Africa
Africa
Fair Observer provides insightful and informed analysis of important issues, events and trends on the African continent.
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Fair Observer's five best Africa articles of 2012. 1: The Changing Face of Africa — Tony O.Elumelu Africa has grown by leaps and bounds over the last two decades, and will continue to do so. 2: From Here to Timbuktu — Whitney Grespin Recent events in Mali illustrate how ideological radicals attempt to disassemble a cultural identity step by step, first through objects and then beliefs. 3: Judd Gregg’s War Against Liberia’s Charles Taylor — Chris Mahoney How a New Hampshire Senator, encouraged by the British government, changed US policy and brought Charles Taylor to justice. 4: Kenya Strikes Oil! What Next? — Roselyne MerikoKiragu & Macharia...
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Egypt / Morsi / Politics / 360° Context / Middle East / AfricaEgyptian President Mohammed Morsi’s decree in late November gave himself judicial immunity. The ensuing announcement of a constitutional referendum has divided the country and sent protestors into the streets once again. Background Since Mohammed Morsi became Egypt’s first democratically elected president in June 2012, he has aggressively reclaimed power from the military council, which ruled Egypt during the interim between Hosni Mubarak’s fall and Morsi’s election. A relatively unknown member of the Muslim Brotherhood prior to the election, Morsi has surprised critics and supporters alike with his bold political maneuvers, the most recent of which has caused a...
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Arabic graffiti artist eL Seed shares his thoughts on the role of Tunisian street art, his unique mix of calligraphy and graffiti, and why contradictions are the key to overcoming difference. [View the photo feature, Graffiti, Meet Arabic Calligraphy.] If you haven’t heard of Arabic graffiti, then you may want to re-consider your preferred news source. From the onset of the revolts that swept across North Africa and the Middle East from December 2010 onwards, street art from the region has been privy to much deserved global attention. Within this new wave of interest in unconventional, revolutionary art, one particular artist has been heavily courted by the media. His name is eL Seed...
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360° Analysis / Arab Spring / Arab Uprisings / Egypt / Islamist / Politics / Tunisia / Middle East / AfricaTariq Ramadan, Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, speaks to Heather McRobie and Rosemary Bechler about the political and economic dynamics of the Arab Uprisings. This is the first of two parts. Heather McRobie: I’d like to begin with the concept of Islamic democratic secularism and the statement in your book, Arab Awakening, that, "at this precise moment Muslims will only have proven the singularity of Islam when they demonstrate its universality." Could you explain what you mean by this, and the concept of Islamic democratic secularism? Tariq Ramadan: It’s part of a whole discussion about ethics in my work. I focus on Islamic applied...
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360° Analysis / constitution / MDC / Politics / Power sharing agreement / Robert Mugabe / ZANU PDF / Zimbabwe / AfricaBy Matteo FigusThe Zimbabwean power sharing agreement of 2008 was hailed as a stepping stone to future improvements in this troubled country. But four years on, changes have occurred in Zimbabwe. Now to Africa and the world, the question that remains is whether the country is heading in the right direction. Economy: From Disaster to an Unbalanced Growth ...
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Politics / Rhodesia / Robert Mugabe / ZANU PF / Zimbabwe / 360° Context / AfricaRobert Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe for 32 years running, will 2013 break the chain? Background In 1980 Robert Mugabe was voted into power as a hero of the liberation struggle, the war campaign which overthrew the white minority government in Zimbabwe. This image however soon became overshadowed by violations of human rights and the rule of law and an electoral process observed as far from free and fair. President Mugabe has a recorded number of human rights abuses throughout his tenure in power. Mugabe is infamously known for his deployment of state violence, abuse and intimidation against any state opposition and their supporters. In 1982 Mugabe launched operation Gukurahundi, also known as...
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360° Analysis / En-Nahda / Islam / Politics / Tunisia / Middle East / AfricaBy Maya ManaaAfter nearly two years since Ben Ali's ouster, En-Nahda's commitment to democratic principles remains unclear. While the party appears to defend certain core democratic institutions, its stance towards Salafism and women’s rights appears to push in a new direction. As Tunisia drafts its new constitution, Tunisians and the international community are eager to see whether the country in the Maghreb will successfully establish the foundations of a democracy. Following the elections for a National Constituent Assembly (NCA) on October 23, 2011, En-Nahda – a once banned Islamist party repeatedly claiming to be moderate and committed to the promotion of democracy –...
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By Naim AmeurWhile there are hopeful signs of recovery, Tunisia's economy remains volatile. A potential political conflict could have a negative impact on the country's stability. The Tunisian revolution against the former regime in January 2011 sparked a series of popular movements in the region. The transitional process towards democracy in Tunisia has achieved acceptable results. The members of the new National Constituent Assembly (NCA) were elected in generally free and fair elections on October 23, 2011. Their main mission is to draft a new constitution within one year. The Islamic party Al-Nahdha won the majority of seats in the NCA, and has led a coalition government, called “...
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360° Analysis / Politics / Tunisia / Middle East / AfricaAs Tunisia attempts to make its way towards reform, the country struggles to define the role of Islam in the state and society. Background Tunisia gained independence in 1956 after 75 years as a French Protectorate. Demands for freedom date back to the beginning of the 20th century but the country had to wait until Habib Bourguiba, leader of the nationalist Neo-Destour Party, led Tunisia to independence. After years of imprisonment, Bourguiba became Tunisia’s first president after the monarchy was abolished in 1957. In his pursuit of transforming Tunisia into a modern and secular state, Bourguiba introduced the Personal Status Code, based on a 'modernist' interpretation of...
