In a dozen countries across Africa, governments have put laws that “improperly constrain” nongovernmental organizations and imperil civil society.
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 fifteen countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Nigerian content on Democracy Chronicles is so extensive, it won't be automatically included here, just click the link above. Also check out our section on World Democracy.
Togo Law Lets President Rule for 10 More Years
A change in Togo’s law voted through on Thursday would allow longstanding President Faure Gnassingbe to stay in power potentially until 2030.
Benin Internet Shutdown Repeats Pattern of African Censorship
When authorities in Benin turned off the country’s internet during parliamentary elections, they became ninth African government to restrict access.
2 Mauritanian Political Bloggers Held for Defamation
Mauritanian authorities should free two bloggers arrested on March 22, 2019, and drop all charges related to their peaceful expression.
Gambia Anti-Corruption Reforms Must Move Forward
New revelations of comprehensive state capture, grand corruption under former president Yahya should spur anti-corruption efforts for people of The Gambia.
Guinea-Bissau Elects a New Parliament in Peaceful Voting
Voting was peaceful and turnout high in Guinea-Bissau , where voters cast ballots for a new parliament with hopes of ending years of political turmoil.
All-Female Legal Group Fights for Women and Girls in Sierra Leone
A group of lawyers and judges— all of them female, are coming together to fight Spousal abusers, child abusers and even rapists, in Sierra Leone.
Liberia Police Charge Son of ex-Leader in Banknote Scandal
Liberian police charged 61-year-old son of country’s ex-president, Ellen Johnson, in connection with banknote scandal worth millions of U.S. dollars.
Former Mauritanian Slaves Unshackled Yet Far From Free
The Global Slavery Index, published annually by human rights group Walk Free Foundation, estimates that 2 percent of the population are still enslaved.
Senegal Election Commission Warns Against Early Calls Amid Wait
Vote counting has begun in Senegal after a peaceful day of voting in Sunday’s presidential election. CENA says results will be out Monday or Tuesday.