Economic Crisis
African countries are overwhelmed with oppressive models of development led by international organizations like the World Bank and the plethora of non-governmental organizations, all aimed towards increasing the national GDP and industry of these countries. Frequently referred to as the "Third World," the lack of infrastructure and economic industry is seen as the fault of the current governments, instead of as a result of the legacy of corruption and colonialism.
Zambia
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Due to it’s poor soil and agriculture crash, Zambia's current economic state is one of disrepair, bankruptcy, and austerity measures.
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Although it is one of the most highly urbanized sub-Sarahan countries, its high rates of infant mortality and HIV/AIDS per capita places it among the poorest countries in the world.
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The Zambian economy suffers from high unemployment rates, as the number of people searching for jobs far outweigh the number of available positions.
Zimbabwe
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Although Zimbabwe's economy had been building after gaining independence, it crashed in 2000 due to overspending in the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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The economic crash resulted in an 80% unemployment rate, suspension of its own currency, and hyperinflation from 2003 to 2009, peaking at 231 million percent peak.
Apartheid in South Africa
Apartheid, a systematic segregation of white and black citizens of South Africa was adopted as law in 1948 following the election of Daniel Francois Malan. However, the institution was not a new one; prior to the British taking over the South African colony, segregation of blacks and whites was commonplace.
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Apartheid instituted laws that forbade black South Africans the right to vote and enforced a strict curfew after which they could not be found in ‘white’ areas of cities.
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Many black South Africans were forced out of cities following the passing of Apartheid law and forced into slum towns surrounding the cities from which they were exiled.
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After 1970, blacks were no longer allowed to hold public office and were no longer legally considered citizens. As such, they were deprived of not only their rights, but received vastly inferior public services.
The international community responded by placing trade restrictions on South Africa, but the government did not effect any changes. In 1950, however, many protests against Apartheid segregation began and continued for many years. In 1991, Apartheid was officially abolished, but it was not recognized as abolished until after 1994, the first year in which non-white South African citizens were allowed to vote for their president.
Political Instability
Adding on to the economic crises, there are also multiple problems in the political scene as well. In the countries of Lesotho and Swaziland, tension between political parties and between kings and democratic parties have stunted the growth and success of political stability.
Swaziland
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King Sobhuza→ KIng Mswati III (most current king)
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Sobhuza represented stability and legitimacy, even though he was somewhat of a tyrant
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in 1986 new king, present King Mswati III
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his unpopularity led to growing strength of the democracy movement and decreasing turnout for elections
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Various Democratic Movements
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Swaziland Democratic Front
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built success/early appeal on excesses and competition of young Mswati III
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People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO)
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main oppositional force and democracy advocate together w/ unions and recently formed
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Lesotho
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King Moshoeshoe II wanted wider personal powers, but was forced (by Prime Minister-PM Jonathan) to sign document stating he would abide by constitution
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This resulted in strained relationship between PM and king
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Unresolved kingship issues continued way after Lesotho’s independence
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August 17 1994- King Letsie III announced he was suspending parliament and setting up provisional council representative of all people, even though the government declared this unconstitutional
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Mokhele (leader of BCP Party)’s government was later restored
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Later on in another instance, elections were suspected to be rigged
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Many feared government overthrow after announcement by army commander of the Lesotho Defence Forces resigning on national radio
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Langa Commission was called and found election irregularities, this led to protestors keeping vigil outside the king’s house to try and get him to annul election results (he could not b/c of constitutional clause)
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The PM of Lesotho appealed for assistance to restore authority of the government
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It was agreed to hold fresh elections in 2000
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More post electoral dissatisfaction resurfaced after elections in 2007 as opposition party refused to accept results
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Intra-party tensions let to the splitting of one of the popular parties, LCD
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Later a three party coalition between LCD, BNP, and ABC (All Basotho Convention) was formed, but political tensions and disagreements still remained
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