Africa has experienced remarkable political change since the early 1990s, with more countries moving towards multiparty democracy and holding regular elections. But the complete picture isn’t all that rosy. As Nic Cheeseman argues, political repression has increased over the past five years, calling into question the extent of the continent’s democratic gains.

Mozambique is a much loved holiday destination, thanks in part to its idyllic beaches. But, this postcard image of the country hides an ugly reality. As Eric Morier-Genoud writes, for the past few months the northern Cabo Delgado province has been held hostage by deadly insurgents who have committed horrific crimes against civilians. Getting a grip on the insurgency is proving difficult because of the secretive nature of the group.

British Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has made headlines for comments that appeared to have justified British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War over a century ago. More than 48 000 South Africans, mainly women and children, died under horrific circumstances in the camps between 1901 and 1902. Historian Fransjohan Pretorius explains that the British MP’s comments caused consternation because they were riddled with inaccuracies.

A statue to Emperor Haile Selassie outside the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa has stirred up a fierce storm. As Martin Plaut argues, he’s not the first ruler to have proved controversial when it comes to a memorial. Through the ages leaders have gone in and out of fashion over time, turning their legacies into a battlefront.
 

It’s free to republish, here are the guidelines. Contact us on africa-republish@theconversation.com in case you need assistance.