The rise of racism and xenophobia in Europe

In May 2008 dozens of foreign Africans were killed by xenophobic mobs in townships across South Africa. A shocked world reacted with outrage and condemnation. Quite rightly so, one could have said if it was not for the blatant double standards being applied. In Europe right-wing extremism, racism and religious intolerance towards Africans and Muslims, and widespread xenophobia have been on the rise in recent years.

Read more: Out of Africa

When is Africa good enough?

When South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma recently addressed the UN Security Council in New York, he touched a very raw African nerve: Why, he wanted to know, is not a single African country a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the very council South Africa is chairing this month as a non-permanent member. The question is all the more poignant coming at a time when the International Monetary Fund has come, begging bowl in hand, to Africa and other emerging markets to help bail Europe out of its current financial mess.

Read more: Out of Africa

It should be an eventful 2012 for Africa

One must be careful when attempting to make predictions about Africa, especially on the political front. But we know that 2012 will be a year of elections in Africa with no less than 24 presidential and parliamentary elections, or both scheduled. But as has become customary it is uncertain if all will take place and at the allotted date. This therefore has to remain a subjective but honest attempt, to highlight some possible events that might dominate the political front in Africa during 2012.

Read more: African outlook

South Africa’s changing role in the play for power

With South Africa firmly ensconced within the international relations arena made up of BRICS, non-aligned countries and countries that assisted the ANC during the struggle to end apartheid, Pretoria has repeatedly found itself at odds with major Western powers with its foreign policy. But it is especially relations with France that are experiencing strain as SA makes its latest move in the world of African power diplomacy.  At stake is the job of Commissioner of the African Union.

Read more: African diplomacy