Zenge Simakoloyi | ISS Africa

Late electoral reforms and weak checks on power expose democratic fault lines and raise the stakes for Hichilema’s second term.

There is a danger that voters see the August election outcome as shaped by legal manoeuvring rather than the ballot.

The AU’s response to the 2025 elections shows that it prioritises procedure over political competitiveness and democratic substance.

To advance development while safeguarding its sovereignty, Zambia must navigate competition from China, the EU and the US.

At this week’s Luanda summit, several thorny issues relating to the security partnership must be confronted head-on.

The AU’s zero tolerance of coups should be matched by a similar attitude towards the poor governance that provokes youth protests.

Next week’s election will be a test for democracy after the 2019 annulment triggered a raft of electoral reforms.

Without the former president to unite a fragmented opposition ahead of the 2026 elections, multiparty democracy will be the loser.

Incumbent presidents and ruling parties increasingly bend the law to entrench their power and silence opposition.

How will Donald Trump’s second-term policies affect US relations with the continent?

Kenya should seize the opportunity of its council membership to improve its human rights record at home.

Although there are benefits for both countries, the US is clearly challenging the dominance of China and Russia in Southern Africa.