Stories about Governance from January, 2020
31 January 2020
Waterfront communities displaced by forced evictions in Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos' waterfront communities are seen as a public health and safety threat, but to residents who struggle to afford to live on the mainland, they are the only option.
Jamaica's Accountability Meter Portal: ‘Accountability is the key to progress’
"I learned that our political leaders are more responsive than I thought and that advocacy is far more than a mere radio or TV interview."
In Kerala, millions form human chain to protest India's ‘anti-muslim’ citizenship laws
The crowd included politicians, cultural activists, religious leaders, artists and concerned citizens.
30 January 2020
The Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal tracks government performance and gives power back to people
This groundbreaking website tracks the performance of elected representatives by giving citizens unfettered access and educating them about the way their government works.
How Zimbabwe's biometric ID scheme — and China’s AI aspirations — threw a wrench in elections
Some citizens were told that if they didn't register and submit their biometrics, they might be barred from voting.
Nigeria's Operation Àmò̩té̩kùn: Was it named after a leopard, cheetah or tiger?
Linguists who study Yorùbá have long taken issue with ascribing meaning of the word àmò̩té̩kùn interchangeably with the leopard, cheetah and tiger.
29 January 2020
Nigeria’s border closure puts a dent in intra-regional trade optimism
Closing Nigeria's land borders to solve the recurrence of smuggling will have a negative economic effect on Nigeria and puts a damper on Africa's much-anticipated intra-regional trade investment agreement.
In Dhaka's mayoral election, environmental promises undermined by plastic campaign posters
City Corporation elections will be held in Dhaka on February 1, 2020. Netizens are concerned about the use of laminated posters in the election campaign which poses a threat to...
27 January 2020
Data shows trend of fewer Hungarians attending public protests
Prior to a new law governing public assembly which came into effect on October 1, 2018, public demonstrations in Hungary were well attended. Now, though they still happen, attendance is...
26 January 2020
Citizens from Chinese city on lockdown roar ‘Beijing has abandoned Wuhan!’
Over 11 million residents in Wuhan, China, are now in a state of shock and panic, given the lack of appropriate medical response and credible information regarding the coronavirus epidemic.
24 January 2020
This Nigerian human rights lawyer wins second order of restraint against government
Lawyer Gloria Ballason has experienced ongoing intimidation and harassment by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, amid a growing crackdown on freedom of expression and dissent in Nigeria.
A regional security intervention in Nigeria sparks ethnic, political tensions
Amotekun may be the litmus test that defines the restructuring of Nigeria's federalism.
The real reasons people are fleeing Honduras
Hondurans live in a narco-state whose leadership is supported by the United States and which suffers from widespread corruption, gender violence, gang control, land-grabs, and the effects of climate change.
22 January 2020
Pakistani director halts release of award-winning film after receiving threats
"They are holding a film hostage for all the wrong reasons and there is nothing we can do about it."
21 January 2020
Is Russia getting its model for digital authoritarianism from China?
On the surface, China and Russia share much when it comes to digital governance. But their crackdowns on cyberspace also have important differences, says professor Maria Repnikova
Nigeria: A failed state — reality or perception?
In addition to threats from Boko Haram, abductions and kidnapping in Nigeria have also become the norm.
20 January 2020
Restoration of Trinidad and Tobago's heritage buildings stirs debate
The restoration of heritage buildings in Trinidad and Tobago has sparked a national conversation on whether this is the best use of public funds.
Baul singer Shariat Sarkar arrested in Bangladesh for ‘insulting’ Islam
Baul singer Shariat Sarkar is accused of making comments which hurt the “religious sentiment” of Muslims. He says that there is no evidence forbidding music in Islam.
18 January 2020
CGNet Swara is using Bluetooth to source content and share news with Indian villages
CGNet Swara is helping groups that have been largely ignored by mainstream media use Bluetooth to create content and share CGNet-produced news, music and other programmes with their communities.
16 January 2020
Despite legal threats and harassment, thousands join the ‘Run Against Dictatorship’ in Thailand
"The reactions by the authorities and intimidation tactics are not just wrong but also absurd. As the country has returned to democracy, no citizen should face such intimidation."
