Political Governance and the African Peer Review Mechanism

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Introduction

   Omololu M. Fagbadebo, Isioma U. Ile

   Abstract

   The idea behind the establishment of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) was the need to redress the challenges associated with the dearth of democratic governance in the continent. Despite its enormous wealth of natural resources, the continent has remained backward in terms of developmental indexes with bourgeoning crisis of governance. The APRM was a means of ensuring best practices for sustainable economic growth, infrastructure development, political stability as well as an accelerated economic integration. This introductory chapter previews the background issues that gave rise to the establishment of the APRM. It explains the foundational ethos that informed the structure of the mechanism and its intended purpose for the greater good for the continent. The APRM is an admission of governance errors with determination to conduct self-assessment for improvements on governance issues.

3. Chapter 2. Leadership and the Challenge of Sustainable Development in Africa

   Omololu Fagbadebo, Fulufhelo G. Netswera

   Abstract

   Accountability, effectiveness and inclusiveness are three pillars of good governance. Adherence to these principles by the government, which the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) emphasised, would stimulate growth and sustainable development. This requires a synergy between the institutional structures and ethical leadership practices capable of strengthening state capacity for effective public service delivery. Compromised public institutions coupled with deficient leadership have remained a central challenge to good governance in the continent. Using a case study approach, this chapter examines the various dimensions and dynamics associated with practices within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) context. While the APRM encourages self-assessment by countries, it is expected that the findings of such activity should serve as a guide for promoting good governance and sustainable growth and development. This chapter argues the insatiable appetite of African leaders for the illicit accumulation of wealth has remained a challenge in promoting good governance principles and practices as envisaged by the APRM. The state capture phenomenon, in different dimensions and fashions, for instance, has dominated African public sector management with state institutions becoming the avenues for corrupt practices. This chapter submits, therefore, that committed institutional, and political reforms are sine qua non for the stimulation of ethical leadership committed to promoting the principles of accountability, effectiveness and inclusiveness in the administration of African states.

4. Chapter 3. Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Selected African Countries: A Comparative Evaluation in the Context of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)

   John C. Mubangizi

   Abstract

   Constitutional democracy, human rights and the rule of law are critically important for peace, and sustainable development—this more so on the African continent which has faced and continues to face enormous challenges ranging from poor governance to armed conflicts, poverty, inequality, poor education and healthcare systems and unemployment to mention but a few. Constitutional democracy, the protection of human rights and the rule of law are closely linked because each needs the other to function. However, the levels of achievement of these ideals vary from country to country and depend on various internal and external factors. This chapter explores the extent to which selected African countries have achieved these ideals and the comparative lessons those countries can learn from each other. The chapter begins by contextualizing constitutional democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It provides an explanation of the rationale for the choice of selected countries for evaluation. An evaluation contemporary practice of constitutional democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the selected countries is then undertaken before drawing comparative lessons. This is done in the context of the role of the APRM and the extent to which it has achieved its objectives. Conclusions are then drawn and recommendations made mainly to the effect that the APRM provides opportunities for promoting constitutional democracy, human rights and the rule of law and efforts should be made to strengthen it and to bring more countries on board.

5. Chapter 4. Monitoring Accountability and the Promotion of the Rights of Women: A Case of African Peer Review Mechanisms (APRM) in Rwanda

   Msuthukazi Makiva

   Abstract

   Rwanda promotes moral accountability, discipline and integrity among public sector employees by preaching example and action. An innovation system known as Imihigo or a home-grown performance contract signed by policy implementers, is among the key drivers for good performance in public administration as it emphasises accountability with biting teeth. Imihigo is used as part of policy planning, monitoring and evaluation system in building Rwanda’s development and economic growth. However, while this initiative produces good performance outcomes, there is still more to be done in the promotion of the rights of women. The government is committed to gender equality by signing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The country also has the Ministry of Gender and Women in Development. This Ministry has the responsibility of coordinating policy implementation in the promotion of gender related matters. The Gender Monitoring Office established by the Constitution, was designed to promote gender equity and the rights of women in Rwanda. This chapter discusses the issues noting that regardless of these achievements, there is a strong view that women still face societal discrimination.

