Africa
All Standard Notes
76 Documents
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 13.05.2013 | Burundi: recent political and security developments |
| Since 2010 President Jean-Pierre Nkurunziza and his CNDD-FDD government have been at loggerheads with the main opposition parties. The stand-off has raised concerns that Burundi's status as a 'post-conflict' country might be in jeopardy. These concerns have been compounded by occasional armed skirmishes between the security forces and remaining rebel groups. However, with the next elections due in 2015, in recent months there has been some progress in terms of promoting political dialogue. | |
| 13.05.2013 | Rwanda: recent political and security developments |
| Paul Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front remain in a dominant position domestically, with parliamentary elections due in September 2013 and presidential elections set for 2017. President Kagame has indicated that he may step down then. But criticism continues of the government's intolerance of open dissent. Rwanda's role in in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains controversial too and there is virtually complete consensus across the international community that it has been providing support to rebel groups, including most recently M23. | |
| 23.04.2013 | In Brief: International Military Forces in Mali |
| As offensive military operations in the country have begun to wind down concerns remain that Malian and foreign forces will now face a protracted insurgency from Islamic militants who have continued to conduct counter-attacks from the north of the country. | |
| 15.03.2013 | In brief: South Africa - Zuma set for a second term in 2014 |
| In December 2012, at the African National Congress (ANC) conference in Mangaung, President Jacob Zuma was re-elected leader of the party. This makes it virtually inevitable that he will be South Africa's next President following national elections next year, which the ANC remain overwhelming favourites to win comfortably. Nonetheless, all is far from entirely rosy for Zuma and the ANC. In recent years it has been deeply divided over economic policy, damaged by mounting official corruption and faced with growing discontent from below over its alleged failure to deliver better public services. | |
| 15.03.2013 | Political progress in Libya? |
| Has Libya built on the achievement of successful elections in 2012 to make real progress towards a modern, democratic and secure state? | |
| 22.02.2013 | The 0.7% aid target |
| This note examines the definition of the 0.7% aid target, its origins and the UK's and other countries' performance against it. It also summarises recent attempts to enshrine the target in legislation and some criticism of its relevance. | |
| 20.02.2013 | In brief: Malawi under President Joyce Banda |
| Joyce Banda became Malawi's president in turbulent circumstances in April 2012 and since then has sought to build domestic support and win back previously alienated Western donors through an economic and political reform programme. While she has had some successes, there is currently growing public discontent about the economy and her political position is still vulnerable. Her prospects in the 2014 elections are uncertain. | |
| 05.02.2013 | The crisis in Mali: current military action and upholding humanitarian law |
| This note describes the current military intervention in Mali, led by France, which began on 11 January as a reaction to the southward advance of militant Islamist armed groups with links to al-Qaeda. It also looks at the intervention in the context of upholding humanitarian law. | |
| 18.01.2013 | Algeria 2013 |
| Instability in North Africa appears to be spreading, as a hostage crisis unfolds in an Algerian gas plant run jointly by BP. The Algerian government seemed to have escaped lightly compared with other North African governments from the Arab uprisings. But the war in neighbouring Libya and increasing unrest in the Sahel region to Algeria's south have taken their toll. It remains to be seen whether Algeria's authoritarian regime will be seriously challenged by the twin threats of domestic political unrest and jihadi terrorism. | |
| 21.12.2012 | Large-scale land acquisitions in developing countries - camouflage for 'land grabbing'? |
| Oxfam has launched a campaign on the issue of 'land-grabbing' - or what others would call 'large-scale land acquisitions' - in developing countries around the world, including by foreign governments or companies, with the World Bank primarily in its sights. This note is a brief introduction to the debate, current multilateral initiatives on the issue and the stance of the UK Government. | |
| 14.12.2012 | Kenya since the 2007/08 crisis |
