Africa

In conversation with Hannah Gibson, Victoria de Menil argues that a greater role can – and should – be played by community-based providers to address mental health needs in Kenya.

Hannah Gibson acknowledges the invaluable mediation role of the Guurti in Somaliland, but argues that for it to be effective in the future it must regain moral authority and public trust.

Speakers: Dr Janet Chikaya-Banda, Anthony Kamanga (Solicitor General), Justice Edward Twea

The chief law reform at the Malawi Law Commission explains the importance of continuous, systematic law reform in young democracies and the role that it can play in upholding the credibility and effectiveness of the judiciary.

Speakers: Dr Janet Chikaya-Banda, Malcolm McMillan (Scottish Law Commission)

Since 2001, the gacaca community courts have been the centrepiece of Rwanda’s justice and reconciliation process. Nearly every adult Rwandan has participated in the trials, but lawyers are banned from any official involvement. Human rights organisations fiercely opposed the use...

This Briefing Note examines some essential traits of recent African elections and considers their implications for future contests.

It is frequently asserted that urbanisation levels are rising faster in sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world. In the latest Counterpoint from Africa Research Institute, “Whatever happened to Africa’s rapid urbanisation?”, Dr. Deborah Potts presents evidence to show...

Launch of “Whatever happened to Africa’s rapid urbanisation?” with a presentation by author Dr. Deborah Potts and response from Dr David Cowan of Citibank.  Discussion chaired by Edward Paice. It is widely believed that urbanisation is occurring faster in...

Rapid urbanisation is being portrayed – by the UN, the World Bank and many others – as a potential developmental “silver bullet” for Africa. Edward Paice argues these claims are too simplistic and overly-optimistic.