Democracy and Human Rights
Last updated
June 2009
Democratic governance and respect for human rights are the foundations for political and social stability and economic progress. They are also intrinsic to the goal of human development. Today, the struggle of Africa's people for democracy and human rights continues. As in the past, international support can play an important role.
African victories in recent decades in overcoming colonial rule, apartheid and other Cold War era forms of dictatorship (notably military dictatorships and one-party political systems) have marked important progress and empowered Africa's people. While democratic advances have been made across the continent, serious challenges still remain.
As is the case everywhere, democracy in Africa is a work in progress. Constitutional reform movements now seek to advance the democratic process in many countries. African civil society organizations continue to struggle for women's rights and workers' rights, as well as for government accountability to the needs of Africa's poor majority.
To encourage democratic governance, African leaders introduced the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Launched in 2003 as part of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), the APRM is a pan-African initiative to provide mutual oversight on good governance and to promote development. Since the APRM is a voluntary process, a participating country conducts its own national consultations and assessment, then drafts a program of action. The APRM's Panel of Eminent Persons then sends a team of experts to dialogue with government officials, members of political parties, parliamentarians and representatives from civil society. So far, 28 countries have signed on to the process. Regional efforts such as these are important for establishing governance norms and should be supported by the international community. The U.S. has a role in promoting the full spectrum of human rights, encouraging mechanisms to ensure government accountability and to work alongside and support institutions that are formulated and run by Africans. In this way, the U.S. can offer real support and partnership to Africa's people. A consistently positive U.S. contribution in this area can do much to advance the shared goal of international stability. It is also an essential prerequisite to economic growth and social progress.
However, U.S. policy on democracy and human rights in Africa has tended instead to be quite selective, guided very much by the United States' own perceived strategic interests. The U.S. has been less quick to criticize some countries, such as Nigeria, Morocco or Ethiopia, which are considered strategically important to the U.S., while condemning other countries that are less strategically crucial or have become politically or economically dispensable.
Similarly, the U.S. has failed to take the necessary steps to end the genocide in Darfur, partly as a result of the importance of the Sudanese government to the U.S. in terms of intelligence gathering on terrorism. This dynamic is reminiscent of relations during the Cold War, when geopolitical considerations were placed far above human rights concerns. This relationship started to fray as international condemnation began to put pressure on the U.S. government to take a stronger stand; the Bush administration was the first to call the violence in Darfur a genocide, the Obama administration has appointed a special envoy to the region and the United States is supportive of the indictment of the Sudanese president by the International Criminal Court (ICC), though does not directly support the existence of the Court. These are steps in a positive direction, but more must be done to put an end to the impunity for genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur. The United States must make ending the genocide in Darfur a priority during the Obama Administration and must not shy away from the condemnation of the perpetrators and the political, financial and logistical support of regional and international structures that could help to end the violence.
Several key African countries now find themselves at important political junctures, and strategic U.S. engagement could be instrumental in boosting democratic forces and averting de-stabilizing crises. These countries include Nigeria, Kenya and Liberia, among others.
In 2007, Nigeria avoided a constitutional amendment that would have allowed former President Olusegun Obasanja to exceed the constitutionally mandated two-term limit. However, the April 2007 elections that brought Umaru yar-Adua of the People's Democratic Party to power were widely criticized as corrupt by both Nigerian civil society and international observers.
Kenya was hailed as a bastion of peace and democracy, however flawed, on the Africa continent until the last presidential election. The results of the election in December of 2007 were highly contested and led to inter-ethnic violence that displaced 600,000 people and killed 1,500.
These examples of failures in the democratic process are counterbalanced by examples of successful elections and subsequent peace. Liberia's presidential elections in 2005 marked an end to decades of civil war in that country and brought President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf into office as Africa's first female head of state in free and fair elections.