| This note reviews major political developments since the 2007/08 crisis, whose legacies Kenya is still struggling to overcome. Elections are scheduled for March 2013 but two of the candidates seeking high office - Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto - are due to stand trial at the International Criminal Court in the following month. Meanwhile, Kenyan troops have now been in southern Somalia for over a year and helped re-take the strategic port of Kismayo in September 2012. But there remains uncertainty about Kenya's objectives in Somalia. | |
| 23.11.2012 | In brief: deja vu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo |
| On 20 November, forces belonging to the March 23 (M23) armed group seized Goma, the main city in eastern DRC. This note briefly surveys the events of recent days and the many echoes of the past that they evoke. It also looks at the roles of Rwanda and Uganda, which is leading Western governments, including the UK, to review their aid programmes to both countries. | |
| 31.10.2012 | Mali in crisis: a political and security overview |
| Mali has been in crisis since March 2012, when the military overthrew the government of Amadou Toumani Touré. Within weeks of the coup, a coalition of Tuareg rebels and militant Islamist armed groups pushed the national army out of the north of the country. There is now growing momentum behind proposals to create a regional military intervention force. But many questions remain about the wisdom of this course of action. | |
| 01.10.2012 | The cost of international military operations |
| This note provides a summary of the estimated and actual costs of the international military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. | |
| 24.09.2012 | Zimbabwe: recent political developments |
| This note surveys developments since the beginning of 2011, during which time implementation of the 2008 Global Political Agreement has remained painfully limited. Halting progress is being made towards agreement on a new Constitution, but there remains a real possibility that President Robert Mugabe and his ruling ZANU-PF might abandon the negotiations and opt for early elections under the old Constitution, which greatly favours them. Elections are due by June 2013. Zimbabwe's political prospects remain highly uncertain. | |
| 13.09.2012 | In brief: Somalia - a new beginning or another false dawn? |
| Somalia's 'transitional period' finally came to an end in August. The election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president on 10 September is being widely greeted as the start of a new era for the country, but huge challenges remain to be addressed. This note briefly surveys Somalia's prospects at this crucial moment. | |
| 02.08.2012 | Arab uprisings: an update |
| Two of the three countries that have had elections since the Arab uprisings - Tunisia and Egypt - have seen mainstream and more radical Islamists dominating. In Libya, the third of the three, a pragmatic and relatively secular politician who had been former Prime Minister during the rebellion did well. It is still early to know what these new governments will do. | |
| 18.07.2012 | Libya's General Assembly election 2012 |
| On 7 July 2012, Libya held its first democratic election since 1964. Preliminary results suggest that the former interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril won a landslide victory among seats reserved for party candidates. However, this should not yet be interpreted as a victory for liberals over Islamists. 120 of the 200 seats are reserved for independents and their politics are not yet clear. Mahmoud Jibril has denied that he is a secularist. Nevertheless, it is very different from election results in Egypt and Tunisia, where the parties associated with the Muslim Brotherhood did well. | |
| 31.05.2012 | In brief: Guinea-Bissau - has the 12 April coup been overturned or rewarded? |
| A 12 April coup has provoked renewed political crisis in the West African state of Guinea Bissau. On 20 May there was an ECOWAS-backed deal under which power was ostensibly returned to civilians, but there is concern about its credibility and legitimacy. The crisis is likely to set-back recent efforts to strengthen Guinea-Bissau's capacity to combat drug-trafficking and thereby shed its reputation as a 'narco-state'. In a country where there are regular military coups, no president has completed a full term in office since the mid 1990s. | |
| 23.05.2012 | Egypt's presidential election 2012 |
| Egyptians vote on 23 and 24 May to elect a new president. If no candidate wins 50%, a second round will be held on 16 and 17 June. There are signs, however, of a looming crisis over the division of power and the role of the military. | |
| 01.05.2012 | Madagascar's political crisis |
