Prime Minister Blair and Secretary General Anyaoku's attempts to reshape the Commonwealth were marred by political irresolution
In the confusion about the Commonwealth's role as democratic policeman during the Heads of Government meeting in Edinburgh (24-27 October), two significant voices encapsulated the issues. Firstly, Uganda's President
Yoweri Museveni told activists in Edinburgh that they should not expect much help from the international community: 'If you think you don't have democracy then you should fight for it, instead if pinning your hopes on international organisations'. When he was asked about the Commonwealth' failure to promote democracy in Nigeria, Museveni retorted: 'These political activists need to wake up. The Commonwealth won't give you freedom. You have to carry the pregnancy and the Commonwealth is like a mid-wife that can help you to deliver'.
An amateurish coup attempt strengthens the hands of the MMD hardliners
A failed coup attempt by a group of drunken soldiers, on 28 October, made Zambians worry and pitched their political leaders into a familiar shouting match of accusation and counte...
As Sani Abacha makes his political plans there is growing disquiet in the military
No one who has visited the Presidential complex at Aso Rock in recent weeks doubts that General Sani Abacha, encouraged by his wife Maryam and his 'kitchen cabinet', intends to sta...