In Sudan, a new government of national unity was inaugurated in July 2005, ending the longest civil war in Africa. There are still serious fractures in Sudan's unity government, and it is critical that the U.S. support the democratic processes and governance mechanisms outlined in Sudan's 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
In all of the above cases, U.S. and international support for human rights and the rule of law must be unequivocal. Democratic institutions that are nurtured and supported by both international and local agents can lead to sustainable peace in conflict-ridden regions; the U.S., as an important democracy, should be ready and willing to face these challenges and provide the necessary support to enable fledgling democracies to succeed and to reform flawed or corrupt processes.
A powerful way that the U.S. can provide this support is through political, financial and logistic support for regional structures, such as the African Union (AU). Although it faces daunting challenges in its missions, the AU has played a key role in promoting democracy and human rights in Africa, as illustrated by its engagement in the Darfur peace process and its efforts, in a joint operation with the United Nations (UN), to provide security for Darfuri civilians. AU efforts to promote democracy and human rights on the continent must be supported by the international community and given the capability to become a strong peace-making and peace-keeping organization on the regional level While the responsibility of the U.S. towards supporting democratization and free and fair elections is crucial, it does not stop there. The commitment of the U.S. to promoting democracy and good governance in Africa must extend beyond support for the electoral process to encourage increased citizen participation and accountability on the part of both national and multinational institutions. It should involve the promotion of not only political and civil rights but also of economic and social rights as the critical expressions of healthy societies. This would include U.S. support for the rights of workers to organize, for example. Women's organizations are an important voice in civil society, and any U.S. policy should include important consideration of the rights of women, especially as regards their political participation in their own government processes.
Links
Africa Action Invited to Civil Society Leaders conference on Constitutional Reform in Zimbabwe
June 29, 2009
"Tomorrow I will start consultations with civil society players on the new constitution, ahead of the Civil Society Leaders Conference on Constitutional Reform, at which I will be speaking. Everyone I have talked to so far, regards the new constitution as the most important project in terms of consolidating Zimbabwe’s transition towards democratization and economic recovery...Read more by Briggs Bomba as he blogs from Zimbabwe about his current work and experience..."
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Africa Action Statement: U.S policy towards Zimbabwe: Time for Change
June 11, 2009
"Africa Action calls on the U.S. Government to immediately and fundamentally shift U.S. policy towards Zimbabwe..."
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Africa Action Releases Statement on U.S.- Policy Towards Zimbabwe
June 11, 2009
"During a period where unemployment in Zimbabwe has grown to almost 90%, Africa Action released a statement, 'Time for Change', which calls for fundamental reforms in U.S. policy towards Zimbabwe. For a broader analysis on Zimbabwe, read
A Dream Deferred..."
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Africa Action Mourns the Loss of Tajudeen Abdul Raheem
May 27, 2009
"This week Africa Action expresses tremendous grief over the loss of one of the world’s most renown pan-Africanist. Dr. Raheem was a friend and colleague of Africa Action and his spirit will resound around the world..."
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Zimbabwe Human Rights Activists Re-Arrested
May 5, 2009
"Jestina Mukoko, Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, among 17 other Zimbabwe human rights activists, was jailed again this week. Africa Action calls for those responsible for torture and abuse to be held accountable for their actions...For more analysis on Zimbabwe, read
The Zimbabwe Elections: A Dream Deferred ..."
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56 Years of Supporting African Struggles for Freedom and Justice
April 30, 2009
"Join Africa Action and end injustice forever. Watch this 30 second Public Service Announcement and sign-up to take action..."
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Elections in South Africa
April 28, 2009
"Africa Action's Gerald LeMelle speaks about South African political parties and the country's elections with Daljit Dhaliwal, host of Foreign Exchange..."
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A Series on Africa: Gerald LeMelle Speaks on "A World of Opportunities"
March 18, 2009
"To many Americans, Africa is a continent of unmitigated suffering, plagued by poverty and war. Yet those who know the people well say there's an energy and resilience that enables them to make much of what little good fortune comes their way. As the industrial powers scour the continent for mineral treasure, we examine how a younger generation can negotiate a better deal for their people..."