| The continuing political crisis in Madagascar began when Andre Rajoelina successfully ousted the incumbent President, Marc Ravalomana, in March 2009 and installed himself instead, albeit formally as a transitional leader pending elections. The international community considers Rajoelina illegitimate. Regional mediation efforts to return Madagascar to 'constitutional rule' led to a peace deal in September 2011, but implementation remains fraught and the danger reamains that the process could collapse. | |
| 27.04.2012 | Sudan and South Sudan: All-out war? |
| On 9 July 2011, South Sudan formally seceded from Sudan. But many issues remain unresolved and there has been an upsurge in conflict since then in Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan - known as the 'Three Areas'. This note surveys the many challenges still facing the 'two Sudans'. | |
| 12.04.2012 | Chad: A political and security digest |
| This note provides a quick guide to political and security issues currently affecting Chad -a country that at the moment may seem superficially stable, but one for which the norm over the past half century has been a condition of permanent emergency | |
| 28.02.2012 | Preventing and prosecuting piracy at sea: legal issues |
| The resurgence in piracy at sea, particularly hijackings off the coast of Somalia, has prompted a range of efforts to tackle it. These throw up a series of legal issues including the use of force by governments and private armed security guards, and transferring of suspects for trial or imprisonment. Library Standard Notes covering related issues include: Piracy at sea: overview and policy responses; Somalia: recent political, security and humanitarian developments; and Does Somali piracy have any 'developmental effects'?. | |
| 28.02.2012 | Piracy at sea: overview and policy responses |
| This note gives a brief overview of the problems facing UK and world shipping from piracy and armed robbery at sea and summarises the actions being taken by the UK Government and international organisations to tackle the problem. | |
| 28.02.2012 | Does Somali piracy have any 'developmental effects'? |
| There has been growing debate about where the spoils of Somali piracy have been going. How far are they helping to support the Islamist terrorist group al-Shabaab? Is some of the money going into the pockets of local politicians and businessmen with links to the pirates? Could a surprisingly large portion of the spoils be percolating through to ordinary Somalis? This note briefly surveys recent debates on the last two of these questions. | |
| 28.02.2012 | Somalia: recent political, security and humanitarian developments |
| This note surveys the military set-backs experienced by al-Shabaab since the beginning of 2011, the motives behind the current Kenyan incursion into southern Somalia, recent international efforts to promote a viable political process on the ground and the continuing food crisis in the country. | |
| 25.11.2011 | In Brief: Egyptian election 2011 |
| A brief run-down of the first election in Egypt since the fall of Hosni Mubarak | |
| 25.11.2011 | Nigeria under Jonathan |
| This note surveys President Goodluck Jonathan's ascent to office, which culminated in a decisive victory in the April 2011 presidential election, and developments since then. He has promised 'transformation' but his performance so far has disappointed many observers. There is growing discontent in the north, where there is a sense of political and economic marginalisation, and renewed signs of restiveness in the Niger Delta. Nigeria's economic and development record is also falling short in numerous respects. | |
| 23.11.2011 | Morocco and the 2011 election |
| Morocco holds an important parliamentary election on 25 November. Under constitutional reforms proposed by the King, Muhammad IV, parliament will gain significant new powers. | |
| 24.10.2011 | Military Operations in Libya |
| Military action to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1973 in Libya | |
| 07.10.2011 | In brief: elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo |
| This note reviews the prospects for the presidential and parliamentary elections which are due to be held in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 25 November 2011 | |
| 29.07.2011 | Issues facing LGBT people in sub-Saharan Africa: suggested reading |
| This bibliographical note gathers together a selection of press articles and official and civil society sources of information about the issues facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in sub-Saharan Africa today. | |
| 24.06.2011 | Equatorial Guinea: a quick introduction |
| Equatorial Guinea is often cited as a classic example of the 'resource curse' which can strike poor countries with weak formal institutions when oil is discovered. This note provides a brief introduction to Equatorial Guinea, including UK and EU relations with the country. | |
