ANC-led South Africa which has decades old ties with Palestinians is in no mood to compromise with Israel and landmark case against Israel for its war on Gaza began last week at the International Court of Justice. However, in a setback for South Africa — UN Human Rights Council has elected Ambassador Omar Zniber of Morocco as president of the UN Human Rights Council for 2024 after he beat South African envoy, Mxolisi Nkosi. While South Africa has tried to corner Israel, Tel Aviv received a shot in arm from Seychelles. The Seychelles’ and Israeli governments signed an agreement last week allowing citizens from both nations to travel freely without the need for a visa. Seychelles achieved yet another laurel after being listed as the richest country in Africa. Meanwhile, three Commonwealth law associations have denounced Kenyan President William Ruto’s onslaught on the Judiciary warning the move could erode confidence in courts.
What is South Africa’s five-point ICJ argument against Israel?
Al Jazeera | 12th January 2024
South Africa’s landmark case against Israel for its war on Gaza began on Thursday (January 11) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the World Court based in The Hague. Pretoria is accusing Israel of committing the crime of genocide in breach of the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Seychelles News Agency | 12th January 2024
The Seychelles’ and Israeli governments signed an agreement on Thursday (January 11), allowing citizens from both nations to travel freely without the need for a visa. The signing ceremony occurred during the visit of Michael Lotem, the Israeli Ambassador to Seychelles this week, where he held talks with Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism and Affairs, Sylvestre Radegonde and other ministry officials. With this agreement, Israel becomes one of 156 countries that have established such a visa exemption arrangement with the western Indian Ocean island state.
Seychelles richest African country, according to Global Finance Magazine
Seychelles News Agency | 4th January 2024
Seychelles has been listed as the richest country in Africa in the Global Finance Magazine edition released on December 21. According to the magazine, Seychelles is ranked 56th in the world and tops the list for African countries with a gross domestic product (GDP) and purchasing power parity (PPP) of $39,662.
Africa: Moroccan Envoy Pips South African for UN Human Rights Council Post
All Africa.com | 10th January 2024
The UN Human Rights Council has elected Ambassador Omar Zniber of Morocco as president of the UN Human Rights Council for 2024 after he beat South African envoy, Mxolisi Nkosi in a vote. Voting was by secret ballot on January 10 and held after the 47-member council resumed its work for 2024 without a leader for only the second time in its 18-year history. Of the votes cast, Zniber won 30 to the 17 cast for Nkosi with all members voting.
Kenya: Commonwealth Law Associations Denounce Ruto’s Onslaught on ‘Corrupt’ Judges
All Africa.com | 12th January 2024
Three Commonwealth law associations have denounced President William Ruto’s onslaught on the Judiciary warning the move could erode confidence in courts. The Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (CMJA), the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) said alleged cases of corrupt judicial officials should instead be subjected to the due process of the law.
