We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the West Africa region. We speak to Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst, Dr David Matsanga

We now look at some of the stories making headlines in the West Africa region. We speak to Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution Analyst, Dr David Matsanga

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West Africa Roundup: Dr David Matsanga Unpacks Key Political and Conflict Developments

Morocco is holding parliamentary elections this morning... Over 15 million registered voters across the country are expected to head to the polls to decide the composition of the House of Representatives, and the lower chamber of parliament. A total of 7, 288 candidates from 27 political parties are competing for 395 seats. Today's elections marks the first major democratic test since the 2025 widespread deadly youth-led economic protests. We spoke to Dr Ibrahim Momoh, Political Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at  Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Nigeria

Morocco is holding parliamentary elections this morning... Over 15 million registered voters across the country are expected to head to the polls to decide the composition of the House of Representatives, and the lower chamber of parliament. A total of 7, 288 candidates from 27 political parties are competing for 395 seats. Today's elections marks the first major democratic test since the 2025 widespread deadly youth-led economic protests. We spoke to Dr Ibrahim Momoh, Political Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at &nbsp;Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Nigeria

Morocco Votes in Key Parliamentary Polls Following Youth-Led Protests and Economic Unrest

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has begun his second term promising to move the country from economic stabilisation to economic transformation under an ambitious programme he calls the Grow Zambia Agenda. But the new administration also begins its term amid a contentious political climate.

Opposition figures and Zambians protesting outside the United Nations in New York have challenged the credibility of last month's election and accused the government of restricting democratic space. The European Union's election observers did not dispute the declared result, but raised serious concerns about aspects of the electoral process - including an uneven campaign environment and irregularities during the counting and tabulation of results which they said affected transparency and credibility.

There has also been criticism over the arrest of opposition figures and the government's decision to cancel the passports of several prominent critics on national security grounds. The Zambian government rejects accusations that the country's democracy is being undermined and says its focus in President Hichilema's second term is now on delivering economic growth and opportunity.

Responding to these issues Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe spoke to me from New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly. I began by asking him what his government's response was to accusations that the recent elections were stolen. 

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has begun his second term promising to move the country from economic stabilisation to economic transformation under an ambitious programme he calls the Grow Zambia Agenda. But the new administration also begins its term amid a contentious political climate.
Opposition figures and Zambians protesting outside the United Nations in New York have challenged the credibility of last month's election and accused the government of restricting democratic space. The European Union's election observers did not dispute the declared result, but raised serious concerns about aspects of the electoral process - including an uneven campaign environment and irregularities during the counting and tabulation of results which they said affected transparency and credibility.
There has also been criticism over the arrest of opposition figures and the government's decision to cancel the passports of several prominent critics on national security grounds. The Zambian government rejects accusations that the country's democracy is being undermined and says its focus in President Hichilema's second term is now on delivering economic growth and opportunity.
Responding to these issues Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe spoke to me from New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly. I began by asking him what his government's response was to accusations that the recent elections were stolen.&nbsp;

Hichilema Begins Second Term Amid Election Disputes and Pledge to Transform Zambia's Economy

South Sudan President, Salva Kiir has signed into law the amendments to the country's election law. The reforms remove requirements that linked elections to the completion of a permanent constitution and a national census. The president also dissolved the transitional government. South Sudan is headed to the polls scheduled for December 22 this year. Opposition parties had rejected amendments to the electoral process. President Kiir says the decision to dissolve the transitional government that was established under a 2018 peace deal, paves the way to elections. Under the amended law signed in yesterday (Tuesday), the incumbent executive leadership remains in office with full constitutional powers until a newly elected president takes office. We spoke to Jame David Kolok, a South Sudanese activist and Human Rights Lawyer

South Sudan President, Salva Kiir has signed into law the amendments to the country's election law. The reforms remove requirements that linked elections to the completion of a permanent constitution and a national census. The president also dissolved the transitional government. South Sudan is headed to the polls scheduled for December 22 this year. Opposition parties had rejected amendments to the electoral process. President Kiir says the decision to dissolve the transitional government that was established under a 2018 peace deal, paves the way to elections. Under the amended law signed in yesterday (Tuesday), the incumbent executive leadership remains in office with full constitutional powers until a newly elected president takes office.&nbsp;We spoke to Jame David Kolok, a South Sudanese activist and Human Rights Lawyer

West Africa Roundup: Dr David Matsanga Unpacks Key Political and Conflict Developments

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