Maggie Fick, Author at UN Dispatch

A Fitful Start to Elections in Nigeria

In the twelve years since Africa’s most populous nation transitioned from military dictatorship to civilian rule, the three elections held have been far from democratic exercises—instead, they have been flashpoints for violence, igniting communal tensions across the country and disenfranchising large numbers of voters.

How the Egypt Uprising is Viewed in Southern Sudan

In hotel bars and restaurants across Juba, near-constant coverage by Al Jazeera English of the fast-moving events in Egypt over the past two weeks has inspired conversation among southerners about the possible ripple effect of the impassioned uprisings.

Negotiations over Sudan’s Dissolution Being Today. Here is What is at Stake

Negotiations resumed today in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum between top officials from Sudan’s north and south. These leaders, representing two regions of the same country, will soon begin relating to each other as diplomats from two different nations.

Now that the Southern Sudan Referrendum is Over…What Next?

It will be a new struggle for the new country’s leaders to forge a path that includes not only those groups who fought in the war but also those people who were born in refugee camps in East Africa, who grew up in Nebraska, who studied at Oxford and who drive motorcycle taxis in Juba.