A Theory of African Constitutionalism

A Theory of African Constitutionalism

Author: Berihun Adugna Gebeye

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2021-07-08

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0192646141

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A Theory of African Constitutionalism asks and seeks to answer why we need a new theoretical framework for African constitutionalism and how this could offer us better theoretical and practical tools with which to understand, improve, and assess African constitutionalism on its own terms. By locating constitutional studies in Africa within the experiences, interactions, and contestations of power and governance beginning in precolonial times, the book presents the development and transformation of African constitutional systems across time and place, along with the attendant constitutional designs and practices ranging from the nature and operation of the African state to its vertical and horizontal government structures, to its constitutional rights regime. This title offers both a theoretically and comparatively rich, historically and contextually informed, and temporally and spatially extensive account of the nature, travails, and incremental successes of African constitutionalism with detailed case studies from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa. A Theory of African Constitutionalism provides scholars, policymakers, governments, and constitution builders in Africa and beyond with new insights for reimagining the purpose, substance, and scope of constitutions and constitutionalism.


Book Synopsis A Theory of African Constitutionalism by : Berihun Adugna Gebeye

Download or read book A Theory of African Constitutionalism written by Berihun Adugna Gebeye and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2021-07-08 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Theory of African Constitutionalism asks and seeks to answer why we need a new theoretical framework for African constitutionalism and how this could offer us better theoretical and practical tools with which to understand, improve, and assess African constitutionalism on its own terms. By locating constitutional studies in Africa within the experiences, interactions, and contestations of power and governance beginning in precolonial times, the book presents the development and transformation of African constitutional systems across time and place, along with the attendant constitutional designs and practices ranging from the nature and operation of the African state to its vertical and horizontal government structures, to its constitutional rights regime. This title offers both a theoretically and comparatively rich, historically and contextually informed, and temporally and spatially extensive account of the nature, travails, and incremental successes of African constitutionalism with detailed case studies from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa. A Theory of African Constitutionalism provides scholars, policymakers, governments, and constitution builders in Africa and beyond with new insights for reimagining the purpose, substance, and scope of constitutions and constitutionalism.


Separation of Powers in African Constitutionalism

Separation of Powers in African Constitutionalism

Author: Charles Manga Fombad

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 444

ISBN-13: 0198759797

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The effective division of powers is critical to ensuring the promotion of good governance, democracy, and the rule of law in Africa. This book examines key issues arising during reforms of African constitutions, and focuses on the emergence of independent constitutional institutions providing checks against future abuses of powers.


Book Synopsis Separation of Powers in African Constitutionalism by : Charles Manga Fombad

Download or read book Separation of Powers in African Constitutionalism written by Charles Manga Fombad and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2016 with total page 444 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The effective division of powers is critical to ensuring the promotion of good governance, democracy, and the rule of law in Africa. This book examines key issues arising during reforms of African constitutions, and focuses on the emergence of independent constitutional institutions providing checks against future abuses of powers.


Constitutionalism and Society in Africa

Constitutionalism and Society in Africa

Author: Okon Akiba

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-03-02

Total Pages: 183

ISBN-13: 1351949365

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The issues addressed in this rewarding book provide new insight into the way we conceive, reflect and study the problems of political transformation and constitution-making in Africa. The study provides a refreshingly in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of constitutional provisions for managing the challenges of race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, civil liberties and civil-military relations in Africa's transitional democracies. Tracing emerging trends in constitution-making, it blends the theory of constitutional democracy with case studies, and defines the imperative of social justice.


Book Synopsis Constitutionalism and Society in Africa by : Okon Akiba

Download or read book Constitutionalism and Society in Africa written by Okon Akiba and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-03-02 with total page 183 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The issues addressed in this rewarding book provide new insight into the way we conceive, reflect and study the problems of political transformation and constitution-making in Africa. The study provides a refreshingly in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of constitutional provisions for managing the challenges of race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, civil liberties and civil-military relations in Africa's transitional democracies. Tracing emerging trends in constitution-making, it blends the theory of constitutional democracy with case studies, and defines the imperative of social justice.


