ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the historical development of human rights in Africa, and second analyse the intersection between civil and political rights, democracy and good governance. It argues that the full enjoyment of human rights relies on good governance principles, without which human rights remain theoretical. The chapter analyses the origins, characteristics, roles, actions, and potential of the emerging youth civil society organizations in Senegal, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the context of the political transformations underway on the continent. Despite their supranational ambitions, the legitimacy of these youth movements serves as a catalyst for larger political engagement for nation-level civil and political rights in Africa. The youth movements get their strength from their capacity to articulate the long frustrations of African populations and catalyze movements around demands that are collective and go beyond their own generation.