UPCOMING EVENT
Thursday, February 16, 2012
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Washington, DC
In a recent and controversial court ruling, President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal—a nation long considered a leader in African democracy—received approval to pursue re-election for a third term in office despite a constitutional two-term limit. The decision has sparked public unrest leading up to the presidential election on February 26. On February 16, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings will host a discussion on Senegal’s elections and their implications for democracy, economic growth and regional stability. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mwangi S. Kimenyi, Julius Agbor, Olumide Taiwo, Anne W. Kamau, Zenia Lewis, Jessica Smith, Witney Schneidman and Abdoulaye Diagne, February 10, 2012, The Brookings Institution
On February 26, Senegal will hold its presidential elections amid growing controversy surrounding President Abdoulaye Wade's reelection bid. Africa Growth Initiative experts and colleagues dissect the political climate throughout Senegal, including the country's external relationships, the youth vote, prospects for democracy, and possible post-election outcomes. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Michael E. O'Hanlon and John Prendergast, February 01, 2012, USA Today
After a year during which the international community supported democratic revolutions across the globe, Michael O'Hanlon and John Pendergrast urge global leaders to strengthen responses in two countries where human rights abuses are the worst in the world — Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Elizabeth Ferris and Chareen Stark, January 2012, The Brookings Institution
Elizabeth Ferris and Chareen Stark examine internal displacement issues in the 15 member countries of the Economic Community Of West African States. Ferris and Stark discuss protection concerns around particular internal displacement situations, assess efforts to find durable solutions, and provide a brief summary of laws and policies adopted by West African governments. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Osita Ogbu, January 26, 2012, The Brookings Institution
As the ongoing crisis and street demonstrations wage on in Nigeria, Osita Ogbu argues that the lack of trust and communication from government leaders is only fueling the unrest. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mwangi S. Kimenyi, January 25, 2012, The Brookings Institution
African countries are increasingly including provisions in their constitutions that would extend voting rights to members of the diaspora as a way to contribute to development. However, Mwangi Kimenyi argues that giving these people the right to vote without requiring tax payments is a luxury that these countries cannot afford. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
January 2012, The Brookings Institution
Experts from the Africa Growth Initiative examine ideas for increasing intra-African trade, highlighting the major barriers to trade within the continent, as well as providing country-specific case studies and policy recommendations. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mwangi S. Kimenyi and Anne W. Kamau, January 20, 2012, The Brookings Institution
On January 23, the International Criminal Court will rule on the charges brought against the suspects accused of being behind Kenya's post-election violence in 2007-2008. Mwangi Kimenyi and Anne Kamau examine the possible outcomes of the court's ruling and what impact it could have on the country's politics and prospects for peace. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mwangi S. Kimenyi, January 12, 2012, The Brookings Institution
This year's Foresight Africa report focused on the top priorities for Africa in 2012. Participants on Twitter joined the conversation by using the #ForesightAfrica hashtag, submitting questions on Africa's democratic elections, U.S. military involvement and more. Mwangi Kimenyi responds to these questions and comments as well as others from the January 11 event on the topic. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Vanda Felbab-Brown and James J.F. Forest, January 12, 2012, Christian Science Monitor
Vanda Felbab-Brown and James J.F. Forest write on the growing concern surrounding Nigeria's Boko Haram militant group. While many believe the group is linked to al Qaeda and al Shabaab as part of a coordinated Islamist terrorist threat in Africa, Felbab-Brown and Forest argue that the reasons for Boko Haram's attacks most often are local. Read More
PAST EVENT
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Washington, DC
On January 11, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings hosted a discussion to identify top priorities for Africa in 2012, including managing a growing youth population, increasing the profile of organizations such as the African Union, sustaining advancements in public health, improving natural resource management and aid effectiveness, and prioritizing regional integration efforts. Panelists discussed how African and global leaders can address these issues in the coming year. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Vera Songwe and Nelipher Moyo, January 10, 2012, The Brookings Institution
Vera Songwe and Nelipher Moyo argue that the Nigerian government's decision to end a costly, but highly popular fuel subsidy program offers a chance for transparency and well-structured reform in the country, despite mass protests and unrest. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
January 2012, The Brookings Institution
Experts from the Brookings Africa Growth Initiative and other collaborators examine the top priorities and concerns at the forefront of Africa's economic, political and social development in 2012. Through their insight, these experts aim to provide policy recommendations and seize opportunities to mitigate risks that would reverse the progress Africa has achieved over the last few decades. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mwangi S. Kimenyi, January 05, 2012, The Guardian
Mwangi Kimenyi argues that President Obama should seek to build mutually beneficial American partnerships with African countries for a chance at leaving a U.S. legacy in the continent. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Richard Joseph, January 03, 2012, The Brookings Institution
On January 1, 2012, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan imposed a state of emergency in four states, in part because of a growing insurgency. Richard Joseph examines ways the international community can strengthen Nigeria by providing counter-insurgency assistance and aiding in efforts to accelerate political and economic progress. Read More