Stories about Politics 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.
Hong Kong medical workers frustrated at government indecision about blocking mainland visitors
Medical professionals in Hong Kong have urged the government to close Hong Kong-China border checkpoints to limit the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus into Hong Kong.
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.
Peruvians debate road safety and labor regulations after fatal truck explosion
A few days before the extraordinary parliamentary elections in Peru, a disaster generates outrage and solidarity among citizens.
‘Volodya, aren’t you tired?': Russia’s youth on Putin’s 20 years in power
An entire generation of Russians can't recall life before Putin. Twenty years after his rise to power, they're now wondering if they'll ever find out what comes after him.
29 January 2020
Is Trump's Middle East peace plan a one-state solution?
The long-awaited peace deal was announced on Tuesday amid silence and shock from the Middle East.
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...
28 January 2020
From Cox's Bazar to Yangon, poets show solidarity with Rohingya minority in Myanmar
"Myanmar’s oppression dispersed our ethnic minorities, now our poetries bring us together."
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...
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
Editor of environmental news platform Mongabay arrested in Indonesia for alleged visa violation
"I am surprised that immigration officials have taken such punitive action against Philip for what is an administrative matter."
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
Redemption Song: My journey to marijuana activism
"Ganja has been a source of inspiration, meditation and medication on my journey as a mixed-race, working-class Caribbean woman trying to make a way in this capitalist world."
