KAS African Law Study Library

This is the 6th volume in the series and it comprises of eight articles from the Faculty of Law of the University of Kinshasa, DRC.It focuses mainly on the administration of justice, the independence of the judiciary and decentralization in DRC.

Focus on Africa

ZIMBABWE: SADC CALLS FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORMS BEFORE ELECTIONS

The fifteen member countries of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit meeting held in Johannesburg on Saturday 11th June and Sunday 12th June 2011 did not agreed on the “road map” to lead Zimbabwe to new elections and to the new constitution but desired to see urgent democratic reforms before the elections are held.

Focus on Africa

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES AND EXCESSIVE USE OF FORCE IN COTE D'IVOIRE

The Human Rights Watch has documented cases of abuses in several parts of Abidjan: Yopougon Koweit, Yaosseh, Gesso and Millionaire neighbourhoods of Yopougon, Abobo-Doumé, Koumassi and Port Bouët. According to HRW, since the armed forces loyal to President Alassane Quattara have been killed at least 142 supporters of former president since taking control of Abidjan on 11 April 2011.

Journalists and the Rule of Law

This handbook was developed in collaboration with ICJ Kenya as a one-stop reference material on the relevant sections of media laws in Kenya. The handbook also provides essential legal tips including explanations of various legal terms as well as critical ethical issues relevant to journalists and media practitioners in Kenya.

Focus on Africa

HUMAN RIGHTS: Amnesty International Criticizes The Violence In Côte D'Ivoire

Amnesty International published a shocking report on the violence that has rocked Côte d'Ivoire since the second round of the presidential election on Nov ember 28th 2010. The report entitled ‘They saw his identity card and killed him’ is based on the findings of investigations conducted by Amnesty International in the last six months. The title of the report captures the reality of the abuses in the city of Abidjan and the west and comes as a warning to President Alassane Quattara on the magnitude of the task ahead in the reconciliation and rebuilding efforts of this once stable nation.

SADC TRIBUNAL DISSOLVED

The overall mandate of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Tribunal was invalidated at an Extraordinary Summit meeting held in Windhoek on 20th May 2011.

Focus on Africa

According to the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, more than half a thousand people were killed in two days in three cities of Zonkwa, Kafanchan and Zangon Katak, in Southern Kaduna State. The more than 500 people killed in northern Nigeria were mostly Muslim. The riots between Christians and Muslims erupted after the announcement of the results which declared the incumbent President the winner.

Focus on Africa

Amnesty International has raised alarm over the human rights situation in Côte d'Ivoire. The population lives under an atmosphere of terror. Informed sources have reported looting and virtually no civilians but only armed men in some parts of the country. These armed men wander in the bush, many of them without food and without medication.

Focus on Africa

Floribert Chebeya, the assassinated president of the NGO Human Rights' Voice of the Voiceless

Journalists and the Rule of Law

The book was edited by the ICJ Kenya together with KAS Rule of Law Programme. The publication is a handbook for journalists, which is designed to serve as a manual regarding their rights and obligations under the new Kenyan constitution. The book also highlights the specific importance of a free press in a democratic society.