Police in Rwanda have confirmed the arrest of former presidential aspirant Diane Shima Rwigara, and say Rwigara and two family members were taken to the Criminal Investigation Department for questioning on Monday. The Rwandan National Police say warrants for Rwigara, as well as Anne and Adeline Rwigara, were applied after they…
Where is Diane Shima Rwigara? Authorities in Rwanda deny that the opposition political figure who sought to run against newly elected President Paul Kagame is detained, but multiple accounts from witnesses and family members in recent days dispute their claims. Now the humanitarian organization People Salvation Movement, founded by Rwigara…
Ethiopia lifted last week the state of emergency imposed since October 2016, but the decision has raised questions about what happens to those detained during mass arrests on politically motivated charges during that time. Among them is Merera Gudina, the academic and longtime opposition leader whose arrest was – according…
Back in April, Zambian opposition politician Saviour Chishimba said he feared for his life and had gone into hiding. The United Progressive People (UPP) leader had evaded armed men he said were state operatives, who broke into his home to steal laptops and documents relating to corruption cases that Chishimba…
The memorial service and burial for Lipolelo Thabane are planned for Friday in Lesotho, more than two weeks after the estranged wife of newly installed Prime Minister Thomas Thabane was shot dead at her home. The 58-year-old Lipolelo Thabane was killed on June 14, immediately prior to Thabane’s inauguration, in…
The latest arrest of #thisflag movement founder Pastor Evan Mawarire in Zimbabwe has drawn sharp criticism of “a government hell-bent on criminalizing him” from Amnesty International. “Pastor Evan Mawarire is a prisoner of conscience held solely for the peaceful exercise of his rights. He must be immediately and unconditionally released,”…
In South Africa, the suspect arrested this week in alleged assassination plots targeting nearly 20 people tied to the state capture corruption case is expected to appear in court on Friday. The 23-year-old African male will face conspiracy to commit murder and other charges, the South African Police Service said…
A Zambian court on Wednesday refused to drop treason charges against opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, instead adding a new indictment that accuses him of seeking to establish himself as president in the Western Province capital of Mongu. The government said that Hichilema, a prominent businessman and leader in the United Party…
An Egyptian-American held in detention for her humanitarian aid work with street children was acquitted in a Cairo court on Sunday. Aya Hijazi and her husband, Mohamed Hassanein, were among eight people found not guilty on charges of human trafficking, kidnapping, sexual exploitation and torture, according to Egyptian media reports….
Zambian opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, where he is expected to face treason charges after being accused of blocking a presidential motorcade, according to legal counsel. Hichilema, a prominent businessman and leader in the United Party for National Development (UPND), was arrested Monday night during…
Nigerian sources say they are expecting President Muhammadu Buhari to return home after an extended visit in London that has caused much public speculation about his health. Activity at the president’s Aso Rock villa suggested that his return is imminent, as aides prepared for Buhari to arrive as early as…
Pastor Evan Mawarire, founder of the #ThisFlag movement in Zimbabwe, is expected in court Friday after his arrest Wednesday at the Harare International Airport, where he was returning from a trip to the United States. Supporters of the human rights activist gathered to wait for Mawarire’s appearance on Thursday, but…