6. Chapter 5. Government and Civil Society-Led Interventions in Combating Corruption in Seychelles: A Comparative Analysis

   Leke Abraham Oluwalogbon, Olubukola Wellington, Adetutu Deborah Aina-Pelemo

   Abstract

   Most African states fall below the global average on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and similar corruption measurement indexes worldwide. However, Seychelles, a small Island state, has demonstrated that the menace can be curbed, having emerged consistently, as the best-rated African State. This study explores the effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives in Seychelles through a comparative analysis of government-led and civil society-led interventions. To tackle corruption in Seychelles, the government and civil society have implemented various strategies including legal frameworks accountability mechanisms and public awareness campaigns, to address this problem. The study examines how these initiatives have successfully reduced corruption and the contributing factors. The findings reveal that both government-led and civil society-led initiatives have had some success in reducing corruption, but there are significant differences in their approaches and outcomes. The study concludes that a collaborative effort between the government and civil society is necessary for sustained progress in the fight against corruption in Seychelles.

7. Chapter 6. Sudan and the Challenges of Political Governance, 2017–2023

   Meron A. Okbandrias

   Abstract

   Sudan is one of Africa’s largest and most diverse countries with immense economic potential. Since its independence in 1953, political governance in Sudan has been characterised by a tumultuous history. There were 11 Coup d’etat, of which 5 were successful. Moreover, South Sudan ceded in 2011 after long periods of insurrection against the central governments of Sudan. Despite the hope that the independence of South Sudan would bring much-needed stability, the Darfur conflict ignited a new era of instability. The latest coup d’etat in 2019, was inspired by the popular uprising of the Sudanese students and workers and undertaken by the military, which always had a controversial role in the country’s political affairs. The fall of Al Bashir was to usher in a civilian government after two decades of military rule. That hope was dashed in April 2023 when two strong men with substantial armies sent the country into a civil war. This chapter considers the current conflict in Sudan and the lack of effective democratic political governance according to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) framework. After wide consultations with relevant stakeholders, Sudan acceded to the APRM in July 2006, and the Country’s Review Mission (CRM) published its findings in all thematic areas in 2017. The chapter evaluates the summaries of the Democratic and Political Governance thematic area; especially the intra-country conflict and the lack of progress on the highlighted areas that led to the current state of affairs.

8. Chapter 7. Electoral Democracy, Collaborative Partners, and the First Component of the APRM in Tanzania

   Tunde A. Abioro, Adeyemo Adedayo Isaiah, Francis Oluyemi Fagbohun

   Abstract

   Periodic election is the hallmark of electoral democracy. In achieving this, continental groups such as the African Union (AU) have initiated interventions to allow nations to function and compare notes within a measurable framework. Tanzania is one of the signatories to the APRM document and has engaged several partners in recent presidential, parliamentary, and councillorship elections. The transitions were held despite the recurring socioeconomic challenges as well as the increased burden of the fight against the effects of insurgency, displacements, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged the resources of these countries. However, the country’s First-Past-the-Post electoral system was confronted by issues such as the adoption of technology, election management agencies, political participation, free press, independent candidacy, and election dispute resolution mechanisms. This study examines the role of partner institutions, especially the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in the democratization process of the member countries. The study relied on data from democratic partner agencies as well as existing data from relevant secondary sources and suggested ways to further strengthen democracy in these countries and other democracies across the world.

