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.
Computer village, Lagos, is one of those places where Igbo entrepreneurship is practiced and passed on to the next generation.
Photo by Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images
The Igbos, like most other indigenous groups, believe in maintaining a legacy of not just their language, but other values, including trans-generational business legacies.
Modern secession claims find their roots in the Trusteeship System of the UN.
Wikimedia Commons
To build a political culture that supports democracy in South Africa, civic education needs to move beyond voter education.
South Africa’s Constitutional Court is considered the bedrock of the country’s democratic order. Here it is in session in 2019.
Photo by Alon Skuy/Sowetan/Gallo Images via Getty Images
The judicial process in South Africa is hugely contested. This places an exaggerated burden on the courts to act with maximum independence and impartiality.
Health workers fumigate Lagos streets during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria.
Photo by Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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.
Chadian President Idriss Déby Itno has died at the age of 68.
Steeve Jordan / AFP via Getty Images
When he grabbed power in 1990, Déby promised to create a democratic society, but he turned out to be a ruthless authoritarian whose main agenda was to remain in office.
Nelson Mandela, first president of a democratic South Africa, wanted human rights to guide the country’s foreign policy.
Hamish Blair/Getty Images
South Africa frequently invokes its celebrated constitution that is based on human rights, but has often failed to live up to its ideals.
Supporters of ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM - Party of the Revolution) drive with the party’s flag on their heads on a motorcycle.
DANIEL HAYDUK/AFP via Getty Images
Tension between the government’s economic and public health priorities is preventing stronger fiscal measures to address nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases.
A student going through his work at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty
Africa’s urban challenges are increasingly well known and documented. But the amount of data produced on urban Africa still pales in comparison to other parts of the world.
Countries that adopt ethnic recognition go on to experience less violence, more economic vitality, and more democratic politics.
Simon Maina/AFP via Getty Images
On average, countries that adopt ethnic recognition experience less violence, more economic vitality, and more democratic politics.
A woman sorts through some maize kernels received as part of a food donation amid a devastating drought in Marsabit County, Kenya.
Photo by Gideon Mendel/Corbis via Getty Images
Building business skills to improve livelihoods is increasingly recognised as bringing value to the fight against poverty. But it can also set up identity conflict and community-level tension.
The Africa Union’s military intervention capacity can benefit hugely from the experience and capabilities of China’s People’s Liberation Army.
EFE-EPA/Michael Reynoldss
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.