标签： Africa

A special court in South Sudan has firmly established its jurisdiction to prosecute suspended Vice-President Riek Machar and seven co-defendants, who face grave charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The court dismissed all objections raised by Machar’s legal team, which challenged its authority, the constitutionality of the proceedings, and his claimed immunity from prosecution. The trial is set to resume on Wednesday. Machar, who has been under house arrest since March, has labeled the charges as a politically motivated ‘witch-hunt,’ sparking fears of a potential resurgence of civil war in the fragile nation. The charges stem from a March militia attack allegedly linked to Machar, which resulted in the deaths of 250 soldiers and a general. Machar’s defense argued that the case should be handled by a hybrid court under the African Union, as stipulated in the 2018 Peace Agreement that ended the five-year civil war between his forces and those loyal to President Salva Kiir. However, the court countered that it has the authority to try national offenses, as no hybrid court has yet been established. Presiding Judge James Alala emphasized that the special court’s jurisdiction is grounded in the amended 2011 Transitional Constitution. The court also rejected the claim of immunity for Machar, stating that such protection is exclusively reserved for the president. Additionally, two of Machar’s lawyers were barred from the proceedings due to invalid licenses, though they may rejoin once their credentials are renewed. Machar’s lead lawyer, Geri Raimondo Legge Lubati, accused the government of conducting a ‘politicized media campaign’ against his client, violating the constitutional presumption of innocence. The case has drawn international concern, with the UN, African Union, and neighboring countries urging calm in South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict.

Seychelles, Africa’s smallest nation, is gearing up for a crucial presidential run-off election scheduled for 9-11 October, following an inconclusive first round. Opposition leader Patrick Herminie secured 48.8% of the vote, narrowly edging out incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan, who garnered 46.4%. According to Seychelles’ electoral rules, a candidate must achieve over 50% of the vote to claim victory, necessitating a second round of voting. The archipelago, comprising 115 islands in the Indian Ocean with a population of just over 120,000, witnessed a competitive election with eight presidential candidates vying for the top office. Ramkalawan, seeking a second term under his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) party, has campaigned on platforms of economic recovery, social development, and environmental sustainability. His primary rival, Herminie, represents the United Seychelles party, which dominated the nation’s politics from 1977 until 2020, when it lost its majority to Ramkalawan’s LDS. However, United Seychelles has recently regained control of the National Assembly, winning 19 out of 35 seats in the parliamentary elections held concurrently with the presidential vote. In a televised address, Herminie expressed readiness for the run-off, stating, ‘We are ready for a second round. We start campaigning tomorrow.’ A key issue influencing the election is the recent leasing of Assumption Island, one of Seychelles’ most ecologically sensitive territories, to a foreign hotel developer. This decision has sparked public concern over sovereignty and environmental stewardship, potentially swaying voters and garnering support from the six trailing candidates and their supporters. Seychelles, renowned for its luxury and environmental tourism, is Africa’s wealthiest country in terms of per capita income, according to the World Bank. The outcome of this election will not only determine the nation’s leadership but also shape its approach to critical environmental and economic challenges.

The Seychelles presidential election has entered a critical phase as no candidate secured a decisive majority in the initial vote, prompting a runoff between the two leading contenders. Official results revealed that opposition leader Patrick Herminie garnered 48.8% of the vote, while incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan secured 46.4%. To claim victory, a candidate must achieve over 50% of the vote. The runoff is scheduled for October 9-11, as announced by the electoral authority. Ramkalawan, seeking a second term, has called for a public debate with Herminie to assist voters in making an informed decision. He emphasized that the presidency belongs to the people, not to any individual. Herminie, representing the United Seychelles party, expressed confidence in winning the runoff, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration. The United Seychelles party, which governed the country from 1977 to 2020, is attempting to regain power after losing it five years ago. Ramkalawan’s Linyon Demokratik Seselwa party has campaigned on promises of economic recovery, social development, and environmental sustainability. The election unfolds against a backdrop of growing opposition to the government, including a constitutional challenge against a controversial lease of Assomption Island to a Qatari company for luxury hotel development. Critics argue that the deal prioritizes foreign interests over national sovereignty. Additionally, Seychelles faces significant challenges, including vulnerability to climate change and a worsening heroin addiction crisis. With a population of 120,000, an estimated 6,000 people are heroin users, and addiction rates are alarmingly high. The election outcome will shape the future of this Indian Ocean archipelago, known for its luxury tourism and environmental significance.