Political Transition in Nepal: Challenges Ahead

May 9, 2012 by Sudhanshu Tripathi

Communist graffiti in Nepal. keso s/Flickr

The rising tide of Maoists, during the last decade, has turned the Nepalese psyche towards establishing a modern welfare state. The same conditions led to a momentous political rebellion against the royal monarchy, particularly between the years of 1996 and 2006. Consequently, the 238 years-old institution came to an end in 2008 when the Constituent Assembly of Nepal declared a Federal and Democratic Republic. Further, 2006 witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Seven Party Alliance and the Maoists for establishing democracy in Nepal.

That agreement set in motion a plan to hold popular elections in April 2008. It was during those elections that the Communist Party of Nepal became the majority party, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal (alias ‘Prachanda’) became the Prime Minister of Nepal.

Until April of 2008, there had been a decades-long co-existence of multiple religious communities, which shielded Nepal from communalism under the Hindu kingdom.

(more…)

Can AMISOM Protect Somalia’s Sovereignty?

May 9, 2012 by Abukar Arman

For more than two decades, Somalia’s sovereignty has been in limbo- or in an utterly defunct status. Though there are many causes, a particular one stands out exponentially: volatile security. For no nation can claim, or (like in Somalia’s case) reclaim its sovereignty while dependent on another country, coalition, or a peace-building force for security.  And though road-based security has been a top priority, it has been an objective made difficult by the many hurdles along the way!

(more…)