insert_link Africa Young Africans could disrupt authoritarian states but they don’t – here’s why By Lovise Aalen, Chr. Michelsen Institute and Marjoke Oosterom, Institute of Development Studies Africa has the world’s largest youth population. By 2030, 75% of the African population will be under the age of 35. The number of young Africans aged 15-24 is projected to reach 500 million in 2080. While population dynamics vary across the continent, most sub-Saharan countries have a median age below 19. Niger is the youngest country […] todayJanuary 8, 2024 32
insert_link Africa Hand counting and delays in DRC elections amid fraud claims In the Democratic Republic of the Cong votes are being counted by hand in parts of the capital city, Kinshasa, in a general election marred by delays and claims of fraud. The BBC reports that for the first time since 2006, voting has been extended to a second day in some parts of the country. todayDecember 21, 2023 30
insert_link Africa Egypt’s Al-Sisi wins third term in office Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has won a third six-year term with 89.6% of the vote, defeating three lesser-known candidates, as the runner-up received only 4.5%. The BBC reports that a prominent opposition candidate, Ahmed Tantawy, withdrew months before the election, citing intimidation and violence against his campaign team. todayDecember 19, 2023 5
insert_link Africa Egypt’s Sisi takes lead as vote count begins Egypt's electoral body has started counting votes following the conclusion of polling in the presidential elections. According to the BBC, voting began on Sunday and ended on Tuesday, with more than 67 million people registered to vote. Incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is seeking a third consecutive term. The official results are set to be announced on 18 December 2023. todayDecember 13, 2023 23
South Africa South Africa misses the Mandela ‘spirit’ 10 years after icon’s death With murals of his smiling face still covering many buildings, South Africans on Tuesday marked 10 years since the death of Nelson Mandela with a mixture of longing for his integrity and disappointment over what has happened since. While no official ceremonies were planned to recall South Africa's first black president, many spared a thought for the leader who emerged from prison in 1991 to end apartheid. Fellow Nobel Peace […] todayDecember 5, 2023 1
insert_link Namibia Over 10 000 apply for legal aid in 2023 Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab has revealed that her ministry, through its Directorate of Legal Aid, received over 10 000 applications from people seeking legal representation during the course of this year. “With access to justice being an important pillar of our democracy, the ministry reports that we have received approximately 10 200 legal aid applications this year, with 7 500 granted and 2 700 denied,” Dausab said during the Cabinet […] todayDecember 4, 2023 4
insert_link Namibia Over 1 000 people return to Swapo SWAPO Party Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said since they embarked on Swapo party rallies nine months ago, they have seen over 1 000 old Swapo members return to the party. Nandi-Ndaitwah was speaking during a party rally held at Oshakati Independence Stadium in the Oshana Region on Saturday. According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, people coming back to the Swapo Party demonstrates that Swapo is still a beloved party. “Swapo is home, and […] todayNovember 20, 2023 12
insert_link Africa Some African governments are spending millions to spy on their citizens – stifling debate and damaging democracy Tony Roberts, Institute of Development Studies Governments around the world use surveillance technology to monitor external threats to national security. Some African governments are also spending vast sums on mass surveillance of their own citizens. They are using mobile phone spyware, internet interception devices, social media monitoring and biometric identity systems. Artificial intelligence for facial recognition and car number plate recognition is another digital surveillance technology in their growing toolkit. […] todayNovember 2, 2023 8
insert_link World People experiencing news fatigue are less likely to be voters Paul Whiteley, University of Essex In a comprehensive analysis of news consumption across the globe, a recent report by Reuters concluded that “interest in news continues to decline, fuelling disengagement and selective news avoidance”. In the 46 countries surveyed in the report, public interest in news has dropped significantly in the UK, France, the US and Spain over the eight year period from 2015 to 2023. The study was commissioned […] todayOctober 23, 2023 5
