Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Ayan Datta
Burkina Faso: Government bans same-sex unions
On 11 July, according to BBC, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Justice Edasso Rodrigue Bayala stated that “the law will punish homosexuality and associated practices.” A new law would be passed by parliament and signed by military leader Ibrahim Traore, which would recognise only customary marriages. The ban is part of the government’s efforts to change marriage laws. (“Burkina Faso's military junta to ban homosexual acts,” BBC, 11 July 2024)
Kenya: Police Chief Koome resigns, Deputy Chief Douglas Kanja to take over
On 11 July, according to BBC, Kenya Police Inspector-General Japhet Koome resigned. The decision followed President Ruto’s promise to take action against police officers who fired at civilians during protests. Deputy Inspector-General Douglas Kanja would start running the police force in Koome’s place. (“Kenya's police chief resigns after deadly anti-tax protests,” BBC, 11 July 2024)