Topic: Mo Ibrahim

South Africa's report card on democracy gets worse

South Africa ranks fifth for governance in Africa, but its scores have consistently declined over the past five years, with diminished press freedoms and rule of law, writes guest blogger Karl Beck.

Death penalty for Egypt's Mubarak: How will that play with the tin-pot despot set?

Egypt's former president Mubarak could face the death penalty in his trial. In Africa, several authoritarian leaders have ruled for decades, and harsh sentences could encourage them to cling to power by any means.

Why Pedro Pires won the $5 million Ibrahim Prize for African governance

Cape Verde's former president Pedro Pires won the $5 million Ibrahim Prize for good governance both for how he eased his nation's indebtedness, and for his willingness to step down from power.

African free trade zone planning is under way

African trade officials convened in South Africa this week to announce the start of negotiations on a continental free trade zone that would incorporate 26 countries and cost almost a trillion dollars.

Why diamonds can't be Robert Mugabe's best friend

'No one should doubt our resolve to sell our diamonds,' Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said July 12. Guest blogger G. Pascal Zachary argues why South Africa should engineer the dictator's exit.

No $5 million Mo Ibrahim prize: no honest African leaders?

This year, cellphone magnate Mo Ibrahim won't be giving a $5 million prize for good governance. Why not?

World

African countries improve their governance, study shows

The Mo Ibrahim Index announced this week that 31 of 48 countries are run better.