. Among the assets in question are livestock, luxury vehicles, and various properties, all sold precipitously before an inquiry panel could assess Jammeh's…

The recent unearthing of a remarkable assemblage has shed light on ancient practices, showcasing an impressive collection that transcends mere artifacts. Among these, stone and wooden coffin lids sit side by side, each carrying whispers of the past. The intricacies of these pieces invite one to ponder: what stories do they tell? They are not just objects; they are relics of a bygone era, steeped in culture and craftsmanship. Of particular note are the funerary masks, meticulously fashioned from both pottery and gilded…

In recent days, Tripoli has witnessed a devastating surge in violence, leaving significant portions of the city in shambles. Civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire, tragically losing their lives, while the war-torn landscape invites deeper scrutiny into Libya’s precarious political and security landscape. What does it take for a nation, once brimming with hope, to descend into chaos? The assassination of a prominent militia leader triggered a series of clashes across multiple districts, prompting hundreds of…

In a decisive move, the military junta governing Mali has declared the dissolution of all political parties. This bold announcement emphasizes the junta’s commitment to initiating a “reform process” and signals intentions to draft a new law aimed at regulating the political landscape in the nation. This decision follows a national conference where political parties reportedly conferred upon military leader Assimi Goita a five-year presidential term. Goita, who assumed power after a series of coups in 2020 and 2021, now…