Vol 46 No 9 | ESWATINI Democracy's a luxury 29th April 2005 The economy is failing and running out of food as King Mswati buys a $500,000 limousine Swaziland has become synonymous with royal extravagance, in an absolute monarchy whose sovereigns have long resisted local and international pressure for democracy. The ruling class is deaf to...
Vol 46 No 9 | MALAWI Hunger and hullaballoo 29th April 2005 Parliament's tumultuous, short April session was the first since President Bingu wa Mutharika bailed out of the United Democratic Front and the first since he launched the Democratic...
Vol 46 No 8 | ZIMBABWE Future shock 15th April 2005 The unfree and unfair election has left both parties in disarray as new alliances are planned Zimbabweans are reeling from the aftershock of the country's third disputed elections. Although the opposition Movement for Democratic Change MPs attended the swearing in of the new parliament...
Vol 46 No 8 | SOUTH AFRICARUSSIA Moscow marriages 15th April 2005 Russian businessman and director of prestigious British banking consultancy Fleming Family & Partners (FF&P) Mark Garber is developing a reputation as a key marriage broker between Moscow-based oligarchs...
Vol 46 No 7 | ZIMBABWE Waiting for Kiev 1st April 2005 Even before polling started on 31 March, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change was preparing to challenge the results. The MDC expected to win in Manicaland, Masvingo and...
Vol 46 No 6 | ZIMBABWE Matebeleland moves on 18th March 2005 In this month's parliamentary elections, the big upset could come in the south-west as anti-Mugabe sentiment grows President Robert Mugabe's current term lasts until 2008 and the parliamentary elections due on 31 March are critical to his next moves. He may get his biggest shock...
Vol 46 No 6 | ZIMBABWE They also ran 18th March 2005 Five parties are contesting the elections, but only the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front and the Movement for Democratic Change have candidates in all 120 seats. The Zimbabwe...
Vol 46 No 6 | BOTSWANA For the greater Good 18th March 2005 By trying to expel an academic critic, the government is risking its reputation A 72-year-old Australian academic is resisting a deportation order and calling into question Botswana's much-valued reputation as Africa's leading democracy. On 18 February President Festus Mogae issued a...
Vol 46 No 6 | NAMIBIA Who's in charge? 18th March 2005 The ruling South West African People's Organisation is riven by quarrels, as President Sam Nujoma gets ready to hand over to Hifikepunye Pohamba on 21 March. Pohamba's difficulties...
Vol 46 No 6 | MADAGASCAR Joining the club 18th March 2005 Madagascar intends to join the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in August, according to its Foreign Minister, Jaya Krishna Cuttaree (who is also a candidate for Director General...