March 04, 2014
Central African Republic: Humanitarian Funding Urgently Needed
The CAR is experiencing alarming levels of malnutrition and the World Food Programme has just a fraction of the money it needs to address the crisis. Read more »
March 03, 2014
Congo-Kinshasa: The Amani Festival Shows Off Goma's Fun Side
The vibrant Amani Festival demonstrated how Goma is not only the epicentre of various conflicts, but a place where Congolese and their neighbours can unite in joy and hope. Read more »
February 28, 2014
Nigeria: Youths Stand Up to Boko Haram
With Civilian Joint Task Force units having some success in suppressing Boko Haram attacks in urban areas, the Islamist militants have shifted their focus to rural civilians. Read more »
Nigeria: Analysing the President's Budget
Nasir El-Rufai analyses the presidency's proposed 2014 budget and finds in it all the hallmarks of the Jonathan administration's jamboree mentality. Read more »
February 27, 2014
Mozambique: Will Guebuza Get to Choose Frelimo's Presidential Candidate?
President Guebuza's supporters are trying to ensure a loyalist emerges as Frelimo's presidential candidate. But they are facing strong competition from within the party. Read more »
Africa: E-Tolls - Buckle Up South Africans, It's Gonna Be a Long Ride
Why did President Zuma authorise a hugely unpopular road tolling system just months before elections? And will it even work? Read more »
February 26, 2014
Egypt: Generals Turn to Sudan to Help Fight Militants
With violent attacks by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis showing no signs of abating, Cairo is looking to Khartoum for a helping hand. Read more »
Central African Republic: Could Militants Set Up Shop in CAR?
The Central African Republic has been described as the 'next Somalia' or 'new Mali', but Islamist militants wanting to deploy there would face big, if not insurmountable,… Read more »
Central African Republic: The Conflict Is About Far More Than Religion
CAR violence has been painted in largely religious terms, obscuring deeper dynamics. But these more complex aspects must be recognised if resolution efforts are to be effective. Read more »
February 25, 2014
Uganda: West's Outcry Too Little Too Late
The West has had years to criticise Museveni for rights abuses. The fact that condemnation is only coming now, and over gay rights, plays right into the wily old president's hands. Read more »
Nigeria: Boko Haram - Govt Silence Does Little to Inspire Confidence
The Nigerian government's silence and distraction tactics over recent Boko Haram attacks contributes to its perception of ineptness. Read more »
February 24, 2014
Congo-Kinshasa: Katanga On a Knife Edge
With the secessionist group Bakata Katanga agitating for independence and Kabila's support in the province waning, Katanga looks precariously balanced. Read more »
February 21, 2014
Nigeria: Worries Over Central Banker's Ouster
President Jonathan's suspension of the CBN governor raises concerns not just over the economy and elite vested interests, but also the rule of law. Read more »
Tanzania: Ruling Party Faces Identity Crisis
Disunity within Tanzania's ruling party could be a cause for frustration, but it could also lead to some positive soul-searching. Read more »
Africa: Self-Regulation Won't Protect Workers From Exploitation
Business best practice and industry self-regulation could prove useful in improving working conditions, but they will never be enough. There are three main reasons why. Read more »
Cote d'Ivoire: Child Labour Claims Are Myth
The idea that vast swathes children are being enslaved and forced to work 16-hour days in Ivorian cocoa fields makes for dramatic story. Except that it's not true. Read more »
February 20, 2014
Africa: Calculating Coups - Can Data Stop Disasters?
Statistical forecasting isn't perfect but it's always getting better. The international community should sit up and listen because it could help save lives. Read more »
February 19, 2014
Africa: What Effect Will the U.S. Federal Taper Have On Africa?
Ghana's cedi and South Africa's rand are depreciating dramatically as the US slows down quantitative easing. But the US' move is not all bad news for Africa. Read more »
Africa: Europe Sells Arms to Autocrats
Despite the EU's vow to support human rights and democracy in Africa, it continues to sell billions of dollars worth of arms to authoritarian regimes each year. Read more »
Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwe Sanctions Never Worked
The EU removed sanctions on some of Zimbabwe's elite this week. It should drop the rest as soon as possible. They have been a complete failure. Read more »
Egypt: Targeting Tourists - Militant Islamists in Egypt Shift Their Focus
The recent suicide attack in the Sinai peninsula suggests that the Islamist militant group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis has adopted a new strategy. Read more »
February 14, 2014
Kenya: Kenya's Multi-Billion Dollar Invoicing Problem
Kenya lost over $700 million in taxes in 2012 thanks to smuggling. But despite popular belief, the main problem with smuggling isn't corruption. It's tax havens, phantom firms and… Read more »
Nigeria: What to Watch for in Nigerian Election Run-Up
Has the PDP been weakened irrevocably? Can the APC hold itself together? Will Jonathan run again? And what should we be keeping an eye on as elections approach? Read more »
Kenya: Hope for Justice in Kenyatta Case Fades
If the case against President Kenyatta were to collapse, it would be a disaster for the ICC, but the repercussions for the victims of the 2007/8 violence would be all the more… Read more »
February 13, 2014
Niger: Who Benefits From Niger's Uranium?
France needs Niger's uranium, while Niger needs French assistance. But the relationship is and always has been unequal. Read more »