SOUTH AFRICA: The top police officer in South Africa appeared in court today in relation to a corruption scandal that has seen at least 12 other senior police officers arrested and charged by prosecutors.

Fannie Masemola, who remains in his position as head of the police, faces four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act, a law that regulates the government’s awarding of contracts, in relation to an allegedly corrupt 360 million rand (£16 million) contract to provide health and well-being services to police officers.

HUNGARY: Legislation banning the availability of LGBT+ content to minors violates European Union law and breaches a foundational treaty guaranteeing respect for human rights and equality, the bloc’s court ruled today.

The European Court of Justice said that Hungary’s legislation, adopted in 2021 by the right-wing government of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, “stigmatises and marginalises” LGBT+ persons.

HAITI: Chad will deploy 1,500 troops to Haiti as part of the United Nations security force to the Caribbean country to combat violence, according to a letter from the president to the legislature.

Chadian President Mahamat Deby Itno said two battalions of 750 troops each will be deployed from this month for one year, following a request by the UN.

TAIWAN: The office of the president of China’s breakaway province of Taiwan said today he has cancelled a planned visit to Africa this week after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories.

President Lai Ching-te was set to visit Eswatini, Taiwan’s last remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, from April 22 to 26.