democracy

Those wishing to support continued political development in Somali regions should pay greater heed to the historical and cultural context in which it is occurring.

In this insightful and detailed interview, Jules Dumas Nguebou discusses how participatory budgeting has developed in Cameroon to ensure that local resources are effectively mobilised to meet community needs.

Speakers: Jules Dumas Nguebou (The Society of Booklovers, Cameroon), David Satterthwaite (IIED)

Hannah Gibson reflects on the 2014 presidential election in Malawi. Widely touted as the most hotly contested since the return to multi-party politics, they saw President Joyce Banda ousted after just two years at the helm.

Edgar Pieterse argues that recasting participation as a genuine force of social transformation requires a frank assessment of power relations in cities across Africa and the world.

Africa’s cities are growing and changing rapidly. Without appropriate planning, they will become increasingly chaotic, inefficient and unsustainable. In many countries, planning legislation dates back to the colonial era.

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.

[display_podcast] On the eve of local elections in November 2012, Africa Research Institute interviewed ten prominent Somalilanders, including the three Speakers of the House of Representatives, two government ministers, MPs, civil society activists and representatives of women’s...

Edward Paice suggests that the unique path taking by Somaliland to bring about peace and stability contains valuable insights for the region more broadly.

As chief law reform officer at the Malawi Law Commission, Dr Janet Chikaya-Banda oversaw a two-year constitutional review programme in 2004-6. In her timely account, she explains the importance of continuous, systematic law reform in young democracies and the role that it can...