Tanzania
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda announced on February 20 that it was planning to have some of the genocide cases heard in Rwanda to reduce the workload and expenses of the court in Arusha, Tanzania. The move was suggested by ICTR Chief Prosecutor, Ms Carl del Ponte. "We're preparing definite programmes on investigations of some cases, and therefore, concurrent trials reduce the workloads. We would like the Rwanda authorities to receive some of our investigated cases for trial," said Ms del Ponte. Rwanda's Justice Minister, Jean de Dieu Mucyo said the move would reduce the budget constraints of the ICRT " and make Rwandans feel part and parcel of the process." Source: The East African
South Africa
A South African parliamentary committee on February 20 pressed Nelson Mandela's former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela to explain how lived such a lavish lifestyle on her parliamentary salary. Winnie has been repeatedly stung by scandals in recent times and was in trouble over opposition allegations that she has not properly disclosed her income in accordance with rules for parliamentarians. Source: Reuters
Nigeria
Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo said on February 19 that a woman sentenced to death for having sex outside marriage would win a reprieve, saying the outcome of her appeal "would gladden hearts." Ms Safiya Hussaini, a divorcee mother of six was sentenced to death by stoning last year after a Sharia court in the northern Nigerian city of Sokoto found her guilty of adultery. The decision sparked an international outcry and the woman has appealed against the verdict. Source: Reuters
Gabon
The deadly Ebola virus had killed 55 people by the end of last month in the central African states of Gabon and Republic of Congo, health official reported. Gabonese Heath Minister, Faustin Boukoubi was quoted as saying that more people could die even though the disease had been contained. Local newspapers reported that the number of suspected cases were being monitored because they may have in contact with infected people. An estimated 227 people are suspected to have the virus in the two countries. Source: Agencies
Sudan
The US Secretary of State, Collin Powell said that the US had warned Sudan it could forget forging closer ties with Washington if Khartoum violated a pledge to stop bombing civilians in the country's southern region. Powell told the US Congress early this month that the "process of moving forward, of an opportunity for a better relationship will come to a dead halt with the continuation of this kind of activity." He confirmed that Khartoum had promised to stop the attacks. Source: AP
Madagascar
The power struggle in Madagascar continued mid this month with two army generals-one appointed by the self-declared president, Marc Ravolomanana and the other by embattled president Didier Ratsiraka-seeking support of the country's military. Hours after a delegation from the African Unity left the country, about 100 army officers met with Ravolomanana's Defence Minister, General Jules Mamizara who appealed for the army to remain united and called on the officers to meet with him for negotiations. Source: AFP
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone rebel leader, Foday Sankoh was charged with murder early this month in the capital, Freetown. It was the first time that Sankoh was seen in public in two years. The charges against him relate to the events in May 2000 when 20 demonstrators were killed by his supporters outside his house in Freetown. Source: Reuters
Zambia
A Zambian court stripped former president, Frederick Chiluba of an official limousine and other retirement perks saying it was illegal for him to enjoy them while he remained the leader of the ruling party, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD). The charge filed by an opposition lawyer in the country's High Court stated that Chiluba's continued enjoyment of state perks was in breach of the country's 1991 constitution, which the ex-president used to deny the country's founding father, Kenneth Kaunda his retirement benefits. Source: AP
Burundi
Burundi president, Pierre Buyoya early this month launched workshop to kick off a nation-wide campaign to explain to the citizens of the central African country the peace agreement signed last year in Tanzania. The workshop brought together members of the ethnically balanced transitional government created by the power-sharing deal crafted by South Africa's former president, Nelson Mandela. The pact aims to end the country's brutal nine year old civil war. Source: AP
Mauritius
Mauritius' president quit over an anti-terrorism law that the country's parliament passed late last month saying that it gave too much power to the police. Cassam Uteem quit because he was opposed to parliament approving the new security law. His successor, ex-vice-president, Angidi Chettier also quit citing the same reason. Government officials said that the country's Chief Justice, Ariranga Pillay was to act as the resident until the parliament elects another president and Vice-President this month. Source: Reuters
