On the surface, most of the controversy that followed the 2010 general elections seemed quick to dissipate, but question marks remain over the longer-term prospects for Tanzania's political calm. 

In its first year of independence, South Sudan is one of the most fragile states in the world. Despite the international welcome to its birth on 9 July 2011, its fortunes continue to be hostage to the government of Sudan in Khartoum. A number of old tensions remain between the former civil-war foes. 

A tightly-defined roadmap for a one-year extension of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was agreed in September at a meeting in Mogadishu attended by representatives of the transitional federal institutions, the Puntland and Galmudug administrations and the moderate Islamic organisation Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a, as well as international stakeholders. 

Having been allowed a clean sweep in the latest elections in late September 2011, thanks to a complete boycott by the main opposition party, President James Michel's Parti Lepep (PL) has been sufficiently embarrassed by its now complete political dominance to recognise the need for electoral reform.

Since his re-election in August 2011, President Paul Kagame has tightened his grip. He appointed key allies to the Senate during 2011 at a time when the government was mulling the lifting of presidential term limits to allow him to run for president again when his current seven-year term ends.

A year before President Mwai Kibaki retires, the race to succeed him is being determined by some of the key elements of hislegacy: the economy and the vexed issues of Kenyan nationhood and national security.

The country's two largest ethnic groups want to see one of their own holding the top office when Prime Minister Meles Zenawi steps dow. In terms of the economy, the previously high rate of economic growth has started to slip as inflation has soared, spelling trouble ahead for the stability of the financial system. 

Eritrean President Isaia refuses any democratic reform, while the opposition remains divided. Food deficits and attracting foreign investment are priorities for the countries economy. 

Civil unrest and demonstrations have not stopped President Isamïl Omar Guelleh from holding office for a third term. The country remains key for foreign military operations in the gulf of Aden, because of its good harbour. While the country suffers from a reduction of foreign investments, growth rates are estimated at 5,1 per cent for the year 2012. 

Government wants to re-open debate on the country's constitution, while the economy is dependent on agricultural outputs as well as new foreign direct investments. 

As in recent years the Burundese government's biggest issues in 2012 will be the security issue, having to tackle intensified actions from rebel group FNL. As for the economy, corruption may prove to be the main barrier against a continued in-flow of foreign aid, representing 60 per cent of the state's revenue. 

Hailemariam’s appointment as deputy prime minister and foreign minister in an October government reshuffle strengthens his position as a potential successor in 2015. Hailemariam’s party, the SEPDM, has also gained a further two prominent ministries, defence and federal affairs, strengthening the party relative to the traditional power bases in the TPLF, OPDO and ANDM.

Decision time for north and south
National elections in early 2010 and the referendum on southern independence in 2011 provide the backdrop for continuing conflicts in the west, in the Darfur region, and in the south.

Kikwete looking for legacy
Opposition parties earned their bestever scores in the October presidential elections, but President Kikwete and the ruling CCMwill still rule unchallenged until the next polls in five years’ time.

Sharp contests and key players

Opposition politicians appear to have given up on unity, strengthening the hand of President Museveni as he faces Kizza Besigye, his unsuccessful challenger in every election since 2001.

A one-man show?
Kagame’s dominance of the political scene hides schisms within the Rwandan Patriotic Front and the military hierarchy, which could undermine the country’s long-term stability.

Fragile government faces deadline
Instability in the Horn of Africa will continue as neither the AU-backed transitional government nor the Islamist Al Shabaab rebels have the support and resources to win a decisive military victory.

Firm hands on the tiller
Ethiopia's large potential for energy exports is being explored as large new hydro-electric dams are completed in the next couple of years to supplement trade in coffee and other commodities.

New constitution, new politics
The government is focused on implementing the terms of the new constitution before national elections in 2012 that will pit Prime Minister Odinga against President Kibaki’s chosen candidate.

A return to the single-party era
The exclusion of the opposition from government positions and political debate has heighte heightened the risk that former rebel groups will return to the battlefield to make their voices heard.

Delicate transition
National elections in late 2010 could cement the idea of the rotating presidency enshrined in the 2001 constitution, provided that early organisational obstacles are overcome.

A bulwark against regional insecurity
After changing the constitution to allow a third term, President Guelleh is assured of maintaining his politicial dominance and gaining another six years in power after elections in early 2011

Aftershocks of the upheaval
The ruling party may face an electoral backlash in 2011 if its IMF-backed fiscal fitness programme does not yield quick results and the islands' tourism industry continues to lag.

Cautiously opening the door
Conflicts with neighbouring states continue without a resolution in sight, and the regime in Asmara will only be strengthened by the cash that new foreign mining companies will bring.