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Africa in the News, September 7, 2015: Buhari at 100 Days, Elections in CAR, and Swaziland's Seaport

September 8, 2015

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at a discussion at Chatham House, February 26, 2015. Photo by Chatham House, Creative Commons CC-BY 2.0

[caption id="attachment_7456" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at a discussion at Chatham House, February 26, 2015.
Photo by Chatham House via Flickr. Creative Commons.[/caption]

Inclusive Governance and Leadership

Counting to 100: What Promises did Buhari Make to Nigerians - Premium Times (Nigeria) September 2
Nigeria's Buhari just completed his first 100 days in office, and he still hasn't named a cabinet or achieved many of his major campaign promises. His honeymoon period may be ending.

Hissène Habré: Chad's Ex-Leader Carried into Court - BBC Africa September 7
The war crimes trial of former Chadian president Habré, accused of torture and the murder of more than 40,000, resumed in Dakar on September 7. This is the first time a former head of state has been tried by an African court.

Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Why Would a Boko Haram Faction Want to Negotiate? - African Arguments September 1
Boko Haram's infamous and mysterious leader Shekau might be dead, though reports of his death have been greatly exaggerated in the past. In a group with a history of factionalism, one faction might be signalling its willingness to talk.

The CAR's Rushed Elections are a Dangerous Gamble - African Arguments September 2
Everybody wants elections in CAR, but the country isn't ready for them yet. The international community's impatience may damage the peace process.

Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Development

From Hyperinflation to Deflation, No End to Zimbabwe's Decline - Bloomberg September 2
Zimbabwe, infamous for its hyperinflation, is now dealing with severe deflation as its economic decline continues.

Africa is Minting Millionaires, but the Poor Aren't Getting Any Richer - Quartz September 4
The number of African millionaires, especially in South Africa and Kenya, is growing, but they mostly come from the middle class while the poor stay poor.

Africa's Strategic Role in the Global Arena

Sea Fever: Swaziland's Quest for Maritime Power - ISS Africa September 3
Southern Voices Network-affiliated think tank ISS Africa explores landlocked Swaziland's absurd proposal to build a canal to the sea. Despite the silliness, Swaziland's difficult position speaks to the many problems developing landlocked states face.

Crackdown Fuels Migrant Crisis in Africa - Reuters September 2
Most Africans who migrate stay on the continent, yet states are increasingly closing their doors to migrants.

Related Program

Africa Program

The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more