Public Participation in African Constitutionalism

Public Participation in African Constitutionalism

Author: Tania Abbiate

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-11-22

Total Pages: 318

ISBN-13: 1351719645

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During the last decade of the 20th century, Africa has been marked by a "constitutional wind" which has blown across the continent giving impetus to constitutional reforms designed to introduce constitutionalism and good governance. One of the main features of these processes has been the promotion of public participation, encouraged by both civil society and the international community. This book aims to provide a systematic overview of participation forms and mechanisms across Africa, and a critical understanding of the impact of public participation in constitution-making processes, digging beneath the rhetoric of public participation as being at the heart of any successful transition towards democracy and constitutionalism. Using case studies from Central African Republic, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Morocco, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the book investigates various aspects of participatory constitution making: from conception, to processes, and specific contents that trigger ambivalent dynamics in such processes. The abstract glorification of public participation is questioned as theoretical and empirical perspectives are used to explain what public participation does in concrete terms and to identify what lessons might be drawn from those experiences. This is a valuable resource for academics, researchers and students with an interest in politics and constitution building in Africa, as well as experts working in national offices, international organizations or in national and international NGOs.


Book Synopsis Public Participation in African Constitutionalism by : Tania Abbiate

Download or read book Public Participation in African Constitutionalism written by Tania Abbiate and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2017-11-22 with total page 318 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During the last decade of the 20th century, Africa has been marked by a "constitutional wind" which has blown across the continent giving impetus to constitutional reforms designed to introduce constitutionalism and good governance. One of the main features of these processes has been the promotion of public participation, encouraged by both civil society and the international community. This book aims to provide a systematic overview of participation forms and mechanisms across Africa, and a critical understanding of the impact of public participation in constitution-making processes, digging beneath the rhetoric of public participation as being at the heart of any successful transition towards democracy and constitutionalism. Using case studies from Central African Republic, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Morocco, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the book investigates various aspects of participatory constitution making: from conception, to processes, and specific contents that trigger ambivalent dynamics in such processes. The abstract glorification of public participation is questioned as theoretical and empirical perspectives are used to explain what public participation does in concrete terms and to identify what lessons might be drawn from those experiences. This is a valuable resource for academics, researchers and students with an interest in politics and constitution building in Africa, as well as experts working in national offices, international organizations or in national and international NGOs.


Constitutionalism of the Global South

Constitutionalism of the Global South

Author: Daniel Bonilla Maldonado

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2013-04-18

Total Pages: 421

ISBN-13: 1107067936

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The Indian Supreme Court, the South African Constitutional Court and the Colombian Constitutional Court have been among the most important and creative courts in the Global South. In Asia, Africa and Latin America, they are seen as activist tribunals that have contributed (or attempted to contribute) to the structural transformation of the public and private spheres of their countries. The cases issued by these courts are creating a constitutionalism of the Global South. This book addresses in a direct and detailed way the jurisprudence of these Courts on three key topics: access to justice, cultural diversity and socioeconomic rights. This volume is a valuable contribution to the discussion about the contours and structure of contemporary constitutionalism. It makes explicit that this discussion has interlocutors both in the Global South and Global North while showing the common discourse between them and the differences on how they interpret and solve key constitutional problems.


Book Synopsis Constitutionalism of the Global South by : Daniel Bonilla Maldonado

Download or read book Constitutionalism of the Global South written by Daniel Bonilla Maldonado and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2013-04-18 with total page 421 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Indian Supreme Court, the South African Constitutional Court and the Colombian Constitutional Court have been among the most important and creative courts in the Global South. In Asia, Africa and Latin America, they are seen as activist tribunals that have contributed (or attempted to contribute) to the structural transformation of the public and private spheres of their countries. The cases issued by these courts are creating a constitutionalism of the Global South. This book addresses in a direct and detailed way the jurisprudence of these Courts on three key topics: access to justice, cultural diversity and socioeconomic rights. This volume is a valuable contribution to the discussion about the contours and structure of contemporary constitutionalism. It makes explicit that this discussion has interlocutors both in the Global South and Global North while showing the common discourse between them and the differences on how they interpret and solve key constitutional problems.


Comparative Constitutionalism and Good Governance in the Commonwealth

Comparative Constitutionalism and Good Governance in the Commonwealth

Author: John Hatchard

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2004-07-08

Total Pages: 389

ISBN-13: 1139451227

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The central role that good, effective and capable governance plays in the economic and social development of a country is now widely recognised. Using the Commonwealth countries of eastern and southern Africa, this book analyses some of the key constitutional issues in the process of developing, strengthening and consolidating the capacity of states to ensure the good governance of their peoples. Utilising comparative material, the book seeks to draw lessons, both positive and negative, about the problems of constitutionalism in the region and, in doing so, critically addresses the legal issues involved in seeking to make constitutions 'work' in practice.


