Too often developments in one country are seen in isolation. In southern Africa events in one affect others in the region.
A strong judiciary isn’t enough to keep democracy in place. Kenya’s Supreme Court decision nullifying the re-election of Uhuru Kenyatta is a case in point.
Reuters/Baz Ratner
The past 12 months provided further evidence of the danger of democratic backsliding in Africa. But it also saw powerful presidents suffer embarrassing setbacks in a number of countries.
Gambian refugees on a wooden boat. Thousands of Africans make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean each year hoping for a better life in Europe.
Emma Farge/Reuters
Gambia became a symbol for democratic change earlier this year when former dictator Yahya Jammeh was peacefully ousted through the ballot box. Now Europe wants its Gambian immigrants to return home.
Nana Akufo-Addo with the Sword of Authority as he is sworn in as Ghana’s 5th president in Accra.
EPA/Christian Thompson
Until African political systems become less majoritarian and do a better job of protecting the rights of minorities, the true benefits of a democratic government are unlikely to be realised.
West African leaders have nursed the idea of a common currency for the sub-region since the turn of the century. But conditions for member countries to make this happen appear unattainable.
ICC’s Former Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo looks at a video of Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir.
Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes
West African health systems were weak before the IMF got involved. Sadly, the policy reforms demanded by the IMF in exchange for loans have undermined governments’ ability to repair these problems.
People cheer as Senegalese troops arrive to take charge of security at the presidential palace in Banjul, The Gambia.
EPA/Legnan Koula
The adoption of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance five years ago raised hopes for a new democratic Africa. But its ideals remain elusive for many parts of the continent.
Rejoicing in Banjul, January 2017.
EPA/Legnan Koula
Attempts to deepen democracy in Africa by limiting presidential terms to two have not entirely quashed a culture of entitlement to rule. Glimpses of it persist, much against citizens’ wishes.
Gambia’s new President Adama Barrow arriving home.
EPA
Although Ecowas and the AU made sure that Yahya Jammeh stepped down after losing the elections in The Gambia, caution is warranted in assuming this heralds a trend against African dictatorships.
Presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Muhammadu Buhari, Macky Sall and former Ghanian President John Mahama at a special meeting of Ecowas on The Gambia.
Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde
SADC’s credibility is at stake. Its lack of political will in acting decisively against despots is at odds with the African Union’s goal of promoting legitimate governance on the continent.
Gambia’s President-elect Adama Barrow waves after his inauguration at Gambia’s embassy in Dakar, Senegal. But will he be able to go home?
Reuters/Thierry Gouegnon
Military intervention is sanctioned and executed by states. It is thus always a function of state interests rather than the objective enforcement of law. The case of The Gambia is no different.
The Gambia’s Yahya Jammeh at an ECOWAS meeting in Senegal over a political crisis in Mali. Now it’s his turn to face the music.
Joe Penney/Reuters
Yahya Jammeh will certainly be removed if West Africa decides to use force. But that will come at a heavy price for The Gambia, the neighbouring states and the world as a whole
The Gambia’s Yahya Jammeh is under pressure from regional leaders to cede power.
Reuters/Thierry Gouegnon
The Gambian election dispute is not the first that ECOWAS has confronted. Côte d’Ivoire’s 2010 presidential election is a case in point. There it resorted to military action to enforce the outcome.
Gambian president-elect Adama Barrow during an interview in December 2016.
Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde
There is a real sense of optimism in The Gambia: for the first time since Yahya Jammeh came to power, there has been open dissent of the regime and a feeling of ownership of the country’s future.
Supporters of president-elect Adama Barrow celebrate his victory in Banjul, the Gambia.
Reuters/Thierry Gouegnon
A peaceful transition in the Gambia, taken together with hints of change in Angola and Zimbabwe, will portend hope that Africa’s democratic renewal is still alive.
Supporters of Adama Barrow celebrate on the streets of Banjul.
Thierry Gouegnon/Reuters