Even with laws, access to information is a work in progress Sophie Sunderland and Joseph Asunka - April 19, 2024 Across Africa, few citizens are confident they could actually get a look at government budgets and contracts.
In citizens’ assessments, most African police forces come up short Matthias Krönke, Thomas Isbell, and Makanga Ronald Kakumba - March 22, 2024 From protests to traffic stops, negative experiences often mark the public’s views of police professionalism.
It’s been a great nine years for TMC political science analysis Kim Yi Dionne, John Sides, and Henry Farrell - December 31, 2022 We’ve published thousands of articles. Here are some of our editors’ favorites.
African politics in 2022: More than coups and conflict Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne - December 29, 2022 The TMC 2022 roundups: African politics
What do Africans want? Afrobarometer surveys reveal the top concerns. Joseph Asunka, Carolyn Logan, and Brian Howard - December 10, 2022 This week’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit will explore collaboration on economic engagement, democracy and climate change. Here’s how Africans see the challenges.
Malawi’s VP was arrested for corruption. There’s more to the story. Kim Yi Dionne - November 27, 2022 Malawians have seen tensions between their presidents and VPs before. They may be somewhat cynical about government attempts to fight corruption.
Can ECOWAS convince Burkina Faso to return to civilian rule? Madeline Fleishman and Jori Breslawski - October 14, 2022 Afrobarometer polls show strong support for the regional economic bloc. But protesters in Burkina Faso pushed back against ECOWAS diplomacy efforts.
What do Africans think about the proposed East African Federation? Mercy Kaburu and Carolyn Logan - September 9, 2022 An Afrobarometer survey suggests citizens aren’t aware of the plans for regional integration
As Climate Week 2022 begins, Africans want action, research finds Kelechi Amakoh and Carolyn Logan - August 24, 2022 Among those who have heard of climate change, most say their governments – and the world – aren’t doing enough
Unemployed South Africans depended on covid relief grants Vayda Megannon - August 18, 2022 But this government assistance wasn’t easy — or cheap — to access
Will Ghana’s new e-levy help the economy recover from the pandemic? Richard Aidoo - August 9, 2022 Ghana isn’t the only country to try to tax mobile money transactions
Arab citizens know democracy’s not perfect. They want it anyway. Michael Robbins - July 20, 2022 That’s what Arab Barometer finds in its latest wave of surveys across 10 countries in the Middle East and North Africa
Can Africa ‘leapfrog’ the traditional electricity model? Kangwook Han and Carolyn Logan - April 21, 2022 Slow progress on national power grids leaves many households looking to off-grid sources
Africans across 34 countries see the police as predatory, not protective Carolyn Logan - March 19, 2022 Afrobarometer’s latest surveys indicate poorer citizens are more likely than the wealthy to be pressured to pay bribes
Is Africa losing ground in the battle for water and sanitation? Daniel Armah-Attoh - January 27, 2022 Afrobarometer surveys show citizens expect their governments to do more
Africa’s leaders often welcome Chinese private investment. How do African citizens feel? Xiaonan Wang, Margaret Pearson, and John McCauley - December 9, 2021 New research on over 400 projects shows how these investments can backfire politically.
When Africans speak out, are their governments listening? Joseph Asunka, E. Gyimah-Boadi, and Carolyn Logan - December 2, 2021 The seventh in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa
Are Africa’s leading democracies in trouble? Carolyn Logan and Brian Howard - November 25, 2021 The sixth in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa
Why are Africans dissatisfied with democracy? Think corruption. Robert Mattes and Christiaan Keulder - November 18, 2021 The fifth in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa
Some Africans — but not all — are happy with the quality of their elections Fredline M'Cormack-Hale and Carolyn Logan - November 12, 2021 The fourth in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa.
Long-serving African presidents say the people want them to stay on. Is that true? Boniface Dulani - November 4, 2021 The third in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa.
China has invested deeply in Africa. We checked to see whether that is undermining democracy. Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny and Carolyn Logan - October 28, 2021 The second in Afrobarometer’s special democracy summit series on Africa
Do Africans want democracy — and do they think they’re getting it? Joseph Asunka and E. Gyimah-Boadi - October 21, 2021 The first in Afrobarometer’s special African democracy summit series.
