Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 100

100th PEP Weekly Digest:

Introducing the 100th edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections influence the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between Apr 18, 2025 and May 17, 2025. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine each respective country’s future direction and governance.

Somalia’s PM Reshuffles Cabinet, Appoints Ahmed Fiqi as Defence Minister to Bolster Security Ahead of First Direct Elections

One noteworthy event has occurred in Somalia, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has unveiled a significant cabinet reshuffle, appointing seasoned politician Ahmed Moalim Fiqi as the new Minister of Defence.

The move comes at a crucial juncture as the country prepares for its first direct elections while facing sustained pressure from the militant group al-Shabaab.

Though no formal explanation was provided for the reshuffle, observers say it reflects the government’s urgency to stabilise the security landscape ahead of the vote. Fiqi’s appointment, in particular, appears aimed at strengthening defence capacity as Somalia transitions away from indirect electoral systems dominated by clan elders.

President Kiir Appoints Akuei Bona Malwal Madut as Foreign Minister

Shifting our focus to South Sudan, President Salva Kiir appointed Akuei Bona Malwal Madut as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. Madut is a long-serving career diplomat whose father, Bona Malwal Madut, is a veteran politician with established ties to numerous Sudanese political and military figures.

In an order announced on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir confirmed Madut’s appointment, succeeding Monday Semaya Kumba. The decision drew mixed reactions, with some commentators praising the move while others expressed a desire for a female appointee to promote diversity within the ministry.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar Makes History as First Woman Sworn in Twice as Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister

In Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar created history, when she took the oath of office, becoming the first woman to be sworn in as prime minister of Trinidad & Tobago on two separate occasions.

Persad-Bissessar, 73, a senior counsel who first became PM in 2010 when she led the People’s Partnership government, was sworn in by President Christine Kangaloo more than 72 hours after she led her United National Congress coalition to a convincing victory in the general election that had been called four months ahead of the second anniversary of the People’s National Movement’s second consecutive term in office.

Bank Negara Fines Merchantrade Asia and JAGS Money for Sanctions Screening Failures

In the realm of regulatory affairs, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has imposed an administrative monetary penalty of RM29,000 on Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd for breaching provisions under the Money Services Business Act 2011, citing failures in sanctions screening procedures and delayed updates to its sanctions database.

BNM also fined JAGS Money Sdn Bhd RM6,000 for similar non-compliances, namely failure to promptly update the sanctions database and to screen new customers accordingly.

As reporting institutions, both companies are required to screen existing and potential customers against the Domestic List and the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) List to ensure regulatory compliance and prevent financial crimes.

Tunisia Sentences Former PM Ali Laarayedh to 34 Years on Terror Charges Amid Crackdown on Opposition

Shifting our attention to Tunisia, a court in Tunisia has sentenced former Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh to 34 years in prison on a raft of terrorism charges.

He is the latest high-profile critic of the president to be jailed as campaigners slam “sham trials” in the country.

The 69-year-old is a prominent opponent of President Kais Saied and leader of Ennadha, a moderate Islamist party that holds the largest number of seats in parliament.

Along with seven other people, Laarayedh was charged with setting up a terrorist cell and helping young Tunisians travel abroad to join Islamist fighters in Iraq and Syria.

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