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The French Revolution, a transformative period from 1789 to 1799, fundamentally altered France and left a lasting legacy that continues to shape modern society. It dismantled the ancient régime, ended feudal privileges, and laid the foundations for modern democracy and human rights. This article explores the key events of the Revolution and examines its enduring impacts on contemporary French society. Prelude to Revolution In the late 18th century, France was a nation rife with economic distress, social inequality, and political inefficacy. The financial crisis, exacerbated by costly wars and royal extravagance, pushed the state towards bankruptcy. The rigid social hierarchy, with the clergy and nobility enjoying privileges at the expense of the Third Estate—the vast majority of the population—created widespread discontent. Key Events of the Revolution King Lois XVI of France 1. The Estates-General and the National Assembly (1789)    - In May 1789, King Louis XVI convened the Estates-G

Bangladesh experienced significant destruction on Friday following the deadliest day of ongoing student protests. Government buildings, including the Dhaka headquarters of Bangladesh Television, were torched by demonstrators, and a nationwide internet blackout was implemented.  This week's unrest has resulted in at least 39 deaths, with 32 occurring on Thursday, and the death toll is expected to rise as clashes continue across nearly half of the country's districts. According to a police statement, protesters engaged in "destructive activities" against numerous police and government offices. Faruk Hossain, a spokesman for the capital's police force, told AFP that roughly 100 policemen were injured in the clashes yesterday. He added that about 50 police booths were set ablaze. The police statement warned that if the destruction did not cease, they would "be forced to make maximum use of law". At least two-thirds of the deaths reported so far were caused b

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticized acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for banning protests within Nairobi's CBD. Kanja cited security concerns and the lack of a designated leader for the Gen Z-led protests.  However, the High Court in Nairobi suspended this directive, emphasizing that the Public Order Act, not "international security standards," governs demonstrations in Kenya. LSK president Faith Odhiambo argued that the police's actions were unconstitutional and did not meet the requirements of the Public Order Act.  In a statement on Thursday, LSK president Faith Odhiambo said the law governing demonstrations in Kenya is the Public Order Act CAP 56. She said section 5(8) of the Act outlines circumstances under which the police may restrict planned demonstrations as provided for under Article 37 of the Constitution and lack of a designated leader does not warrant such restrictive measures. “It is inconceivable that the National Police Servic

In the somber halls of Friends International Centre, family, friends, and fellow judges gathered to share anecdotes and memories of Justice David Majanja. Appointed as a High Court judge in 2011, Majanja passed away on Wednesday evening at The Nairobi Hospital, two days after being admitted for surgery. His death has left a profound sense of loss among judges, lawyers, and staff. During a solemn service filled with tears and fond memories, Chief Justice Martha Koome led the Judiciary in honoring Majanja's life. The gathering included men and women in red robes and black suits adorned with purple ribbons, a group of judges and advocates united in mourning. Tributes highlighted Majanja’s dedication to justice and unwavering integrity. Chief Justice Koome's eulogy praised Majanja’s judicial excellence and sharp intellect. She emphasized the need for the judiciary to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law in his absence. She also recalled Majanja's role in formulating poli

A woman’s dream about her sister being dumped in the Kware area of Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums on the outskirts of Nairobi led to the discovery of a crime scene, astonishingly located right next to a police station. This might seem ironic elsewhere, but in Kenya, it is sadly typical news. One in three people has faced police abuse or harassment, and between 2019 and 2021, over 500 police killings have been documented in Kenya, according to the International Justice Mission. A man labeled a "serial killer"  by Kenyan police was coerced into confessing through torture, his lawyer told a court in Nairobi. Police stated that Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, 33, admitted to killing 42 women, including his wife, since 2022, following his arrest on Monday. He was detained after nine mutilated bodies were discovered at an abandoned quarry in Nairobi. Prosecutors denied any mistreatment, and the court ruled that Khalusha could be held for a month pending further investigations. His lawyer, John

Emboldened by the 2010 Constitution, which transformed the country into an open and democratic society, an unprecedented and forceful grassroots movement has seized global attention and put President William Ruto’s ruling party on the defensive. What began as an anti-tax bill protest a month ago has morphed into an all-out anti-government movement that seeks to topple the 'unjust' system even after Ruto dropped the bill and made some changes in the government. Political commentators have dubbed it; The Third Liberation Movement. Youth are demanding comprehensive reforms, including the removal of corrupt leaders within President Ruto's administration. This comes ahead of a national dialogue forum promised by President Ruto to address national issues. Despite Ruto's announcement of the dialogue forum starting on July 15, uncertainty looms over the Kenya Kwanza regime. Generation Z has taken to various platforms under the hashtag #RutoMustGo, calling for new leadership and

Governing France is about to become more challenging for Emmanuel Macron. On Tuesday, the French president accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government, initiating a transition period where the outgoing administration will act as a caretaker until a new executive is appointed, according to a statement from the Elysée. Macron urged "all Republican forces" to reach an agreement to conclude this transition period "as soon as possible." Historically, such transitional periods have not lasted more than nine days, but these are unprecedented times in France. A section of the outgoing French Cabinet.  The president is responsible for appointing the new prime minister and cabinet. This process is straightforward when the president's party holds an absolute majority in parliament, or the president selects the leader of the majority party in the lower house. However, France's fragmented political landscape leaves the future government an