Book Synopsis Comparative Constitutionalism and Good Governance in the Commonwealth by : John Hatchard

Download or read book Comparative Constitutionalism and Good Governance in the Commonwealth written by John Hatchard and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2004-07-08 with total page 389 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The central role that good, effective and capable governance plays in the economic and social development of a country is now widely recognised. Using the Commonwealth countries of eastern and southern Africa, this book analyses some of the key constitutional issues in the process of developing, strengthening and consolidating the capacity of states to ensure the good governance of their peoples. Utilising comparative material, the book seeks to draw lessons, both positive and negative, about the problems of constitutionalism in the region and, in doing so, critically addresses the legal issues involved in seeking to make constitutions 'work' in practice.


Decentralization and Constitutionalism in Africa

Decentralization and Constitutionalism in Africa

Author: Charles M. Fombad

Publisher:

Published: 2019-08-22

Total Pages: 673

ISBN-13: 0198846150

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This edited collection explores how African governments have sought to decentralize power in order to enhance democratic governance. It offers a range of insightful case studies and makes a case for the usefulness of decentralization as a method of sharing power at all levels of society in Africa.


Book Synopsis Decentralization and Constitutionalism in Africa by : Charles M. Fombad

Download or read book Decentralization and Constitutionalism in Africa written by Charles M. Fombad and published by . This book was released on 2019-08-22 with total page 673 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This edited collection explores how African governments have sought to decentralize power in order to enhance democratic governance. It offers a range of insightful case studies and makes a case for the usefulness of decentralization as a method of sharing power at all levels of society in Africa.


Conquest, Constitutionalism and Democratic Contestations

Conquest, Constitutionalism and Democratic Contestations

Author: Joel M. Modiri

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2020-05-21

Total Pages: 303

ISBN-13: 1000022412

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Two decades since the enactment of South Africa’s present constitution, the durability and endurance of ‘past’ inequalities and injustices illustrate that the ‘new South Africa’ – lauded as a miracle nation with the best constitution in the world – can no longer be regarded as an unqualified success. The legal and constitutional foundations of post-1994 South Africa are in a process of renegotiation that invites new and alternative perspectives and approaches. This comprehensive volume explores this process of renegotiation by engaging political and intellectual contestations circulating in South African academic and public discourse relating to continuities and discontinuities between the colonial-apartheid past and the post-1994 constitutional present. The authors analyse the moral, intellectual and political unravelling of post-1994 South African constitutionalism (as legal text and political culture) and enquire whether it has been able to respond adequately to the fundamental contradictions generated by colonisation and apartheid. They also consider how centring the historical problem of European domination and conquest in Africa – and South Africa in particular – might provide an alternative frame or lens to theorise and understand contemporary South African realities. This book marks out a complex field of contestation – involving competing histories, locations, visions and perspectives – that raises multifaceted questions regarding law, history and politics. It is the outcome of a South African Journal of Human Rights colloquium and was originally published as a special issue of the journal.


Book Synopsis Conquest, Constitutionalism and Democratic Contestations by : Joel M. Modiri

Download or read book Conquest, Constitutionalism and Democratic Contestations written by Joel M. Modiri and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2020-05-21 with total page 303 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Two decades since the enactment of South Africa’s present constitution, the durability and endurance of ‘past’ inequalities and injustices illustrate that the ‘new South Africa’ – lauded as a miracle nation with the best constitution in the world – can no longer be regarded as an unqualified success. The legal and constitutional foundations of post-1994 South Africa are in a process of renegotiation that invites new and alternative perspectives and approaches. This comprehensive volume explores this process of renegotiation by engaging political and intellectual contestations circulating in South African academic and public discourse relating to continuities and discontinuities between the colonial-apartheid past and the post-1994 constitutional present. The authors analyse the moral, intellectual and political unravelling of post-1994 South African constitutionalism (as legal text and political culture) and enquire whether it has been able to respond adequately to the fundamental contradictions generated by colonisation and apartheid. They also consider how centring the historical problem of European domination and conquest in Africa – and South Africa in particular – might provide an alternative frame or lens to theorise and understand contemporary South African realities. This book marks out a complex field of contestation – involving competing histories, locations, visions and perspectives – that raises multifaceted questions regarding law, history and politics. It is the outcome of a South African Journal of Human Rights colloquium and was originally published as a special issue of the journal.