| 16.06.2011 | Uprising in Tunisia |
| This note describes the background to the riots in Tunisia, the recent series of events leading to the flight of the president, the interim government and progress towards elections. | |
| 15.06.2011 | In brief: Arab uprisings 2011 |
| A very brief survey of developments in the Arab world in 2011 | |
| 27.05.2011 | In Brief: South Africa's municipal elections - straws in the wind? |
| On 18 May South Africa held nationwide municipal elections. This was the first significant test of electoral popularity since the 2009 national elections. The ruling ANC lost some ground, while the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, gained some. This note sets out the results and briefly discusses their significance for the future. | |
| 24.05.2011 | Progress in Egypt? |
| The note looks at the constitutional referendum held in Egypt and on political developments in the country. | |
| 18.05.2011 | In brief: Sudan - another rocky period as southern independence approaches |
| South Sudan is due to achieve independent statehood on 9 July 2011. Relief that the January referendum went smoothly has been replaced by worries about the destabilising effect of 'unfinished business' such as the future of oil-rich Abyei and border demarcation. In addition, the ruling parties in both North and South are increasingly divided. Last but not least, peace talks on Darfur remain stalemated. | |
| 13.04.2011 | The bilateral and multilateral aid reviews |
| The bilateral and multilateral aid reviews establish priorities for the Department for International Development's aid expenditure to 2014/15. This note looks at the process and results of these reviews. | |
| 06.04.2011 | Interpretation of Security Council Resolution 1973 on Libya |
| What the rules of engagement are in Libya, and how far coalition forces are allowed to go in protecting the civilian population are highly controversial. This note looks briefly at some of the current questions. | |
| 04.04.2011 | No-Fly Zone Over Libya: Suggested Reading |
| UN Security Council Resolution 1973 adopted on 17 March 2011, established, among other things, a no-fly zone over Libya. This note provides a list of suggested reading material on the arguments for and against the establishment of a no fly zone over Libya and its likelihood of success. | |
| 30.03.2011 | Turmoil in the Middle East |
| This note looks at the instability in the Middle East and North Africa since the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings. | |
| 18.03.2011 | The Security Council's "no-fly zone" resolution on Libya |
| This note looks at the development of a consensus on the United Nations Security Council for a resolution permitting military intervention in Libya. It reproduces the resolution. | |
| 17.03.2011 | In brief: Kenya - six politicians fight their indictment by the International Criminal Court |
| Kenya's political mood experienced a brief upswing following the decisive endorsement of a new Constitution by an August 2010 referendum. Since then, however, the mood has again darkened. The announcement on 15 December by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that he was issuing indictments for crimes against humanity against six leading political figures has destabilised and paralysed Kenya's Grand Coalition government. This note looks at developments since the indictments were issued. | |
| 15.03.2011 | Uprising in Egypt |
| Egypt's revolt has been greeted as a historic moment that will have enormous consequences throughout the Arab world. This note provides a simple chronological account of events swince 25 January. It looks a the background to the crisis and profiles groups and individuals involved and considers some likely outcomes of the present crisis. | |
| 02.03.2011 | UK relations with Libya |
| This note details the sometimes controversial dealings between the UK government and the regime of Muammer Qaddafi and looks at the reasons for Libya's partial rehabilitation by the west, in which the UK was closely involved. | |
| 24.02.2011 | UK overseas aid expenditure |
| This note describes how UK official development assistance (overseas aid) is distributed. | |
| 17.01.2011 | Morocco 2011 |
| This note summarises recent developments in Morocco and the situation in Western Sahara, the disputed territory to the south which has been occupied by Morocco. | |
| 04.01.2011 | In brief: Ivory Coast - back on the brink |
| This note briefly surveys the current crisis in Ivory Coast, following a disputed presidential election in which both candidates have claimed victory, placing in jeopardy a six-year UN-overseen peace process. | |
| 04.01.2011 | In brief: The Horn of Africa - review of events during 2010 and prospects for 2011 |
