ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — The armed forces in mature African states are one of the most powerful arms of government and can therefore serve as vital agents of influence over elites and representatives controlling governance, an Africa Center academic expert says. Consequently security sector reform would be incomplete if not holistically integrated with Africa’s deepening democratization process.
“The law is the highest form of guidance to all,” advised Dr. John F Kelly, Professor of National Security Studies at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS). He was speaking October 24, 2013, to a gathering of 60 mid- to high-ranking African military and civilian leaders attending the Next Generation of African Security Sector Leaders program, scheduled to run October 21 to November 8.
Dr. Kelly discussed the rule of law in the context of African national security management and leadership. Participants were reminded that the agenda to promote inclusive and responsive governance and people-centered leadership was inherently African by virtue of the progress that the continent has made in deepening democracy and providing rules-based leadership.
“Nelson Mandela is clearly an inspiration, as are many others of his generation on the continent,” Dr. Kelly told the audience.
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“African countries see the value of improving the rule of law,” he continued “which is why the majority of African states have domesticated several African and international legal instruments into their domestic laws.” The challenge, he argued, “lies in reforming institutions, rectifying administrative weaknesses, and creating and reinforcing a popular culture of constitutionalism.”
“The citizens should be placed at the center of these efforts,” he said, “so as to create a sense of ownership and belonging.”
Dr. Sahr Kpundeh, the Senior Public Sector Specialist at the World Bank, who also addressed the session, concurred with Dr. Kelly’s observations.
“We continue to see a lot of progress on the continent, as evidenced by the growing number of countries that are improving their economic and political governance, but challenges still remain,” Dr. Kpundeh said.
“As Africans, one of the things we ought to do is institute more transparent systems to ensure that the public knows and understands how its taxes are being used and how much their leaders earn,” he said. “That way, citizens will immediately raise concerns if it becomes apparent that public officials are engaging in activities which go way beyond their known earnings.”
“As military leaders,” he continued, “you have the responsibility of doing your part in creating new values and standards.”
“For instance,” he advised, “you can make sure that your procurement, financial management systems and payrolls are aboveboard … otherwise sooner or later the people will lose confidence in you.”
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The presentations during the session allowed a frank exchange of views. Africa Center academic programs take place under the Center’s strict rule of nonattribution among participant.
“Some proposals for improvement might include instituting constitutional command and control of police powers, vesting prosecutorial powers in neutral officers, non-partisan exercise of internal security measures and constraining powers of arrest through judicial review,” Dr. Kelly said in response to one of the many questions raised.
“Additionally,” he went on, “educate yourselves, your subordinates and peers, create understanding among the civil population, develop organizational awareness and sensitivity, seek out preventative professional legal assistance, and use your positions to advocate for broader systemic reforms.”
“Please remember,” he added, “that you are the guardians of the republic, the defenders of the nation, the catalysts for change, and role models to your people. Please endeavor to stay true to these noble ideals.”
ACSS is the pre-eminent Department of Defense (DOD) institution for strategic security studies, research and outreach in Africa. The Africa Center engages African partner states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programs that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships. Over the past 14 years, more than 6,000 African and international leaders have participated in ACSS programs.
