Danger signs freedom waning in East Africa

NAIROBI: Over the next year, 15 different elections will take place across the African continent. While elections can be a prime opportunity for governments to demonstrate their respect for free speech and freedom of association, their actions in the run-up to the polls can also be particularly revealing of their real intentions.

Six of the forthcoming elections will be held in East Africa where, from Tanzania to Sudan, a wide range of legal tools hindering freedom of association have recently been put in place by the authorities.