Kenya Upholds Ban on Rastafarian Marijuana Use

In a significant development, Kenya's Rastafarian community has suffered a setback in their long-standing battle to use cannabis for religious purposes. The High Court in Nairobi has delivered a ruling against the Rastafarians, effectively upholding the country's laws that prohibit the use of cannabis for any reason. This decision comes after years of advocacy and litigation by the Rastafarian community, who argue that their right to freedom of religion is being denied by the ban on cannabis use.

Meanwhile, a major shift is underway in the African cocoa industry. The continent's top cocoa producers, including Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, have announced a joint initiative to process more cocoa at home, rather than exporting it raw. This move is seen as a strategic response to the global cocoa market, where prices have been volatile in recent years. By processing cocoa locally, the producers aim to increase their value-added products and reduce their reliance on international markets.

In a more inspirational development, an environmental activist in Dakar, Senegal, is using art to raise awareness about plastic waste. The activist has created a vibrant outfit made entirely from discarded plastic waste, which she wears on the city's beaches to highlight the issue of plastic pollution. The outfit, which has become a striking symbol of the activist's message, is made from plastic bottles, bags, and other waste materials that are commonly found on the beaches of Dakar.