Episode 68: Assessing Change in African Democracies

In the final episode of Undercurrents in 2020, Ben is joined by Yusuf Hassan from the Africa Programme for a preview of a new podcast series launching in January 2021.  2020 was anticipated to be a year of landmark elections across Africa, with numerous countries at critical junctures in their transitions to electoral democracy. Dr Christopher Fomunyoh of the National Democratic Institute speaks to Yusuf about efforts to democratize Africa, democratic backsliding and the role of the civil society in bolstering democratic institutions. They also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on democracy in Africa, and how the multifaceted challenges it poses must be addressed over the coming years.   After the interview, Africa Programme colleagues Elizabeth Donnelly, Christopher Vandome and Ahmed Soliman consider the key challenges and events affecting Africa in 2021.  Find more work from the Africa Programme Credits: Hosts: Ben Horton, Yusuf Hassan Speakers: Christopher Fomunyoh, Elizabeth Donnelly, Ahmed Soliman, Christopher Vandome  Editor: Jamie Reed Recorded and produced by Chatham House.