Demonstrations against the current regime have opened up a space for debate and self-expression in Algeria, recalling the crucial need for a free and involved civil society.
Protests
Politics and Society People Power: Lessons from Togo to African leaders clinging to power
As the people of Togo resume protests this week, we are reminded of people power, and that despite state violence and repression, freedom is non negotiable. The Togolese people are an inspiration to other African countries facing dictatorship and oppression.
Politics and Society Protests against Gnassingbé 50- year ruling dynasty rock Togo
Anti-Gnassingbé protests have rocked Togo where large crowds of people have come out to demand a term limit and a return to the 1992 constitution. The protests have continued and seek to bring down the Gnassingbé dynasty that has ruled the country for over 50 years.
Politics and Society Malawians participate in protest marches against abortion and homosexuality
Malawians across major cities today participated in protest marches against alleged proposals by the government to legalise abortion and homosexuality in the country. Various religious groups participated in the protest, which also attracted members of the Rastafari faith. Numerous images of the protest shared on social media show people carrying pro-life placards and anti-gay banners.
Africans rising ‘There is no such thing as a revolution starting and ending in a couple of months’: an interview with Egyptian activist, Yara Sallam
Egyptian human rights advocate, Yara Sallam, stood up to be counted when Egypt’s revolution was in full tilt and paid the price for it: fifteen months in prison. The prison spell did nothing to diminish her resolve and since her release last year, the outspoken activist has shown no signs of backing down from the fight to ensure that the powers that be uphold the human rights of every Egyptian. This Is Africa’s Nancy Onyango caught up with Sallam on the sidelines of the recently concluded Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) forum in Brazil. She opened up about why some North Africans don’t feel “African,” her experience behind bars and why she thinks Egypt’s revolution is far from over.
Politics and Society Pictures: Violent protests hit Harare
Opposition protests turned violent on Wednesday in central Harare as Zimbabwean police fired teargas and used water cannons and baton sticks to disperse demonstrators protesting against police brutality and the economic crisis facing the country.
Politics and Society Pictures: Unemployed graduates and anti bond notes protesters march in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s unemployed graduates today conducted a peaceful march (#ThisGown) in a protest to highlight the high levels of unemployment. The unemployed graduates converged with other groups protesting against the proposed introduction of bond notes.
Uncategorized Pictures of Zimbabwe’s “graduate vendors” wearing gowns go viral
Pictures of Zimbabwean graduates dressed in graduation gowns while vending on the streets of central Harare have gone viral on social media. The pictures highlight the depth of the country’s problems, where the high levels of unemployment have forced graduates unable to put into practice what they have studied to work as vendors, something they certainly never envisaged.
Politics and Society Why can a woman be naked in porn but not in protest?
As a society we love naked women. We use female bodies to sell everything, from standard kitchen tiles to Ferraris. Being naked can even win you an Oscar, or get you trending or Instagram famous. The very same society, however, is not so happy when a woman’s body is not used for public pleasure and consumption but for protest. This is what makes this particular form of revolt so powerful.