China has lessons worth learning, but governance without elections and choice of ruling party isn’t one of them.
Democracy
Politics and Society Nigeria, Hate Speech Bills and a dying democracy
With a Hate Speech Bill and a shrinking democratic space, Nigerian lawmakers have become no different from the country’s military rule which saw dictatorship thrive. The final breath of democracy in Nigeria is being killed by Nigerian lawmakers, and Nigerians run the risk of losing what is left of their freedom if they continue to sit in silence.
Africans rising Meet two young Somali-American women who won city council seats in Maine and Minnesota
Despite ugly smear campaigns to discredit them, violent threats and racist comments 23-year-olds Safiya Khalid and Nadia Mohamed who are both former refugees still managed to secure historic victories by becoming the first Somali-Americans elected to the city council of Lewiston, Maine and St Louis Park, Minnesota respectively.
Politics and Society Taking social media at (Face)book value in Africa
Facebook’s revelation about fake accounts designed to influence elections shows the risks for Africa’s already fragile democracies.
Politics and Society How colonial rule predisposed Africa to fragile authoritarianism
The unstable authoritarian pathway that many post-colonial African states followed was facilitated by the way in which European empires undermined democratic elements within African societies.
Politics and Society Botswana’s election will go down to the wire
If the ruling party is defeated next week, will the country lose its reputation for regional stability?
Politics and Society Transitional Council appoints Neemat Abdullah Khair as Sudan’s first female Chief Justice
Sudan has appointed its first female Chief Justice Neemat Abdullah Kheir. Her appointment comes as the country looks to transition into a full democracy. The historic appointment is being celebrated as a progressive step towards gender equality.
Politics and Society Africa’s youth stand up to seasoned politicians
Bobi Wine’s political movement in Uganda shows how organised youth groups can challenge the status quo.
Politics and Society Gabon: President Ali Bongo’s health concerns raise questions if he is still fit to govern
Gabon’s President Ali Bongo suffered a stroke in October last year. Since then an attempted coup and long absence from power has left many questioning if Bongo is still fit to continue governing the country.