Podcasts

Back

Redefining Democracy in Africa

12
January 2024
Helmut Sorge and Nathalie Delapalme
Related topics: 

In this podcast, Ms. Nathalie Delapalme, Executive Director of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, presents a compelling philosophical approach to understanding the new Africa. Ms. Delapalme emphasizes the importance of adapting Western democratic standards to align with African culture and traditions, underscoring the distinct societal and political landscapes of the continent. She shares insights on the common misunderstandings that Western societies have about Africa, advocating for a more nuanced and respectful approach to African governance and societal norms. This episode offers a fresh perspective on how democracy can be reimagined and implemented in a way that truly resonates with the African context.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Authors
    Mariam Ait Merri
    September 30, 2024
    The bilateral relationship between Morocco and India has passed through three distinct phases, culminating in the current stage of strategic partnership. Initially marked by diplomatic formalities and limited engagement, the relationship gradually transitioned into a period of economic and cultural exchange, laying the groundwork for more substantial collaboration. This Policy Paper analyzes the historical trajectory of Morocco-India relations, tracing the development from these ear ...
  • Authors
    September 24, 2024
    Après presque 80 ans de la création de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, l’Afrique n’est toujours pas admise comme membre permanent au sein de son super organe : le Conseil de Sécurité. Cette « discrimination institutionnelle » à l’endroit des pays africains est aujourd’hui juridiquement indéfendable et politiquement insoutenable. Mais, par- dessus tout, une telle mise à l’écart de 54 États représentant plus d’un milliard de personnes est stratégiquement défavorable pour ...
  • Authors
    September 24, 2024
    Nearly 80 years after the establishment of the United Nations, Africa has yet to be granted a permanent seat on its most powerful organ, the Security Council. This "institutional discrimination" against African countries is both legally indefensible and politically untenable. Moreover, for Western nations seeking legitimacy and adaptation in a changing global geopolitical landscape, excluding 4 states representing over a billion people is strategically disadvantageous. This Policy B ...
  • Authors
    Kassie Freeman
    September 23, 2024
    The 2024 Presidential election in the United States will be historic and consequential. Both candidates are history-making in different ways. Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, is the first woman of African and Asian descent to become the Democratic Party’s nominee, while President Trump won his party’s nomination without participating in any Republic Primary debates. Even more strikingly different are their parties’ platforms—what they would do if elected. However, i ...
  • September 19, 2024
    Electoral processes in Africa face significant challenges that undermine democratic ideals. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance electoral integrity, many nations struggle to conduct credible elections. In this episode, Dr. Sharamo examines the current landscape of electoral reforms acros...
  • Authors
    August 30, 2024
    This opinion was originally published in japanupclose.web-japan.orgIntense diplomatic ballet in AfricaThe past two years have been marked by two important visits: that of Prime Minister Kishida visit to four countries in 2023, and his Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko visit Yoko to three countries in 2024.Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Visit: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was on an African tour from April 29 to May 5, 2023, visiting four African countries, including E ...
  • Authors
    August 13, 2024
    The African Union (AU) will attend the next G20 Summit as a full member under Brazil’s presidency in November 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, having been admitted to the group last year. This marks a significant step forward in amplifying Africa’s voice in global forums. Established in 2002 as the successor to the Organization of African Unity (founded in 1963), the AU aims to promote political and economic integration across the continent. It has provided a vital forum for discussion and n ...
  • Authors
    Constance Berry Newman
    July 2, 2024
    Immigration has never been without tensions. In the United States, immigration remains a contentious issue that now, more than ever, dominates election campaigns. A 727-kilometer wall has been constructed on the US-Mexico border to halt the influx of migrants from the south. In Europe, the rise of far-right parties over the past twenty years has culminated in them becoming a major political force in the European Parliament ahead of the June 2024 elections. The tension around immigr ...
  • Authors
    June 19, 2024
    The Global South features prominently in the context of geopolitical rivalry and efforts by developing countries to change the current international economic and financial architecture. While there are questions about whether some countries—such as China or Russia—should be considered parts of the Global South (GS), it is obvious that Africa is at the center of the group. Different aspects of Africa—its potential, its reality, and its efforts to realize its potential—embody the chal ...