Legislation

On the Fourth of July, US President Donald Trump proudly enacted a significant package of tax and spending cuts during an outdoor ceremony at the White House. The event was marked by military jets soaring overhead and attended by hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. This pivotal legislation was narrowly approved by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives just a day prior, with a vote tally of 218-214 following a heated debate. The bill aims to bolster Trump's immigration initiatives, make 2017 tax cuts…

At a rally in Iowa, US President Donald Trump proudly celebrated what he called a "phenomenal victory," as Congress narrowly approved his signature tax and spending bill. This event marked the kickoff of America's year-long celebrations for its 250th birthday, with Trump taking a victory lap to praise a bill that has drawn considerable concern, not just from Democrats, but also from within his own Republican Party. Polls suggest that many Americans harbor apprehension about the legislation's potential impact. Critics…

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently hailed the remarkable advancement in Mali’s legislative efforts to safeguard the rights of stateless individuals. This new law is not just a piece of legislation; it marks a transformative step toward addressing the complexities of statelessness in the country. By creating a clear pathway to nationality for its citizens, defining what it means to be stateless, and ensuring accessibility to healthcare and education, Mali is sending a powerful message about…

After a decade of deliberation, Zimbabwe has finally enacted the long-discussed Mines and Minerals Bill. This pivotal legislation endeavors to address the myriad mining-related challenges that have plagued the nation for years, rekindling hope for transformative solutions. Originally drafted in 2015, the Bill reflects significant revisions to outdated colonial-era statutes that have governed the sector since 1961. The previous laws were rife with ambiguities, allowing some mining enterprises to exploit loopholes at the…

Assisted dying in England and Wales has taken a significant step towards legalization, following a landmark vote in the House of Commons. In a pivotal moment, a majority of MPs supported the bill that aims to allow terminally ill adults—those with a life expectancy of six months or less—to opt for an assisted end to their lives. The legislation, despite facing warnings about its safety from various opponents who argued it has been hurried through, has made progress in the parliamentary process. The bill, championed by Kim…

Kenya's 2025 Finance Law: A Complex Balancing Act On Thursday, Kenya's parliament took a significant step by voting in favor of this year's proposed finance law. This decision, echoing the echoes of past turmoil, reflects both cautious optimism and a commitment to safeguarding the privacy of taxpayers. The crux of the debate is not solely about numbers and fiscal policies; it's a matter of trust and transparency. Lawmakers strongly denied the Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) request for unrestricted access to personal…

The Future of Kenya's Financial Regulations The Kenyan government's recent initiatives, led by President William Ruto, signal a transformative approach to combating financial crimes in the country. Ruto's decision to sign a pivotal anti-money laundering bill doesn’t just arise from a bureaucratic necessity; it embodies a broader vision. It aims to position Kenya as a beacon of financial integrity in East Africa, a region fraught with financial irregularities. As President Ruto eloquently…

Algeria's New Law: A Paradigm Shift in Mining and Economic Diversification Algeria's parliament recently approved a landmark law that transforms the landscape of its mining industry. This significant legislation allows foreign companies to own up to 80% of mining projects, signaling a bold new direction for this OPEC nation as it strives to diversify its economy. Have we reached a turning point in Algeria’s economic narrative? Only time will tell. A resounding majority of lawmakers supported this initiative during…

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has expressed vehement opposition to Zimbabwe's newly enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, labeling it as both "draconian" and "anti-citizen." This law, recently approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, imposes a surprising requirement: motorists must now secure a ZBC television and radio license in order to renew their vehicle licenses with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) or obtain vehicle insurance. Imagine the average commuter, already juggling numerous…

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…