Why the African Peer Review Mechanism Must Remain Voluntary

Image: Unsplash, Benny Jackson
Image: Unsplash, Benny Jackson

Membership of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), which stands at 35 of the 54 states of the AU, is based on voluntary accession.

Speculation about making participation mandatory has long existed but is a mistake. As a voluntary process, the APRM is almost wholly reliant on the perceived credibility and desirability of its processes and reports to remain relevant and attract new member states. Evidence suggests that Africa’s more open societies, which tend to have acceded voluntarily, are best placed to produce the credible reports that will underpin this. Mandatory accession to the APRM would actually undermine it.

The views expressed in this publication/article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

9 Mar 2015