Ghana: Final Conference in the Landmark Election Petition Case
On Tuesday 27 August, 2013 the nine Supreme Court Judges met for their final conference in the landmark presidential election petition case. The final ruling is expected to be delivered on Thursday 29 August, 2013.
The main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) filed the petition challenging the victory of President John Dramani Mahama in the presidential election of December 2012. The NPP alleged that the widespread irregularities and breaking of the law influenced the election results.
It is feared that the pronouncement of the Supreme Court’s verdict will be affected by a strike announced by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSSAG) due to unpaid allowances. Further, there is concern that the court’s verdict may trigger violence, a fear that has prompted the government to increase security measures throughout the country.
East African Community: EAC Infrastructure Summit in Mombasa, Kenya
The second East African Community heads of state Infrastructure Investment summit takes place this week in Mombasa, Kenya. This follows the inaugural trilateral meeting held in Entebbe in June this year that brought together heads of state from Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda aimed at accelerating regional infrastructure and policies that will strengthen cooperation and lead to socio-economic development in the region. During the summit held in June, key decisions were taken, such as to link East Africa’s most important Indian Ocean port of Mombasa with the inland through a new standard gauge railway, connecting the port with Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali.
To ensure faster implementation, responsibilities have been shared with Uganda committing to lead the railway development and political federation sector, Rwanda to lead on the Single Customs Territory, Single Tourist Visa and use of East African Community National identity card while Kenya is to chair the implementation of the oil pipeline and electricity generation.
This summit will evaluate progress made by each country and will be followed by a third meeting scheduled for Kigali, Rwanda in October.
The heads of state from Burundi and South Sudan are also expected to attend the summit. The heads of state are then scheduled to join President Kenyatta in the official opening of the Ksh5.6 billion ($66.7 million) Berth number 19 at Mombasa port - the space where ships dock or anchor as they are offloaded or loaded. The new berth is expected to raise the port’s capacity by 33 per cent.
Kenya: Constitutional Implementation Process in Kenya
The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) has accused the executive and the legislature of frustrating the implementation of the Constitution. According to CIC, there has been resistance to change as forces of impunity have been undermining the constitutional mandate of commissions and independent offices.
The Commission accused Members of Parliament of failing to enact pieces of legislation whose timelines have passed such as the Campaign Finance Bill and the Media Bill; and in some instances, have enacted laws with fundamental constitutional flaws.
While opposing the call for a referendum to bolster the devolved system of government, the Commission urged the national government to expedite the completion of activities under phase one as provided for in the Transition to the Devolved Government Act and to develop a comprehensive capacity building plan to increase capacities in the counties.
Kenya: Ruto’s ICC trial hearings
Following the suspension of the decision allowing Deputy President William Ruto to be absent from most of his proceedings by the Appeal Chamber of the ICC, his defence team filed an application requesting the Trial Chamber to hold the proceedings for two weeks followed by two weeks break on a continuous basis until the Appeal Chamber makes its decision. The defence team argued that Ruto has to attend to his government responsibilities.
ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has in principle no objections against the request of Ruto but considers that alternating three-week sessions and breaks which was suggested by the Sang’s defence team is a more appropriate solution so that every witness is able to complete his or her testimony within a session. Bensouda argued that “the chamber should strive to avoid situations where witnesses are forced to remain in The Hague for lengthy periods of time away from their family and professional activities until their testimony can be completed”. She also added that “the frequent interruption of the testimony of witnesses could potentially interfere with a clear and efficient presentation of evidence”.
South Sudan: President Salva Kiir nominated a new Vice President
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir nominated James Wani Igga as the new Vice President of the country to replace Riek Machar whose appointment was unanimously endorsed by the South Sudan lawmakers in an extraordinary session held on Saturday 24th August 2013. Prior to his appointment, James Wani Igga was the speaker of parliament.
Mr. Igga is generally considered as a weak leader with lack of experience in governance and there were fears that he would be rejected by the Member of Parliament.
Interestingly, the former Vice President Riek Machar is the favorite to succeed Mr. Igga as the new speaker of parliament.