By Mark Oloo (Nairobi) – Kenya has today signed documents allowing the International Criminal Court to set up base in Nairobi to probe the 2008 post election violence. This now means The Hague based court will expeditiously begin an intensive probe in which it is expected to nail at least two prime suspected masterminds of the political chaos that led to the killing of more than 1300 people. The signing of the papers yesterday has also given Kenya an opportunity to prove its commitment to the international court, especially following the recent visit by wanted Sudanese president Omar al Bashir... Continue Reading
By Guyson Nanagayi – NAIROBI – AP- Kenyan government on Friday allowed the International Criminal Court to open an office in the country, a development that comes after Kenya’s commitment to the court came into question when the nation hosted Sudan’s indicted leader last week. The court’s prosecutor is investigating top Kenyan leaders and business people for their roles in political violence that killed more than 1 000 people in 2007-08. On Friday, Kenya granted the ICC immunity from legal challenges, tax exemptions and other privileges in a letter signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula. However , Al-Bashir faces... Continue Reading
By Guyson Nanagayi – Dakar – At least 200 street beggars who were rounded up last week in Senegal’s capital Dakar , after the government banned begging in public, have been freed, while 39 foreigners are to be repatriated, a police source said on Friday. “All the beggars who were arrested have been released. None of them were referred to the courts,” the source said, asking not to be named. “Almost 200 beggars of Senegalese nationality were freed on Sunday. “The beggars of Malian nationality, numbering 30, were to be taken to the border by their embassy yesterday (Thursday) or... Continue Reading
By Shout-Africa Correspondents – Mr Ravalomanana fled Madagascar in March 2009 South Africa has strongly criticised Madagascar over the life sentence passed on exiled President Marc Ravalomanana last week. Such sentences would not help end Madagascar’s political turmoil, said International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. Mr Ravalomanana is in exile in South Africa after being toppled in March 2009. He was sentenced for the killing of some 30 people during street protests. Those who died were supporters of Andry Rajoelina, who took over the government with the support of the army after Mr Ravalomanana fled. Mr Rajoelina’s government has... Continue Reading
JOHANNESBURG, 3 September 2010 (IRIN) – South Africa will resume the deportation of undocumented Zimbabweans on 1 January 2011, ending its 17-month moratorium, the Cabinet announced on 1 September. “After the 31st of December [2010] all undocumented Zimbabweans will be treated like all others and their deportation will resume,” said a statement issued after the Cabinet met. In April 2009 the government placed a moratorium on deportations, introduced a 90-day visa on demand for passport holders, and was on the cusp of issuing Zimbabweans with a special permit allowing them to work and reside in South Africa for between 6... Continue Reading
