Editorial introduction to special focus : the rule of law in sub-Saharan Africa : reflections on promises, progress, pitfalls and prospects

Abstract

Serious efforts to entrench the rule of law in Africa came with the socalled third wave of democratisation in the 1990s. This democratic revival raised hopes of a new era of governance guided by the basic principles of constitutionalism, democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and respect for the rule of law. Promising signs of some progress have been overtaken by a steady decline, particularly in the last two decades.