May 2013
France in Africa: A New Chapter?
by Stephen W. Smith
“Long gone . . . is the inbred elite connivance between Paris and the francophone capitals in Africa.”
The Jobs Crisis Behind Nigeria’s Unrest
by Kate Meagher
“Celebration of Nigeria’s economic recovery sits awkwardly with the realities of catastrophic poverty and unemployment in both the north and the south of the country.”
Why Protests Are Growing in South Africa
by Elke Zuern
“While the ANC retains a firm grip on power, factionalism within the party, corruption, and an increasing distance from ordinary people undermine its ability to deliver on its promises.”
Making the Most of Africa’s Growth
by Luc Christiaensen and Shantayanan Devarajan
“Direct dividend transfer programs are promising as an additional instrument to reduce inequality and increase the poverty-reducing powers of economic growth in resource-rich countries.”
Will Rwanda End Its Meddling in Congo?
by Thomas Turner
“[T]he arrest of Ntaganda and his trial should serve as reminders to the Rwandan authorities that their interference in DRC is no longer acceptable, if it ever was.”
Perspective: Millennium Goals Miss Africa’s Progress
by Charles Kenny
The international community has hailed impressive strides toward the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, but Africa lags because of a late start, despite its more recent successes. Will the next set of goals avoid arbitrary and unrealistic targets?
Books: The Scramble for Africa’s Farmland
by Joshua Lustig
Development expert Lorenzo Cotula, in a forthcoming book, examines investment deals for massive tracts of African agricultural land and their consequences for local people and traditional livelihoods. In doing so he uncovers a number of prevalent misconceptions.
The Month in Review
by the editors of Current History
An international chronology of events in March 2013, country by country, day by day.
