Kenya’s upcoming poll will continue despite opposition leader Raila Odinga’s decision to exit lawful processes prematurely. This will mean Kenyatta will likely win his second term in a row.
Supporters of Joao Lourenco and the ruling MPLA during an election campaign rally in Luanda.
EPA/Manuel de Almeida
Angola’s recent election results showed the ruling MPLA losing support across the country. If opposition claims are to be taken seriously, the losses could be more severe than they appear.
A woman leaves a polling station after casting her vote during the 2013 Kenyan elections.
Reuters/Goran Tomasevic
Kenya’s progressive 2010 Constitution brought improved women’s representation in Parliament and public life. But historical prejudices remain, always more intensely apparent during elections.
US President-elect Donald Trump has displayed behaviour that will resonate with autocrats in Africa.
William Philpott/Reuters
Besides worries that Donald Trump might not make Africa a priority of his presidency, his temperament and views bode ill for democracy on the continent.
A policewoman carries a Burundi flag during a protest against President Nkurunziza’s decision to run for a third term.
Reuters/Goran Tomasevic
The competition between the two authoritarian regimes has become a fact that, given the regional context, is here to last. It justifies repression and indefinitely postpones democratic expression.
In the 1990s Paul Kagame of Rwanda, along with Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, were considered the democratic darlings of Africa.
Reuters/Hereward Holland
Africa’s democratic promise of the 1990s has lost its shine. Hopes for accountable rule have faded in Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda. All have blocked the path to meaningful popular empowerment.
Ethiopians reading newspapers in the capital Addis Ababa. The country’s media is among the most repressed on the continent.
Reuters/Tiksa Negeri
Press freedom has changed little in the past decade. If the African Union is to commit to the principles of democracy, it needs to do more to uphold freedom of expression and protects its journalists.
A woman cheers during Freedom Day celebrations in South Africa.
Reuters/Mujahid Safodien
South Africa’s transition to democracy was based on the values of inclusive politics, reconciliation, human rights and constitutionalism. Twenty-two years on, how has the country fared?
Science and innovation can improve the world –but scientists have to help ensure strong democracies too.
Reuters/Kumerra Gemechu
South Africans’ faith in the post-apartheid system of democracy is clearly slipping - and some even suggest that a return to apartheid would be a good thing.
Nigeria’s newly appointed government ministers attend their swearing-in ceremony in Abuja.
Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde
No-one imagined that it would take Muhammadu Buhari more than 100 days to form a cabinet. But, then again, Nigeria is no ordinary country and it has its own inherent logic.
Professor of Francophone Studies (Africa, Caribbean), Faculty Affiliate with Africana Studies, World Literature Program and Human Rights Pracice, University of Arizona