Africa Horn Now

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Africa Horn Now

UPFRONT

A New Administration Won’t Heal American Democracy

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The Rot in U.S. Political Institutions Runs Deeper Than Donald Trump Larry Diamond | November 5, 2020 | Foreign Affairs Regardless of who wins the 2020 presidential election, the health of American democracy will not soon recover. Over the past decade, and particularly over the last four years, scholars of democracy have tracked a gradual decline in the quality of … [Read more...] about A New Administration Won’t Heal American Democracy

Why a proposed Horn of Africa bloc could destabilise the larger region

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Ingo Henneberg and Sören Stapel |September 8, 2020  | The Conversation Relations in the Horn of Africa are complex and complicated. They are characterised by deeply ingrained rivalries between Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia in a conflict-ridden region. For decades, it has been known for civil war, conflict, and poor economic development. Somalia is a … [Read more...] about Why a proposed Horn of Africa bloc could destabilise the larger region

In Ethiopia, a heated political tug-of-war sparks security fears

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Concerns grow as bitter dispute between Abiy Ahmed’s federal government and Tigray regional leaders intensifies. Elias Gebreselassie | 19 October 2020 | Aljazeera Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been locked in a bitter dispute with the political party that used to dominate the country’s politics for decades, raising questions about … [Read more...] about In Ethiopia, a heated political tug-of-war sparks security fears

Speaking truth to power: A free press is the lifeblood of democracy

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Brij Maharaj | 19 October 2020 | Daily Maverick We must zealously guard the freedom of the press that is entrenched in our Constitution and which has repeatedly come under attack by, among others, the EFF and the ANC. When freedom of expression is assured and entrenched, then human rights also thrive, including those of women, minorities and children. Although … [Read more...] about Speaking truth to power: A free press is the lifeblood of democracy

How US foreign policy under Donald Trump has affected Africa

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Nomsa Maseko | 19 Oct 2020 | Mail & Guardian Trade relations between the United States and Africa have declined significantly in the last few years. Many of the fastest growing economies in the world are in Sub Saharan Africa -but the region has become less of a priority for the US.  “Donald Trump has total disregard for Africa, he hasn’t travelled here and if … [Read more...] about How US foreign policy under Donald Trump has affected Africa

If America Were in Africa

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U.S. Diplomats Would Be Ringing the Alarm Bells Reuben E. Brigety II | October 19, 2020 | Foreign Affairs In April 2013, when I was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, I accompanied former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Mayor of Atlanta Andrew Young to a meeting with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Then Secretary of State John … [Read more...] about If America Were in Africa

How Police Compare in Different Democracies

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Recent killings by U.S. officers have sparked widespread calls for police reform and an end to systemic racism. Here’s how U.S. policing compares with other countries’ approaches. Amelia Cheatham and Lindsay Maizland | July 30, 2020 | Council on Foreign Relations Introduction The killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in the United States … [Read more...] about How Police Compare in Different Democracies

Key insights into land degradation from seven African countries

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Karl Hughes | October 4, 2020 | The Conversation Land is essential to our lives – we grow food on it and rely on it for economic growth and development. In sub-Saharan Africa approximately 83% of people depend directly on land for survival. However, approximately two-thirds of the continent’s productive land is degraded – it has … [Read more...] about Key insights into land degradation from seven African countries

Climate Change Doesn’t Have to Stoke Conflict

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Politics Matter More Than the Environment When It Comes to War and Peace Tarek Ghani and Robert Malley | September 28, 2020 | Foreign Affairs Among the many sobering projections of harm to be caused by climate change is this eye-popping statistic: on average, according to economists, a rise in local temperature of half a degree Celsius is associated with a ten to 20 … [Read more...] about Climate Change Doesn’t Have to Stoke Conflict