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The political terrain in most African countries isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s tough. But it’s also full of wit and humour. This is reflected in a new dictionary of African politics – an anthology of terminology that people in different African countries use. The dictionary also provides a comprehensive timeline of political events on the continent. Nic Cheeseman, Eloïse Bertrand and Sa'eed Husaini explain.
Senegal stands out as exceptional given that it is a stable democracy in a region plagued by military coups, civil wars and ethnic conflicts. Mara Leichtman sets out how the strong influence of Sufi Islam as well as global diplomatic and financial connections have contributed towards its stability.
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In Ghana, “skirt-and-blouse voting” means to vote for different parties for presidential and legislative positions.
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Nic Cheeseman, University of Birmingham; Eloïse Bertrand, University of Warwick; Sa'eed Husaini, University of Oxford
A dictionary of African politics reveals the witty and insightful political terminology that people in different African countries use.
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Senegal developed a diplomatic tradition after gaining independence from France.
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Mara Leichtman, Michigan State University
Senegal is important for Africa because it’s a country that shifts the narrative of the continent as an “arc of instability.”
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Politics + Society
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Christof Heyns, University of Pretoria
The UN doesn't have the magic formula to end tensions in Burundi. It's up to the country's leadership.
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Andrew Edward Tchie, University of Essex
Warring factions in South Sudan have signed numerous peace deals none of which have held.
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Yarik Turianskyi, University of Pretoria
The African Peer Review Mechanism got off to a good start, but enthusiasm soon waned.
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Leila Patel, University of Johannesburg; Tessa Hochfeld, University of Johannesburg
Children whose families benefit from social grants and family support interventions enjoy better health, nutrition and schooling.
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Energy + Environment
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James Njiru, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
With proper regulation, Lake Victoria's fisheries could increase production without damaging wild stocks or the environment.
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Sam Williams, Durham University
Black leopards are different because of a recessive genetic variation known as "melanism".
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Eduardo Alejandro Martínez Ceseña, University of Manchester; Joseph Mutale, University of Manchester; Mathaios Panteli, University of Manchester; Pierluigi Mancarella, University of Manchester
In sub-Saharan Africa there are more people with mobile phones than access to electricity, and their data could be useful.
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HyeJin Lee, Konkuk University
Ethiopia's teff plant is gluten-free and demand is growing. The country needs to upgrade its harvesting to reap the rewards.
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Business + Economy
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Roberto Ricciuti, University of Verona; Antonio Savoia, University of Manchester; Kunal Sen, University of Manchester
Building a fiscally capable state won't bring benefits in the short term but can build taxpayers confidence.
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Wouter Bam, Stellenbosch University; Karolien De Bruyne, KU Leuven
New analysis indicates that a strict beneficiation policy might not lead to optimal developmental outcomes.
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Podcasts
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Ozayr Patel, The Conversation
It's increasingly difficult to manage diseases in inner cities.
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Ozayr Patel, The Conversation
Pregnant teens in Kenya face a number of challenges.
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