This week’s Top of the Blogs looks at the leaders of African countries. We have a man who clings to power and a popular president who is starting to ignore human rights with new bans and laws. We also look at Zimbabwe where upcoming elections challenge the opposition and finally we meet strong women who break the barriers that hinder them from joining politics.

Kabila must go. The Congolese see that, why can’t the West?

africanarguments.org

Joseph Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been delaying elections for almost a year now. The Congolese, led by the youth and the Catholic Church have demonstrated for a constitutional change of presidency, but the international community still supports Kabila. Why?

The list of bans imposed by Tanzania’s populist president just keeps growing

qz.com

When John Magufuli was elected as the president of Tanzania in 2015, he pledged to fight corruption and make Tanzania a better country. But two years after the election, although he is successful in fighting corruption he had also implemented social orders which violate human rights. The article includes a list with links to significant things his administration has banned over the last two years.

Rethinking the Opposition and civil society in Zimbabwe

africablogging.org

Zimbabwe is facing a huge political change which doesn’t bring only opportunities but also new challenges to politicians and civil society. Now there is movement to prepare for the upcoming election this year, but Blessing Vava isn’t sure that this is enough to convince the voters. He is demanding the opposition and the civil society rethink their strategies.

How commercialization of politics affects women’s participation

fasifasi.wordpress.com

In Uganda you need money to be elected. You don’t only have to pay for your campaign, but also need to plan for the nomination fee and bribing your voters. This is another barrier for women, who are considered to be amongst the poorest in Uganda. The article describes the commercialized political system that hinders especially women from playing an important role in politics.