Born into slavery and kept as a servant for 30 years, Haby Mint Rabah is now running for parliament in Mauritania to fight for freedom.
West Africa articles on Democracy Chronicles
West Africa is a core region of democratic progress in the world and also a region where many of the challenges to better and more widespread world democracy are evident. West Africa here will include 18 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, the island nation of Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, the island of Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, São Tomé and Príncipe and Togo. Nigerian content on DC is so extensive, it won't be automatically included here, just click the link above. Also check out our section on World Democracy.
Gambian Protests Force Resignation of National Police Chief
Gambia’s police say the national police inspector general has resigned after two civilians were shot dead this week
Probe of Businessman Highlights Undue French Influence in Africa
France continues to be a major economic and political player in West Africa, especially in its former colonies
Why Sierra Leone popstar Emmerson Bockarie is govt enemy No.1
Sierra Leonean popstar has been a thorn in the side of successive governments over his 15-year career
Court halts preparations for Sierra Leone presidential run-off
Sierra Leone’s High Court ordered the electoral commission to halt preparations for March 27 presidential run-off
Sierra Leone trialing test of blockchain vote counting technology
Sierra Leone has become one of the first countries to trial the use of blockchain technology during elections
Shifting fortunes for main Sierra Leone parties in key vote
S. Leone holds election with uncertainty over new movements vying to break the stranglehold of two parties
Guinea readies for general strike and city shutdown
Guinea braced for a strike by unions and shutdown of economic activity demanded by the country’s opposition
Malian Activist Artist Channels Popular Anger Into Politics
Popular artist Ras Bath paints a picture of how he says Mali’s ruling class holds on to power and perks
Rights groups warn over campaign against Togo protest leaders
President has been in power since 2005 and took over from his father, who ruled the country for 38 years.