Most read features: 2019 edition

With the year drawing to a close, we have rounded up our most popular features from 2019. 

1. The women, power and policy making series

The thematic focus of the Africa Portal in 2019 centred on ‘Women, Power & Policy Making’. With the support of the South African Institute of International Affairs, the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and the Canadian High Commission in South Africa, this series comprised a policy briefs competition, engagement with leading African women in policy making, and a women in power event hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

2. Return of the generals: Reflections on the military coups in Zimbabwe and Sudan

“The question for Sudan, as it was for Zimbabwe, is to what extent any substantive and genuine reforms will be realised if the military entrenches itself within the corridors of executive power,” writes David Kiwuwa. 

3. IN DEPTH: Unpacking Ethiopia’s revised refugee law

Hailed by the United Nations as a model for other refugee hosting countries around the world, the revised law grants a sweeping range of rights and protections to the country’s massive refugee population. Dr Mehari Taddele Maru explores. 

4. Five security challenges for North Africa in 2019

With the region battling old and new challenges, Basem Aly looks at the key security risks it must confront, namely: terrorism, insurgencies, border threats, economic security, and human security. 

5. After Gbagbo’s acquittal, it’s time for the ICC to confront its demons

The 2019 decision by the ICC once again underlines the fragility of the Court’s investigations and prosecution strategies, and calls its credibility and future into question, writes Marie Gibert.

6. India-Africa and the future of peacekeeping – Part I

With the return of great-power rivalry to the global arena, there is a real risk that the attendant UN Security Council paralysis could render peacekeeping under the UN flag impossible in strategically contentious geographies. India and African states must work together to avoid this, writes Abhijnan Rej.

7. The paradox of Nigeria’s oil dependency

Obasesam Okoi argues that the government continues to struggle to revive the economy amidst dwindling oil revenues. The situation is compounded by high unemployment, poverty and multiple insurgencies.

8. Transforming education for youth employment in Africa: challenges for and pathways to success

In celebration of International Youth Day on 12 August, Emmanuel Edudzie examines how education systems can be improved to generate employment opportunities.

9. Global university rankings and the nuance they omit

Close to 50 African universities rank on the 2019 Times Higher Education list. Lisa-Anne Julien unpacks the significance and shortcomings of these global weightings. 

10. Humanitarian workers under attack: trends in sub-Saharan Africa

Over the past decade, there has been a 40 percent increase in the number of attacks against aid workers in Africa. Mirza Lopez Gil explores these trends and the outlook in conflict zones. 

16 December 2019