Democracy, Elections, and Constitutionalism in Africa

Democracy, Elections, and Constitutionalism in Africa

Author: Charles M. Fombad

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2021-03-18

Total Pages: 624

ISBN-13: 0192647814

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The third wave of democracy that reached African shores at the end of the Cold War brought with it a dramatic decline from 1990 onwards in dictatorships, military regimes, one-party governments, and presidents for life. Multiparty democracy was at the core of the constitutional revolutions that swept through most of Africa in those watershed years. However, that wave is either losing momentum or receding - or being reversed in its entirety. This volume examines democracy and elections in Africa, a focus motivated by two concerns. First, after 30 years it is important to take stock of the state of constitutional democracy on the continent. The democratic gains of the 1990s and 2000s seem to be falling by the wayside, with the evidence mounting that regimes are concealing authoritarianism under the veneer of elections, doing so in an international context where populist regimes are on the rise and free and fair multiparty elections are consequently no longer a given. It is becoming a battle to protect and retain constitutional democracy. The second reason for this volume's focus on democracy and elections is that multiparty democracy is essential for the proper functioning of the state in addressing the major problems facing Africa - internal conflict, inequality and lack of development, and poor governance and corruption. The focus of this volume is thus on how competitive politics or multiparty democracy can be realized and how, through competition, such politics could lead to better policy and practice outcomes.


Book Synopsis Democracy, Elections, and Constitutionalism in Africa by : Charles M. Fombad

Download or read book Democracy, Elections, and Constitutionalism in Africa written by Charles M. Fombad and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2021-03-18 with total page 624 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The third wave of democracy that reached African shores at the end of the Cold War brought with it a dramatic decline from 1990 onwards in dictatorships, military regimes, one-party governments, and presidents for life. Multiparty democracy was at the core of the constitutional revolutions that swept through most of Africa in those watershed years. However, that wave is either losing momentum or receding - or being reversed in its entirety. This volume examines democracy and elections in Africa, a focus motivated by two concerns. First, after 30 years it is important to take stock of the state of constitutional democracy on the continent. The democratic gains of the 1990s and 2000s seem to be falling by the wayside, with the evidence mounting that regimes are concealing authoritarianism under the veneer of elections, doing so in an international context where populist regimes are on the rise and free and fair multiparty elections are consequently no longer a given. It is becoming a battle to protect and retain constitutional democracy. The second reason for this volume's focus on democracy and elections is that multiparty democracy is essential for the proper functioning of the state in addressing the major problems facing Africa - internal conflict, inequality and lack of development, and poor governance and corruption. The focus of this volume is thus on how competitive politics or multiparty democracy can be realized and how, through competition, such politics could lead to better policy and practice outcomes.


Constitutionalism in Africa

Constitutionalism in Africa

Author: Joseph Oloka-Onyango

Publisher: Fountain Books

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13:

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This collection of essays brings together critical and considered responses to matters of constitutionalism in the context of the most recent political evolutions in many African countries. They are concerned with the struggles for progressive constitionalism, and review historical developments and future challenges. Some specific subjects discussed are: pan- Africanism and constitutionalism; culture, ethnicity and citizenship with reference to Ruanda and Senegal; equality, discrimination and constitutionalism in Muslim Africa; gender and affirmative action in post-1995 Uganda; constitution making in Eritrea; and the challenges of antiquated constitutional doctrines and values in Commonwealth Africa. The contributors are prominent scholars in the fields of politics, law and human rights and include Ola Abu Zeid, Antonia Kalu, Ali Mazrui, Oloka-Onyanyo and Sylvia Tamale.


Book Synopsis Constitutionalism in Africa by : Joseph Oloka-Onyango

Download or read book Constitutionalism in Africa written by Joseph Oloka-Onyango and published by Fountain Books. This book was released on 2001 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This collection of essays brings together critical and considered responses to matters of constitutionalism in the context of the most recent political evolutions in many African countries. They are concerned with the struggles for progressive constitionalism, and review historical developments and future challenges. Some specific subjects discussed are: pan- Africanism and constitutionalism; culture, ethnicity and citizenship with reference to Ruanda and Senegal; equality, discrimination and constitutionalism in Muslim Africa; gender and affirmative action in post-1995 Uganda; constitution making in Eritrea; and the challenges of antiquated constitutional doctrines and values in Commonwealth Africa. The contributors are prominent scholars in the fields of politics, law and human rights and include Ola Abu Zeid, Antonia Kalu, Ali Mazrui, Oloka-Onyanyo and Sylvia Tamale.