ABSTRACT
This chapter interrogates whether, in an increasingly interdependent world facing multiple challenges, the Charter provides the necessary answers to Africa's quest for sustainable democracy, peace and development. It examines African states' response to the Charter, highlighting the progress made and existing opportunities for advancing democracy, human rights and good governance in Africa, while also pointing out the challenges that have hindered the effectiveness of the Charter since its adoption. The Charter strongly emphasizes the supremacy of constitutional rule, which should help strengthen public institutions. The renewed attachment of AU member states to con-stitutionalism confirmed the national reforms initiated at the beginning of the 1990s, which created a more favourable environment for democracy and governance. In practice, multiparty elections have facilitated the emergence and grounding of democracy in countries including Benin, Botswana, Cape Verde, Ghana and Mauritius. In Liberia and Sierra Leone, elections have helped to stabilize both countries when they emerged from protracted wars.
