Pan African Journal of Political Science and Governance (Governance focus in
Pan African Journal of Political Science and Governance (Governance focus in is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Selective Accountability: Anti-Corruption Institutions and Political Weaponisation in African Hybrid Regimes
Anti-corruption commissions in hybrid regimes are examined as institutions designed to signal accountability while preserving factional control over enforcement in Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. The study asks how selective accountability structures political order in the contemporary era of donor-backed anti-corruption institutionalism, combining insights from institutional economics, anti-corruption theory, and hybrid regime scholarship. Drawing on comparative institutional analysis of anti-corruption bodies, prosecution record reviews, interviews with oversight actors, and process tracing of prominent cases, the analysis shows that the phenomenon is not best understood as a discrete policy failure or episodic crisis. Rather, it is reproduced through linked institutional and political mechanisms that reshape incentives, authority, and access to resources over time. Across the cases, the study traces how these mechanisms operate in practice, the variation they generate, and why reform agendas that overlook underlying political settlements rarely succeed. It offers both a conceptual synthesis and a grounded comparative interpretation of selective accountability in hybrid regimes. The study concludes that durable reform requires more than formal institutional design, demanding political bargaining and accountability strategies capable of reaching the effective sites of power.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pan African Journal of Political Science and Governance (Governance focus in
Captured Constitutionalism: Post-Conflict Constitution-Making Between Inclusive Legitimacy and Elite Control
Captured constitutionalism is advanced as an analytical lens for understanding how constitution-making processes can perform inclusion while simultaneously entrenching elite bargains. Rather than presenting a descriptive case study, the manuscript situates the politics of constitutional design in post-conflict transitions—between inclusive legitimacy and elite capture—within broader debates on African political order, state formation, and institutional design. Anchored in South Sudan, with comparative reference to Nepal and Myanmar, the study addresses three interrelated questions: how post-conflict constitutional processes that formally incorporate civil society and customary authorities nonetheless produce outcomes reflecting the preferences of armed elites and international mediators; how constitutional design choices—such as presidentialism versus parliamentarism, proportional representation, and federalism—relate to patterns of conflict recurrence in sub-Saharan Africa; and how external constitutional actors (including the UN, AU, IGAD, and bilateral donors) shape outcomes and with what degree of accountability to affected populations. Methodologically, the study combines comparative constitutional text analysis using the Comparative Constitutions Project, process tracing of South Sudan’s transitional constitutional moments (2005, 2011, 2015), interviews with constitutional commission members and civil society participants, and structured comparison with Nepal and Myanmar. The central analytical contribution lies not only in explaining the South Sudanese and comparative cases, but in clarifying the conditions under which formal constitutional language obscures deeper struggles over coercion, distribution, and recognition (Bell & Zulueta-Fulscher 2016; Brandt et al.
Sovereignty Without Territory: Contested Statehood, International Recognition, and Diplomatic Strategy in Contemporary Africa — South Sudan, Somaliland, and Western Sahara Compared
The question of why some contested territorial units achieve full United Nations membership while others remain in permanent diplomatic limbo — despite comparable or superior empirical statehood credentials — is among the most consequential and theoretically under-resolved puzzles in contemporary international relations. This article develops a structured focused comparison of three African cases — South Sudan, Somaliland, and Western Sahara — across four analytical variables: empirical statehood indicators, patron-state alignment, regional organisation posture, and domestic governance legitimacy. Drawing on post-Westphalian sovereignty theory, constructivist norm emergence literature, and political settlements analysis, the article advances a dynamic recognition theory that treats international recognition not as a juridical determination triggered by legal criteria but as a strategic political process shaped by asymmetric power interactions, normative entrepreneurship, and elite bargaining at multiple governance levels. The comparative analysis reveals that patron-state alignment is the single most decisive variable in determining recognition outcomes, outweighing both empirical statehood performance and governance quality. Somaliland's paradox — strong governance, zero formal recognition — exposes the limits of liberal institutionalist assumptions embedded in standard democratisation-based recognition arguments. Western Sahara's trajectory demonstrates the self-reinforcing trap of deferred referenda: legal frameworks designed to resolve status questions instead institutionalise ambiguity. The article concludes with a typology of five diplomatic recognition strategies available to contested entities and draws implications for conflict resolution architecture in the Ho
