- Zimbabwean human rights activist, Jestina Mukoko and her co-accused have finally been set free by the country's Supreme Court.
Ms Mukoko and eight other defendants were facing charges of trying to overthrow Robert Mugabe's government. She has been in and out of jail since last year.
Her final release only comes some seven months since the formation of the unity government between the ruling ZANU-PF of Mr Mugabe and the opposition factions of Morgan Tsvangirai and Authur Mutambara.
Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku of the Supreme Court today issued a permanent stay of prosecution for the activitis saying their constitutional rights had been violated.
The courts decision has been hailed by both legal practitioners and human rights groups as a victory and a sign that afterall, the Zimbabwean unity government might as well work.
Mr Mugabe has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980. His government however became ruthless with the opposition as it became apparent he was losing support and power, further plunging the country into a record economic slide.
Since the formation of the unity government early this year, Zimbabwe's neighbours have been out knocking on international doors for the country to be recongnised and helped out of its economic and political misery.
Western powers have however been reluctant to immediately lift sanctions against Mr Mugabe and his cronies citing suspicions and lack of trust on the workability of the new arrangement. On his part, Mr Mugabe has blast the West for the making of all the down-happenings of Zimbabwe.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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