Stories about Governance from July, 2020
Nigerians counteract COVID-19 denialism with social media campaigns
Nigerians directly confront coronavirus denial headlong with counter-narratives that use ordinary language in campaigns devoid of the usual mistrust between citizens and governments.
Appeal court says the answer to Guyana's election results lies in the recount
Guyana's general elections took place on March 2. Now, the appeal court has ruled that the Chief Election Officer must submit his official report based on the recount results.
The day Liberia shut down freedom of expression amid a mass protest
Last year, the Liberian government disrupted social media access to prevent live protest coverage and the mobilization of protesters, shutting down freedom of expression and the right to access information.
COVID-19 has accelerated digitalization but will Tunisia log on?
COVID-19 accelerated digitalization in Tunisia like no previous government could achieve, gaining more digital momentum in a single month than it had in prior decades due to corruption and inaction.
Congolese journalist forced into exile for documentary on violent evictions
Congolese filmmaker Gaël Mpoyo and his family have been forced to live in exile, given the sensitive subject of his film and a climate of insecurity in South Kivu province.
Journalist's abduction raises concerns about media freedom in Pakistan
On July 21, renowned Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted in Islamabad. Though he was released about 12 hours after, fingers are being pointed at state security agencies.
The long and winding road to Guyana's 2020 election results
After many false starts, there was finally a recount, but legal challenges that question the interpretation of key sections of Guyana's constitution have dragged out the process even further.
Zimbabwe governance crisis: Arrests over COVID-19 corruption and planned protests
The arrest of two prominent figures in Zimbabwe signal new levels of crisis in governance as the nation heads toward unprecedented economic decline and social unrest amid COVID-19 corruption.
Sri Lankan wildlife threatened by poaching during the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka, rising unemployment has been linked to the surge in illegal wildlife poaching.
Yanomami mothers fight for the right to bury their children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil
Amazônia Real's report located the bodies of Yanomami babies who died with COVID-19. They had been buried without their families' knowledge. One baby remained for two months in a cold storage facility.
Georgians approve of government's COVID-19 response but fear economic downturn, survey finds
A new survey reveals that Georgians approve of their leaders and institutions' response to COVID-19. Can the goodwill last until October's parliamentary elections?
Liberian fishing communities stand up to Chinese supertrawlers
Liberian fishing communities are threatened by Chinese supertrawlers capable of catching about twice the nation’s sustainable catch — potentially decimating vital fish stocks in just a few years.
Students lead mass protest against dictatorship at Thailand's Democracy Monument
Protesters issued three demands related to democratic reforms and human rights protetion, and gave the government two weeks to respond.
Tears and rage after Congress rejects franchise renewal of the Philippines’ biggest media network
"Our dreams and future, these are the things they took away from us. I’ve worked so hard for this. But it’s gone in an instant. You are inhumane!”
Mauritania: A racial pyramid seemingly resistant to change
"This is not the Africa of Lumumba, Nyobe, Cabral and Sankara."
In Assad-controlled Syria, the official narrative is ‘no COVID-19 cases’
In order to maintain a facade of control, the Assad regime does whatever it takes to deny the presence of COVID-19 in the territories it controls.
Cambodia continues to block memorial activities honoring murdered political analyst Kem Ley
Four years on, the government is still ignoring calls to set up an independent commission to investigate the murder.
Construction of first Hindu temple in Islamabad faces opposition
The construction of the first Hindu temple in Islamabad was stopped after protests from different quarters, but rights activists and minority politicians are hopeful that the temple will be built.
Sudan uprising: Sweeping reforms usher in justice and freedom
These laws show the identity of a new Sudan that recognizes rights, diversity, freedom of belief and expression.
Tanzanians debate the meaning of new ‘lower-middle-income’ World Bank status
The World Bank’s updated classification of Tanzania as a middle-income country has evoked a national debate about what development means and how it should be measured — as election season approaches.
Manila Pride protester fights back and narrates ordeal inside police detention
"We persist against all odds. Our existence is resistance. We're here to dismantle oppressive systems, to change the things we cannot accept.", says Filipino LGBTQ+ activist Carla Nicoyco.
