This Week in Africa
September 16, 2022
It feels good to be in Montreal. Our APSA short course was awesome. Join APCG tonight. Here is the week in Africa:
Kenya’s new president
William Ruto is Kenya’s new president. His inauguration filled Moi Stadium, where he was sworn in. But he also limited local TV access, sparking worries of threats to press freedoms. He is ready to govern.
Queen Elizabeth’s death
The queen’s death renews the debate about the legacy of the British Empire in Africa. Former colonies are rethinking their lasting ties. Queen Elizabeth wasn’t innocent of her empire’s sins. Kenyans are angry, but also grieving, the queen’s death.
Senegal’s Parliament
A new parliament opened in Senegal this week. The country has the largest proportion of women parliamentarians ever in West Africa. It elected a new leader while opposition members tried to block the vote. Look forward to a contentious session, which will pave the way for the forthcoming presidential election.
Angola’s politics
Meet the real winners of Angola’s election. Paula Cristina Roque explains the anatomy of a stolen election.
Struggle for rights and freedom
What do Africans think about the proposed East African federation? What is the state of democracy in West Africa? Learn more about Carnegie’s new Global Order and Institutions program. This piece examines the impact of security sector reforms in Niger. Check out the latest data on crime and immigration in South Africa.
A last conversation with Thandika Mkandawire.
Africa’s rapid urbanization
Investing in cities today is key to a resilient future. A community blames load shedding for death of a couple in South African shack fire. Check out the report from the New African Urban University workshop. South Africa needs a radical approach to urban land rights. This is why political scientists should study smaller cities.
Is co-production a “good” concept?
Research corner
How does exposure to conflict events shape social trust? This article examines dam builders by the illiberal modernizers. This series examines peace building in Nigeria.
This looks good: The Ideological Scramble for Africa. So does Ebenezer Obadare’s Pastoral Power, Clerical State: Pentecostalism, Gender, and Sexuality in Nigeria. It was very cool to see Lauren Honig’s Land Politics and Keith Weghorst’s Activist Origins of Political Ambition in print at APSA (Northwestern undergrad produces some really good Africanist political scientists).
The Dignity Initiative is great.
The week in development
A note on the SDGs. These are five key recommendations to diversify Nigeria’s economy. Manufacturing toilets in Uganda. Namibia and Botswana sign a trade agreement. Zambia’s IMF bailout comes with painful conditions. Jobs and corruption are biggest concern for South African youth. Learn more about reducing maternal mortality in Ghana.
These are five essential reads on migrant access to healthcare in South Africa. Railway bankruptcies in Africa aren’t necessarily a bad thing. This article examines trade imbalance between China-Africa investment. Zimbabwe’s informal sector plays a key role in skills development. Kenya’s maize price has doubled in a year.
Bill Gates and development
Bill Gates says rich countries are tackling hunger in Africa all wrong (hasn’t he been at the forefront of many efforts?). He wants more technological innovation. Gates and his partners used his clout to control the global COVID response, with little oversight.
Africa and the environment
This is how the G7 can support Africa’s climate agenda. Gas releases in Cameroon’s lakes could cause more disasters. Climate change and conflict is forcing more displacement in Africa. Water stress and hazards impact the region. With forests abound, Africa looks to grow its carbon market. African countries demand climate change financing. Africa loses up to 15% of its GDP due to climate change. Can a portable dam help Africa counter rising waters?
Daily life
The King’s Horseman will be on Netflix soon. Yum. Meet Africa’s air guitar champion. The nyege nyege music festival in Uganda is back on.
Making standard deviation cool.
All the best,
Jeff and Phil