Rwanda’s recent history has been shaped by colonisation, a mid-20th century revolution, independence and a genocide. But, argues Filip Reyntjens, it’s important to look back even further to get to a true understanding of the country, particularly the way in which power was structured as well as the role of the state in people’s lives. In the UK the BBC is showing a new drama that features the small east African country. While portrayals of Rwanda in film and television can often spark controversy, Jonathan R. Beloff thinks that Black Earth Rising provides a nuanced look at post-genocide political events.

From other corners of the continent academics looked at various political developments. In Kenya David E Kiwuwa argues that a referendum being mooted is a really bad idea. And in South Africa Leila Patel sets out new research showing shifting patterns in what’s pre-occupying voters. From Ghana Justice Tankebe lifts the lid on the use of violence by police.

Turkish prosecutors described how Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was strangled and dismembered in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Sahar Mohamed Khamis says that a significant part of the murder is that the media is finally paying attention to the dangers faced by Saudis, Egyptians and Syrians who call out oppressive regimes in the Middle East – many of whom remain vulnerable to kidnappings and murder