Legislation

In a significant legal development, Ghana's Supreme Court has turned down two attempts aimed at halting the enactment of a contentious piece of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. This legislation, formally known as the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, received parliamentary approval in February. Under this bill, individuals from sexual minorities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years for engaging in homosexual relations. While the bill boasts substantial backing within Ghana, it has…

"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.

Kenya Seeks Public Input for Economic Reform Legislation Post-Protests A sweeping view captures Nairobi's bustling central business district on February 18, 2022. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya Purchase Licensing Rights In a bid to rejuvenate its economy, Kenya's finance ministry is calling upon the citizens for their insights on new laws aimed at increasing revenue and addressing various challenges. Finance Minister John Mbadi made this announcement on Monday, following a wave of protests that compelled the government to retract…