Politics

Liberia’s opposition candidate, Boakai begins campaign ahead of presidential election

Published

2 weeks ago

September 18, 2023

Ahead of next month’s presidential election, Liberia’s opposition leader, Joseph Boakai has launched his campaign to succeed incumbent President George Weah.

The supporters of the 78-year-old leader of the Liberia National Union braved the rain at a stadium to dance, wave flags, and call for change. He finished second behind Weah in the 2017 elections and has been called “Sleepy Joe” by critics for reportedly dozing off during public events.

Several erstwhile Weah supporters who have lost faith in him amid growing cost of living, were also present.

“We thought he (Weah) was going to bring the change he promised, but nothing,” said businesswoman Martha Gould. “I need change for the better.”

While the 73 members of the Liberian House of Representatives are chosen by first-past-the-post voting in single-member constituencies, the Liberian President is chosen using a two-round method.

Nathaniel Barnes, a former Liberian ambassador to the United States, Clarence Moniba, a former vice president of Liberia, and Alexander B. Cummings Jr., who came in fifth place in the 2017 presidential election, are some of the candidates vying for the top position in the country.

It will be interesting to watch if Boakai and his Unity Party can change the course of events as President Weah remains considerably popular.

According to the electoral commission, the elections will be observed by local and international groups totalling 45 bodies with 1,388 personnel. Some of the observers include the African Union, the United States Embassy, OSIWA, PACCET, ECOWAS, among others.

Related Topics:Boakai Featured Liberia President George Weah

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Politics

Tunisian opposition leader, Ghannouchi to begin hunger strike in prison

Published

2 days ago

September 30, 2023

Ifeoluwa Dada

Embattled Tunisian opposition leader, Rached Ghannouchi, who has been a political prisoner since April, has threatened to begin a hunger strike in captivity.

Ghannouchi’s party, Ennahda made the announcement in a statement on Friday, stating that the 82-year-old fierce critic of President Kais Saied, has now decided to stay without food.

Ghannouchi was convicted in absentia in May after his refusal to appear before judges on the grounds that the accusations were false and the prosecution was politically motivated.

Along with other jailed opposition figures, who accuse Saied of a coup for closing the elected parliament and implementing rule by decree, he is also accused of planning against state security.

Since coming into power, President Saied has been firm on dissenting voices in the country. More than 20 political personalities, including Ghannouchi, have been detained by the police this year on suspicion of attempting to undermine state security.

Politics

Rwanda President, Kagame announces major cabinet shuffle

Published

4 days ago

September 28, 2023

Ifeoluwa Dada

Barely a week after he confirmed his intention to seek his country’s presidency for a fourth time, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame has announced a major cabinet shuffle.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Wednesday on behalf of the President.

In place of Ms. Clare Akamanzi, who had held the position for a long time, Kagame named Gen. James Kabarebe, a recently retired former minister of defence, as the new State Minister of Foreign Affairs. Gen. Kabarebe replaced the long-serving Ms. Akamanzi.

Francis Gatare, an economist who most recently served as the Senior Economic Advisor in the President’s Office since 2021, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of RDB.

Gatare previously held the position of CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board, gaining extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. Shortly after being appointed, Mr Gatare declared that the key to Rwanda’s economic growth would be to advance public-private partnerships.

“I am humbled by the trust and confidence, thank you HE @PaulKagame for the new assignment. Honoured to join the super talented and committed team at @RDBrwanda and pledge to give it my all, to listen and learn. The Vision: Advance Public-Private partnership as the engine of Rwanda’s Economic growth.” said Gatare in a tweet posted on Thursday shortly after his appointment.

The Prime Minister, Ministers, Ministers of State, and additional members selected by the President make up Rwanda’s Cabinet. Members of the Cabinet are chosen from political organizations based on the number of seats they hold in the Chamber of Deputies, but they are not permitted to be members of the Chamber themselves.