President Joseph Kabila was supposed to step down at the end of his term in 2016. By clinging on to power he threw the Democratic Republic of Congo into a vicious cycle of deadly conflict.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Politics – Research and News
Displaying 301 - 325 of 366 articles
By intervening in Zimbabwe’s politics the military could plunge the country into a prolonged period of uncertainty. Could President Emmerson Mnangagwa be its saviour?
The deaths of four American soldiers in Niger last month highlighted the nature and implications of US military presence in Africa.
Raila Odinga has been at the forefront of the struggle for democracy and upholding the rule of law in Kenya. His latest battles are bound to cement his legacy as a progressive force for good.
Gambia became a symbol for democratic change earlier this year when former dictator Yahya Jammeh was peacefully ousted through the ballot box. Now Europe wants its Gambian immigrants to return home.
Activists often face intransigent regimes and ruthless warlords. But women can use traditional insights into femininity and motherhood for political mobilisation and resistance.
Despite avenues for legal redress, the solution to Kenya’s constitutional crisis is political. The leadership on both sides of the political divide must reach an agreement for the sake of the nation.
Uganda’s economy has seen many changes since independence. Trends in recent years are positive, although some key challenges remain.
Botswana’s late president Ketumile Masire was original and daring. He should be remembered for his courage and prudence.
Elections in Kenya are never just a matter of casting ballots. Historically, they have been marred by ethno-political violence, exacerbated by vigilantes and militias deployed by politicians.
The seeds of discord that were planted in independent Togo have resulted in ethnic divisions, and a state that has long been ruled by family. But recent protests could mean things are about to change.
While Kenya’s political leaders often adopt a populist approach to politics, it’s not unimaginable that the courts could also pursue a populist path by claiming to speak for the people.
Democracy doesn’t seem to work within societies governed by politics of ethnicity. Instead, elections continue to offer up the hard choice between electoral credibility and political stability.
Mediation is common in Africa but there hasn’t been enough emphasis on how it affects the outcome of peace negotiations.
Kenya’s electoral commission faced many legal challenges before the general election, and yet another after the poll. But how will the Supreme Court’s historic ruling impact the country’s democracy?
Kenya’s Supreme Court landmark ruling has opened the door to robust conversation around the country’s nascent democracy, paving the way for rule of law and stronger institutions.
Kenya has published hate speech guidelines that target WhatsApp groups administrators, holding them responsible for offensive content.
One way to diffuse the tension when Kenyans choose a head of state is to take that decision out of their hands. This could help achieve ethnic cohesion.
Fake news has intruded on every aspect of life. Audiences need to counter its appeal, as the media alone is incapable of debunking false information.
Some might see Kenya’s presidential election petition as ‘nuisance legislation’. But legal arbitration must be encouraged as an audit to the democratic process.
Kenya’s press has admitted to self-censorship after the August 8th poll to avoid a repeat of 2008’s post-election violence. But by refusing to inform the public has the media lost credibility?
Since civil war broke out in the Central African Republic four years ago, citizens continue to live in fear. They say that peace will only come when the war criminals are brought to justice.
Much international media focus has been on Kenya’s election being a trigger for violence, but that’s only part of the story. The ongoing grievances of Kenyans must be addressed.
Kenya’s recently concluded general election has been described as a mixed bag of highs and the lows being the deadly clashes.
Kenya has just gone through a charged campaign period, followed by a contested election result. The media has been out in force covering it all. But did they do a good job?