The World Today: March 2009: March 2009

The international economic crisis has catapulted a new group of nations to public awareness. Gone are the fireside chats of G8 countries, welcome to the G20. The agenda for its London summit is demanding, the expectations daunting; but at least it is more representative.

The need to switch to more sustainable transport systems has never been greater. While world leaders struggle to resuscitate floundering economies, the road to economic recovery must not be littered with the same mistakes as the past. New policies are required to address the many pressing challenges. It will not be easy.

On April 22, South Africans will vote in presidential and parliamentary elections for the fourth time since the end of apartheid, and a fourth president will take power through constitutional means. It is worth remembering this amazing achievement. The apartheid legacy of racism, repression and violence was never going to be erased in fifteen years, but the fact the country can already claim such a vibrant democratic culture, alongside strong institutions, a vocal media and civil society is an achievement the historical precedents for which are hard to identify.

At least a generation after southern African countries won their independence, the ageing freedom fighters are being challenged. There are early signs of what may be a youthful political renewal with new dreams of freedom.

One night in mid-February, gunfire erupted at the gates of the presidential palace in Equatorial Guinea at 3am. The motives were unclear but there was speculation about another coup attempt. Not the news the president wanted as he prepared to celebrate thirty years in power.