insert_link World France’s Macron has gambled. Can he win? By Clare BYRNE In the seven years since he swept to power on a mission to rejuvenate France's jaded political landscape, President Emmanuel Macron has developed a reputation for risk-taking. But in calling snap legislative elections after a trouncing in the European elections at the hands of the far right National Rally (RN) he has taken his biggest gamble yet. And one, according to analysts […] todayJune 20, 2024 12
insert_link Africa Belief in democracy is on the decline in Africa. Traditional institutions can help restore its importance By Vladimir Chlouba, University of Richmond Democracy in Africa has not had a good year. Military juntas from Mali to Niger appear to have cemented their grip on power. Sudan’s democratic dreams were dashed when the country’s two most powerful strongmen opted for war. And there’s now evidence that ordinary Africans may be losing faith in democracy as the best form of government. Afrobarometer, an organisation […] todayMay 17, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s election management body has done a good job for 30 years: here’s why By Dirk Kotze, University of South Africa More than in previous elections, South Africa’s Electoral Commission (IEC) will be tested to the hilt in this year’s national and provincial elections on 29 May. For the first time in 30 years, the electoral majority of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is in jeopardy. This makes the upcoming poll the most consequential one since 1994, when the country […] todayMarch 20, 2024 39
insert_link 2 Namibia Swapo party begins leadership race after Geingob’s death The death of President Hage Geingob has started a new leadership contest in the Swapo party. This has led to changes in important party positions, like vice president and president. The vice president's choice might show who could be the next leader after Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah. Swapo Secretary for Information and Mobilisation, Hilma Nicanor explains what’s next. Local Political Scientist Rui Tyitende weighs in on the matter. todayFebruary 6, 2024 51 2
insert_link Namibia Unexpected Loss: 22-Year-Old Political Science Student Reflects on the Passing of President Dr. Hage Geingob To have lost a sitting president at the age of 22 is an experience Johanna Hipangelwa had not seen coming. The young Political Science student from the University Of Namibia had this to say when speaking to Future Media News after the passing of Dr. Hage Geingob. todayFebruary 6, 2024 10
insert_link Opinion Pieces 300,000 Tanzanians were killed by Germany during the Maji-Maji uprising – it was genocide and should be called that Klaus Bachmann, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Gerhard Kemp, University of the West of England Political actors in Tanzania have in recent years demanded compensation from Germany for colonial atrocities committed in the early 20th century. In early 2017, the National Assembly of Tanzania stopped short of putting the label of genocide on the atrocities committed by German troops during the Maji-Maji uprising (1905–1907). During a visit […] todayNovember 20, 2023 7