Monthly Archives: May 2021

Mali’s president and premier resign following military takeover

Via: Reuters Africa

Mali’s interim president and prime minister resigned on Wednesday (26/05), two days after they were arrested by the military, an aide to the vice president said, deepening a political crisis and potentially setting up a standoff with international powers. President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were taken to a military base outside the capital on Monday after a Cabinet reshuffle in which two officers lost their posts. The intervention led by Vice President Assimi Goita has jeopardised Mali’s transition back to democracy after a coup in August overthrew former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The United Nations Security Council has added its voice to a chorus of international condemnation amid fears a political crisis in Bamako could affect regional security.

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Kenya’s President Kenyatta inaugurates deep water port in Lamu

Via: Africa News

A new deep-water port at the Kenyan island of Lamu welcomed its first ships Thursday (20/05), launching a potential trade corridor for neighboring countries despite local opposition. The $3 billion Lamu Port is part of an ambitious $23 billion regional transport corridor known as LAPSSET, or the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor, launched nearly a decade ago, in 2012. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the commissioning ceremony. From the start, the 32-berth port has faced opposition from local businessmen who depend heavily on tourism and fishing, as well as from environmental groups.

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Zimbabwe leader’s extension of chief justice tenure illegal, says court

Via: CGTN Africa

Zimbabwe’s High Court on Saturday (16/05) ruled that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial extension of tenure of the country’s top judge is illegal. Mnangagwa announced last week that he had extended Luke Malaba’s term of office by five years, just hours before the Chief Justice was to due to retire, a move seen as aimed at consolidating the president’s power. Three high court judges sat through Friday night (15/05) as lawyers argued over the legality of the extension. The court ruled on Saturday that “Malaba ceased being a judge and Chief Justice of Zimbabwe at 0000hrs on 15 May 2021”. Malaba has been accused of favouring Mnangagwa’s administration. He dismissed opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s presidential election petition following the 2018 vote.

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