Hello everyone! Here is another compilation of some of our top stories from last week.
The suspension of the enforcement of e-motor registration, the distribution of 740 trucks of rice by the Nigerian government, and the adoption of the African Disability Protocol (ADP) all got our attention.
E-Motor Registration: Lawmakers Should Intervene in Questionable Police Action
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, recently ordered the suspension of the enforcement of the Electronic Central Motor Registry Registration Process (e-CMR), but there are other actions that should follow this suspension because this enforcement was not lawfully backed in the first place.
Apart from ensuring the shutdown of the registration portal and physical registration centres, with refunds made to those who had already paid, the Honourable Abubakar Yalleman-led House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs must urgently intervene in this questionable move by the police. Read more
Building Collapse: Stricter Enforcement of Regulations Way Out
The recent incidents of building collapse in Nigeria underscore the urgent need for stringent regulatory measures to prevent such tragedies. CORBON, COREN, and NIOB must ensure stricter enforcement of building codes and regulations to prevent incidents of building collapse in Nigeria. Also, SON has to monitor the production of building materials to prevent the production of substandard materials for buildings in the country. Read more
Hardship: Government Should Move to Make Food More Affordable, Not Distribution of 740 Trucks of Rice
The distribution of 740 trucks of rice, while well-intentioned, is not an economically sound or sustainable solution to the hardship and high cost of living crisis in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu-led government has to prioritise policies that stabilise the economy, such as controlling inflation, enhancing transportation networks, and supporting small and medium agricultural enterprises to reduce the high costs of food for the common man to afford to feed. Read more
Head of Civil Service: Reform Expectation for Walson-Jack
President Bola Tinubu‘s appointment of Didi Walson-Jack as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF) brings with it significant expectations for reform and modernisation within the Nigerian civil service. Walson-Jack, upon the confirmation of her appointment by the Senate, should embark on transformation initiatives to improve service delivery and reduce redundancy, in stringent adherence to the extant rules and regulations of the civil service of the federation. Read more
The Gambia: Enforce Ban on FGM
Lawmakers in The Gambia rejecting a bill seeking to overturn the 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) is a win for women, girls, and the advocacy for the prohibition of this harmful practice. The health ministry in The Gambia and all law enforcement agencies must ensure the enforcement of the ban on FGM in the country. Read more
Tunisia: Government Must Uphold Human Rights
The recent arrest of the Secretary General of the Ennahdha party, Ajmi Ouirimi, along with two other party members, Mohamed Ghanoudi and Mosaab Gharbi, marks a significant escalation in Tunisia‘s political crackdown. The Tunisian government should stop the disrespect for human rights and their crackdown against opponents, and ensure the protection and upholding of democratic values in the country. Read more
Eswatini: Rescind Unjust Sentences against Lawmakers
The recent sentencing of former Members of Parliament in Eswatini, Mduduzi Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, to 85 years and 58 years of imprisonment is questionable. The Eswatini authorities should rescind the convictions and sentences of Mabuza and Dube and uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the country. Read more
Zimbabwe: Detention of Opposition Party Members Unacceptable
The recent detention of 70 opposition party members in Zimbabwe highlights ongoing concerns about human rights and political freedoms in the country. The Zimbabwean authorities should immediately and unconditionally release over 70 opposition members detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. Read more
Protecting Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa
The adoption of the African Disability Protocol (ADP) by 15 member states of the African Union is a significant win for the approximately 80 million persons with disabilities across Africa. Governments across the continent must now create and enact disability specific laws and policies in line with the treaty.
Also, citizens of African countries should use the treaty as a legal weapon to hold their governments to account. Read more
Egypt: Government Should Protect Citizens’ Social, Economic Rights
The arbitrary detention of over 100 people in Egypt following calls for anti-government protests is a violation of their right to free speech. The Egyptian authorities must ensure that all those who were arbitrarily imprisoned for using their right to free speech are released, and make sure that people can protest without fear of retaliation. Read more
That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries or dev_diaries on IG and X, and development diaries on Facebook.
