Edward Paice believes that whatever transpires in the next few years in Somalia and Somaliland, the fact that the latter has developed a credible constitution and held competitive multi-party elections is worth emphasising.

Edward Paice suggests that the unique path taking by Somaliland to bring about peace and stability contains valuable insights for the region more broadly.

Mohamed Omar, Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, spoke at the launch of Africa Research Institute’s publication “After Borama: consensus, representation and parliament in Somaliland”.

The Commission of Inquiry’s 105-page report into the death, in April 2012, of President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi and political manoeuvrings in the immediate aftermath makes compelling reading.

Jonathan Bhalla reflects on striking similarities between elections in Ghana and Sierra Leone which both saw high turnout, the successful introduction of new technologies and first round victories for the incumbent.

The achievement of the documentary “When China Met Africa” is to underscore with subtlety and sensitivity that there are many Chinas in Africa; all part of a continually evolving relationships, says Jonathan Bhalla.

Consolidation of democratic reforms in Sierra Leone relies on economic development, say Jonathan Bhalla and Sareta Ashraph, but strategies for creating employment and redistributing wealth have been overlooked.

Piotr Cieplak notes that with a median age of just 18.7 years less than half of Rwanda’s population experienced the genocide first-hand. He asks whether this will change the way Kagame publicly discusses the events of 1994.

Hannah Gibson describes how the death of President Mutharika sent shockwaves through Malawi’s fragile political system and argues that the fallout highlights the predominance of personalities in Malawian politics.

Rapid urbanisation is being portrayed – by the UN, the World Bank and many others – as a potential developmental “silver bullet” for Africa. Edward Paice argues these claims are too simplistic and overly-optimistic.

How do we constructively define public goods in contemporary Africa and what role can they play in the continent’s development? Jonathan Bhalla investigates.

Chris Marshall suggests that the progress of mobile banking in Nigeria will be a telling indicator for the viability of such a system elsewhere in Africa.

With Britain re-embracing a closer alignment of aid programmes and foreign policy, will support be given to countries attempting to build a base for their economic growth? Jenny Congrave sought some answers.

A Ugandan journalist explores the reasons why popular revolt against the 2011 election results is unlikely.

Youth have been the main target of election rallies in Uganda. With over half of the population under 30, they represent a significant political constituency – if they turn up to vote.

As Uganda starts election campaigning, a journalist on the ground raises concerns about growing hostility between supporters of rival factions in Kampala.