9. Chapter 8. Enhancing Governance and Women’s Rights: Zimbabwe’s Path in the APRM

   Sisa Ngabaza

   Abstract

   In 2020, Zimbabwe became a member of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), an African Union (AU) initiative aimed at fostering good governance within African nations. This move occurred nearly two decades after the establishment of the APRM in 2003, prompting many of the country’s critics to question how it would perform within the APRM framework, considering its unfavourable track record on governance issues. At this stage, it would be too ambitious to expect much about how Zimbabwe has fared since joining the body, but perhaps the processes and strategies adopted since then to prepare the country for its first review are worth noting. These strategies stem from the work of civil society organisations. These organisations seem to be playing a crucial role in raising awareness among various state organs and alerting member states to key governance problem areas that states need to consider and reform as APRM members. In this chapter, I focus particularly on the promotion and protection of women’s rights, their representation, and their involvement in politics and the economy in Zimbabwe as the country prepares for its first review. To do this, I conduct a desktop review of academic and non-academic sources, particularly in the last decade and a half. In this review, I provide a general overview of the status of women in Zimbabwe, to show where the country stands regarding women’s rights in their political and economic representation, since joining the APRM. Secondly, I provide insight into the country’s strategies to promote women’s rights in terms of political representation and public participation as the country works towards the APRM review. Finally, through the work of civil society organisations, I shed light on Zimbabwe’s journey in the APRM in its few years of membership.

10. Chapter 9. Governance Crisis in Cameroon: An Analysis of Progress and Challenges in Implementing the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Principles

    Eugene Beyonyi Y, Isioma U. Ile

    Abstract

    Cameroon is one of the numerous African nations dealing with the crisis of good governance. Cameroon, a country in Central Africa, joined the APRM in April 2003. This paper examines Cameroon’s progress and difficulties in implementing the APRM recommendations and the role the APRM has played in addressing the nation’s good governance dilemma. The paper examines the progress in implementing the APRM recommendations. It also explores the challenges associated with implementing the APRM recommendations, and how they impacted the country’s governance system. With an emphasis on Cameroon’s crisis of good governance, this paper offers a thorough analysis of the country’s implementation of the APRM, including its progress and difficulties. The paper concludes that while Cameroon may have made great strides in adopting and practicing the APRM principles, it still has a long way to go in tackling issues like political instability, socioeconomic disparity, and corruption. The chapter’s conclusion emphasizes the necessity of a more thorough and inclusive APRM process in Cameroon that includes all stakeholders in order to support a more accountable and inclusive governance structure.

11. Chapter 10. The Factors Associated with the Time It Takes to Fetch Water for Household Use Among Women in Burundi: Insights from the 2017 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS2017)

    Elizabeth Avosuahi Dania, Philomene Nsengiyumva, Anele Mfubu

    Abstract

    Almost half of Burundi’s female population lack access to clean and safe drinking water. This situation remains a big challenge, particularly for households in Africa at large, and in Burundi in particular. As the world’s population rapidly grows, households are increasingly in need of safe and clean water. Therefore, it is significant that women have access to clean and safe drinking water for household use. Reports have shown that women and young girls are the major water collectors, and they must walk a long distance to collect water from water sources in Burundi. As a result of this, some women and girls are unable to complete their education, arrive at school late, and have a high rate of unemployment. This has restricted the capacity of women to build a strong education and work environment for themselves, particularly in the most impoverished areas of Burundi. Therefore, little is known about the sources of water for household use.

12. Chapter 11. Governance, Constitutional Democracy, and Political Accountability in West Africa

    Evans Sakyi Boadu

    Abstract

    West Africa’s political and democratic dynamics are being altered due to the recent military coup d’état and unconstitutional government changes. Many neighbouring countries are extremely concerned about the resurgence of military coups because it demonstrates that the sub-regions lack democracy, good governance, peace, and stability. The notion is that ‘diasporans’ of these countries are apparently backing and fueling the military upheavals and extremist groups due to the abysmal governance systems, high-level of corruption and inequalities. The idea is that the aforementioned variables are what have caused the cyclical political uncertainties in a number of the West African countries. The militia groups and in some cases the national armies in these countries have legitimatized the repeated political crisis in the name of poor governance, non-existence of democratic principles and corruption. Nonetheless, bad governance and corruption are multidimensional concepts encompassing political, economic, security and other societal threats and West African states have deficient capacities and systems to manage and mitigate these menaces judging from the recent political instabilities and military upheavals in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso. Moreover, in ethnically segregated countries as most of the countries within the sub-region, both legitimate and authoritarian regimes tend to face legitimacy crisis and partisan collusions. The widespread corruption and wastefulness of the political elites is occasionally motivated by ethnic competition with regards to the distribution of national resources. The chapter unravels the extent to which the economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights as enshrined in Africa and international human rights instruments have been undermined or promoted. The chapter concludes that, to break the recent cycle and ensure good governance and democracy, political, social and economic accountability and transparency must be guaranteed.