Guinea’s citizens don’t want a corrupt government. They don’t want military rule either. Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny, Carolyn Logan, and Aliou Barry - September 12, 2021 Many Guineans felt their country was heading the wrong direction, Afrobarometer surveys show
Do Tunisians still want democracy? Nate Grubman - September 1, 2021 They support their president’s emergency measures, which seem to undermine that goal
African citizens support their governments’ pandemic responses — mostly. They’re not sure about the vaccines. Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny - August 26, 2021 The latest Afrobarometer surveys could help government messaging on fighting the delta variant
Zambia has an election this week. Here’s what you need to know. Danielle Resnick - August 10, 2021 Voters aren’t happy about the country’s economic outlook or its external debt problem
South Africa’s turmoil is about more than Jacob Zuma Sibusiso Nkomo and Carolyn Logan - July 22, 2021 Afrobarometer surveys reveal the challenges facing one of the continent’s leading democracies
Fierce protests in eSwatini grow from citizens’ desire for more democracy, Afrobarometer surveys find Sibusiso Nkomo and Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny - July 1, 2021 Citizens want constitutional reforms and a more representative government.
Can Mauritians save a democracy in trouble? Suhaylah Peeraullee and Louis Amédée Darga - June 24, 2021 In Afrobarometer surveys, citizens report declining trust in the country’s institutions
Africans find it hard to learn what their governments are up to. It’s no surprise many suspect corruption. Joseph Asunka and Carolyn Logan - May 20, 2021 The lack of transparency affects people’s views of government, Afrobarometer surveys find
Benin’s militant problem may worsen after last month’s election Christina Cottiero - May 3, 2021 The government focused on weeding out political opponents in recent years, rather than combating extremist and criminal groups
Africans have a strong message for their traditional chiefs: Don’t tell us how to vote Luyando Mutale Katenda and Carolyn Logan - April 22, 2021 Surveys show how Africans reconcile their preference for democracy with trust for traditional leaders.
West Africans welcome strong government action against covid-19. But many still don’t trust their government. Aminatou Seydou - April 8, 2021 Afrobarometer surveys reveal concerns about covid-related corruption, equitable assistance and power grabs by politicians.
Africa launched its free trade zone in January. Here’s what Africans think about economic integration. Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny and Jaynisha Patel - March 25, 2021 Protectionism ranks high with many Africans, new survey results show
Africa has started vaccinating against the coronavirus. But do citizens trust their governments on vaccine safety? Aminatou Seydou - March 11, 2021 New Afrobarometer surveys help explain vaccine reluctance in five West African countries
Fewer Africans think taxes are legitimate. That’s a problem. Thomas Isbell and Lulu Olan’g - February 25, 2021 How citizens view taxation could be critical to government responses to emergencies such as the coronavirus
After a violent election, Uganda’s government faces three big challenges Kristof Titeca and Anna Reuss - February 15, 2021 President Yoweri Museveni’s recent criticism of ‘Western elements’ could complicate his reliance on foreign donors
Africans want elections, but fewer believe they work Mavis Zupork Dome and Fredline M'Cormack-Hale - February 11, 2021 Faith in electoral accountability has declined in the past decade
Africans think their governments aren’t fighting corruption hard enough Christiaan Keulder - January 28, 2021 But they fear punishment if they speak up against it
Are African governments doing enough to help young people? Here’s what Afrobarometer surveys reveal. Sadhiska Bhoojedhur, Ousmane Djiby Sambou, and Gildfred Asiamah - January 14, 2021 Job creation is citizens’ top priority — and they’re willing to pay for it.
Coronavirus crisis tests social bonds in Africa Luyando Mutale Katenda, Carolyn Logan, and Aminatou Seydou - December 17, 2020 The latest Afrobarometer surveys find evidence of both unity and discrimination in 18 African countries
Ghana’s election was largely a referendum on President Akufo-Addo’s economic vision Richard Aidoo - December 15, 2020 His goal of developing without foreign aid could prove challenging after the pandemic
Africans are embracing digital media, but they’re wary of the downsides Joseph Koné and Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz - December 3, 2020 Afrobarometer surveys also reveal that there’s still a digital divide
U.S.-China competition may be a win-win for Africa Naunihal Singh, Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny, and E. Gyimah-Boadi - November 19, 2020 Afrobarometer surveys find many Africans approve of U.S. and Chinese investment in the continent.
A longtime leader in Ghana has died. Jerry John Rawlings leaves a complicated legacy. Jeffrey Paller and George Bob-Milliar - November 14, 2020 He was an authoritarian who then won two multiparty elections
Nigerians are protesting police abuses. How do citizens of other African countries view the police? Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny and Brian Howard - November 5, 2020 Afrobarometer surveys reveal where people are less likely to trust the police
Presidents who threaten election violence lose votes Stephanie Burchard - November 2, 2020 What can research on Africa tell us about the U.S.?