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Briggs Bomba speaks about Zimbabwe with Walter Turner of KPFA 94.1 FM Berkeley
March 18, 2009
"What I see being the biggest challenge [for Zimbabwe] is coming to a consensus of what happens next, after the transition period. What is the timeline for this transitional government and when will there be elections again..."
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Leading South African Political Activist Ends 21-Day Hunger Strike in Solidarity with Zimbabwean People
March 6, 2009
"Nomboniso Gasa, chair of South Africa’s Commission for Gender Equality, ended on March 4 a 21-day hunger strike that sought to draw international attention to Zimbabwe's deteriorating humanitarian crisis and the detention of political prisoners..."
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March 08 Elections: Swim or Sink, Which Way Will Zimbabwe Go?
January 28, 2009 - Briggs Bomba, Africa Action
"A discussion paper prepared for U.S. based advocacy organizations’ preelections meeting on Zimbabwe, sponsored by Africa Action and TransAfrica Forum, on February 16 2008, in Washington D.C..."
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Kenya and Zimbabwe: Democratic Challenges and Opportunities
January 28, 2009 - Briggs Bomba, Africa Action
"The world’s attention has been riveted in 2008, by election crises in Africa, first Kenya, and now Zimbabwe. In both cases, challenges remain in converting electoral victory to political power. Can a victorious opposition come to power in the face of an obstinate incumbent?..."
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Challenges for the next U.S. president: Hopes and Realities
January 22, 2009 - Gerald LeMelle, et al, Center for International Relations, International Affairs forum
"President Barack Obama faces the enormous challenge of reestablishing the United States' standing around the world. The global outpouring of joy over Obama's victory serves as testament to George W. Bush's hugely unpopular foreign policy. By the time the Bush administration started to adjust its highly ideological "cowboy in the saddle" approach to international relations, the damage had already been done…" (See page 69)
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Africa Action Talking Points on Climate Change and Africa
December 12, 2008
"The United States, the European Union, Russia and Japan together make up almost half of the world’s carbon emissions. According to United Nations data, Africa produces only four percent. However, it is the African countries that stand to suffer most from the detrimental effects of a warmer planet..."
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Human Rights Must be Top Priority for President-Elect Obama
December 10, 2008
"This year Africa Action commemorates Human Rights Day by urging the new administration to make human rights in Sudan a priority from day one..."
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Leading Zimbabwe Human Rights Activist Abducted
December 5, 2008
"Africa Action unequivocally condemns the abduction of Zimbabwe Peace Project director Jestina Mukoko and urges her immediate release..."
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Zimbabwe Power Sharing Deal: A Historic Moment of Possibilities and Challenges
September 16, 2008
"This Africa Action statement identifies four key factors that will determine whether or not Zimbabwe's newly announced Government of National Unity will achieve its potential to dramatically improve the living conditions of ordinary Zimbabweans..."
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A Dream Deferred: The 2008 Zimbabwe Elections
July 1, 2008
"In March 2008, Africa Action and TransAfrica Forum sent a joint delegation to witness Zimbabwe's historic elections. This in-depth Special Report lays out the information and analysis gathered directly from grassroots communities, trade union organizations, and other civic groups. Three-page Executive Summary available here..."
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Democracy in Zimbabwe Demands Urgent International Support
June 9, 2008
"As Zimbabwe’s political and social climate grows increasingly violent, Africa Action today released a new set of policy recommendations on how the U.S. and the international community can support a peaceful and just democratic transition for Zimbabwe..."
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The Zimbabwe Elections: A Dream Deferred
(Executive Summary)
June 9, 2008
"In March 2008, Africa Action and TransAfrica Forum sent a joint delegation to witness Zimbabwe's historic elections. This executive summary compiles the most critical analysis and policy recommendations from the delegation's Special Report. Full report available here..."
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Africa Action Condemns Escalating Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe and Calls for Immediate Intervention
April 28, 2008
"In this statement, Africa Action roundly condemns the escalation of human rights violations in Zimbabwe and calls upon the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) to immediately intervene to resolve the deteriorating post election crisis..."
