Richard Dowden
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Richard Dowden is a British journalist who has specialised in African issues. He formally worked as the Africa Editor for both The Independent and The Economist. He is now the Director of the Royal African Society. Richard is author of the book, “Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles” (Portobello Books, 2008). He is editor of the Africa-focussed discussion site www.africanarguments.org

Blog Entries by Richard Dowden

Don't Force Statehood on Somalia

Posted 20 October 2011 | 17:06:18 (EST)

The model for Somalia is Switzerland. Don't laugh! Political power in Switzerland lies in the cantons - the 26 proud self-governing communities. The state, such as it is, deals with international matters and national law. Who cares - or even knows - who the president of Switzerland is. The way...

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Reconciliation for Kagame and Museveni

Posted 1 September 2011 | 01:00:00 (EST)

You might think that comfortably re-elected recently and in his 26th year as ruler of Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni might begin to sit back and relish his achievements. But despite his 67 years and looking tired, he appears to have lost none of his ambition, stubborn determination or instinct for...

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Ethiopia and the BBC: The politics of development assistance

Posted 19 August 2011 | 15:22:48 (EST)

Guest Post from Peter Gill - author of 'Famine and Foreigners: Ethiopia since Live Aid' - Richard Dowden is in Uganda and South Sudan and will be blogging again soon.

'Also tonight,' said Kirsty Wark in the opening link to Newsnight on BBC2 on August 4,...

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Famine In Somalia: It's The Politics...Stupid

Posted 30 July 2011 | 01:00:00 (EST)

"Here we go again". These words should have been heard in November last year. Not since. That's when the drought early warning lights flashed in Eastern Africa. No one should be saying it now. But now we are seeing pictures of starving Somali babies - pictures that we were promised...

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