Paul Kagame is set for a fourth term as president after electoral authorities declared him the winner of the Rwanda presidential election, with 99.15 percent of the votes. This marks the fourth presidential election since the genocide 30 years ago, in which over 800,000 people, mostly from the Tutsi ethnic minority, were killed. Election Day in Rwanda. Rwandans living in Kenya turned up to exercise their democratic right in Nairobi. Kagame, who led the Rwandan Patriotic Front rebel group to defeat Hutu extremist forces and end the genocide, was elected president by parliament in 2000 following the resignation of Pasteur Bizimungu. President Kagame (center) while meeting Artists late last week.  In the three previous elections, Kagame won more than 93% of the vote each time. Eight candidates applied to run against him, but only two made it to the final list approved by the electoral commission. The others, including some of Kagame's most vocal critics, were disqualified for various

Police have arrested a man they believe is the primary suspect in the gruesome killings and disposal of bodies at Kware dumpsite in Embakasi, Nairobi. On Monday, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Chief Mohammed Amin stated that the suspect, Collins Jumaisi Khalusa, had confessed to murdering 42 women, including his wife "Imelda," between 2022 and July 11, 2024. He lives approximately 500 meters from the Kware dumpsite, where the badly mutilated bodies of women have been recovered during an operation. “We are dealing with a psychopathic serial killer who has no respect for human life,” Mr. Amin stated to the media at DCI headquarters. Police described the developments as a breakthrough in the investigation that had threatened the government amid allegations of extrajudicial killings. A mobile phone belonging to one of the identified victims, Josephine Owino, was recovered from the suspect in custody. So far, two women, including Josephine, have been identified. Jose

Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja, is receiving a backlash from young people for suggesting dialogue to address concerns raised by Gen Z during recent anti-government protests. On Tuesday, President William Ruto signed the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024, at KICC and announced a six-day national dialogue forum beginning on July 15, 2024, which Odinga supported.  “I am happy to confirm that we have had consultations and have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we are facing today in our country.” Odinga said. The Azimio leader’s willingness to participate in the dialogue has sparked public backlash, with young people accusing him of ‘siding with their oppressors.’ In a letter titled ‘Agwambo Kaa Home’ addressed to Odinga by Gen Z on Tuesday, the youths voiced their frustrations with his decision. “We will not allow you to hijack our movement to satisfy your political greed. You do not speak for us and today you have shown that you stand with the thieve

Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa has rejected the renewed calls by President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga for a new national dialogue. Reacting on X, Wamalwa stated, "I am not boarding!" He is the second Azimio leader to question these calls, following Karua's assertion that for talks to be successful, all parties must genuinely cooperate; otherwise, it's a trap. The dialogue initiative was proposed during the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Amendment Bill, 2024, which emerged from the National Dialogue Committee talks. Wamalwa, who represented the Opposition in the NADCO talks, denied the final report but maintained his affiliation with the Opposition. He criticized the talks for failing to address the most pressing issue for Kenyans—the cost of living—and vowed not to accept any allowances for participating in the talks, insisting the report remains a burden on Kenyans. "l didn’t and will not append my signat

President William Ruto has today signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 at KICC Nairobi. An event that is his first official state event to be held outside State House since the protests rocked the country three weeks ago.  Azimio leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka joined President William Ruto at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill.  This event, a deviation from the usual State House location, marks a significant step following the National Dialogue Committee talks. Key attendees included Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Attorney General Justin Muturi, and other senior officials. Opposition figures like National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, and ODM deputy leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya were also present.  The bill, which aims to reform the electoral system and appoint new IEBC commissioners, faced pressure from various qua

President William Ruto is leading a Cabinet meeting at State House following weeks of anti-government protests that have shaken the nation. This meeting coincides with reports of a potential Cabinet shake-up, where some Cabinet Secretaries might be reshuffled or dismissed. An anonymous Cabinet Secretary told the Daily Nation that there is anxiety among the ministers, with many eager to learn their fate before proceeding with their ministry programs. The protests, driven by youth dissatisfaction with Ruto's administration, have included calls for the president to step down due to his failure to address the country's problems. The Gen Z protesters have demanded action against government officials linked to corruption or poor performance over the past two years. Despite the mounting pressure, some analysts believe the protests could provide Ruto with an opportunity to restructure his Cabinet. Charles Owino, Chairperson of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, s

The Gen Z anti-government protestors are re-evaluating their approach after Tuesday's demonstrations turned violent, leading to looting and vandalism. They fear this could undermine their movement's goals of pushing President William Ruto to resign.  The activists claim that "goons" hired by politicians are responsible for the violence, aiming to discredit legitimate demonstrators or push their own agendas. Some activists have taken to social media, urging that the planned demonstration for Thursday be called off.  "It appears the state has realized the only way to counter our movement is by using goons to incite violence, break into properties, loot, and tarnish our cause," said Ojango Omondi, an activist from Nairobi. "We need to go back to the drawing board and strategize on how to overcome this violence and keep our protests focused on their true objectives." The government spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. However, Interior

The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has reversed its decision and halted the salary review for all state officers. Chairperson Lyn Mengich announced these following discussions with the Treasury, citing recent budget cuts and ongoing national economic concerns. Mengich clarified, "In consultation with the Treasury, SRC hereby freezes the upward review of salaries for all State officers and will review the advice for all other public officers, taking into account the current realities of the economy, and a reduced budget to ensure affordability and fiscal sustainability of the wage bill." She also noted that the salary increases were not newly gazetted, as reported, but were established and published in August of the previous year as part of the Third Remuneration and Benefits Review cycle for state and public officers, set to be implemented over 2023-24 and 2024-25. This review followed a two-year freeze on pay structures due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Men