Legal and Judicial Affairs

The M23 militia has publicly declared its decision to withdraw from negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government. This move, they assert, is a direct consequence of European Union sanctions imposed on Rwandan officials earlier that same day, which the militia claims have compromised the integrity of the dialogue. It’s noteworthy how this situation has unfolded. For nearly a decade, the prospect of direct talks between the M23 fighters and the government was nothing more than a distant dream—something…

As the dawn of 2024 approached, a significant legislative move unfolded in The Gambia. The National Assembly took a historic step, passing a bill aimed at establishing a specialized tribunal dedicated to prosecuting human rights violations attributed to the tumultuous reign of former president Yahya Jammeh. This decision, though monumental in its moral implications, was further galvanized in December when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced its commitment to assist The Gambia in creating this…

In a significant triumph for conservation efforts, BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) have successfully garnered a court-ordered settlement dedicated to the preservation of the critically endangered African Penguin. The settlement emphasizes the establishment of no-take fishing zones, a decisive step towards safeguarding not just a species, but an entire ecosystem. What does this order entail, you might wonder? It mandates the creation of no-take zones…

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Rwanda has ordered the expulsion of all Belgian diplomats, requiring their departure within 48 hours. This decisive action sparked an immediate reaction from Brussels, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has accused Belgium of “consistently undermining” its efforts, particularly amid the ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This diplomatic fracture appears to stem from a…

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…

Human Rights Watch has called upon Mozambican authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the recent attack on opposition members in Maputo. This incident unfolded during a significant moment—the signing of a peace accord between President Daniel Chapo and various opposition parties, notably excluding former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who led hundreds in a peaceful march that day. The stark contrast between the peaceful intentions of the demonstrators and the violent response they…

Angola is stepping into an ambitious role, attempting to mediate the ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The focus lies on facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, and the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant territories. During a recent meeting held in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at establishing dialogue between the warring factions. His commitment to fostering peace in the region cannot be…

In a dramatic twist of events, self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, welcome an unexpected chapter in their ongoing saga. As the leaders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, they cultivated a prominent following in South Africa. However, the clouds of legal troubles have loomed ominously over their heads. Back in 2020, the couple made an audacious escape from South Africa, leaving behind a trail of serious allegations. Accusations of defrauding investors to the tune of R102 million…

The Nigerian political landscape is at a pivotal juncture as President Bola Tinubu reaches out to the country's youth, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future. During the recent inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee in Abuja, he extended an open invitation for genuine interaction and feedback, underscoring his belief that young voices should be heard and incorporated into the nation's governance. “Your ideas matter,” Tinubu asserted, a sentiment that clearly resonated with the vibrant…

The Union of Chadian Journalists, alongside a coalition of international advocacy organizations, has raised grave concerns over the recent arbitrary arrests of two prominent journalists in Chad. This alarming trend appears to be part of a more extensive governmental clampdown on dissenting voices within the nation. Among the detained is Olivier Monodji, a correspondent for Radio France International. Alongside him, another journalist affiliated with State television faces similar circumstances. Reports suggest their…