| This note briefly reviews events in the Horn of Africa during 2010 and prospects for 2011 | |
| 08.12.2010 | In brief: Uganda - Museveni seeks another term |
| This note looks at the political state of play in Uganda as presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled for February 2011, draw near | |
| 07.12.2010 | Zimbabwe since the Global Political Agreement |
| This note surveys political, economic and humanitarian developments in Zimbabwe since the signing of the Global Political Agreement in September 2008. | |
| 12.11.2010 | Nigeria: The 2011 elections approach |
| Presidential, national and state elections are due to take place in Nigeria in January 2011, although there remains a possibility that they may be pushed back by a few months. This note sets out the present state of play in Nigerian politics, which remains as volatile and unpredictable as ever. | |
| 27.07.2010 | Debt relief & 'vulture funds': the Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Act 2010 |
| This note provides an update to the second reading and committee stage Library research papers on the Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill, also known as the 'Vulture Funds' Bill. The Act entered into force in June 2010 and will lapse if not renewed within a year due to a 'sunset clause'. | |
| 28.06.2010 | Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) & the September 2010 UN review summit |
| The UN's eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are aimed at reducing world poverty and improving lives by 2015. This note provides background and a progress assessment ahead of a UN review summit in September 2010. | |
| 25.06.2010 | In brief: Nigeria - from Yar'Adua to Jonathan |
| Nigeria's president, Umaru Yar'Adua, died in May 2010 after a prolonged period of serious ill-health. He has been succeeded by former Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan. This note surveys Nigeria's future prospects as the campaign for the 2011 presidential election hots up. | |
| 01.06.2010 | Sudan, 2003-09 |
| In order to make sense of Sudan's present and possible futures, it is vital to know something of its recent past. This is the purpose of this Standard Note, which provides a detailed account of events in Sudan, including their regional impact, between 2003 and 2009. It will not be updated. | |
| 30.04.2010 | Global Economic Crisis & developing countries |
| This note was last published on 26 August 2009 and will not be updated. In the early stages of the financial crisis there were hopes that it would be largely contained within developed economies, with developing economies having 'decoupled' from them. These early hopes proved unfounded, with developing countries struck by declining trade, a loss of investor confidence and withdrawal of investment, a fall in the value of vital remittances, and much reduced growth and contraction in some cases. There are also fears that aid flows may suffer in the aftermath of the crisis. This note summarises key reports and statistics, with links to further resources. | |
| 25.03.2010 | Universal jurisdiction |
| The UK has universal jurisdiction under the Geneva Conventions Act 1957 (and other legislation) for a limited number of serious international crimes. It also has an obligation under international law to prosecute or extradite those suspected of war crimes or torture anywhere in the world. There are few such prosecutions in the UK but arrest warrants have been sought for private prosecutions. The Government is consulting on a change to the law on private prosecutions for universal jurisdiction offences, and the UN is conducting a review of the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction. | |
| 11.03.2010 | Nigeria: An update |
| 30.12.2009 | The UN imposes sanctions on Eritrea |
| On 23 December 2009, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1907, which imposes an arms embargo on Eritrea, and a travel freeze and asset ban on Eritrean individuals and companies. This note provides brief background to these developments and the full text of Resolution 1907. | |
| 30.12.2009 | Ethiopia in the run-up to May 2010 elections |
| The 2005 federal and regional elections in Ethiopia produced a major political crisis. Now the electoral wheel has turned and observers are waiting to see whether the May 2010 elections will be less turbulent. This note provides a brief historical and social survey of Ethiopia. It then looks at the political situation in Ethiopia since 2005. It concludes with a short update on the state of the Eritrea-Ethiopia border dispute. | |
| 16.12.2009 | Democratic Republic of Congo: An Update |
| This note briefly summarises some of the key developments over the past two years in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including efforts to bring to an end the armed conflict in the East. | |
