Botswana’s political system is often held up as an example of stability, peace and institutional strength on the continent. Its only major flaw, perhaps, being that it is somewhat too predictable. Indeed, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has run the diamond-rich country of two million people since independence (1966) and, as the recent general …
The seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7) took place in Yokohama from 28 to 30 August 2019. At least 32 African leaders attended the conference which is Japan’s main tool for managing its relationship with Africa. TICAD 7 was themed “Advancing Africa’s Development through People, Technology and Innovation” TICAD was first held …
Botswana is experiencing unprecedented levels of political instability ahead of its 24 October 2019 general election. Its source is a persistent schism within the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) which has anchored the country’s politics since independence in 1966. Infighting is rooted in a public fallout between current BDP and national President Mokgweetsi Masisi and …
Despite all expectations, there has been little material improvement in Zimbabwe under the new government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The currency crisis which underpins inflation, massive unemployment, widespread impoverishment, and the virtual collapse of vital public services in the health and education sectors is, inarguably, worse than ever. The political system too, remains firmly on …
On 12 July 2019, al-Shabaab militants launched a terrorist attack on a hotel in Somalia’s city of Kismayo killing at least 26 and injuring over 50. While this type of attack has long been a frequent occurrence in Somalia it was not always a continental phenomenon. Militant terrorist organisations are increasingly widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, …