Civil society efforts in improving accountability in Africa
30 November 2006
‘Chaos is king and human rights go begging’ in sub-Saharan Africa today, according to Peter Schwab (2001: 67). Commentators believe countries like Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Northern Uganda, Darfur, Somalia, Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe epitomize Africa. In many countries, state institutions have been eroded and there is no effective government to impose order, administer justice, or guarantee human socioeconomic
rights. Civil society faces a massive challenge to address these issues. A strong civil society is needed to introduce, encourage and cultivate a culture of performance and accountability by service providers.
This paper will discuss the status of civil society in Africa, civil society efforts in social accountability, their opportunities, challenges and issues facing them in their social accountability efforts.
Keywords: civil society, accountability
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