Human Rights

Sonko pledges aid for families of Kasarani shooting victims

October 21, 2025 Njeri Mwangi

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has committed to covering medical and legal costs for families affected by the shooting of mourners during Raila Odinga's public viewing at Kasarani Stadium. Autopsy reports confirm three deaths from gunshot wounds amid chaos on October 16, 2025. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for investigations into police actions.

Swedish foreign minister faces complaint over flotilla statements

October 21, 2025 Maria Karlsson

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard faces a complaint to the constitutional committee over statements about mistreatment of activists in Israel. The complaint comes from MP Lorena Delgado Varas, who joined the Gaza flotilla with Greta Thunberg. The Foreign Ministry has now sent a note to Israel demanding an explanation.

UPDF denies arresting missing Kenyan activists in Uganda

The Uganda People's Defence Forces has denied holding two Kenyan activists who vanished in Kampala three weeks ago. Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo disappeared on October 1 while attending a meeting with opposition leader Bobi Wine. Despite court orders, their whereabouts remain unknown.

Rights group demands justice for six traders killed in Lagos

The National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extra-Judicial Killings, Mob Actions and Impunity (NCAMKI) has called for accountability following the alleged killing of six traders at the Owode Onirin Spare Parts Market in Lagos by police officers from Nasarawa State. The group condemned the incident as a moral disgrace and highlighted the lack of prosecution for the implicated officers. It urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent further impunity.

Justice department apologises for unauthorised service of court papers to UN rapporteur

October 26, 2025 Thandiwe Zulu

South Africa's Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has issued an apology to United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese after an unauthorised attempt to serve her with court papers disrupted an event in her honour. The incident occurred following Albanese's delivery of the 23rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg. Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi withdrew the irregular process and extended regrets to Albanese, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the UN.

Un rapporteur calls for global solidarity against Palestinian war crimes

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, addressed a large interfaith audience in Cape Town, urging action against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She emphasized the need for united struggles and enforcement of international law to prevent genocide. The event highlighted South Africa's role in global solidarity efforts.

Former spy denies involvement in Cradock Four murders

October 21, 2025 Thandiwe Zulu

Former apartheid-era spy Craig Williamson has denied any role in the 1985 murders of the Cradock Four during testimony at an inquest in Gqeberha. He dismissed allegations from a late Security Branch officer as absurd and reiterated that his operations focused outside South Africa. The inquest continues with other former officials expected to testify.

Lawyers ask STF to appoint black woman for Barroso's vacancy

October 27, 2025 João Silva

A group of São Paulo lawyers filed a writ of mandamus at the Supreme Federal Court to prevent President Lula from appointing a white man to the vacancy left by Luís Roberto Barroso's retirement. They argue that appointing a black woman is required by international human rights treaties. The action aims to promote racial and gender equality in the Court.

Former apartheid officials deny involvement in Cradock Four murders inquest

October 23, 2025 Thandiwe Zulu

Three elderly former apartheid-era officials testified at the third inquest into the 1985 murders of the Cradock Four, vehemently denying any role in the killings. The inquest, held in Gqeberha, revisits the brutal deaths of anti-apartheid activists Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto. Families continue seeking justice decades after the apartheid police hit squad carried out the attack.