No. 03-04 (2017): CODESRIA Bulletin, Nos 3 & 4, 2017
The theme for this edition of the CODESRIA Bulletin is curled from the thematic priorities of the 2017-2021 Strategic Plan. These are: ‘Democratic processes, governance, citizenship and security in Africa’ and ‘Ecologies, Economies and Societies in Africa.’ The Bulletin addresses two important sets of questions. The first focuses on how Africa, along with all the changes and transformations that define it today, is and should be governed. That includes issues of statehood, democratization, the rule of law and human rights, security and violence, transitional justice, and other attendant governance processes and mechanisms at local, national, regional and international levels. These continue to constitute some of the most important issues of concern in many African countries that, naturally, also orient the work of the Council. The second explores aspects of the Anthropocene in Africa, the forms it takes, its histories and trajectories and impact on a broad set of sectors including the continent’s burgeoning economies. This theme provokes important questions related to land, food security and poverty that persistently dominate public debate and remain of global concern. Africa continues to be challenged by the contradictions and complexities of ‘development’, climate change and population growth, especially in cities. The evolving nature of rural and urban centres, particularly propelled by the growing purchasing power of new elites, coupled with the expanding wealth gap are redefining and creating new dynamics for cohabitation. Insecurity, uncertainty and undignified living constitute key challenges for a continent that continues to struggle with the global capitalist system. Read the Full Editorial