ABSTRACT
In taking seriously the complexity of policing in the African continent, and the resulting challenges and roles of/for civilian oversight, this chapter aims to provide an overview of the context(s) in which the civilian oversight of the police becomes important and necessary for consideration. To sharpen focus on this concern, this chapter will draw attention to some of the issues impacting on civilian oversight in the continent, focusing on those that emerge in practice and as a result of the frequent dissonances between policy and practice. In discussing these issues or challenges, we make use of specic examples of civilian oversight in select African countries to illustrate the point being made. However, the aim of this chapter is not to provide an audit of civilian oversight mechanisms in Africa. Albeit dated, detailed audits of African police accountability and/or reform have already been conducted (see African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum, 2008; Berg, 2005a,b; Lumina, 2006; Rauch & van der Spuy, 2006). Ultimately, the purpose of this chapter is to give a pragmatic overview of civilian oversight mechanisms in
Preliminary Methodological Diculties ......................................................... 122 Impacts on Civilian Oversight in Africa ......................................................... 123 Operational Issues Confronting Civilian Oversight Bodies ......................... 123
Independence and/or Power ........................................................................ 123 Cooperation from Police .............................................................................. 125 Capacity and Resources ................................................................................ 125 Legislative Frameworks ................................................................................. 127
Systemic Issues Confronting Civilian Oversight Bodies ............................... 128 Historical Legacies ......................................................................................... 128 Politics ............................................................................................................. 129 Broader Reform Eorts ..................................................................................131
Discussion ........................................................................................................... 132 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 134 References ............................................................................................................ 135
the African continent in light of the issues or challenges that impact on their functioning and eectiveness. In doing so, we separate out the operational issues (such as lack of resources) and systemic issues (such as political will) that impact on civilian oversight in the continent.
