Politics

Police release Tanzanian opposition leader, Tundu Lissu

Published

3 weeks ago

September 11, 2023

Tanzanian opposition leader, Tundu Lissu has been released from prison following his detention by police for allegedly holding an illegal gathering.

Lissu, the deputy chairman of Tanzania’s largest opposition party, CHADEMA, was detained at a hotel on Sunday along with other party officials in the Arusha region of northern Tanzania before being released that evening, according to a statement from Lissu’s party on the social media site, X.

He and three other individuals were reportedly detained by police on Sunday for interrogation in connection with claims that they were conducting an unauthorised gathering and impeding the performance of police duties.

Since his return from exile in January, the former presidential candidate has addressed political gatherings all over the nation, criticising President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration for its record on human rights and its handling of a contentious ports management arrangement.

Meanwhile, his return was only after President Hassan lifted a ban on political rallies which was imposed by former president Magufuli in 2016. The ban prohibited political parties from holding rallies and even engaging in internal political activities.

Lissu has been a fierce opposition figure and outspoken government critic. He has remained a presidential hopeful after coming second in the last elections in 2020.

Related Topics:Featured Tanzania Tundu Lissu

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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.