African Accountability

African Accountability: What Works and What Doesn’t focuses on political and social aspects to assess the current state of governance and accountability in Africa. Rather than choosing an Afro-optimistic or Afro-pessimistic approach, both of which have been prominent since the start of the 21st century, this book tries to adopt a balanced, Afro-realistic view, giving credit where it is due, while also pointing out deficient areas that need improvement. This edited volume brings to the fore cutting edge analysis on the contemporary African governance and accountability landscape by focusing on both continental institutions (including the African Peer Review Mechanism, African Charter on Democracy Elections and Governance, and the African Union) well as domestic ones (parliaments, ombudsmen and electoral commissions). Reviews: This survey of political accountability in Africa today provides critical insights into the effectiveness of a range of institutions. Democratic accountability in Africa is too often on life support. This book should serve to jolt us all into providing urgent attention to the patient.’ - Peter Fabricius, veteran South African journalist A welcome addition to the literature on accountability in the African context. It is a clear and succinct work, helpful for those in the academy as well as anyone wanting to understand institutions in Africa.’ - Judith February, senior research associate, Institute for Security Studies.