Editor's note

It's Africa Day, marking 54 years since the Organisation of African Unity - today the African Union - was established. It's a good chance to consider how democracy is performing on the continent. Nic Cheeseman explains why it's clear that democracy can work in Africa, and why this doesn't mean it always will.

The World Health Organisation has chosen an African as its director general for the first time in its 70-year history. David Sanders unpacks why the appointment of Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Ethiopia’s former health minister, is important for the Global South.

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Caroline Southey

Editor, The Conversation Africa

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Democracy is taking root in Africa. But that doesn't mean it works all the time

Nic Cheeseman, University of Birmingham

As we celebrate Africa Day and reflect on how far the continent has come since the Organisation of African Unity was founded in 1963, it's a good time to assess whether democracy is working.

Health + Medicine

Tedros Ghebreyesus, the newly elected Director-General of the World Health Organisation. Reuters/Denis Balibouse

The WHO's new African leader could be a shot in the arm for poorer countries

David Sanders, University of the Western Cape

There are a number of challenges that the World Health Organisation's new leader, Ethiopian-born Tedros Ghebreyesus, will have to navigate during his tenure.

Business + Economy

Education

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