Author Archives: Penelope Chester 
Burkina Faso v. Compaore
Burkina Faso’s long-time president, Blaise Compaore, was re-elected for another term with an overwhelming majority in November 2010. What should we make of the recent military uprisings and student protests that have rocked the country?
India’s New Promises To Africa
During the Second India-Africa Forum Summit last week in Ethiopia, Indian Prime Minister Singh promised significant support for African development. We take a look at what Indian engagement in Africa is shaping up to look like.
Fighting Bad Aid By Selling Second Hand T-Shirts Back to Americans
One social enterprise is trying to sell second hand American t-shirts that flood African markets to back to Americans. This is a welcome challenge to the economically deleterious practice of sending old clothes to Africa. How will the aid community respond?
Chad: An Election Under The Radar
The president of Chad, Idriss Déby, was just re-elected to a fourth term with nearly 90% of the vote. Here we have yet another strongman in the region who is playing the system to extend his rule and disqualify any potential opponents, and he’s doing so with quasi-impunity.
Signs of unity, slow return to normalcy in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire’s president was officially sworn-in today. A brief overview of the current situation, and what to look out for in coming weeks and months.
Bin Laden’s Death: A Reason To Rejoice?
News channels are showing scenes of elation in Washington D.C. and NYC. Why I’m having a hard time cheering.
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The SC; HRC; DPRK; South Sudan
The SC: The Security Council today held its last consultations under the Council Presidency of ROK. Tomorrow, Russia will take over the rotating Presidency of the Security Council for March under Ambassador Vitaly Churkin.
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The SG; Mali; Middle East; Palestine
The SG: At the Fifth Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Vienna, Austria today, the SG emphasized the role of youth in ensuring a “prosperous, equitable and peaceful future.”
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The SG; DRC; HRC; Palestinian Prisoner
The SG: In Ethiopia over the weekend, the SG is now in the United Arab Emirates. Today he met with Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, where the two discussed developments in the region, including Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, and in the Middle East Peace Process.
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