Category: Africa

The Green Promises of Electric Vehicles

It has long been recognised that electric vehicles will play a key role in achieving low-carbon economies. Their role warrants particular emphasis as world leaders prepare to assemble in Glasgow for COP26 with the intention of reaffirming emission reduction targets.

However, as Jeremy Yves demonstrates, the rise of electric vehicles comes with a range of environmental and social problems which may counteract their purported benefits and require greater consideration.

This article is the third in a series of articles focusing on environmental policy and politics in the lead up to the COP26 Summit. … Continue readingThe Green Promises of Electric Vehicles

Posted on by Jeremy Yves

BRING ME MY MACHINE GUN: SOUTH AFRICA’S WORST POST-APARTHEID VIOLENCE

For over a week in July this year, South Africa was wracked by its worst violence since the end of apartheid in 1994. Riots in the country’s Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces left at least 342 people dead, with at least 3407 arrested. The trigger of the unrest was the jailing of former President of South Africa and African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma for contempt of court. … Continue readingBRING ME MY MACHINE GUN: SOUTH AFRICA’S WORST POST-APARTHEID VIOLENCE

FRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN

The ongoing situation in Afghanistan has thrown into sharp focus the way in which women and girls often face the consequences of war and conflict in a more pronounced and protracted way. Although some mechanisms for protection do exist, the increase in global conflicts over the past decade merits a global effort to further strengthen and reinforce the rights of refugee women and girls, who face unique challenges to their safety and rehabilitation.
… Continue readingFRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN

CHINESE LENDING IN AFRICA: A BLESSING OR A TRAP?

In August 2018, a bipartisan group of 16 US senators cited “the dangers of China’s debt-trap diplomacy” stating that “it is imperative that the United States counters China’s attempts to hold other countries financially hostage and force ransoms that further its geostrategic goals.” Is China providing debt to African countries as a means of obtaining valuable geostrategic assets or are they engaging in a mutually beneficial relationship that is in their economic and geostrategic interest? … Continue readingCHINESE LENDING IN AFRICA: A BLESSING OR A TRAP?

Global Vaccine Inequality: ‘And the Weak Suffer What They Must’?

As many countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom continue their vaccination campaigns and move closer to becoming post-Covid societies, it has become increasingly clear just how stark the divide between developed and developing nations is, and how COVID-19 is no longer an equal threat to everyone, but instead a something that developed nations no longer need to worry about, while the rest of the world is left to suffer. … Continue readingGlobal Vaccine Inequality: ‘And the Weak Suffer What They Must’?

Posted on by Megha Iyer

SUDAN- A NEW CHAPTER?

BY HAMAH HOSEN- In the past 9 months, Sudan has been characterised by civil unrest, mass demonstrations, and power struggles. Fast forward to the current, the African Union has lifted its suspension of Sudan, Mr. Bashir has finally been removed as the leader and is … Continue readingSUDAN- A NEW CHAPTER?

Posted on by Hamah Hosen

DEVELOPING AFRICAN CULTURE IN AUSTRALIA

BY SARAH SAID – In my mind, with perfect clarity, the afternoon reconstructs itself. It was reserved particularly for Olumide Yinka-Kehinde, a then nineteen something Nigerian-Australian economics and computer science major. A friend, above all else. Following one of his many extracurricular obligations, I watched as he ambled through the automatic gates of Campus … Continue readingDEVELOPING AFRICAN CULTURE IN AUSTRALIA

Posted on by mias