Gambia begins investigating Jammeh’s asset sales amid public protest
The Gambian government has launched an investigation into the sale of assets seized by former President Yahiya Jammeh after public protests against fraud and lack of transparency. Some assets, including livestock and luxury cars, were sold before the panel survey on Jammeh’s wealth was completed and accumulated within the 22-year regulations. Newspaper investigations revealed suspicions of irregularities and a clear lack of transparency in the sale of assets, sparking young-sponsored protests. President Adama Barrow promised “full transparency” in the investigation, saying that the assets recovered “are belonging to the people.” Jammeh, who ruled after the 1994 coup, was accused of embezzling $360 million and human rights abuses in 2017 before fleeing to Equatorial Guinea. However, critics cited Congressional bias, demanding an independent investigation and dismissing the assurance. The rights group has called for the halt of asset sales.
Mali’s military will take power and ban political parties
The Mali military government led by Colonel Assimi Gaita disbanded all political parties and organizations in April 2025, citing public order concerns. The move followed a rally calling for an increase in the adduction of democratic activists and elections. The order banned political conferences and was widely criticized as a major setback against the country’s democracy, celebrated in the 1990s with democratic interests. The election originally promised in February 2024 was postponed indefinitely, and the transitional government later proposed extending Goita’s presidency until 2030. Analysts and activists warned that the dissolution of political parties effectively banned democratic expression. Despite the threat, youth groups like the youth group for constitutional respect have pledged to continue to adhere to democratic principles, but international observers have expressed concern about governance and fade’s direction of hope for political transition.
South Sudan dismisses rumors of Kiel’s death as “malicious”
South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation have rejected rumors that President Salva Kir has passed away, calling online speculation “false and malicious.” The ministry confirmed that the 73-year-old leader is “living, well and fully involved in the service of the nation.” It denounced what was called “the intentional spread of misinformation aimed at creating unnecessary panic, confusion and instability.” Rumors, including claims by Kenyan politicians on Platform X, have been dismissed as being manufactured by South Sudan’s enemy of peace, development, state construction and stability. The incident occurred amid growing unrest in South Sudan, with a new clash between kingly loyal units and vice president Leek Machar. The United Nations had warned that the 2018 peace agreement ended a fatal five-year conflict and established a unified government, but the country risked returning to civil war.
Zanu PF accused of most of Zimbabwe’s human rights violations
The ruling Zanu PF party was identified as the leading perpetrator of violence across the country in April, followed by a controversial eternal associate with the military (FAZ). This was revealed by the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) report, an April 2025 report. The Human Rights Watchdog Group added that recorded violations serve as a urgent need for institutional reform, increased accountability and a rigorous reminder of implementation of protective mechanisms. These steps are of paramount importance to protecting the fundamental rights of all Zimbabweans. The ZPP expressed serious concern over ongoing politically motivated violence, coercion, and systematic abuse committed by both state and non-state actors. Zanu PF was responsible for 34.1% of violations, with police accounting for 24.1%, local council accounting for 15.64%, military 6.41%, and government officials accounting for 4.62%. Masvingo has the highest number of violations, followed by Harare and several other states, but there have been fewer incidents in some areas, such as Midland and Bulawayo. Amidst the harsh findings, ZPP highlighted positive developments. This is a High Court decision that upheld the constitutional rights of lecturers at the University of Zimbabwe as a rare indication of hope.
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Somali journalists face “amazing escalation” of attacks, arrests
Since mid-March 2025, Somali security guards have arrested, assaulted or harassed at least 41 private media journalists, with local news outlets describing them as “a painful experience” and “an astonishing escalation” in media attacks. Most violations were related to national security, particularly compensation for conflict between the government and al-Shabaab. After President Hassan Sheikh Mohamd declared the group a “full war” in 2022, the government has stepped up efforts to curb reports that are deemed to threaten national security. The broad censorship directive issued by the authorities, including the March 6 ban on the disclosure of confidential information, was widely interpreted as an attempt to silence the objection. Some of the incidents included bombings, protests, assaults, arrests and detention of journalists reporting criticism from the government. Despite appeals for comments, Somali authorities did not respond to requests from the committee protecting journalists (CPJs), but rights groups like Amnesty International warned that oppression was intended to silence critics of the story.
