Sub-Saharan Africa
The future of Africa is often regarded in a strangely unimaginative and pessimistic way. Yet Africa today is full of diversity, economic potential and innovative development.
However, the continent faces numerous challenges. As a liberal foundation, we believe that sustainable development depends on strong democratic institutions. Through our activities, we therefore promote liberal policies such as human rights, the rule of law, innovation, digitalisation and free trade.
From our offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Harare, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Abidjan and Dakar, we support partners in several African countries in advocating liberal values and implementing democratic structures.
News
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Strengthening African democracies: Lessons from the continent
Africa’s journey toward democratic governance has been marked by progress, setbacks, and invaluable lessons. Since the wave of independence in the mid-20th century, the continent has seen an evolution in governance models, with democracy gradually becoming a central aspiration for many nations. While challenges persist, there is a growing recognition of the need to strengthen democratic systems, enhance accountability, and ensure governance that serves the people. Examining successes and learning from failures across the continent provides a roadmap for a more democratic future, inspiring resilience and adaptation. With youth engagement and regional collaboration rising, Africa's democratic potential is immense.
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Disinformation wars: Protecting democracy in Africa’s digital age
Research by Chinasa T. Okolo, a fellow in the Center for Technology at Brookings suggests that advances in digital technology within Africa has inadvertently created an opportunity for the proliferation of disinformation across the continent. Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) is being used as a tool to advance disinformation through the creation of content that manipulates public opinion, and spreads false narratives, posing a direct threat to democracy. Generative AI relies on user inputs to produce content that includes text, images, audio, and video.
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The role of youth in reclaiming democracy in Africa
The youth have consistently played a pivotal role in shaping democracy, driving progress toward fairness, justice, and development. Across the globe, and especially in Africa—the youngest continent demographically—their contributions have been significant, whether intentional or incidental. From the anti-colonial movements that began with Ghana's landmark democratic independence to the powerful youth-led revolt of 1976 in South Africa, young people have always been at the forefront of agitating for democratic freedom and equity.
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Are governments doing enough to defend women's gains in democracy and governance?
At the 64th Congress of Liberal International in Santiago, Chile, women leaders convened to discuss their experiences, challenges, and victories. Despite progress, significant challenges and inequalities persist. Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly in top decision-making roles. They often face discrimination, bias, and limited access to resources and opportunities.
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A myth of free and fair elections: Reflections from the hospital’s window
From a hospital bed, Dr. Nasra Nassor Omar reflects on Tanzania's marred local government elections, rife with voter suppression, fraud, and violence. She recounts attacks on colleagues like Erick Yugalila Venance and the erasure of opposition candidates. Watching life outside her window, Omar draws strength from the resilience of Tanzanians who stood against corruption. Despite the pain, she grapples with democracy’s worth, concluding that the fight for justice and equality is essential.
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How Vladimir Putin got checkmated in South Africa - Takeaways for team Trump
On May 29, 2024, at polling station in Pretoria, South Africa, attached to an election study tour as an advisor to the country's leading opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), during the most consequential election since Nelson Mandela rose to the Presidency in the first post-Apartheid, all-race, political contest, I witnessed with great satisfaction how Vladimir Putin learned the same lesson Ellen taught me.
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Women call for greater support in politics amid ongoing challenges
Zimbabwean women's participation in politics remains low, despite comprising 52% of the population—making them the largest demographic group. To address this, FNF Zimbabwe hosted a meeting for young and veteran women taking center stage in politics. The event, themed “History of Women’s Political Participation in Zimbabwe: A Reflection and Celebration,” provided a platform to discuss historical and current challenges in the political arena.
Social Media
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Freedom, equality and justice for all! The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges. It holds all the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It was signed on 10 December 1948 in Paris and is available in more than 500 languages. #HumanRightsDay #UN #UDHR
Focus
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"Human rights and democracy are deeply interconnected"
Liberale Menschenrechtsarbeit 2024