Quotes

‘I commend him for listening and for his willingness to maintain dialogue for a negotiated outcome to the conflict.’

– Senegalese President Macky Sall, the current head of the AU, who last week spoke to Vladimir Putin to urge a ‘lasting’ ceasefire in Ukraine.  After Russia launched its invasion on 24 February, the AU issued a statement calling for Ukraine's territorial integrity and international law to be upheld. It also urged both countries to implement an immediate ceasefire and open negotiations under UN auspices.

‘Our judiciary has been rightfully hailed as the model for the world. In its short lifespan of 28 years, it has produced judgments on topics such as socioeconomic rights, accountability, and civil and political rights. It has withstood vicious attacks from politicians and disgruntled litigants. It remains a beacon of hope for a society based on the rule of law and constitutionalism.'

 – South African Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, noting that in times of political populism, judges should not get involved in politics but should serve as agents of the Constitution, which means protecting and promoting its principles. He was speaking at the Democracy and Constitutionalism: Civic Education Series held at Constitution Hill last week.

‘We have the most to lose if diamonds are badly managed. We have used everything we’ve got from diamonds for schools, for roads, for medicine, for developing our human resource.’

– Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi. The southern African nation is vying to host a permanent new headquarters and secretariat for the Kimberley Process, which seeks to combat trade in the gems from conflict areas, part of the government’s effort to turn the country into a global industry hub. Income from diamonds have helped Botswana, which was among the world’s 25 poorest countries, attain upper-middle income status.