Justin Trudeau Resigns

 

Justin Trudeau has resigned as Canada's prime minister. The Liberal Party is facing struggles on multiple fronts. Questions are mounting on who will get the leadership of the Liberal Party. This is a major change considering Trudeau has been in office since 2015. While some legislation benefited Canada under his leadership, other policies undermined progress. The concept of postnational state had some unforeseen consequences. Opening the Canada to refugees and more immigration without more accommodation generated public concern. More border crossings were happening at Roxham Road. The economic relations with the United States became more turbulent during the Trump administration. NAFTA was replaced with the United States-Mexica Canada Agreement. CUSMA did not improve the financial situation of the Canadian citizen. Tariffs became a topic of serious discussion. Steel and aluminum were effected the most in Canada. Foreign policy tended to follow a pattern common among western liberals. Canada's attitude toward China became more contentious and the support for the Russia-Ukraine War did not advance Canada's objectives in Europe. A peaceful Europe is better for Canada, rather than  keeping the conflict going. Diplomatic relations with India were in decline during the early 2020s. Much of this is due to India's accusation of Canada's support for the Khalistan  movement. The movement wants to see an independent Sikh state. Canada has a Sikh population, which advocates for a new nation on the Indian  subcontinent . Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could not formulate a policy to navigate these complications of foreign policy. The government could not survive decreasing poll numbers and  election losses. The wave of cabinet resignations demonstrated the frustration with Trudeau's premiership.  

Zimbabwe Abolishes The Death Penalty

 

Zimbabwe has announced that it will no longer use the death penalty. This is a significant move related to human rights in the Southern African nation. Zimbabwe only has a total of 60 prisoners on death row. Zimbabwe only executed one prisoner in 2005. Zimbabwe does not favor capital punishment for a number of reasons. Executions are a reminder of the abuses of the white minority rule Rhodesian regime. Many lost their lives in the Bush War and wider liberation struggle. Capital punishment and executions were used against Zimbabweans to maintain colonial domination. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has voiced his rejection of the death penalty. During the liberation war, given the death penalty. The sentence was changed to ten years in prison, but some were not so fortunate. Zimbabwe has been criticized by the EU for  having a poor record on human rights. Just like the EU Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty. The criticisms of Zimbabwe are not out of genuine human rights promotion, rather a political agenda. African countries can advance human rights with out external advice or interference. Zimbabwe could inspire other African nations to ban capital punishment. Ghana, Kenya, and Liberia might be moving in this direction. President Mnangagawa signed the bill into law, preventing certain prisoners from being executed by the state.  

Billionaire Isabel Dos Santos And The Questions Around Her Assets

 

Isabel Dos Santos has been described as "Africa's richest woman." Questions remains about how she generated her wealth and how assets were acquired. The UK has frozen some of her assets, but she has stated her innocence related to criminal activity. Isabel being the daughter of the former Angolan president did have certain advantages. Isabel had investments in numerous banks and one telecommunications firm. President Jose Edurado dos Santos  made her head of Sonangol. This is an important oil firm in Angola. Isabel Dos Santos was removed by the new administration in 2017. Isabel Dos Santos was charged with embezzlement and money laundering by Angolan courts. There is indication that some of these assets were gained through illegal means and a system of nepotism. The  heaight of her fortune was around 2013 to 2015. Isabel Dos Santos has lost some wealth and according to Forbes rankings was removed from their list in 2021. Based on their sources her net work was $1.4 billion in 2020. The asset freezes probably did not make much on an impact. This does not account for hidden funds. Isable Dos Santos is considering running for president of Angola. The intention could be to use the office to enrich herself and reestablish Santos influence in government. The average Angolan does not see a dramatic increase in income, but Isabel used family and government connections to become a billionaire. The MPLA used to support socialism and Marxist-Leninist ideology. The ironic situation is that a billionaire could possibly run for president of Angola. Angola has gone though a similar transformation that China did after the end of Maoism. Isabel Dos Santos is a product of this economic shift.