Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje was Nigeria’s first professor of geography. He has died at 90. He served as a consultant to the Nigerian government and several states in urban and regional development, helping politicians and bureaucrats to understand how research institutions could influence and shape policy. Mabogunje’s legacy stretches far beyond his seminal book.
Politics and Society
Politics and Society Cartoon | Queen Elizabeth II’s chequered legacy evokes mixed reactions across Africa
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has elicited mixed feelings. Some remember the Queen as a steadfast guiding figure, a symbol of stability and resilience, but for others across Africa, her country’s colonial legacy will remain a stain on her contested legacy.
Politics and Society William Ruto vs Kenya’s media: democracy is at stake
Kenya’s election winner has fired the first shot in a war of attrition against legacy media.
Politics and Society Massive call for a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty
In the same month that African leaders criticised their Western counterparts for failing to attend the Africa Adaptation Summit, the World Health Organization (WHO) and hundreds of other health associations are calling for a global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.
Politics and Society Queen Elizabeth, colonialism and land: ghosts of the past still haunt Cape Town today
The British empire brought the practice of commons enclosure to Africa to claim land. Its effects continue today at sites like the Liesbeek River in Cape Town.
Politics and Society Angola’s elections were rigged. The Winner loses. So, what?
Angola’s August 24th general elections underpinned façade democracy. Public institutions such the National Electoral Commission (CNE) and the Constitutional Court (TC) have acted as the gatekeepers of the regime.
Politics and Society Uganda begins reparation payments for the Second Congo war
Early this year, the International Court of Justice ordered Uganda to pay damages for property loss and harm to persons that included rape, conscription of child soldiers, and displacement during the 1998-2003 conflict. In its first instalment, Uganda has paid $65 million of the $325 million total.
Politics and Society How Raila followers drunk the Kool-Aid
Raila Odinga’s followers didn’t start drinking Kool-Aid in 2022. To many of them, William Ruto was simply unelectable and victory was palpable, but Ruto delivered a shock win. For Odinga voters and strategists, they face Ruto’s victory with grief, anger, disbelief and perhaps a twinge of envy.
Politics and Society UK-Africa ties: future looks gloomy under Liz Truss as political myopia reigns
Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, Africa has slipped from its precarious but tangible place in UK political discourse.