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Tag: Democracy


A prolonged election process created a state of tension for Kenya. Sunday Memba, 21, a Correspondent from Matete in Kenya, examines the core of the problem and suggests how to move forward. Chinua Achebe, the eminent African writer and critic, stated the problem on page one of his 1984 book, “The Trouble with Nigeria”. “The trouble …

“Examining the trouble with Kenya” Read More »

Events and reports over the past two weeks have left Zimbabweans scrambling to sort fact from rumour, reports Kiyara Matambanadzo, 16, a Correspondent from Harare in Zimbabwe. The biggest question is what comes next. The unrest that had taken over Zimbabwe in the past few years came to a tumultuous head within the space of …

“Anticipation for change swirls in Zimbabwe” Read More »

RCS Associate Fellow Julius Karl Fieve, 28, is one of the youngest people elected as an Assembly Member to represent his community at the District Assembly in Ghana. Michael Gyekye, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, speaks with this rising young community leader.  Michael Gyekye: Can you tell us something about yourself – family, education and …

“From teenage farmer to community leader” Read More »

Recently, Uganda’s media was awash with a bribery story involving top government officials. Badru Walusansa, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues the story underlines the need for nation-wide commitment to fight corruption. The scandal happened after President Museveni had declared war against all corrupt bureaucrats in his government, and near the same time …

“We need political will to tackle corruption” Read More »

Corruption has been a major threat to the development of Africa, writes Kenneth Gyamerah, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kumasi in Ghana, who describes a new post Ghana has created to fight corruption.  To build a more fair society where every child will have the opportunity to get education and accomplish their goals, corruption must be …

“Independent Prosecutor to fight corruption” Read More »

Nigeria is lowering the age limit for elected positions, but Alabidun Sarat, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, wonders if younger candidates are ready to run for office – and if so, what changes they will bring. As of this February, 24 out of the 36 states in Nigeria have now signed the …

“Do Nigerian youth really want to run?” Read More »

Hurricane Irma brought destruction that displaced Caribbean residents, writes Ariana Joseph, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Antigua and Barbuda, but also highlighted an ongoing controversy over land ownership. Hurricane Irma did not just destroy the homes on some Caribbean islands. It shattered the hopes and dreams of their people and left some residents in a …

“Hurricane highlights land ownership issue” Read More »

Adopting best practices is a seen as positive, but Muhammed Badamasi, 22, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, argues that cultural bias must be considered in making assessment of what is best for the situation. The term cultural cringe was developed by A.A. Philips, in his controversial 1950 essay of the same name. Cultural cringe is …

“Best practices can result in cultural cringe” Read More »

Democracy requires both leadership and institutional strength, writes Metolo Foyet, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon now living in Niger, who argues for robust changes that will allow economic growth and trust in the social contract. Decades ago, Africa witnessed a multitude of coups. Many were organised by disenchanted armies who disliked bad governance and …

“Africa’s alarming deficit of good leadership” Read More »

Did the announcement of HRH Prince Charles to succeed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth influence how young people view the Commonwealth? Angelique Pouponneau, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Seychelles, reflects on the decision. I was born in 1990 to the sovereign Republic of the Seychelles. I learned our history – having been a colony of both …

“A youth view on deciding who heads CHOGM” Read More »