A country of spectacular stories
A few days after Nigeria’s presidential elections, with a disputed winner declared, here are some initial conclusions and prospects.
13 Articles by:
Camilla Houeland
Camilla Houeland is a researcher at the Fafo, Norway, and associate professor II in Sociology and Human Geography at the University of Oslo.
The age of the Obidients
Peter Obi, one of the three main candidates for Nigerian president, is neither a savior nor a socialist, but his candidacy and his supporters have enlivened Nigerian elections.
The global and class inequalities of fossil fuel subsidy reform
Climate activists and leftists should tread cautiously when they use the climate argument to support fossil fuel subsidy reform in Africa.
We work like elephants, and eat like ants
The weakening of Nigeria’s oil trade unions has a devastating impact on workers. Now workers are paid by Shell and others to sabotage union strikes and actions.
‘We are workers, not heroes’
African health workers ask for decent work and a strong, public health care system—not applause.
Celebrating May Day: Trade unions as schools of democracy
At the heart of the protest movement in Sudan is a trade union. Proving again that democratic influence and change require collective participation and organization.
The struggle for a minimum wage in Nigeria
Negotiations for a minimum wage put Nigeria’s trade unions at the front of poor people’s struggles.
On May Day, what is there to celebrate in Africa?
On International Workers’ Day, we provide a sweeping assessment of the strengths, weaknesses and potential of African trade unions.
What is Uber up to in Africa?
Uber’s usual tricks — to provoke price wars in an attempt to increase their share of markets, evade taxes, and undermine workers’ rights — are alive and well in Africa.
The crisis around Lake Chad
The world’s most extensive humanitarian crises is currently playing out in northeastern Nigeria and around Lake Chad.
The ‘Big Man’ Syndrome in Africa
Why do so many African leaders overstay their welcome or break electoral rules?
Labor protests in Swaziland: when no news is not good news
To quote an old adage by the late Steve Biko: the Swazi workers are on their own.
The history of Nigeria’s 1990s democracy movement
What has been the personal legacy and costs to the Abiola women in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.