EN 
NL A new era for Zimbabwe?
"The question we do not know the answer to is: does leadership change also mean a regime transition?" Recent events in Zimbabwe may mark a 'turning point' for southern Africa as a whole. But is the leadership change from Robert Mugabe to Emmerson Mnangagwa enough for that? A well-attended event called "A new era? Understanding Zimbabwe's transition" took place, where this question was discussed under the watchful eye of an interested audience and specialised panel. ASC director Jan Bart Gewald kicked off the meeting with a personal account of his own experience and affinity with Zimbabwe. He called the recent events of November 2017, growing up as a boy in 1960s criminal Rhodesia "close to his heart".
President Putin's re-election
In Russia, the eight final candidates who will compete in the 18 March elections have been known for a few weeks now. There is something for everyone: from communist to liberal, from nationalist to ultra-nationalist, from ideological candidates to those with no ideology at all. However, it will not matter much, as the outcome is a foregone conclusion: a fourth term for President Vladimir Putin. And yet it takes quite a lot of effort to register as a candidate at all: you have to collect hundreds of thousands of signatures and comply with all sorts of strict rules, and if you are in opposition, you generally have little or no financial resources to do so. So who are these people who nevertheless try so eagerly and hard to stay in the race, and why do they do it?
The status of Jerusalem: a historical perspective
The status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious issues in international relations. Different political and legal definitions make pronouncements on sovereignty over Jerusalem difficult. US President Donald Trump's decision has therefore not improved the situation, according to many analysts. The announcement that the US embassy is moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, with Washington officially recognising Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, caused a stir. Israel seems pleased, the Palestinians are furious and the international community is upset. But how much weight does this decision carry? Most events do not take place in a vacuum. They fit into a historical process. What about this for the recognition of Jerusalem?
Will Chameria be the next Balkan conflict?
On Tuesday, 6 February 2018, the European Commission presented the European Union's enlargement strategy with the Western Balkan countries. The Commission has now prepared an outline with a directive for possible accession of these six countries.
Looking differently at the other/the Other
Are you aware of the norm? Are you aware through whose eyes you are looking? And who you are including and excluding with this gaze?
Some questions for critical reflection and introduction to a project that aims to change the cultural normative gaze through positive attention to the Other.
The Africa Day Hub
Get informed by the Africa Day Hub! Hub with fun facts and trivia about Africa.
On MDGs, SDGs and intersecting inequalities
'Locked out and left behind? Gender, intersecting inequalities and the SDGs'. Quite a mouthful, but this was the theme of this lecture on a Thursday afternoon at the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam. Last February 15, Professor of Gender and Development Naila Kabeer was a guest here. Despite the sometimes hard-to-follow material, it was a very interesting afternoon with a lot of interest from the audience. The questions after the lecture also clearly showed the emotion from the audience. After a brief search for the right entrance to KIT, I entered a packed auditorium. The lecture began with a brief introduction on the transition from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unlike the MDGs, the Sustainable Development Goals are no longer just about reducing poverty in developing countries, but also about improving the environment and promoting sustainable economic growth worldwide. They have become truly "global goals". So agrees Kabeer, who said of MDG 3 - "Promote gender equality and empower women" - that not much has changed in the world and the same problems still arise. The SDGs can give a better understanding of this. This lecture focused on SDG 10 for reducing inequalities between and within countries.
Exceptional award for exceptional leadership
No African leaders were commended by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation for their outstanding achievements as African leaders in the years 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016. This while the award was first presented in 2007. This year, on the other hand, a former head of state has again been commended for her outstanding achievements in African leadership. The award was presented to Liberia's former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who, after completing two terms in office, had to make way for former footballer George Weah in January this year. She will receive a $5 million (€4.1 million) award that will spread over 10 years. On top of that comes a lifetime reward of $200,000 annually. But to what does Sirleaf, the woman who features as Africa's first female president and Nobel laureate, owe this?
Small changes make a difference! The power of new activism and civic initiatives in Africa
"It is the little things that citizens do. That is what will make the difference." So argued Dr Wangari Muta Maathai in one of her speeches addressed to the entire African continent. The Kenyan environmental and political activist and Nobel laureate knew how to powerfully encourage activism and civic initiatives to create positive change like no other. Where politics is still often traditional and closed, ordinary people know how to penetrate power and force change. This occurs in many areas, such as women's rights, children's rights, environment, anti-corruption and economic rights. With technological developments and social media as a powerful weapon, more and more people, mostly young people and women, are making their voices heard. Consequently, this year's Africa Day will focus on activism and civic initiatives.
Take part and win €5,000 for your initiative in Africa
Do you want to contribute to health(care) in Africa? You can! Then apply now for the Albert Schweitzer Prize 2018 and win €5,000 for your idea. With your talent, expertise and commitment, you can improve the health of millions of people in Africa.
