ABSTRACT
This chapter asserts that neoliberalism contributed to the rise of alternative forms of citizenship which illustrate people's continued disenchantment with the African state and its ability to address the continent's tangible problems of poverty and underdevelopment. Neoliberalism has facilitated the rise of these citizenships by decreasing the state's role in service provision and the promotion of order. The chapter first outlines two theoretical perspectives on citizenship – liberal and communal citizenship – and highlights major scholarly findings on citizenship in Africa. Next, it investigates how four components of neoliberalism – market economic reforms, democratization, donors' efforts to 'responsibilize' local populations and globalization – have affected citizenship. The chapter then analyses the rise of autochthony, Christian citizenship and therapeutic citizenship. Finally, it questions the effects of alternative citizenships on the continent's long-term democratization.