The massive protests in Nigeria, explained Tarila Ebiede - October 25, 2020 What is the SARS unit, and why do Nigerians want to #EndSARS?
African citizens expect more from their lives — and their governments, Afrobarometer surveys find E. Gyimah-Boadi and Carolyn Logan - October 22, 2020 Follow our new Friday series for insights on African views on democracy, the economy, social media and other topics.
Many Malians welcomed last week’s coup, but most still prefer democracy over military rule Massa Coulibaly, E. Gyimah-Boadi, and Carolyn Logan - August 28, 2020 The 2020 Afrobarometer survey gives important insights.
Malawians elected a new president in Tuesday’s historic election Kim Yi Dionne and Boniface Dulani - June 27, 2020 Independent judges and street protests paved the way for the ouster of the unpopular incumbent.
Many Africans distrust their governments. How will that affect their coronavirus response? E. Gyimah-Boadi and Carolyn Logan - May 1, 2020 How governments handle the pandemic — whether with compassion or corruption — will influence attitudes for years to come.
How can African governments persuade citizens to follow coronavirus guidelines? Allison Grossman - April 17, 2020 The right messengers matter
Millions of Africans lack access to clean water. This makes coronavirus a bigger threat. Kangwook Han and Brian Howard - March 21, 2020 Today is World Water Day. Here’s what we learned.
African women have less access to the Internet than African men do. That’s a problem. Dominique Dryding, Carmen Alpin Lardies, and Carolyn Logan - March 5, 2020 On International Women’s Day, let’s consider whether all women are advancing equally.
A Malawi court just ordered a do-over presidential election. Here’s what you need to know. Kim Yi Dionne and Boniface Dulani - February 3, 2020 Months of investigations and protests about election tampering led to this historic ruling.
Trump wants to pull Cameroon’s preferential trade status. Here’s what you need to know. Travis Curtice - November 28, 2019 Are human rights concerns the real reason or just a pretext?
Botswana’s ruling party has been in power 50 years. That could change this week. Shana Warren - October 20, 2019 The Botswana Democratic Party has held the presidency since 1965.
African nations are among those most vulnerable to climate change. A new survey suggests they are also the least prepared. Edem E. Selormey and Carolyn Logan - September 22, 2019 Afrobarometer surveyed more than 45,000 people in 34 countries.
When poor countries build roads and schools, they are also building citizens Kim Yi Dionne - September 4, 2019 Here’s the final installment in this year’s TMC African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular
African countries are opening their borders. What does this mean for security, identity and trade? Lisa Mueller and Abhit Bhandari - August 12, 2019 People support free trade, but there are other bonds.
New Afrobarometer data shows Africans want elections — especially if they bring change at the top Sadhiska Bhoojedhur and Michael Bratton - July 9, 2019 That’s what Sudan’s protesters are risking their lives for. They’re not alone in their demands.
Millions of Malawians go to the polls tomorrow. Will they vote for change? Kim Yi Dionne and Boniface Dulani - May 20, 2019 The outsider candidate is promising to ‘drain the swamp.’
African governments are cracking down on the news media. Their citizens might be okay with that. Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz - May 12, 2019 When Africans think of “the media,” often they think of the hatemongers and fake-news peddlers.
Cameroon’s citizens are losing hope that their country can remain united Mircea Lazar - March 25, 2019 After years of skirmishing, the English-speaking minority scarcely trusts the government.
4 in 10 Africans are deeply committed to democracy. That’s the good news. Robert Mattes - March 5, 2019 Afrobarometer finds that the level of commitment varies dramatically by country. Here’s the breakdown.
