Africans across the continent remain committed to democratic governance — but many are not satisfied with the way democracy currently works in their countries, according to research from Afrobarometer. To address these shortcomings in good governance, the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) offers recommendations on how African governments can improve their countries’ political and economic stability. Afrobarometer CEO Joseph Asunka and APRM CEO Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre discuss the state of democracy on the continent, how Afrobarometer’s extensive survey research helps APRM evaluate the implementation of its recommendations, and how opinions of the African Union have grown more positive in recent years.

Type: Blog

Democracy & Governance

Two years after a seismic political and economic crisis rocked Sri Lanka and brought citizens to the streets in mass protests movements that ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s citizens went to the polls to cast their votes for a new president. On September 21, Sri Lankans elected the left-leaning Anura Kumara Dissanayake over established politicians including incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Dissanayake’s election represents a clear break from Sri Lanka’s old guard political parties, but he will face similar challenges of navigating economic strain and a shifting geopolitical environment while working to deliver on election promises.

Type: Question and Answer

Democracy & Governance;  Economics

Nigerians marked their 64th independence day on October 1 with widespread protests fueled by growing public anger over soaring inflation, worsening insecurity, ineffective governance and rising fuel prices. This marks the second time in less than three months that citizens have taken to the streets. In August, during the “10 Days of Rage,” the appearance of Russian flags and calls for military intervention distracted from Nigeria’s entrenched governance and economic crises — issues that continue to drive insecurity and demand urgent government action. The latest protests coincide with local elections, heightening pressure on the government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns in a tangible, meaningful way.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance;  Economics

Over the past three years, the Sahel and West Africa have seen an alarming number of military coups. With the region’s stability and security hanging in the balance, the international community has promoted peaceful democratic transitions (and found early success in Gabon). Meanwhile, coup regimes in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — which recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — have sought closer cooperation with China and Russia, prompting concern and dismay from supporters of democracy. Often lost in all this tumult is Guinea, which saw its own coup d’état in September 2021. Unlike some of its counterparts, the Guinean military has managed to avoid the attention, engagement or scrutiny of the West as it continues to entrench itself in power.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance