Governance
Friday, January 22, 2016 - 06:30
Although everyday life in the Seychelles remains as peaceful as ever - living up to the islands' paradisiacal tourist image - there have been tensions brewing below the surface ever since disputed elections last month. In the presidential election on 3-5 December, President James Michel was officially re-elected, beating his closest rival by a mere 193 votes - a razor sharp margin even in a country with a population of just 90,000 people. The opposition, led by Wavel Ramkalawan, immediately called for a review, intimating that there had been vote rigging and irregularities.
Thursday, January 14, 2016 - 07:03
Yet another African transitional government of national unity is about to be launched, this time in South Sudan, on 22 January, to try to resolve yet another terrible conflict. Wars don’t come much uglier than this one, which devastated Africa’s newest country after a fallout between President Salva Kiir and his erstwhile deputy, Riek Machar, in December 2013 quickly descended into mutual slaughter between Kiir’s Dinka and Machar’s Nuer people.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016 - 06:56
This year is shaping up to be a pivotal one for democracy in Africa, potentially setting the course of the continent’s political and economic development for years to come, and at a historic moment when its long-awaited economic takeoff finally seems to be getting underway.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016 - 07:06
Rwandan President Paul Kagame rejected U.S. criticism of his decision to seek a third term as leader of the East African nation.Kagame, 58, announced on Dec. 31 he will run for office again in elections in 2017 after voters approved a change to the constitution.
Friday, December 18, 2015 - 06:46
Niger's president said Thursday that his government had foiled a coup attempt, three months before elections in his country, a U.S. ally against terrorism in the Sahara.
Friday, December 18, 2015 - 06:41
The violence-torn Horn of Africa is seeing a fresh wave of repression as Ethiopian authorities crack down on protests by the country’s largest ethnic minority.
Friday, December 18, 2015 - 06:33
In facilitating the process of securitization, African leaders avoid the real challenge of addressing the roots of human insecurity within their countries and regions.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015 - 06:28
Authorities in Burkina Faso have charged three soldiers over the murder in 1998 of journalist Norbert Zongo, whose killing became a symbol of repression during veteran President Blaise Compaore's rule.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015 - 06:25
The violence in Burundi was precipitated by President Pierre Nkurunziza's unconstitutional bid for a third term. Also at risk for Burundi is a multimillion-dollar security partnership in which the United States supports the Burundian military, providing nearly a quarter of the troops in the multilateral fight against al Shabaab and al-Qaeda in Somalia.
Monday, December 14, 2015 - 06:34
A lawyer says that three former presidential guard members have been indicted and jailed for the killing of an investigative journalist nearly 20 years ago.