13. Chapter 12. The Practice of Democratic and Political Governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Michel Tshiyoyo

    Abstract

    Democracy is characterised by responsive and responsible governance, rule of law, human rights, civic participation, and peaceful transfers of power through electoral processes whereas political governance is the process of decision-making to formulate policy. It suffices to say that democratic governance and political governance reinforce each other and if well implemented, they can create conditions for the establishment of a stable and peaceful society, and above all, allow a country to find a path of durable peace and sustainable development. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) embarked on the democratisation process on 24 April 1990 through a famous speech by Marechal Mobutu who was in the realm of power for more than two decades and ruled the country using a one-party approach. The DRC has recorded positive accomplishments but also numerous setbacks that negatively affected the expected results. This chapter investigates the extent to which the democratic and governance process has been implemented to allow the DRC to establish a legitimate government to fast-track the democratisation process. It also examines the progress made by the DRC in terms of the key indicators used to measure a country’s performance on democracy and political governance.

14. Chapter 13. Institutions and the Crisis of Governance in Nigeria

    Omololu Fagbadebo

    Abstract

    As an institutionalised mechanism, the presidential system prides itself as an accountability mechanism, for promoting good governance through decentralised oversight. As a governing system characterised by the axiom of separated but shared powers, presidential systems provide multiple opportunities to checkmate abuse of state powers. Thus, the institutional arrangement associated with its practice is designed to ensure prudent management of the state’s resources that enforce accountable leadership. In Nigeria, adopting a presidential system was a fallout of the failure of the First Republic Westminster parliamentary system, characterised by conflict and political instability. Nevertheless, the institutions associated with the system were not insulated from the attitudinal dispositions of political and bureaucratic leaders who often compromised statutory regulations in public sector management. Thus, disregard for the rule of law has remained the bane of the practice of the presidential system in Nigeria. This chapter discusses the institutions of the presidential system in Nigeria’s democratic experience. While explicit constitutional provisions stipulate the exercise of power with requisite accountability guides, members of the legislature, executive, and judicial arms of government have consistently breached the rules to circumvent statutory regulation of the functional accountability system. Consequently, institutional malfunctions are to the detriment of good governance. Compromised oversight institutions and mechanisms have failed to harness the requisite accountability potential for good governance.

15. Chapter 14. A Comparative Assessment of Democracy and Good Governance Dividends in Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal

    Mataywa Busieka

    Abstract

    This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of a two-decade comparative study that evaluates the dividends of democracy and good governance in Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal, utilizing the lens of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) indicators. The study aims to analyse the progress and maturation of democratic systems and governance practices in these four African countries, shedding light on the key factors that have contributed to their development or hindered their advancement. The theoretical framework employed in this research draws from the concepts of democracy and good governance. Democracy encompasses political systems characterized by free and fair elections, respect for human rights, rule of law, transparency, and citizen participation. Good governance emphasizes effective institutions, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and inclusiveness. These frameworks provide the basis for evaluating the performance of Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal. The study utilizes the APRM indicators as a tool for comparative analysis. The APRM framework, developed by the African Union, assesses Member states’ political, economic, corporate, and socio-economic governance. By employing this framework, the research evaluates the four countries’ adherence to democratic principles, the effectiveness of governance structures, and the impact on development outcomes. The findings of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of the progress made by Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal in the realm of democracy and good governance over the past two decades. The study identifies commonalities and differences in the four countries’ experiences, highlighting the success stories and challenges faced in each context. This research has implications for policymaking and development strategies in Africa. By identifying the factors that have facilitated or hindered the dividends of democracy and good governance, policymakers can formulate targeted interventions to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance governance practices, and foster sustainable development.