CONTINENTAL DRIFT

Judge, jury, president

President Robert Mugabe can now personally handpick the country’s top judges, after Zimbabwe’s Parliament passed a controversial new constitutional amendment. Critics worry that this will compromise the already shaky independence of the judiciary. Previously, the president could only appoint candidates from a list prepared by the judicial services commission. “This is what democracy is all about,” said VicePresident Emmerson Mnangagwa. We’re not so sure.

War and peacekeepers

Three Moroccan peacekeepers were killed in two separate attacks on the Central African Republic town of Bangassou on Tuesday. The United Nations Mission in the CAR is currently the most dangerous peacekeeping mission in the world: since May, nine peacekeepers have lost their lives. Meanwhile, the conflict in the country continues to intensify as various militia groups fight for territory.

Calling off the dogs

A Nigerian court has dismissed charges against a man who named his dog after President Muhammadu Buhari. Forty-oneyear-old Joachim Iroko spent nearly a year in detention after being reported to the police by his neighbour. He was charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. Iroko said his intention was to honour, not to offend. “I name my dogs after my heroes,” he said.

Ex-president wades in

Senegal’s ex-president Abdoulaye Wade returned to Senegal for the first time in two years earlier this month. He’s back to campaign ahead of Sunday’s legislative elections, and — predictably — his presence is causing havoc. On Tuesday, police used teargas to disperse a protest he led in a square near the Dakar’s presidential palace. The 91-year-old said he’s “proud” to still be involved in politics, but promised he won’t try run for president again.

A fine mess

The largest mining company in Tanzania has been hit with a fine worth nearly two centuries of revenue. London-based Acacia Mining was accused by authorities of operating in the country illegally and manipulating its export earnings. The fine consists of $40-billion in unpaid taxes and another $150billion in interest and penalties. Acacia’s stock price plunged on the news, although the company refutes all the allegations.

Benin’s child prodigy

Eleven-year-old Peace Delaly Nicoue passed Benin’s baccalaureate with flying colours — seven years earlier than anyone else. Students must usually be 18 before being allowed to take the school-leaving exam, but Peace was given an exemption. His father, Parfait, said that Peace had always been a prodigy. “When he was four years old he could write in perfect French and English without making mistakes,” he said. Peace now wants to continue his studies in an English-speaking country. —