Topic: African Politics

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International Women's day: 3 challenges women face around the world

Issues such as violence, inequality at work, and traditional expectations confront women on every continent around the world. Here is a sampling of challenges women faced this year:
Hugo Chavez: Global reactions to the Venezuelan leader's death

While he was alive, Hugo Chávez – the longest ruling democratically elected leader in Latin America – inspired people who loved him as often as he inflamed those who didn’t. That polarization seemed to follow him in death.
When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet

Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
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The Monitor's top 11 US stories of 2012

From storms to politics, the year was a wild ride. What are the most meaningful US stories of 2012? Here's the Monitor's list, in roughly chronological order.

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Africa Monitor Kenyan candidates trade barbs in first ever presidential debate

Eight presidential candidates crowded onto the stage for a 3-1/2 hour debate on issues ranging from education to one candidate's war crimes trial. Blogger Tom Murphy followed along.
Terrorism & Security Two years later, Egyptians' euphoria over Mubarak's fall a distant memory (+video)

Some protesters demanded President Morsi's ouster as they clashed with police on the anniversary of Mubarak's fall. Deepening economic woes and violence have marred Morsi's short tenure.
Egyptians mark second anniversary of Mubarak's ouster with protests

Egyptians blocked transportation and staged demonstrations in protest of President Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, who they feel has fallen short.
Africa Monitor Chad's former dictator to be tried in Senegal for atrocities

Hissène Habré will become the first world leader to be prosecuted for crimes against humanity by another country's government. Could his trial set a precedent for future cases?
Cover Story Egypt's unfinished revolution

Can the government of President Mohamed Morsi survive – and what do its struggles portend for a region where other Islamist political movements are on the rise?
Egypt blocks YouTube for a month, following 'Innocence of Muslims'

An Egyptian judge ordered the government to block YouTube for 30 days for carrying the 14-minute trailer to 'Innocence of Muslims,' the controversial film that sparked massive protests in the Middle East last September.
Tunisia 'at a crossroads'

Prominent Tunisian opposition leader, Chokri Belaid, was assassinated on Wednesday, driving many to the streets. Officials fear the assassination may destabilize Tunisia's recent progress toward democracy.
Tunisia's double blow: political assassination, government dissolution

Still unstable two years after its revolution, Tunisia now must contend with the aftermath of a political leader's murder – including the formation of a new government.
Africa Monitor Black billionaire in South Africa pledges to give away half his fortune

The ruling party praised the mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe, and said he was part of a 'patriotic bourgeoisie' of rich black South Africans with a social conscience.
Ahmadinejad visits Cairo: How sect tempers Islamist ties between Egypt, Iran

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Egypt, the first by an Iranian leader since 1979, is historic. But it comes up against deep-seated animosity between Tehran and the Sunni Gulf states, who back Egypt.
Backchannels In the new Egypt, the police still hew to their old torturing ways

When Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt, torture of suspects and citizens was commonplace among Egypt's police. Under President Mohamed Morsi, not much has changed.
Video of police beating roils Egypt

A man who was beaten and dragged naked across the ground during a demonstration on Friday now is blaming Egyptian riot police, reversing an earlier statement in which he blamed demonstrators.
Chaos and police brutality at Egypt's presidential palace (+video)

The chaos around Egypt's presidential palace yesterday resulted in police beatings and firebombings of the symbol of President Mohamed Morsi's rule.
Egyptians work to reclaim a Tahrir tainted by sexual assault

Tahrir square has become a terrifying place for women as sexual assault becomes more common and violent. Fed up, civilians are making it their job to prevent it and rescue women from attacks.
Top Kenyan presidential contender faces trial at Hague

Leading Kenyan presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta faces trial on charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
A first step toward calming Egypt? Political leaders renounce violence

Many leaders at the meeting of Egypt's feuding factions in Cairo today expressed optimism that it would be a turning point in the country's political crisis.
5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet

Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
Opinion: Conflict in Mali shows US needs greater engagement in Africa

While I am pleased at reports of US cooperation with France to stop Islamist extremists Mali and run them out of Timbuktu, I remain concerned about the interrelated, widespread threat of terror in the region. America cannot afford to treat it as compartmentalized country-by-country issue.
Terrorism & Security German visit offers Egypt's Morsi no relief from mounting pressures

Morsi visited with a business delegation in hopes of boosting economic ties. But Germany issued a travel warning about Egypt, and Chancellor Merkel said nothing about loan forgiveness.
Egypt liberals, Islamists pressure Morsi to form unity government

A hardline Islamist party normally allied to Egypt's president joined the liberal opposition Wednesday calling for a national unity government in an effort to end the violence.
Backchannels Egypt shudders, with leadership nowhere in sight

When the head of Egypt's military starts darkly warning of state collapse, it's time to worry.
The Monitor's View: Egypt's protests reveal deficit of trust in Muslim Brotherhood

Open defiance of Egypt's president in street protests shows how much the Muslim Brotherhood needs to leave Islam outside the door of democracy.
As Egyptians flout curfew, Army warns of 'collapse'

The head of Egypt's Army has warned that recent upheaval, which shows no signs of abating, could bring about the 'collapse' of the Egyptian state.
Egypt's Army chief warns state could collapse amid political crisis (+video)

Thousands took to the streets Monday night in direct defiance of a night curfew and a state of emergency declared by President Morsi. Many worry the rioting could spread to other parts of Egypt.