Legislation

Burkina Faso's Controversial Step Backward: The New Anti-Homosexuality Law In a rapid and unsettling turn of events, Burkina Faso's transitional parliament has unanimously passed a bill that criminalizes homosexual acts, placing the West African nation in a club of over 30 African countries where same-sex relations are outlawed. The new law imposes harsh penalties, including prison sentences ranging from two to five years, fines, and even the threat of deportation for foreign nationals caught violating its provisions. This…

The recent arrest of five individuals in Lesotho for the illegal trade of pelargonium has revealed significant flaws in the government's capacity to safeguard endangered plant species, as reported by Sechaba Mokhethi for GroundUp. Back in 2004, the government classified Pelargonium sidoides—often called African geranium—as a protected species. This plant has gained global recognition for its medicinal properties, being a key ingredient in various herbal remedies, including some cough syrups. Yet, despite these protective…

"This groundbreaking legislation lays the groundwork for a transparent political process guided by the constitution," Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh declared with enthusiasm, commending lawmakers for their unanimous thumbs-up. "This is a whopping milestone for fortifying our democratic institutions." With this new law, a robust framework is set for political parties, ensuring they conduct themselves with transparency and responsibility while staying in step with Somalia’s Constitution. It’s a crucial move in the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Jubbaland's leadership, alongside its representatives in Somalia's federal Parliament, have declared their opposition to a newly sanctioned law that establishes the Independent National Electoral Commission. They argue it breaches constitutional principles and excludes them from pivotal discussions.On Saturday, a statement emerged from the corridors of power in Jubbaland, decrying the parliamentary proceedings as "unlawful" due to the absence of their own lawmakers and those from Northeastern State during…

Ay up, ever read a headline and thought, "Well, what’s the craic here?" Let me fill you in on the insider juice. Over in Mogadishu, it's not just the Somali tea brewing hot; their parliament's just given the green light to a law that’s set to shake up the election scene. They're gearing up for a voting system that'll finally hand over the ballot keys to every dude and dudette in the country. Now that’s what we call democracy getting its groove back! Gather 'round for espresso shots of democracy—173 lawmakers, snug in their…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke to Parliament, highlighting the pressing need to implement essential election laws as Somalia gears up for its forthcoming elections. His comments coincide with lawmakers voting to extend their legislative session. CREDIT/ SONNA Mogadishu (AX) — This month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud successfully persuaded Somalia's parliament to remain in session, thus postponing their planned recess to address vital legislative issues, particularly those related to the upcoming elections. A…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somalia’s Parliament granted a one-month extension to its current session, responding to a request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to postpone the lawmakers' recess in order to address urgent election legislation. Originally slated to begin their break on November 6, the Parliament will now continue its work until early December this year. In his address to the Parliament, President Mohamud highlighted the pressing need for reviewing and passing critical laws and agreements that require…

MP Mukhtar Mohamed Guled, helming the Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Livestock, and Marine Resources, brought forth the legislation for its third discussion. As the presiding figure, Speaker Sheikh Aadan Mohamed Nur, accompanied by Second Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow, declared the outcome, ushering the bills to the Upper House for further examination. Praising the legislative body's quick adaptability, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, along with Chairman Guled,…

President João Lourenço has recently enacted two pieces of legislation that, according to Human Rights Watch, significantly undermine international standards for human rights, particularly in regard to media, expression, and association freedoms.