Stories about Governance from March, 2020
COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects digital rights in the Balkans
Digital rights NGOs warn about increase of cases of violation of privacy of people under quarantine, spread of disinformation and internet scams in Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kenyan star runner Eliud Kipchoge says 2020 Olympics postponement is ‘shocking but noble’
Olympic superstar Eliud Kipchoge was looking forward to competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. But the postponement makes sense to him. "We live in a world of uncertainties," he said.
Hundreds of Croatians left homeless by earthquake amid COVID-19 crisis
The quake hit shortly after the city had implemented restriction measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, bringing additional stress to Croatians.
An interview with Afgan Mukhtarli, abducted Azerbaijani journalist who now walks free
In May 2017 journalist Afgan Mukhtarli was abducted in the Georgian capital Tbilisi and reappeared in a jail cell in Azerbaijan. Recently released, he reflects on his ordeal.
Algeria's crackdown on dissent persists with detention of journalists
More than a year since the start of Algeria's countrywide protests to demand political and economic reforms, the government continues to resort to repressive tactics to silence critics and journalists.
No coronavirus cases in Donetsk and Luhansk, say separatist authorities
As usual, much is unclear in eastern Ukraine. Can separatist officials' claims that there are no confirmed cases be believed? Have they really acquired coronavirus testing kits, and from whom?
Can Zimbabwe handle the coronavirus amid a collapsing health care system?
Zimbabweans brace for the coronavirus amid chronic health system struggles and expensive internet data. "Sadly, in the remote parts of our country, some are clueless of this pandemic."
Outrage after Indonesian politicians among first in line to get tested for COVID-19
"A lot of people are angry with parliamentarians as even doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers - the people on the front lines - are not being tested."
Maldives: Can a country so dependent on tourism afford a lockdown?
The President of Maldives banned all tourist arrivals in the country from March 27, 2020. This will impact the country's economy due to a serious shortfall in foreign currency earnings.
Across Africa, COVID-19 heightens tension between faith and science
While many African governments have taken stringent measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, not all leaders agree with banning faith-based gatherings.
Calculating the hidden costs of breakaway borders in Georgia
The boundaries between breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Georgian government controlled territory are hardening. For locals on both sides of the divide, that brings huge social and economic costs.
Azerbaijan signals a lockdown and a crackdown in fight against coronavirus
Attempting to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Azerbaijan's president has closed the country's borders, emptied its streets, cancelled large public gatherings, and given a fiery speech against the opposition.
Croatia's earthquake risk disrupting partial lockdown amid COVID-19 outbreak
The quake left 27 people injured and caused extensive material damage to Zagreb.
Thai workers speak out about their need for unions and better conditions at the workplace
"I hope that one day domestic workers will be able to stand up without feeling shameful. Honestly, when I was a housekeeper, I was not proud of my profession."
Combating ‘fake news’ in the time of COVID-19 in Myanmar
"Thousands of social media users made a group and a network to serve as watchdogs for fake news on social media."
As Ebola outbreak ends, coronavirus begins in DR Congo
While DR Congo has proclaimed the end of Ebola, it now faces its first cases of COVID-19. Will lessons learned from Ebola help combat the novel coronavirus?
India stays home for 14 hours in the fight against COVID-19
Millions of Indians confined themselves to their homes between 7 am and 9 pm on March 22, 2020, in response to a government-imposed curfew to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Quarantine woes in Bangladesh amid coronavirus fears
The government has ordered Bangladeshis who are returning from affected COVID-19 countries to home-quarantine. But a lack of monitoring has led to concerns that the disease may spread rapidly.
With no confirmed cases of COVID-19, Mozambique prepares for looming outbreak
Mozambique hasn't yet closed its land borders, but has imposed a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from affected countries and prohibited gatherings with more than 300 people.
COVID-19 pandemic lays bare the political leadership deficit in Nigeria
Nigeria's President Buhari is yet to speak to Nigerians about the COVID-19 pandemic. His spokespersons have even scolded legislators for daring to ask him to address the country.
Injunction grants Guyana's election commission the freedom to declare a winner — but will it?
An ex parte injunction blocking the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from acting on the CARICOM agreement essentially gives it the green light to declare in the government's favour.
