The recent spate of military takeovers, most recently in Chad, highlights a developing trend by armed forces in Africa which overtly subvert constitutional governance.
Claire Elder, London School of Economics and Political Science
The international community is opposed to Farmaajo’s term extension because of fears that it’s a power grab consistent with political trends elsewhere in the region.
By securitising refugees, in this case accusing them of instigating terror, the Kenyan government is compromising their social, economic and political rights as set out in international law.
Although polarising, parliament’s move to extend Farmaajo’s term has presented a practical road-map to hold direct elections for the first time since 1969.
He came into office with a reputation for making broken systems work, but as he began his second presidential term John Magufuli became known as a ruthless and ambitious authoritarian.
Adolescent girls can contribute to social change, economic growth, sustainable development and peaceful societies. They should be able to live their lives free from violence.
Sudan’s new government came to power after a people-driven process to oust former President Omar al-Bashir. It must be careful to place ordinary Sudanese at the centre of the reforms process.
In a country where judicial review is not constitutionally guaranteed, hate speech legislation could shackle freedom of expression and limit citizens’ rights to express themselves.
Frank Mattheis, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and Ueli Staeger, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)
Wavering commitment in African capitals and the continued attractiveness of the African Union to external funders risk stalling the crucial path to financial autonomy.
Senior Research Fellow, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and Visiting Professor University of Buckingham, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs