- The former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano has been thrilled by the progress of African democracy.
Himself a firm believer of democracy [in words and actions], Chissano who had just won the Mo Ibrahim prize for good governance and excellent leadership in Africa, made the comments at the 7th Africa Governance Forum held in the Burkinabe capital Ougadougou.
Over the years, many African countries had been ruled by military junta, life presidents or single party rule. But according to Chissano who ruled for 19 years before peacefully retiring from office after serving two terms, this trend had been dramatically changed by the political landscape.
He said the continent's political landscape has been influenced by constitutional order, political stability and democratisation, with African states increasingly renouncing the culture of military, single party rule or life presidency.
The award-winning leader said with the mushrooming of multi-party democracy and new political dispensation, many African countries have limited presidential terms stipulated in their constitutions.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.