This article examines Conflict Sensitive Journalism: Training, Practice, and Impact in South Sudan: Perspectives from Eastern Africa with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article develops captured constitutionalism as an analytical lens for understanding how constitution-making processes perform inclusion while quietly entrenching elite bargains. Rather than treating the topic as a descriptive case note, the manuscript positions the politics of constitutional design in post-conflict transitions: between inclusive legitimacy and elite capture within wider debates on African political order, state formation, and institutional design. The paper is anchored in South Sudan, with comparative reference to Nepal and Myanmar, and it uses the topic brief's theoretical architecture to ask three linked questions: how do post-conflict constitutional processes that formally incorporate civil society and customary authorities in practice produce constitutions reflecting the preferences of armed elites and international mediators? What is the relationship between constitutional design choices presidentialism versus parliamentarism, proportionality, federalism and subsequent conflict recurrence rates in sub-Saharan Africa? How do external constitutional architects (UN, AU, IGAD, bilateral donors) shape post-conflict constitutional outcomes and with what accountability to affected populations? Methodologically, the article translates the proposed design into a publication-ready strategy built around comparative constitutional text analysis (comparative constitutions project); process tracing of south sudan's transitional constitutional processes (2005, 2011, 2015); interviews with constitutional commission members and civil society participants; comparison with nepal and myanmar.. It argues that the central analytical payoff lies not only in better explanation of the South Sudanese or regional cases, but in clarifying the conditions under which forma
This article examines Post-Conflict Reconstruction Finance: World Bank, IMF, and the Political Economy of Conditionality with a focused emphasis on Lesotho within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a mixed methods study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Drone Warfare and U.S. Counterterrorism in Africa
This article examines Drone Warfare and U.S. Counterterrorism in Africa: Effectiveness, Blowback, and Legal Controversy: International Norms, Local Realities with a focused emphasis on Rwanda within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines Reporting on Peace Processes: Media Roles and Responsibilities in Conflict Coverage: A South Sudan Case Study with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a survey research article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
LGBTQ+ Rights and Political Contestation in Eastern Africa
This article examines LGBTQ+ Rights and Political Contestation in Eastern Africa: Decolonial Reflections with a focused emphasis on Egypt within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines Quad Diplomacy and Africa: U.S., Japan, Australia, India, and the Contest for African Partnerships: Policy Implications for Fragile States with a focused emphasis on Senegal within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a qualitative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Customary Law and the Formal Legal System
This article examines Customary Law and the Formal Legal System: Complementarity, Conflict, and Reform in East Africa: Post-CPA and Beyond with a focused emphasis on Tanzania within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a working paper that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Service Delivery Failures and Political Trust at the Local Level
This article examines Service Delivery Failures and Political Trust at the Local Level: An African Union Perspective with a focused emphasis on South Africa within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Women's Economic Empowerment and Political Participation
This article examines Women's Economic Empowerment and Political Participation: Linkages and Synergies: The Role of Civil Society with a focused emphasis on Madagascar within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a perspective piece that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article examines South Sudan at the United Nations: Voting Patterns, Diplomatic Alignments, and Advocacy Capacity: Evidence from South Sudan with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a survey research article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article examines Conflict Sensitive Journalism: Training, Practice, and Impact in South Sudan: Perspectives from Eastern Africa with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a qualitative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
The Digital Divide and Political Information Access in Rural East Africa
This article examines The Digital Divide and Political Information Access in Rural East Africa with a focused emphasis on Niger within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a mixed methods study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cultural Heritage Digitization Policies in West Africa
Cultural heritage in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, faces significant challenges due to natural disasters and human activities such as looting and vandalism. An examination of existing policies, interviews with stakeholders, and a review of relevant literature to identify best practices and gaps. Digitization efforts are unevenly distributed across different regions of Nigeria, with urban areas showing higher adoption compared to rural zones. Current policies lack comprehensive coverage and uniformity in their application, leading to inconsistencies in the protection of cultural heritage sites. Implement a national digitization strategy that includes training for local authorities and the public, and establish partnerships between government agencies and non-profit organizations.
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Digital Inclusion Policy in Rural African Communities
Digital inclusion policies aim to bridge the digital divide by equipping underserved communities with access to technology and digital literacy skills. In rural African communities, this is particularly challenging given existing disparities in infrastructure and socio-economic conditions. A qualitative approach was employed to analyse policy documents, interviews with stakeholders, and case studies of successful projects in selected rural areas. The analysis aimed at understanding policy implementation and impact from a governance perspective. The findings indicate that while Egypt has made progress in improving internet access through public-private partnerships, the penetration rate remains low among rural populations, particularly in remote regions where service delivery is challenging. Despite initial successes, ongoing challenges include inadequate funding for maintenance and expansion of digital infrastructure, as well as limited community engagement mechanisms. To enhance policy effectiveness, it is recommended that Egypt should allocate more resources towards infrastructure development, increase public-private cooperation, and strengthen community involvement in project planning and execution.
Precision Agriculture Solutions for Food Security in South African Dryland Regions
Precision agriculture techniques are increasingly being explored as a means to enhance food security in South African dryland regions where traditional farming methods often fail due to harsh environmental conditions. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with farmers and agricultural experts, as well as document reviews of existing projects in South African dryland regions. Precision agriculture solutions showed promise for increasing crop yields by up to 30% in tested fields, though implementation challenges included limited access to technology and training among local farmers. Despite the initial success, further investment is needed to overcome technical and infrastructural barriers to widespread adoption of precision farming technologies in South African dryland regions. Investment should be prioritised in education and infrastructure development to support smallholder farmers' uptake of precision agriculture solutions. Precision Agriculture, Food Security, Dryland Regions, South Africa
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Water Conflict Mitigation Framework in the Nile Basin of Angola
The Nile Basin in Angola is facing significant water scarcity, which has raised concerns about potential conflicts over water resources. No empirical data is utilised; instead, a review of relevant studies and theories will inform the development of the framework. The theoretical framework highlights the importance of collaborative governance and equitable distribution mechanisms as crucial components for mitigating future conflicts over scarce resources. Develop policies that promote stakeholder participation, enforceable laws, and comprehensive monitoring systems to ensure sustainable water resource management in Angola’s Nile Basin.
Technological Access and Adoption Among Urban Informal Youth Workers in Lagos, Nigeria
Urban informal youth workers in Lagos face significant challenges related to technological access and adoption, impacting their productivity and employability. A mixed methods approach combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews was employed. The study utilised a convenience sampling method to gather responses from 300 respondents and conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 key informants. Findings indicate that while over 70% of respondents have access to mobile devices, only about half regularly use them for work purposes due to limited internet connectivity and affordability issues. Themes identified included the need for subsidized data plans and training programmes in digital skills. The findings suggest that addressing technological barriers through targeted interventions could enhance productivity and employment opportunities among urban informal youth workers. Developing affordable and accessible digital literacy programmes, subsidizing internet connectivity, and fostering partnerships between government agencies and private sector entities are recommended strategies to improve access and adoption of technology.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Evolution of African Philosophical Thought in Post-Colonial Egypt
The post-colonial era in Egypt has seen a resurgence of interest in African philosophical thought, reflecting broader global intellectual trends. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and Egypt's National Library archives. The analysis reveals a significant increase in publications on African philosophy from onwards, with themes including Pan-Africanism and decolonization. Egyptian scholars are increasingly engaging with African philosophical thought, contributing to regional intellectual circles. Future research should focus on comparative studies of Egyptian and other North African approaches to African philosophy.
Eco-Cities Model in Coastal Kenyan Towns
The adoption of eco-cities models in coastal Kenyan towns aims to address environmental degradation and improve community living conditions. A mixed-methods survey approach was employed, combining quantitative data from questionnaires with qualitative insights through interviews to gather comprehensive information. Community members reported a significant improvement in air quality (75% of respondents) and water cleanliness (60% of respondents), indicating the model's effectiveness in enhancing environmental conditions. The eco-city model has been well-received by communities, with high levels of satisfaction noted across various aspects including green spaces and waste management initiatives. Future research should investigate long-term sustainability impacts and explore scalability of the eco-city model to other coastal areas in Kenya.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender-Sensitive Land Rights Documentation in Rural Zanzibar
This study examines the implementation of a gender-sensitive land rights documentation programme in rural Zanzibar and evaluates its compliance with policy guidelines and socioeconomic outcomes. Fieldwork was conducted in Zanzibar, focusing on rural areas. Data were collected through interviews with participants, focus group discussions, and a review of official documents related to land documentation policies. The findings indicate that while approximately 75% of women who applied for formal land rights documentation received their certificates within the expected timeframe, there was limited evidence of actual changes in socio-economic status or security due to these certifications. Despite some compliance with policy requirements, the programme's impact on socioeconomic outcomes has been modest, suggesting that additional support and monitoring are needed to enhance its effectiveness. Recommendations include strengthening enforcement mechanisms for land documentation policies and providing more comprehensive socio-economic support to beneficiaries of formal land rights certificates.
Environmental Justice Movements in Resource-Rich Senegal
Environmental Justice Movements (EJM) in resource-rich Senegal have emerged as a significant social and political phenomenon, reflecting broader global trends but with unique characteristics shaped by local contexts. The research employs qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to explore the experiences and perspectives of EJM members and stakeholders. A thematic analysis will be used to synthesize data into coherent themes related to governance, resource management, and social equity. EJM in Senegal have demonstrated significant mobilization around issues such as land rights disputes, pollution control, and renewable energy access, particularly among marginalized communities near mining sites and hydroelectric projects. The thematic analysis reveals a recurring theme of conflict over natural resources between community activists and resource extraction companies. The findings suggest that EJM in Senegal play a crucial role in mediating environmental disputes and advocating for equitable governance practices, though they face significant challenges including limited legal frameworks and bureaucratic resistance. To enhance the effectiveness of EJM, recommendations include strengthening legal protections for community rights, fostering greater transparency and accountability in resource management policies, and building collaborative networks between EJM and government institutions to address common environmental concerns.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ethical Dilemmas in AI Governance Amongst Tanzanian Communities in 2008 Context
AI governance has become a critical issue in contemporary African societies, with ethical dilemmas emerging as significant challenges. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with community leaders and focus group discussions involving a diverse sample of residents in urban and rural areas of Tanzania. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns related to ethically sensitive aspects of AI governance. During the study period, there was a notable concern about privacy violations regarding personal data collected by AI systems, with approximately 40% of respondents expressing significant worry over their information being used without consent. Additionally, concerns were raised about job displacement due to automation technologies in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. The findings highlight the importance of involving local communities in the development of ethical guidelines for AI governance to ensure alignment with cultural values and social norms. Recommendations include incorporating community feedback into policy-making processes, enhancing public awareness about AI ethics through education campaigns, and establishing independent oversight bodies to monitor AI applications in society.
Microfinance and Entrepreneurship Growth Among Female Entrepreneurs in Northern Ghana
Microfinance programmes have been implemented in various regions to support entrepreneurship among female entrepreneurs, but their effectiveness varies. A qualitative approach was employed through semi-structured interviews with female entrepreneurs who participated in microfinance programmes, supplemented by document analysis. Female entrepreneurs reported an average increase in business revenue of 32% during the study period, with significant improvements in operational efficiency and customer base. Microfinance provided key financial support to enhance entrepreneurial activities among female entrepreneurs in northern Ghana. Further research should explore scalability and long-term sustainability of microfinance programmes targeting female entrepreneurs. microfinance, entrepreneurship growth, female entrepreneurs, northern Ghana
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This study examines land reform in East Africa, focusing on its socio-economic impacts in Morocco. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with farmers and policymakers, focus group discussions, and document analysis. A notable finding is that smallholder farmers who received land reforms experienced a significant increase of 30% in their crop yields compared to those without reform. This highlights the positive impact on agricultural productivity. The study concludes that while land reforms have generally been beneficial, they need tailored implementation strategies to ensure equitable distribution and long-term sustainability. Policymakers are advised to implement more targeted support programmes for smallholder farmers post-reform. Enhanced community participation in planning is also recommended.
Compliance Rates in Ghanaian Retail Food Businesses
This review examines compliance rates of Ghanaian retail food businesses with South Sudanese food safety standards. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys of businesses and case studies in selected regions. Compliance rates varied significantly, with urban areas showing higher adherence (70%) compared to rural settings (35%). Rural businesses often lacked necessary infrastructure and training, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Policy-makers should prioritise capacity building programmes in underserved regions to improve compliance rates.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Adoption Dynamics Among Youth Farmers in Zambia of Low-Carbon Sustainable Agriculture Techniques,
Low-carbon sustainable agriculture techniques are crucial for climate resilience in developing countries like Zambia. Youth farmers play a significant role in agricultural innovation and adoption of these practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews. Data were collected from a stratified random sample of 500 youth farmers across Zambia's agricultural regions. Approximately 42% of the respondents reported having adopted at least one low-carbon technique in their farming practices, indicating moderate uptake despite challenges such as limited access to resources and financial constraints. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions targeting youth farmers' knowledge gaps and resource limitations to enhance sustainable agriculture adoption. Policy makers should prioritise education programmes focused on low-carbon techniques and provide targeted subsidies or grants for equipment upgrades in rural areas.
Geographic Terms: African Methodological Terms: Quantitative Research Theoretical Terms: Sustainable Development Conceptual Terms: Agricultural Innovation Contextual Terms: Youth Participation Empirical Terms: Adoption Dynamics