Tinkering with the controls
With harrassed and disorganised opposition parties, boycott threats and a weak civil society, President Paul Biya and the ruling RDPC are assured of victory in all forthcoming elections.

Old enemies and new friends
Rebels in the north no loner pose such a great threat and President Bozizé has a chance to increase stability if he promotes reconciliation and a more inclusive government.

Still dividing and ruling
Increasing oil production, disunified rebels and political parties, new arms supplies and continued military support from Paris keep President Déby firmly entrenched in N'Djamena.

Oil brings comfort
Congo-Brazzaville's offshore oil production has spurred one of the highest GDP growth rates in sub-Saharan Africa but this has yet to translate into an effective development strategy.

The cost of new friendships
Opponents of President Kabila are in exile or have been side-line, so he will pitch himself as the only candidate with the necessary experience in the 2011 presidential polls. 

Praying for new oil as growth tumbles
Despite a decade of rapid expansion, last year's falling oil prices and declining local production have turned the country's growth rate into one or the largest negative rates in Africa.  

The father’s son takes over
Taking power at the end of 2009, new President Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba promised great changes, but limited finances and agitated workers may limit his latitude for action. 

Oil dream deferred again
São Tomé e Príncipe's government hopes that October's oil find in the Joint Development Zone will turn the country into a Central African oil emirate like neighbouring Equatorial Guinea or Gabon.