Democracy’s Keepers: The Rise of the Activist Generation in Africa

Abstract

In recent years, civil society has proved itself to be the most important check and support for good governance in Africa. It is particularly the ‘activist generation’ and its contingent organizations and movements which have proved to be the greatest pressure in strengthening demographic institutions and checking corruption. This lecture argues that civil society, particularly groups and movements from the ‘activist generation’, merit support from international and domestic communities. In discussing why, this lecture explores key movements from the ‘activist generation’ as civil society across the continent. Particular attention is paid to how the ‘activist generation’ has succeeded in checking corruption and providing critical support for democratic processes. Recommendations for providing support to the ‘activist generation’ are discussed.