Welcome to the Development Diaries weekly roundup of top African stories for Sunday, 15 October, 2023.

Last week, we reported Nigeria’s move to limit citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and expectations as Tinubu names new EFCC boss, human rights hurdles for Egyptian president, fresh human rights abuse in Sudan, disaster mitigation in southern Africa, and FGM concerns in The Gambia among other top stories.

Girl Child Day: How Africa Can Protect Girls’ Rights

Many African countries continue to grapple with issues related to gender equality and the protection of girls’ rights as the world marks the Day of the Girl Child. Read more

Is Social Media Regulation the Solution?

Nigeria initiated a fresh move to limit citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, and there are valid reasons why this move is unacceptable. A bill that seeks to repeal and reenact the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act 2004 and includes social media regulation has been submitted to the country’s National Assembly. Read more

Expectations as Tinubu Names EFCC Chairman

As Olanipekun Olukoyede awaits his confirmation as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the senate, critical investigations await his resumption. Read more

Prioritising Mental Health as Human Right in Africa

As the world observes 2023 Mental Health Day, recognising mental health as a human right cannot be overstated, as Africa faces numerous challenges, including poverty, conflict, and disease. These challenges can take a toll on the mental health of individuals and communities, as access to mental health services is often limited, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Read more

Human Rights Hurdles for Al-Sisi

As President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt seeks reelection later this year, the country’s human rights record leaves much to be desired. Since President Al-Sisi assumed office in July 2013, Egypt’s human rights situation has deteriorated to the greatest degree in the country’s contemporary history. Read more

Fresh Human Rights Abuse Recorded in Sudan

Sudan Bukra and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reacted to the killing of journalist Halima Idris by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Omdurman. The Sudan Bukra journalist was run over by an RSF vehicle ‘while reporting for the media channel on Tuesday afternoon’. Read more

Need for Disaster Mitigation in Southern Africa

Southern African nations have seen a rise in the frequency, severity, and effect of drought and flood events since 2000. Risks associated with water resources, fires, agriculture, and food security are predicted to rise due to climate change in the region. Read more

Tunisia: Freedom of Expression Violated

Tunisia’s detention of six political opposition figures over peaceful political activism points to suppression of citizens’ right to freedom of expression and a crackdown on political dissent. The opposition activists and their lawyers have been in detention for nearly eight months despite unproven allegations of ‘conspiracy against state security’. Read more

Citizens Denied Right to Information in Libya

Libyans in Benghazi were denied access to communication as the country faltered in respecting its obligations to protect civilians. Internet and telecommunications were cut off by the eastern authorities in the country following armed clashes involving soldiers tied to the Libyan National Army. Read more

Law and FGM Concerns in The Gambia

There was widespread condemnation over regressive calls to repeal the law against female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia. FGM was made illegal under sections 32A and 32B of the Women’s Act 2010 in the West African country in 2015. Read more

That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries.