Civil society and democratisation in Africa with specific reference to the African Peer Review Mechanism

The absence of political tolerance and human rights in many postcolonial African states severely limit the establishment and independent functioning of civil society African states. In the post-Cold War era a new wave of democratisation has emerged in Africa opening up new opportunities for civil society participation at a national and regional level. Civil society organisations have emerged as influential advocates for the rule of law and inclusive accountable governance but are also vulnerable to abuse and political manipulation. The African Peer Review Mechanism aims to provide a vehicle for credible and independent civil society participation in monitoring the quality of political governance