Daily Maverick
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 - 07:42
Last month, Nigeria’s parliament gave President Goodluck Jonathan a $1 billion war chest. The money is to buy arms and equipment to help the army fight Boko Haram. Only problem: no one’s selling, at least not to Nigeria. South Africa and the USA have already said no. Since when did arms dealers develop a moral backbone?
Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - 06:18
As a continent with enough conflicts of its own, it's tempting to dismiss what's happening in Iraq and Syria as somebody else's problem. This is a mistake. As the Islamic State expands - and it's already doing so - Africa is a prime target, with the continent particularly vulnerable to its subversive ideology.
Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 06:48
The International Criminal Court case against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta isn’t going well. Between an obstinate lack of government cooperation, and a concerted campaign of witness intimidation, the prosecution’s case is falling apart – not necessarily through any fault of their own.
Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 08:46
The African Union wants to set up a new court to try really serious crimes like war crimes, crimes against humanity, etc. There’s only one catch, but it’s a big one: in the draft protocol up for discussion, African heads of state and senior government officials are immune from prosecution.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 - 09:44
Finally, Boko Haram has laid out its terms: give us our prisoners, said the group’s leader, and we’ll give you your girls back (...) Pity poor Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who has to decide whether to negotiate or to opt for the military option (...). It’s an impossible choice, and he’ll lose either way.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014 - 11:49
No one disputes that Kenya has a serious problem with domestic terrorism. This weekend was further proof, if any was needed: another seven people dead, and scores injured in four separate attacks.
Monday, April 21, 2014 - 09:00
It’s tempting to dismiss Boko Haram and its brutal, public atrocities as an aberration, a temporary road-block on Nigeria’s slow but inexorable upward trajectory. This is, after all, Africa’s largest economy and a thriving, if dysfunctional, democracy. But the violence keeps coming, and Nigeria’s leaders – despite their bullish, near-farcical declarations to the contrary – are powerless to stop it.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 - 09:25
Darfur has slipped off the front pages in recent years, replaced by newer, more exciting causes célèbres. This doesn’t mean the situation has got any better.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - 07:35
Al Shabaab’s on-the-run leader broke cover this week to release a recorded message, in which he exhorted Somalis to fight the good fight against foreign invaders, especially old enemy Ethiopia.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014 - 07:44
The noises coming out of the Central African Republic are becoming louder and increasingly frantic. From the chaos, the message is clear: the country’s Muslim population is no longer safe.