Institute for Security Studies
Thursday, October 31, 2013 - 09:07
On 20 October 2013, President Uhuru Kenyatta led Kenya in celebrations of the first Mashujaa (Heroes) Day since his election. Mashujaa Day honours Kenya’s heroes who fought for independence from colonialism, and is thus in many respects synonymous with the struggle for sovereignty. This year’s Mashujaa Day coincided with the celebration of 50 years of Kenya’s independence. At the same time, Kenyatta’s trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity began in earnest this year, and he is expected to appear in court on 12 November 2013.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 - 09:51
In August, United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos warned that 'the Central African Republic [CAR] is not yet a failed state, but has the potential to become one if swift action is not taken'. This warning became all the more real when on 13 September Michel Djotodia, the interim president of the CAR, decided to dissolve the rebel coalition Seleka, which he had headed during the December 2012 rebellion that led to the overthrow of General Francois Bozizé, the CAR's former president.
Monday, August 26, 2013 - 06:53
United States (US) President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Africa demonstrates renewed US interest in creating partnerships with African nations, but it also signifies the continent’s growing role as a staging ground for the ‘cold war’ between the US and China.