Warning: SPOILERS for Black Panther #10
The nation of Wakanda gains a new name and loses a Black Panther as the country fully transitions to a democracy - but at a great cost. Wakanda's recent civil war seriously damaged the country's reputation, not to mention the country itself, and citizens and public officials have called for a change in leadership. That change takes effect in Black Panther #10 as the Black Panther's own country effectively strips him of his crown for good.
Out of all the nations in Africa, Wakanda is the only nation to remain fully independent throughout its entire history; it has never been successfully invaded or conquered by Europeans. Wakandans owe this feat to their supremely advanced technology, which in turn is brought about by the incredibly rare and powerful metal vibranium. Wakanda possesses advanced weapons, medical science and even a space program decades ahead of any neighboring country, but the nation is also a monarchy, a relatively unusual form of government in the modern era.
In Black Panther #10, written by John Ridley with art by German Peralta, the Avengers fight the new villain Colonialist in America, but Wakanda's troubles continue across the seas. As T'Challa fights his new enemy the Buffalo Soldier, Princess Shuri stands at the first convention of "the Democratic Republic of Wakanda" where the Prime Minister gives a speech in which she pledges "...that we are done with the Wakanda of the past. A nation run by a King who was little more than an autocrat." The Wakandans assembled at the convention cheer - and Black Panther is on his way out as King.
The Democratic Republic of Wakanda No Longer Needs A King
The new name of the country (strongly bearing a resemblance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo) is indicative of Black Panther's slowly waning popularity among his people. Wakanda may have advanced technology, but the monarchy and the very idea of a royal family is woefully outdated. Wakanda faces new dangers as Black Panther's adopted white brother Hunter wishes to destabilize the country (seen in the new Captain America: Symbol of Truth series), but the nation will face these dangers without its longtime protector.
Black Panther, for his part, is rather despondent about losing his power, but also about losing his chance to protect the people who live in his home country. The Democratic Republic of Wakanda has all but ousted Black Panther, Shuri and Queen Ramonda will be next, and the long-held institutions of the country will eventually become a distant memory. While some in Wakanda are proud to see democracy play a pivotal part in the development of the nation's future, others are sad to see tradition fall by the wayside - perhaps none more so than Black Panther himself.