Africa Up Close

Inclusive Governance and Leadership

Are Ghanaians Fed-up with Democracy?
Wilson Center NOW (video) November 5

Southern Voices Network Scholar Isaac Debrah discusses his research on dissatisfaction with democracy in Ghana with the Wilson Center’s John Milewski (video is above).

Zanzibar Crisis: No Solution in Sight
The Citizen (Tanzania) – November 8

The disputed, annulled election in Zanzibar continues to grip the nation. Accusations of fraud and dirty tricks are being thrown back and forth, and the opposition parties are calling for international mediation to help resolve the impasse. While it’s disappointing this has tainted Tanzania’s otherwise successful elections, it’s a testament to both sides that the Zanzibar situation has been peacefully and (relatively) well-managed. Since the writing of this article there have been more talks and little final agreement.

Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Burundi on Edge as Disarmament Deadline Passes
Foreign Policy November 8

Burundi avoided an explosion of bloodshed on the scale many had feared as its disarmament deadline passed, but the country is still in crisis. Security forces and anti-government groups are still killing indiscriminately in neighborhoods of Bujumbura, and the country has seen an exodus of rebels. While political violence (and brutal, violent regime rhetoric) remains a major concern, the conflict does not appear to have taken on ethnic dimensions.

Thousands of Malian Refugees Flee to Niger
Voice of America – November 10

Despite an end to official fighting in Mali’s north, the number of refugees has risen again. Instead the aftermath of conflict — lawlessness and a power vacuum, food shortages, and crime — have driven people to seek a better life in Mali’s more stable neighbor.

Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Development

The State of States
Budgit

Budigit, a Nigerian NGO, has a report on the economic health and budgets of Nigeria’s 36 states, as well as lots of rankings and analysis.

Inside the West African village where every young man is trying to migrate to Europe
Telegraph – November 10

By some estimates, tiny Gambia (1.9 million) has generated perhaps as many as 100,000 migrants. Young men and women, especially young men, are leaving poverty and President Yahya Jammeh’s eccentric, repressive government to make the long, dangerous trip to Europe for better wages and opportunities.

Africa’s Strategic Role in the Global Arena

The Political Fallout of Leon-gate
Middle East Eye – November 5

The UN special envoy to Libya, partially responsible for negotiating a peace agreement, was illicitly working with the UAE, involved in the conflicts, and then took a job in the UAE. This has understandably angered the other actors in the peace talks, who feel that this derailed and invalidated the peace process. True or not, Libya needs peace and this may be an excellent time for local actors who have so far prevented the country from spiraling into a hotter, Syrian-style war, to take the lead.

Europe Will Help African Migrants Send Remittances Home at Cheaper Rates
Quartz Africa – November 10

Remittances are a hugely important element for a number of African economies, particularly because that money tends to go directly into citizen’s hands. Fees on sending money, which amount to almost 10% for remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa, are essentially a tax on that crucial revenue stream. European and African governments are expected to pledge to set a goal of reducing that number to less than 3%.