Posts tagged POLITICS

President Jacob Zuma unveiled the Groot Marico Heritage Site Groot Marico, North West Province, South Africa in his honour. The heritage site captures the story of Zuma and 45 other activists who were intercepted by Apartheid security police at Groot Marico, leading to them serve prison terms on Robben Island. However, the monument is unlikely going to sanitize Zuma’s current tarnished image and neither will it secure his legacy.

Currently at 1.2 billion, Africa’s population is projected to more than double by 2050 and quadruple by 2100, reaching 4 billion. Young people make up a large part of Africa’s population but the continent is home to aging and many of the world’s longest-serving presidents. Unemployment is a reality across the continent and with the projected doubling population by 2050 new political, social and economic challenges face Africa. While African youth still remain marginalised in terms of political and civic engagement/involvement, the trend is beginning to change, and Africa’s growing and large youth population presents great opportunities.

Politics in Nigeria can be as sweet as honey, at least for those who wind up as presidents, governors, lawmakers, ministers, commissioners and, more recently, the growing army of political ‘sons’ called special assistants or advisers, writes Linus Unah.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe turn 93 today. One of the world’s longest serving leaders, Gushungo (his totem), as he is affectionately known shows no sign of slowing down. While his party Zanu-PF has been rocked by infighting and nasty succession battles, Mugabe has indicated that he will not groom a successor but a successor will come from the people. Until “the people” choose a successor, the 93 year-old will represent the party in presidential polls next year.

Brothers and sisters, if you are or have ever been a local government councilor or chairman, a commissioner, a special assistant, a senior special assistant, a governor, a minister, an Honorable member of the House of Representatives, a Distinguished senator, a president and commander-in-chief of the Naija Armed Forces, then this epistle is for you. I bring you great tidings from my sumptuous lair in Oghara.

Ecowas vs SADC? Against the backdrop of the key role played by Ecowas in The Gambian crisis, which led to Yahyah Jameh eventually leaving office and going into exile, Takura Zhangazha makes a comparison of Ecowas and SADC, two very different African inter-state organizations.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) main opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, has died in Brussels at the age of 84, the country’s embassy in Brussels, Belgium has revealed. His death comes at a critical time when incumbent president Joseph Kabila is facing intense pressure to step down. The country faces an uncertain future following the death of a key partner in the transitional council.

President Buhari’s silence translates as nonchalance towards his creditors, all Nigerians. Sadly, this indifference is the default, if feckless, attitude of those who occupy the space of leadership in Nigeria. These are the men and women who take the most from Nigeria but give back the least. Think about it: since assuming the presidency, has Mr. Buhari offered a serious policy statement about his country’s healthcare sector?

The African Union (AU) has elected Chad’s Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat as the new chairperson of the Commission. Mahamat replaces South Africa’s Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. The new chairperson faces a huge task to achieve the bold objectives of Agenda 2063 and steer the continental organisation towards a path of inclusive social and economic growth, political stability, democracy, peace and prosperity.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has promoted his eldest son Maj Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to become a special presidential adviser in a reshuffle of top military personnel. The appointment has been strongly criticised, seen as a classic case of nepotism, and it has also been viewed with suspicion. Critics argue that Museveni is grooming Maj Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to succeed him as president in the future. Could Museveni be preparing his son to take over when the Ugandan leader eventually leaves office?