Online Presentation: Africa - Politics

Introduction:

The continent of Africa was forever changed by the colonization from the western powers. Now the continent is a land of political struggles and mass genocides, often lost in the news. However, There remains to be hope and strong culture which keeps Africa alive and having a potential future. while a majority of the news out there today is negative, the states and people of Africa remain rich in culture and passion.

What's happening in Africa's News?

*Flooding in northern, western and central Africa from BBC

• Eastern Africa
  • On a Positive note
  • Ebola Virus
  • Ivory Coast Ex-head in rare rally
  • UK targets Nigeria's stolen loot

• Southern Africa
  • Zimbabwe bishop 'victim of state'
  • Zimbabwe diaspora 'may get vote'
  • South Africa
  • Zimbabwe

• Horn-western Africa
  • Somali violence amid sacking row
  • Eritrea rejects Ethiopia warning
  • Twelve shot dead by Kenyan police
  • Somalia
  • Somalia-2

• Central Africa

• Democratic Repubilc of the Congo
• Ninjas in the DR Congo

• Northern Africa

   

  • Bombing in Algeria
  • Second Bombing in Algeria
  • Al Qauda Says it Targeted Algerian President
  • Libya to Sit on Security Council
  • Background info on Darfur
  • U.N. Condemns Darfur Violence
  • Cater in Darfur
  • World Leaders on Mission in Sudan
  • Revenge attack on Darfur town
  • New Attack from Sudan army and allies
  • North-South Peace Deal Falling Apart in Sudan
  •  Sudan Backs Darfur cease-fire as main rebel boycots talks

Themes in African Politics

Conflict, Civil War and Genocide in Africa:

“Africa has become an attractive and profitable dumping ground for nations and arm manufacturers eager to get rid of weapon stocks made superfluous by the end of the Cold War or by technological developments.” Center For Defense Information, 1999.

The effects of colonialism and the Cold War proxy wars have left African countries extremely divided. Everyday it seems there is a new conflicts due to political corruption, natural resources, race and religion on the continent. The following section will give a few examples of conflicts from the past 20 years.  Click on the pages below to learn more about specific conflicts that have been haunting Africa throughout the years. 

Rwanda

Government Corruption and Recent Democratic Elections:

Power struggles have been the basis of most African conflict since the end of colonialism. Since most nations were left without education or any system of government, deciding who should hold the power has been very difficult. In some cases, leaders agree to a democratic system and abide by the constitutions they have; meaning they step down from power when their term is over. In other countries it is not that simple. For the majority of African countries, they have been in a state of political turmoil since receiving independence from their colonial powers. Every few years, there is a revolt and the leader is ousted, only to be replaced with a more corrupt and power hungry leader. Click below to see more information about the various government situations across Africa.

Examples of Democratic Systems in Africa

African Nations on Their Way To Democracy

Corrupt African Nations

News Stories About Corruption and Recent Democratic Elections:

1. Corruption Rules Over Africa

2. Chad Tops List Of Most Corrupt Nations

3. Who's Who in Nigeria's Election?

4. Africa's Crisis of Democracy

5. African Elections Database

    

The Role of the Military

African has seen many military coups come and go, in and out of power.  Many nations have seen the role of a military coup right after they have gained independence and don't have a clear ruling body.  This section explores the role military coups have played in African and gives a few examples.

Role of the Military

Hope for the Future

While their are many problems in Africa, and many of the stories have a negative connotation, there are many positive facts.  Click below to learn more about recent advancements throughout Africa.

Hope for the Future