Legal and Judicial Affairs

On Monday, January 27, the Supreme Court of Liberia found itself noticeably absent from a pivotal moment in the political arena: President Joseph Boakai's constitutionally mandated annual address. As he spoke, the seats reserved for the five justices sat barren, a striking tableau that raised eyebrows and sparked a whirlwind of speculation. Did they choose to stay away to avoid giving a nod of legitimacy to the executive branch's recognition of Richard Nagbe Koon, the ruling Unity Party's pick for Speaker of the House of…

In the bustling heart of Harare, a disconcerting trend is unfolding before our very eyes. Zimbabwean retailers are trimming their sails, downsizing their operations in response to relentless economic shocks—a clear sign that all is not well in this Southern African nation. As reported by NewZimbabwe.com, the retail landscape is morphing into a ghost town. Stores once vibrant and bustling with life now stand as mere husks of their former selves. Take, for instance, the OK Zimbabwe outlets in Marimba, Hillside, Kuwadzana 2…

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), a passionate advocate for human rights, has taken a bold stand, urging President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt the legal proceedings against a group of 11 activists linked to the #EndBadGovernance movement. Among them is Michael Lenin, who finds himself facing grave charges of treason and mutiny—serious allegations that could change lives forever. In a powerful statement, the YRC emphasized that this trial seems more like a heavy-handed maneuver to stifle dissent and quash opposition,…

In a chilling revelation that echoes the unresolved wounds of South Africa's tumultuous past, Janusz Walus, the man who murdered anti-apartheid icon Chris Hani, has made it abundantly clear that he feels no remorse for his heinous act. In a recent interview with eNCA, conducted by Annika Larsen, Walus spoke with a disconcerting smugness about his intention to obliterate Hani’s life—a move he believed would send shockwaves through the intricate negotiations aimed at forging a democratic South Africa. Imagine a world where…

In a surprising twist that’s stirred the political waters in Liberia, the leadership of the Liberian National Police has identified several lawmakers, including the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, as "persons of interest" in the troubling investigation surrounding the recent fire at the Capitol Building—home to the nation’s legislative activities. The Capitol, once a proud symbol of democracy, now bears the scars of controversy that threaten to engulf its inhabitants. In a formal communication directed to the House of…

In a bold move that’s sending ripples across the political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially enacted the much-debated Expropriation Bill. The controversial law paves the way for government entities to seize land in the public interest, but it comes with a set of stringent guidelines aimed at ensuring fair compensation for those affected. With this step, the new legislation effectively dismantles the archaic Expropriation Act of 1975—a remnant of the apartheid era that many saw as outdated and unjust.…

In a poignant ceremony held in Cape Town, the memories of hundreds of South African soldiers, predominantly black men, who valiantly fought and died during World War One have been brought back to light with the unveiling of a striking new memorial. Surprisingly, after returning from the front lines in a world torn apart by war, these brave souls were largely forgotten, lost in the shadows cast by British colonialism's discriminatory policies and the later oppressive apartheid regime that stained South Africa’s history. The…

In a bold and transformative step, the Kenyan government has declared the elimination of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and visa requisites for travelers from across the African continent. Well, almost everyone—from the sands of Senegal to the shores of South Africa—can rejoice, except for those residing in Somalia and Libya, a decision influenced by persistent security concerns that linger like an unwelcome guest. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster regional integration and fuel tourism, promoting the idea that…

It’s hard to look away from the tumultuous scene unfolding in the aftermath of the October 2024 elections. Protests have erupted across the country; citizens, disillusioned with the electoral process and fed up with heavy-handed police tactics, are expressing their anger in the streets. However, as Borges Nhamirre eloquently argues for the Institute for Security Studies, these chaotic demonstrations and the police’s indiscriminate crackdowns aren’t the root of the issue—they’re merely the visible symptoms of a much deeper…

The return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office has cast a long shadow of uncertainty over Africa. As the 47th President of the United States, Trump’s policies could either build bridges or deepen divides, and the continent is bracing for what lies ahead. On one hand, there’s a flicker of hope illuminating the darker corners of apprehension. Trump's meteoric rise back to power signals a potential shake-up of the status quo, not just domestically but internationally as well. As he gears up for the 2024 election, he touts a…