Kenyan lawmakers were killed on suspicion of assassination
Kenya’s opposition MP Charles On Ondo was shot dead in Nairobi on suspicion of a hitman. According to eyewitnesses, the Orange Democrat Movement (ODM) lawmaker was ambushed by two gunmen around 7:30pm. A lawmaker who reported the death threat was rushed to Nairobi Hospital by an unharmed driver and bodyguard, but was declared dead upon arrival. Police explained that the killing was planned as a target. He was serving his second term as MP for Homa Bay County’s Kasipur Constituency, which was first elected on ODM tickets in 2017.
Zimbabwe’s bail appeal has been delayed as prosecutors seek testimony on protest violence
High Court Judge Philippa Phillips was forced to postpone bail appeals for 94 people accused of staging the protest on March 31, 2025, after prosecutors demanded that they call investigators. Munyaradzi Mazhiriri, one of the 95 defendants, was granted bail. The 94 people are accused of participating in gatherings to promote public violence, and will listen to the blessed Geza appeals by exiled war veterans and hold demonstrations against President Emerson Mnangagwa. Prosecutors allegedly gathered at Robert Mugabe Square and marched to the Capitol to force the president out, chanting anti-government slogans and insisted that he would throw stones at police officers.
SADC forces begin withdrawing from Dr. Congo
Militaries in southern Africa have begun evacuation of the Democratic Republic of the Eastern Congo since the attack by the M23 armed groups in January. The South African Development Community (SADC) has decided to withdraw its forces after the deaths of 17 soldiers killed in the conflict. The SADC mission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC), consisting of soldiers from Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa, was sent to the region in December 2023 to help Dr. Congo, a member of the SADC, restore peace and security. The deployment of SAMIDRC, which is estimated to be around 1,300 men, faced criticism from Rwanda and blamed the worsening tensions.
Decades after apartheid, South Africa begins an investigation into a lack of accountability
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has released a judicial investigation into years of allegations of political interference in prosecuting crimes during the apartheid era following a lawsuit accusing survivors and victims of denying justice. The move took place almost 30 years after the end of apartheid, decades after the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) was established in 1996, revealing atrocities such as murder and torture, most of which were indicted. The investigation stems from a settlement in a High Court suit filed by 25 families seeking $9 million in damages, claiming successive governments have failed to investigate apartheid crimes. Critics have long accused the post-apartheid African National Assembly government of conducting secret deals to protect the perpetrators, the ANC denied.
Mali’s military leader has secured a five-year presidency term
Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goita, has won the support of a major political alliance declared president for the next five years. The move reflects similar actions by the military-led alliance of Sahel members Niger and Burkina Faso. The AES includes Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, all controlled by military governments. Niger made a similar move in March, naming it a renewable five-year term with coup leader Abdullah Hamane Tiani. The forum also called for the dissolution of all existing parties and tightening new parties, creating new parties, raising the fear of the end of the Mali multi-party system introduced in 1991 after decades of dictatorship. Supporters argued for changes aimed at reforming Mali’s political system, but critics like exiled opposition leader Ismael Sacco described the proposal as “Dictats” who imposed the military regime.
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South Africa’s budget after VAT hiking U-turn has been re-entered
Finance Minister Enoch Godonwana announced on May 21, 2025 that the 2025 budget review will be recertified on May 21, 2025. Godongwana explained the public and political debates that were declared “right in a healthy democracy” following the initial budget submitted on March 12th. Godonwana said she was “pleasant” to balance the budget without procuring VAT, while protecting key services such as education, health and social grants. Godongwana outlined three extended approaches: Tighter cost control to avoid additional borrowing (considering South Africa’s daily debt service costs), improved revenue collection through SARS, and economic reforms to promote growth and job creation.
