Will al-Bashir Chair the AU?
In a few days, African leaders will choose a new chairperson of the African Union (AU) for 2007. There is significant pressure from some quarters to elect Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir, a leader who stands accused of genocide.
The Daunting Task of Peer Review in Africa
A prevailing dilemma for leaders from the Group of Eight (G8) and Africa centres on the future prospects of the much-hailed New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad).
Congolese Braced for More Trouble
There are widespread fears that the eventual loser in the presidential race will revert to violence. At the end of the last millennium, the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, truly seemed to be, in Joseph Conrad’s words, Africa’s “Heart of Darkness”.
Time for Hard Thinking about Nepad and Peer Review
Africa’s leaders gather in Abuja, Nigeria, from today to review the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) along with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad).
Darfur Stereotyping Fraught with Danger
Widespread dissemination of misperceptions may impede peace negotiations. The summary expulsion of Jan Pronk, the United Nations’ envoy to Sudan, from that country this month, following remarks he made on the Darfur conflict, reflects the Khartoum government’s unilateral and uncompromising stance towards any of its detractors.
The Role of Politics in Economic Relations
SAIIA and partners hosted a two day conference to explore research from four different developing regions on the links between trade and security.
Now SA Faces the UN Grind
The world is waiting to see how SA presents Africa’s case and tackles global trouble spots. A seat, albeit nonpermanent, at the Security Council is assured. The question is: can SA pull off the task to the credit of all its well-wishers?
South African Trade Strategy: Rearranging the Deck Chairs?
With the fate of the Doha Round of World Trade Organisation talks unclear, it is important to interrogate the future of South African trade policy.
Development through Trade: Meltdown in Geneva over Doha trade round
Legend has it that the Chinese character for “threat” also signifies “opportunity”. The recent meltdown in Geneva over concluding the Doha trade round should be viewed in this light.
SA Dare Not Spoil the Doha Party
At least one good thing emerged from last week’s Group of Eight summit: an agreement at the highest level that the Doha Round must be salvaged.