Poorer people in Africa face higher hurdles to access to justice
Most Africans see courts as legitimate but only a slim majority trust them while one in three people believe judges are corrupt.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
Decades old tensions are driving the conflict in Kenya’s Laikipia region
For over 20 years, Kenya’s Laikipia region and its neighbours have witnessed violence between January and April over location and geography.
African countries say they support women’s rights. But where’s the money?
African countries are bound by continental law to put aside funds for the protection of women's rights, but very few have managed to put their gender-budgeting guidelines into practice
A solution to Somali piracy is in sight – local communities hold the key
Any relapse of piracy is likely to foster an even more dangerous brand of hijackings on Somali waters. It's therefore an opportune time to address piracy once and for all.
Morocco reaps rewards of major changes in its diplomatic strategy
Morocco has been on a massive diplomatic drive, using both its political and economic muscle. Since his coronation in 1999, the king has led over 40 visits to African countries south of the Sahara.
Zille, tweeting and inanity: more reasons for white South Africans to shut up
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille 's Twitter rant about colonialism caused an uproar as it brought back memories of a brutal and violent time in South Africa.
South Africa: Helen Zille’s folly and the simplicities of debate
For Western Cape Premier Helen Zille to invite black South Africans, in a casual manner, to differentiate the legacies of colonialism is asking a lot.
Malawi’s plans for major electoral reform are way overdue
The proposed change to Malawi's electoral system is straightforward and makes logical sense. Yet it's more complex and if adopted would revolutionise local politics.
Moment of truth for Chadian dictator convicted of crimes against humanity
Former Chadian president Hissène Habré's fate will be sealed by the appeals judgment in a part domestic and international trial bringing closure to victims and human rights champions after a 20 years.
Africa offers a point of cooperation for Xi and Trump
If US President Donald Trump is the consummate dealmaker he purports to be, he should find the low risk, high returns of greater US-China-Africa cooperation irresistible.
Somali sea hijack is a warning signal: the pirates are down but not out
The tanker hijacking off the Somali coast will not be an isolated incident unless the international community remains engaged to root out piracy.
Kenyans are still oppressed by archaic colonial laws
The idea behind much of Kenya’s legislation enacted by the colonialists was to separate whites from other races. So why are these laws still on the books?
Namibia: grown up after a generation into independence, but not yet mature
Namibia contributes a positive image to Africa in governance and other indicators. But the reality for most of the country’s 2.3 million people isn't quite as rosy.
South Africa has a model Bill of Rights. But it doesn’t feel that way
As South Africa marks Human Rights Day and the 20th anniversary of its constitution it's a good time to reflect on the problems it faces in making constitutional rights a reality.
The ICC can’t live with Africa, but it can’t live without it either
The African pushback is as a result of the ICC's own Africa strategy.
How human rights are faring in South Africa two decades after democracy
Besides a reminder of a dark period in South Africa's history, Human Rights Day also celebrates the country's unique, highly acclaimed constitution which guarantees human dignity and equal rights.
Social grants crisis tests the powers of South Africa’s Constitutional Court
South Africa's Constitutional Court is in a fix. The only way to deliver social grants that support millions would be through a process that's without validation, would be unlawful and invalid.
Rest of the world
Why Russia gave up Alaska, America’s gateway to the Arctic
The tale of how and why Russia ceded its control over Alaska to the U.S. 150 years ago is actually two tales and two intertwining histories.
Governance in Africa
Collective land tenure is under threat in Kenya. Why it needs to be protected
In Kenya there's increasing individualisation of land tenure in pastoral areas. This will hurt the communities in the long term because it doesn't enhance sustainable productive practices.
Africa faces a new threat to democracy: the ‘constitutional coup’
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.
Why opposition parties in southern Africa struggle to win power
Opposition parties in sub-Saharan Africa struggle to prove themselves worthy to skeptical voters who, unlike in Western competitive systems, don't trust them over former liberation movements.
Kenya runs the risk of an Olympic ban, thanks to boardroom power games
The International Olympic Committee could suspend Kenya, putting it in the company of Kuwait.
From our archives
South Africa’s crisis could become a monster if Zuma is left unchecked
Defects in political governance, especially President Jacob Zuma’s failure to provide leadership, have induced a crisis of confidence in South Africa's economy.
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Africa offers a point of cooperation for Xi and Trump
If US President Donald Trump is the consummate dealmaker he purports to be, he should find the low risk, high returns of greater US-China-Africa cooperation irresistible.
Pay people to stop smoking? It works, especially in vulnerable groups
Cigarette smoking kills about 480,000 Americans annually and costs nearly US$170 billion in health care each year. Is it time we considered financial incentives to help people quit?
Safe in the City? Girls tell it like it is
Where do women feel safe - or unsafe - in city streets? A new research project has unearthed some disturbing responses.
From waterfalls to snowy forests, Egyptian posters show what exotic looks like from the desert
The pastiche-style poster art ubiquitous in Egyptian houses and businesses reveals how locals imagine far-off landscapes, idealise nature and define beauty.
Are converts to Islam more likely to become extremists?
Conversion can be an exhilarating experience, but can come with a significant social toll.
When disaster strikes, a prime minister needs to display emotional skill
For all their defiant talk of 'business as usual', savvy leaders know that any good response to a crisis is also an emotional performance.
How did celibacy become mandatory for priests?
Recent comments of Pope Francis suggest an openness to priestly marriage. A scholar shows how early church practices did not include mandatory celibacy for priests.
Westminster attack raises spectre of new ‘rings of steel’ to boost security in urban centres
In recent years, anti-terrorism defences have become more subtle. That might be about to change.
Not missing in action: the enduring penalty of ‘being female’
While many aspects of working life have changed in recent decades, the inequality of outcomes experienced by male and female employees has been remarkably resistant. Within corporate Australia the proportion…
Ancient Egypt
How an ancient Egyptian god spurred the rise of Trump
What connects a cartoon frog, misappropriated mythology and the US's 45th president?
What’s holding Arab women back from achieving equality?
Unless we’re addressing inequalities everywhere, we will achieve equality nowhere.
High-stakes drama as South African president and finance minister square off
A gripping soap opera is unfolding in South Africa. The two protagonists are Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and the President Jacob Zuma. The jury's out on when the curtain will fall.
New move against Gordhan suggests South Africa’s laws are under threat
The pursual of South Africa's finance minister by the country's elite police unit could have dire consequences for the economy. Yet President Jacob Zuma appears not to care.
Supreme Court justices in the pews and on the bench – and where Neil Gorsuch fits in
Judge Gorsuch was raised Catholic and later became an Episcopalian. An expert on Church-State issues says don't read too much into religion as an indicator of judicial philosophy.
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