标签： Africa

In a remarkable political ascent, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Ugandan-born democratic socialist, is poised to potentially become New York City’s first Muslim mayor and the first of Indian descent. His journey began humbly in Kampala, Uganda, where he interned at the Daily Monitor newspaper as a teenager under the mentorship of journalist Angelo Izama. Mamdani, described as intensely curious and ambitious, aspired to be a “top reporter” and developed a passion for current affairs, a trait encouraged by his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned Columbia University professor. His mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, is an Academy Award-nominated director. Despite leaving Uganda as a child, Mamdani maintained strong ties to his homeland, regularly returning and celebrating his Ugandan heritage, including his recent marriage in Kampala. Naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2018, Mamdani’s political career began as a community organizer in Queens, New York, where he advocated for vulnerable homeowners facing eviction. His unexpected victory over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary sent shockwaves through the political world. Mamdani’s campaign focuses on progressive policies, including free city buses, childcare, rent freezes, and government-run grocery stores, funded by taxes on the wealthy. His candidacy has drawn both support and controversy, with endorsements from prominent figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, while facing baseless allegations from former President Donald Trump. Mamdani’s rise is seen as a beacon of hope and inspiration, particularly for young Africans disillusioned by entrenched political systems. However, analysts like Nicholas Sengoba note that such success would be harder to achieve in Uganda, where political opportunities are often limited. Mamdani’s story underscores the transformative potential of perseverance and ambition in a land of opportunity.

Recent elections across Africa have once again highlighted a troubling pattern: sidelined opposition candidates, disputed results, and widespread protests, particularly among the continent’s youthful population. Incumbents in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Tanzania have secured reelection, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarianism.

In Cameroon, 92-year-old Paul Biya, the world’s oldest leader, has been reelected for an eighth term, extending his 43-year rule. Critics argue that his advanced age has diminished his capacity to govern, while protests against his victory have turned deadly. Similarly, Ivory Coast’s 83-year-old President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term amid low voter turnout and the exclusion of his main challenger, Tidjane Thiam, due to dual nationality issues. Thiam has denounced the election as a sham, sparking further unrest.

In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country’s first female leader, initially inspired hope for change but has since been criticized for maintaining repressive policies akin to her predecessor. Her reelection was marred by violence, internet shutdowns, and the exclusion of opposition candidates.

Analysts warn that these disputed elections could further destabilize Africa’s fragile democracies, emboldening military takeovers and deepening public frustration. The continent, home to some of the world’s youngest populations and oldest leaders, faces a paradox of abundant natural resources yet unmet promises of basic amenities. Jeffrey Smith of Vanguard Africa notes that these elections reflect a broader trend of competitive authoritarianism, where incumbents exploit state resources and flawed legal processes to maintain power.

As protests continue and tensions rise, the future of democracy in Africa remains uncertain, with calls for genuine political competition and accountability growing louder.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has attributed last week’s deadly protests to foreign interference, following a contentious election that barred two key opposition candidates from challenging her re-election bid. In her inaugural address, Hassan acknowledged the loss of lives but claimed that those arrested were from other countries, without providing specifics. She pledged to unite the nation and urged security forces to restore normalcy. Her swearing-in ceremony, held in Dodoma, was notably subdued compared to her previous inauguration, reflecting the heightened tensions. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) criticized the October 29 election, stating it failed to meet democratic standards due to the exclusion of opposition candidates and delays in accrediting observers. The main opposition party, Chadema, rejected the results, calling them baseless. Meanwhile, internet restrictions persisted, disrupting daily life and economic activities. International leaders, including those from Mozambique, Zambia, Burundi, and Somalia, attended the ceremony, with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema urging Tanzanians to avoid violence. Kenyan President William Ruto called for dialogue to ensure stability, as the election violence disrupted cross-border trade, leaving agricultural goods to rot at the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been inaugurated for a second term following a contentious election marked by violent protests and allegations of electoral fraud. The swearing-in ceremony took place at a military parade ground in Dodoma, the capital, and was broadcast live by the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC). The event was closed to the public, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the proceedings. Samia was declared the winner with an overwhelming 98% of the vote, a result that has been widely criticized by opposition groups and international observers. Key rival candidates were either imprisoned or disqualified from running, leaving little competition in the race. The election’s aftermath has been marred by significant violence, with reports of hundreds of casualties. Opposition leaders and activists claim that security forces were responsible for the deaths of at least 800 people, while diplomatic sources suggest the toll could be as high as 500. The United Nations has also reported credible evidence of at least 10 deaths in three cities. In her victory speech, Samia defended the election as “free and democratic” and labeled the protesters as “unpatriotic.” The Tanzanian government has sought to minimize the scale of the violence, but the situation remains unclear due to a nationwide internet shutdown that has hindered information flow and verification of the death toll. International observers have expressed concerns about the transparency of the electoral process and the violent crackdown on dissent. The inauguration comes at a critical juncture for Tanzania, as the country grapples with political instability and questions about the legitimacy of its leadership.