presidential

The Struggle of Democracy: Cameroon’s Presidential Election Under the Shadow of Paul Biya This past weekend, nearly eight million voters in Cameroon cast their ballots, illuminating both hope and despair as they participated in a presidential election that could define the nation's complex future. President Paul Biya, aged 92, is once again seeking to extend his unprecedented 43-year rule, a tenure characterized by a delicate balance of power, widespread criticisms, and questions about the viability of true democracy in the…

Ivorian Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections: The Ban on Dissent and the Fight for Democracy In Ivory Coast, as the sun begins to set over a nation steeped in political turmoil, the atmosphere buzzes with uncertainty. The air crackles with tension as the government has announced a controversial ban on public gatherings aimed at challenging a contentious decision by the Constitutional Court. This ruling has effectively barred several prominent opposition figures, including former president Laurent Gbagbo and ex-minister Tidjane…

Somalia to Honor Soldier Who Blocked Al‑Shabaab Advance on Villa Somalia After Jilicow Prison Assault What happened Somalia’s federal government says it will formally honor a soldier credited with stopping Al‑Shabaab militants from advancing toward the presidential palace during a brazen raid on the Jilicow detention center in Mogadishu on Saturday. The attack, claimed by the al‑Qaida‑linked group, triggered hours of gunfire as security forces fought to regain control of the fortified National Intelligence and Security…

Chad's Constitutional Shift: A Step Toward Authoritarianism? In a move many are interpreting as a step away from democracy, lawmakers in Chad have swiftly approved a proposal enabling the president to serve indefinitely. The recent vote, which alters the country's constitution, extends the presidential term from five to seven years, with the possibility of unlimited renewals. Critics view this as a serious threat, echoing fears of increasing authoritarianism in a region already grappling with governance challenges. A…

Building Dreams or Wasting Resources? The Debate Over the $10 Million Presidential Villa in Lofa County In a quiet corner of Liberia's Lofa County, where the green hills meet the sky, an unexpected controversy is simmering. The construction of a lavish presidential villa—touted to cost a staggering $10 million—has ignited a storm of public debate about transparency, priorities, and the essence of governance. This issue rose to prominence after civil society activist Eddie Jarwolo, known for his outspoken nature, took to…

The Dimensions of Power: Chad’s Constitutional Shifts and the Future of Democracy In an echo of a familiar refrain across many African nations, Chad’s National Assembly has recently voted with overwhelming support for constitutional amendments that extend the presidential term from five to seven years, with the possibility of renewals indefinitely. The decision is part of a broader narrative of governance in the Sahel, raising crucial questions about democracy, power, and the persistence of authoritarianism in regions…

Disqualified candidate arrested after fatal election clashes shake Somalia’s northeast LAS ANOD, Somalia — Security forces in Somalia’s northeast have arrested a wealthy businessman who was disqualified from a regional presidential race, accusing him of mobilizing armed supporters who battled police during an August 29 vote at a hotel in Las Anod. The violence left several people dead, according to local elders, and delayed burials as families spar over where and how to lay their loved ones to rest. What happened Police…

A New Hope for Democracy in the Central African Republic In a bold move that resonates with the spirit of civic nationalism, former Central African Republic Prime Minister Anicet-Georges Dologuélé has publicly renounced his French citizenship, signaling his intention to challenge President Faustin Touadéra in the upcoming December 2025 presidential elections. This gesture not only underscores Dologuélé's commitment to the nation but also reflects a growing sentiment among Central Africans yearning for genuine representation…

In the bustling city of Kismayo, the seat of Jubbaland’s interim government in the Lower Jubba region, the stage is set for a dramatic political showdown. Despite a cloud of controversy hanging over the proceedings, the regional presidential election is scheduled for Monday. The central government, however, is up in arms, outright dismissing the election's legitimacy. I ain’t whistling Dixie! The stakes are sky-high as four ambitious contenders throw their hats into the ring. Among the hopefuls, we’ve got the seasoned Ahmed…

The opposition leader in the self-declared independent region of North Western State of Somalia triumphed in the recent election, according to the electoral commission's announcement on Tuesday. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, representing the primary opposition faction known as the Waddani Party, secured over half of the votes, stepping out as the clear victor. At 69 years old, Abdullahi has previously held the prestigious position of North Western State of Somalia's parliament speaker back in 2005. This opposition group…