What’s behind the wave of protests in Africa? Moletsane Monyake and Dan Hough - January 31, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83273" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Zimbabweans protest over fuel price increases,
Why are so many African leaders shutting off the Internet in 2019? Chipo Dendere - January 30, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83225" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters gather near a burning tire
Why campaigns to stop child marriage can backfire Vibeke Wang, Ragnhild Muriaas, Lise Rakner, Lindsay Benstead, and Boniface Dulani - December 13, 2018 The #MeToo movement has helped create a global spotlight on campaigns
African countries have started to push back against Chinese development aid. Here’s why. Richard Aidoo - October 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78950" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Senegal President Macky Sall, left, and
Ebola is back — and a threat to people in Congo. Are African public health systems ready? Emmanuel Balogun and Amy Patterson - September 27, 2018 [caption id="attachment_78280" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A health worker in protective gear
Are protests in Africa politically or economically motivated? This new book has answers. Kim Yi Dionne - August 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_77099" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters surround a bonfire on a
Zimbabwe won’t be voting for Robert Mugabe today. That’s a big change. Chipo Dendere - July 30, 2018 [caption id="attachment_76165" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Zimbabwean voters line up before dawn
Zimbabwe has an election coming up. Is political violence brewing? Chipo Dendere - July 2, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75223" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Injured people are attended to after
In Africa, presidential term limits are working Alexander Noyes - April 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68543" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Departing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf arrives for
After Mugabe, can ZANU-PF still rule Zimbabwe? Adrienne LeBas - December 14, 2017 [caption id="attachment_67297" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Zimbabwe's new president Emmerson Mnangagwa receives
New survey report raises alarms for freedom of speech in Malawi as protests loom Kim Yi Dionne - December 8, 2017 [caption id="attachment_67093" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Bike taxi operators wait for work
It’s World AIDS Day. Who actually needs more AIDS awareness? Kim Yi Dionne - December 1, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66813" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Angolan community members at an HIV/AIDS
Without Mugabe, is democracy coming to Zimbabwe? Probably not. Kristen Harkness - November 22, 2017 On Tuesday, after 37 years of authoritarian rule, Robert Mugabe
Kenyans’ support for democracy and rule of law offers hope despite electoral upheaval Winnie Mitullah and Abel Oyuke - October 27, 2017 The day after an unprecedented presidential election rerun with a
Kenyans vote again today. Here’s what they think about the current election crisis. Jeremy Horowitz, Eric Kramon, and Brandon Bartels - October 26, 2017 Kenyan voters are at the polls again today for the
Zimbabwe created a new ministry to monitor social media. But most Zimbabweans don’t want government monitoring. Kim Yi Dionne and Chipo Dendere - October 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65161" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Pastor Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean activist,
Here are three things we can learn from public opinion data about next week’s election in Liberia Kim Yi Dionne - October 6, 2017 [caption id="attachment_64623" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An election campaign billboard for presidential
The same family has ruled Togo for 50 years. Will widespread protests change that? Joel Amegboh and Alexander Noyes - September 30, 2017 [caption id="attachment_64299" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Protesters call for reforms during an
Ugandan lawmakers brawl over bill on presidential age limit. Here’s what citizens think. Kim Yi Dionne - September 29, 2017 A debate over a bill in Uganda’s parliament Tuesday turned
Half of Zambians aren’t happy with their democracy — and that’s a big change Michael Bratton and Boniface Dulani - July 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_46353" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Incumbent Edgar Lungu prepares to be
Algerians head to the polls Thursday. Here’s what to watch. Robert Parks - May 3, 2017 [caption id="attachment_57762" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An Algerian woman casts her ballot
This short video shows what Africans think of their elections Kim Yi Dionne - March 10, 2017 [caption id="attachment_55210" align="aligncenter" width="800"] (Afrobarometer via YouTube)[/caption] In a new
Here’s how the Ebola outbreak shaped citizens’ opinions of Liberia’s government Kim Yi Dionne - January 13, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52515" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man walks past a billboard
What will Ghanaians expect from their new president? Sarah Brierley and George Ofosu - January 6, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52113" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A supporter in Accra celebrates the
Only 7 percent of citizens in this African country feel free to join political organizations Kim Yi Dionne - December 16, 2016 [caption id="attachment_51384" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Swaziland flags on display among art
The poor are more vulnerable to bribery in Africa. Here’s why. Kim Yi Dionne - December 9, 2016 [caption id="attachment_51024" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A Ugandan anti-corruption sign, pictured in
Do Africans still want democracy? This new report gives a qualified yes. Robert Mattes and Michael Bratton - November 25, 2016 [caption id="attachment_50077" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A member of the Economic Freedom
Can your spouse help you get elected? Here’s what data from Africa say. Kim Yi Dionne - November 4, 2016 [caption id="attachment_48948" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Melania Trump shakes hands with former
What Africans think about China’s influence in their countries Kim Yi Dionne - October 28, 2016 It's mostly good.
Liberia has an important transition of power on the horizon. Here’s a preview. Kim Yi Dionne - October 21, 2016 [caption id="attachment_48262" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Two men speak on a street in Monrovia,
Malawians are missing their president. The last time that happened, the president was dead. Kim Yi Dionne - October 14, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47813" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Billboards of Malawi President Peter Mutharika
This two-minute video sums up African public opinion Kim Yi Dionne - October 7, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47470" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] (Afrobarometer via YouTube)[/caption] No, Africa is
How democratic is Botswana after 50 years of independence? Kim Yi Dionne - September 30, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47069" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Botswana's President Ian Khama sits at