Although violent party primaries demonstrate the intense competition of Kenya's county-level politics, they are not necessarily a determinant of widespread election-related violence. Nevertheless, likely drivers of violence are ever present and a peaceful nationwide August vote is still not guaranteed, writes Gabrielle Reid
When the International Monetary Fund (IMF) finds a hole in a Fund-backed country's budget, it is quick to ask the government what happened to the money, writes Paul Adams and Jack Raeder. But at its first meeting with Ghana's new Finance Minister in February, the Fund itself faced that question. Ken Ofori-Atta reminded his visitors from Washington that…
Government enforced travel restrictions, often in the context of a State of Emergency (SoE), can result in disruptions to transport and commercial operations. Travellers can expect restrictions on freedom of movement and expression, including security checkpoints, curfews and communications disruptions. Although countries like Egypt have a long history…
While the political posturing of regional players like Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia is well known, it is increasingly clear that this power play is steeped in securing control of the region’s strategic waters.
The emergence of a new group in the Niger Delta has raised concerns over renewed conflict in the region, writes Gabrielle Reid
22 years after apartheid, South Africans must grapple with ongoing inequality to save their economy, writes Thorne Godinho
The impending elections on the continent are unlikely to usher in the leadership change many anticipate, writes Gabrielle Reid.
Recent attacks against Portuguese nationals have raised concerns that kidnapping is becoming an increasingly attractive and lucrative activity for criminal groups in Mozambique. These attacks could reflect a widening organised crime network in the country, writes Gabrielle Reid.
The March 2016 by-election in Kericho proved fundamental in assessing the current standing of the ruling Jubilee's administration ahead of the 2017 general election, writes Gabrielle Reid.
The Mali-based group, Jamaat Nasr al Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), is currently holding five foreign nationals captive in northern Mali. This has put the group in a lucrative position, as the phased release of hostages following ransom payments will offer useful cash injections to prolong JNIM's armed campaign, writes Gabrielle Reid.
The arrest of one of Nigeria's most notorious kidnap kingpins, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, has been hailed as a potential turning point in the battle against criminally-motivated kidnappings in the country. Yet, the case has also exposed the sophistication of kidnap gangs in Nigeria and why perpetrators continue to elude law enforcement, argues Reinet…
Following an unprecedented military coup, hopes are high that Zimbabwe's new government will implement significant policy reforms and deliver on expectations for peace and economic reform. However, on closer inspection, the political and economic changes available to the new incumbent are likely to be limited, argues Reinet Loubser