The Ethiopian premier is manipulating ethnic rivalries to shift the agenda from democratic reform to authoritarianism.
Governance
Politics and Society How Magufuli has steered Tanzania down the road of an authoritarian one-party state
President John Magufuli won a second term by a contested landslide and looks set to take even greater control of Tanzania’s democratic space.
Politics and Society Abiy put Ethiopia on the road to democracy: but major obstacles still stand in the way
The country must urgently address the politics of ethnicity before it can move towards a workable democracy.
Politics and Society Saint or sinner: Rawlings was pivotal to Ghana’s political and economic fortunes
Jerry John Rawlings remains the most polarizing political figure in Ghana since Kwame Nkrumah
Sport, Arts and Culture How memes in the DRC allow people to laugh at those in power – and themselves
Humour is a way for Congolese internet users to prod at cultural traits and political developments – despite censorship being rife.
Politics and Society Ethiopia’s troubled history provides clues to why an all-out civil war is possible
Crisis grips Ethiopia as political divisions spill over into armed conflict and potential civil war looms.
Politics and Society Tanzania’s flawed election points to political class bent on retaining power
Tanzania’s October poll shows that elections are purely performative for governments which do not adhere to the basic tenets of democracy.
Africans rising #EndSARS: How Nigeria can tap into its youthful population
With 70 percent of its people under 30 years, Nigeria needs to harness the strength in its youthful population.
Politics and Society Economic growth or civil liberties: the choice facing Tanzanian voters
Magufuli approaches elections buoyed by victory in the local polls and a solid track record on the economy.