Consolidating the African Governance Architecture

Image: Flickr, E Cherry
Image: Flickr, E Cherry

Collaboration and co-ordination among African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Community (REC) organs and institutions with the mandate to strengthen governance, human rights and democracy have been ad hoc and unpredictable. The results have been inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and duplication of efforts and resources.

Although significant progress has been made in articulating and establishing common frameworks, challenges remain. The level of compliance and implementation of African shared values as elaborated by AU and RECs norms and standards is of particular concern. Engagement and participation of African citizens in continental and national initiatives to strengthen and consolidate democracy are equally wanting. The establishment of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and African Governance Platform is aimed at addressing this deficiency. Working closely with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) will enhance governance improvements on the continent.

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).

1 Jul 2014