The Arab Spring of lies

Julian Samboma

Despite the Western mainstream media presenting the 2011 uprisings in Africa's North as "protests against autocratic regimes", the author argues that those streets demonstrations were anti-imperialist in nature and were a continuation of similar protests that have been occurring since the late 1960s. 

Bio-piracy: the sale of Uganda’s lakes to investors

Mary Serumaga

The fishermen of Kabarole District appear to have blown the whistle on an audacious act of bio-piracy. They brought to the attention of the authorities that they were being barred from access to the 53 crater lakes that they have fished in from time immemorial. In law this is known as a customary right. It cannot be extinguished simply by putting up barbed wire or waving guns about. But that is just what the District Fisheries Officer of Kabarole tried to do when he leased all 53 lakes to Ferdsult Engineering Services who then proceeded to “re-stock” some lakes and claim ownership of all them.

The struggle to defeat austerity in Detroit and the world

Abayomi Azikiwe

The author argues that origins of the global economic crises are to be found within the capitalist and imperialist system. 

Winifred Madikizela-Mandela: The incarnation of the black spirit and black pride

Thato Mmereki

Winnie Mandela is the incarnation of black spirit and pride. She was the incarnation of the struggle of oppressed black South African under the apartheid regime. She is truly an inspiration to the younger generation. 

The EAC must take a common stand on US trade sanctions against Rwanda

Yash Tandon

East African Community member states must stand with Rwanda in its fight against US imperialism and its unfair trade system. 

Ghana opposition against United States military deal

Abayomi Azikiwe

The United States African Command’s effort to deepen its penetration of the continent faces resistance; with the recent opposition coming from Ghana’s opposition parties. 

March for eight billion lives: An interview with Riva Enteen

Ann Garisson and Riva Enteen

Organisers of the upcoming Women’s March on the Pentagon are calling on the Democratic Party-sponsored Women’s March and March for Our Lives to expand their message to include the eight billion lives on the planet, all of which are imperilled by US weapons and wars. I spoke to Riva Enteen, a former National Lawyers Guild Programme Director and a member of the steering committee for the October Women’s March on the Pentagon.

AfCFTA: World’s largest free trade area born—Africa’s game changer

Odomaro Mubangizi

African heads of state and government have recently signed what is now the world’s largest free trade area known as African Continental Free Trade Area. While the excitement is still in the air, it is important to reflect on what this landmark step means concretely, and also suggest some areas that need special attention.  

Was Khama a prince among presidents?

Aisha Bahadur

Former Botswana President Ian Khama is well known for disregarding the established etiquette amongst Africa’s political elite that turns a blind eye to the pursuit of self-interest by fellow leaders in the name of diplomacy. He repeatedly called for Zimbabwe’s former President Mugabe to step down and openly criticised him. On the surface it seems that Khama’s moral grandstanding can be justified given Botswana’s reputation for good governance and economic stability. Yet looking back at the decade of his rule, this narrative has been hollowed out by a man that showed himself to be less of a leader and more of a ruler.

Is Zimbabwe up for grabs?

Mafa Kwanisai Mafa

Recently in Zimbabwe, the new administration, which has taken power from Robert Mugabe, has been on an aggressive drive to seek re-engagement with its erstwhile enemies under the aegis or mantra that “Zimbabwe is open for business”. What is yet to be known is to what extent is Zimbabwe opening up to global capital.

The Left and Nigeria’s 2019 election

Edwin Madunagu

The author, recalling his life experience as a young activist of the Left, calls on the Nigeria political Left to unite and prepare for the 2019 presidential in Nigeria.

De-drug RSA and save the economy … why not?

Douglas Schorr

South Africa has a serious drinking problem, but alcohol companies always get their way out. The author calls more regulations to ensure that alcohol companies pays for the consequences that come with heavy drinking in the country. 

Making of an American president: These immortals were men

Olurotimi Osha

In just over a year, Nigerians will exercise their vote to determine their leader. China’s erstwhile leader Mao Tse-Tung once said, “To occupy a high office, one must first be master of the low office.” However, the path to the top job in Nigeria has been predominantly through violence. Historically, service and meritocracy were alien to assuming the office of the Nigerian presidency. But, the youth of Nigeria now clamour for change. It is pertinent to study the path to the United States presidency as a model, and view the son of Africa, who changed the path to the most powerful office in the world. We can learn a thing or two from President Barack Obama.
 

Glimpses of bourgeois democracies

Farooque Chowdhury

The following are three political incidents/developments from two matured bourgeois democracies.