Photo : Hajarah Nalwadda, AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Hajarah Nalwadda, AP Photo
IN BRIEF
Anu Maria Joseph
Uganda: Constitutional Court rejects appeal against anti-LGBTQ law
On 3 April, Uganda’s Constitutional Court rejected an appeal seeking to annul the anti-LGBTQ law. The court ruled that a few sections of the law were “inconsistent with the right to health, privacy and freedom of religion.”; however, did not suspend the law. Uganda’s deputy chief justice and head of the court, Richard Buteera, stated: “We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement.” Uganda-based Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) said that the decision “unfortunately will fuel human rights violations” against the LGBTQ community in the country. Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 imposes a lifetime in prison for same-sex relations and describes “aggravated homosexuality” as an offence punishable by death. (“Uganda’s Constitutional Court rejects petition against anti-gay law,” Al Jazeera, 3 April 2024)
Zimbabwe: National disaster announced amidst severe drought
On 3 April, Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a national disaster amidst the prolonged drought. Mnangagwa stated that the country requires USD two billion to address the hunger crisis induced by the drought. According to BBC, nearly 2.7 million people in the country face hunger. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 13.6 million people are experiencing crisis-level food insecurity across the region. (“Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa declares national disaster over drought,” BBC, 3 April 2024)
Senegal: Ousmane Sonko appointed as Prime Minister
On 3 April, Senegal’s new President, Diomaye Faye, appointed Ousmane Sonko as the Prime Minister of the country. Faye announced the appointment after he was sworn in as the President. Since 2021, Sonko has been at the centre of Senegal’s politics for his years-long protest against the former government. He was arrested, and his party was banned and barred from running elections after the former government accused him of corrupting the youth. Faye, a follower of Sonko replaced Sonko as the Presidential candidate promising to fight rampant corruption. (“Senegal’s Faye appoints ally Ousmane Sonko as prime minister,” Al Jazeera, 3 April 2024)