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Seychelles’ Opposition Leader Cleared of Witchcraft Charges
Patrick Herminie, the leader of Seychelles’ main opposition party, was Thursday cleared of all witchcraft charges after prosecutors abruptly dropped the case against him on.
Herminie, who intends to run for president in 2025 under the United Seychelles Party banner, had vehemently denied the charges since his arrest last October. He described them as “malicious action” and an “abuse of power” by President Wavel Ramkalawan.
The case stemmed from the discovery of two exhumed bodies on the island of Mahé. Authorities initially linked Herminie to the incident through alleged WhatsApp messages with a Tanzanian suspect found with items deemed “witchcraft-related.”
However, the prosecutor offered no explanation for their decision to withdraw all charges against Herminie and four other co-accused. The Tanzanian suspect and two others remain under investigation.
Herminie expressed relief and accused the authorities of orchestrating a politically motivated witch hunt. He emphasized the lack of evidence and the unprecedented nature of such accusations against a political leader in Seychelles’ history.
Senegal’s Top Court Overturns Election Delay
The Constitutional Council of Senegal Thursday struck down both President Macky Sall’s decree and parliament’s controversial bill postponing the February 25th presidential election to December. This decision comes amidst widespread protests and accusations of a “constitutional coup” by opposition figures.
The court ruled that the postponement violated the constitution, leaving the country’s political future uncertain. While the decision invalidates the December date, it urges authorities to organize the election “as soon as possible.”
President Sall had justified the delay due to concerns over the eligibility of opposition candidates. However, critics viewed this as an attempt to cling to power or unduly influence his successor. The parliament’s approval of the delay, which involved forceful removal of some opposition MPs, further fueled accusations of foul play.
Opposition leaders, who had challenged the delay both legally and through protests, welcomed the court’s decision. They had called the postponement a “constitutional coup” and a democratic backsliding.
Despite the court’s ruling, several key issues remain unresolved. These include allegations of corruption in the Constitutional Court and objections from barred opposition candidates, particularly the popular Ousmane Sonko. Holding the election with the disputed list could trigger renewed unrest.
This political turmoil has already tainted Senegal’s long-held reputation as a stable democracy in a region prone to instability. The country has never experienced a military coup and has seen three peaceful handovers of power. The current situation puts this democratic record under scrutiny.
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