| 19.11.2009 | South Africa: Elections and their aftermath |
| This note provides an overview of the 2009 elections held in South Africa and subsequent developments. | |
| 09.11.2009 | In Brief: Power-sharing under strain in Zimbabwe |
| Since mid October 2009, Zimbabwe's power-sharing agreement has been under severe strain. Efforts are currently under way to resolve the crisis. | |
| 28.09.2009 | Ghana: From Kufuor to Mills |
| 28.09.2009 | Sierra Leone: Recent developments |
| 20.04.2009 | The International Criminal Court: Current Cases and Contemporary Debates |
| This note is intended to offer a brief overview of the current work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the contemporary debates which surround it. | |
| 02.04.2009 | Recent developments in the Horn of Africa |
| This Note is an update to Library Research Paper 08/86, Interlocking crises in the Horn of Africa. It describes the main political and security developments in the Horn of Africa over the last four months. | |
| 13.03.2009 | Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU & African, Caribbean & Pacific countries |
| The European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have been renegotiating their relationship. A series of interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) were signed with a number of ACP countries towards the end of 2007, as well as a more comprehensive EPA with the Caribbean ACPs. This note updates with recent developments, and outlines some of the criticisms there have been of EPAs and the negotiations. | |
| 13.03.2009 | Sexual and gender-based violence: global trends and perspectives |
| This Note is intended as an introduction to some key trends and perspectives on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) around the world. | |
| 05.03.2009 | Sudan: The ICC issues a warrant of arrest for President Al-Bashir |
| This Note provides links to key documents and a selection of press articles following the issuing of a warrant for the arrest of President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan by the International Criminal Court. | |
| 24.07.2008 | Zambia: A political and economic profile |
| This note outlines the main political developments in Zambia since the turn of the millennium and briefly surveys available economic and development indicators. | |
| 18.07.2008 | Tanzania: A political and economic profile |
| 18.07.2008 | Malawi: A political and economic profile |
All Research Papers
8 Documents
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 15.11.2011 | The Arab Uprisings |
| Since December 2010, the most profound process of change has affected the countries of the Arab world. The change spread quickly between the countries of the region, underlining the many common factors that provoked unrest. How the region's revolutions progress, however, depends on the individual characteristics of each country, which are very different. This paper looks at these similarities and differences and considers the possible outcomes in each case. The legitimacy of ruling regimes, the effect of societies' divisions along confessional lines and the role of the region's militaries are considered. | |
| 02.06.2010 | Sudan: Peace or war, unity or secession? |
| This paper considers the current political situation in Sudan, including the impact of the April 2010 elections in which Omar al-Bashir was re-elected as national President. The prospects for Sudan over the coming year are examined, with particular reference to the two referendums to be held in January 2011, required under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and the recent resurgence of the conflict in Darfur. | |
| 24.11.2008 | Interlocking crises in the Horn of Africa |
| Interlocking crises in the Horn of Africa: House of Commons Library Research Paper 08/86. This paper looks at recent developments in the Horn of Africa, where there are a number of protracted and interlocking crises at work, and briefly discusses some of the main factors that have been described as 'root causes' of conflict in the region. | |
| 31.05.2007 | The International Tribunals (Sierra Leone) Bill [HL] [Bill 110 of 2006-7] |
| 25.10.2006 | The African Great Lakes Region: An End to Conflict? |
| The African Great Lakes Region: An End to Conflict? | |
| 08.02.2006 | Sudan: The Elusive Quest for Peace |
| Sudan: The Elusive Quest for Peace. House of Commons Library Research Paper 06/08. | |
| 18.08.2005 | Zimbabwe after the 2005 parliamentary election |
| Zimbabwe after the 2005 parliamentary election. House of Commons Library Research Paper 05/58. | |
| 23.06.2004 | Sudan: Conflict in Darfur |
| Sudan: conflict in Darfur. House of Commons Library Research Paper 04/51. |