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Africa Action Releases Statement on Escalating Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe
April 28, 2008
"Systematic acts of violence and human rights abuses are on the rise in Zimbabwe as the post election crisis deepens. Today Africa Action released a statement condemning these abuses and calling for action..."
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U.S. Unilateralism Bolsters Mugabe as Zimbabweans Struggle for Democracy
March 27, 2008
"Africa Action's Briggs Bomba is currently in Zimbabwe on a fact-finding mission as that country's highly anticipated elections approach. Africa Action calls on the international community to pursue multilateral means of supporting the efforts of Zimbabwean pro-democracy civil society..."
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Unilateral U.S. Intervention in Zimbabwe Hurts, Not Helps, Democracy
February 14, 2008
"The day before Zimbabwe's candidates for the March 29 elections are nominated, Africa Action releases a new statement on Zimbabwe with recommendations for constructive U.S. policies to promote democracy in Zimbabwe..."
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Africa Action Statement on the Upcoming Elections in Zimbabwe
February 14, 2008
"As Zimbabwe's presidential, legislative and local elections in March approach, Africa Action urges the Bush administration to move away from unilateral intervention in Zimbabwe's political process and instead support people-driven democracy through multilateral engagement..."
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AFRICOM: The Militarization of U.S.-Africa Policy Revealed
February 6, 2008
"This Africa Action statement addresses the threats to human development, democracy and justice in Africa posed by AFRICOM, the Bush Administration's new unified command to coordinate U.S. military operations on the continent..."
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Africa Action Calls for U.S. Leadership to Support Kenyan Democracy
January 3, 2008
"This Africa Action statement on the crisis in Kenya calls for a fully transparent recount of presidential votes and an end to restrictions on independent media broadcasts..."
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U.S. Must Support Full Spectrum of Human Rights in Africa
December 10, 2007
"Africa Action marks Human Rights Day with a call for U.S. policy to play a constructive role in promoting the civil and political rights of the people of Africa as well as peace and human security and the right to health..."
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Africa Action Statement on the Crisis in Zimbabwe
December 10, 2007
"On Human Rights Day, Africa Action stands in solidarity with Zimbabwean civil society amid their struggle for social, political and economic justice..."
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Latest News on Women and Women’s Rights in Africa
AllAfrica.com
"This website compiles the latest news from hundreds of African news sources related to gender issues and women’s rights. Many of the articles focus on women’s political empowerment..."
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Latest News on the Media & Press Freedom in Africa
AllAfrica.com
"This website compiles the latest news from hundreds of African news sources related to media issues. The articles focus especially on press freedom in various African countries..."
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Hopes on the Horizon: Africa in the 1990s
"This PBS website provides information on democracy, human rights and social movements in Morocco, Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique and South Africa. The site also has a discussion board, links, and video clips of the documentary Hopes on the Horizon..."
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Democracy in Africa
"This website gathers articles about democratic change and social improvement in Africa. The website is sponsored by Open Democracy, an online global magazine focused on open debate about politics and culture. A discussion board and links are also included..."
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Electoral Institute of Southern Africa
"The Electoral Institute of Southern Africa is a non-profit organization based in South Africa. Their website also includes reports on the electoral process in various African countries as well as on topics such as gender and governance issues surrounding the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)..."
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Protocol of the Court of Justice of the African Union
"This document is the Protocol that established the Court of Justice of the African Union. The Protocol also outlines the structure of this court, which will rule on human rights abuses in Africa..."
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The Center for Democracy & Development
The Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) is an NGO based in London, which aims to promote the values of democracy, peace and human rights in Africa, especially in West Africa. The CDD sponsors conferences and publishes books and a journal called Democracy and Development.
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African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
"The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is an African Union (AU) body charged with ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa. The ACHPR is based in Banjul, Gambia. Its website includes many important documents and legal instruments related to human rights in Africa..."
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