The ongoing war in Sudan has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with over half of the country's 50 million people displaced and more than half of its GDP lost. The destruction of infrastructure, loss of human capital, and medical costs of treating the wounded have all taken a toll on the country. Furthermore, productive agricultural regions have come to a halt as civilians flee for their lives, while minerals are being smuggled out of the country, depriving the state of critical tax revenues.
The situation in Sudan is not unique, as many countries in Africa that appear relatively stable and peaceful are also experiencing human rights issues. Governments are increasingly redefining how rights are exercised and protected, often using fiscal policies, debt structures, trade rules, land laws, and other means to restrict civic space. According to Nozipho Ndebele, Associate Director in the Office of the Africa Managing Director at the Open Society Foundations, "The political economy of human rights is the question beneath every other question."
The trend of shrinking civic space has put people in all professions at risk, including environmentalists, journalists, scientists, technology users, rights activists, and even civil servants. If they cross an invisible line, they can become targets. Margaret Kemuma, Migration and Justice Programme Lead at Kituo Cha Sheria in Kenya, emphasized that "We are not saying stop development. We are saying rights must come first, in line with our Constitution, human rights instruments and inherent human rights, so that nobody is left worse off than before."
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) has expressed concerns that human rights are being eroded and democratic governance is weakening. According to Petrus Hatupopi, a Legal Protection Officer at the ACHPR, "The reality is that human rights are interconnected and cannot be separated from development. The two must be pursued together." The ACHPR emphasizes that governments must ensure human rights are respected as they adopt technological advancements.
In Nairobi, participants gathered to discuss growing frustration with deteriorating political leadership across the region. They argued that while most countries have institutions such as courts and electoral bodies, many have been captured by political elites, fuelling impunity rather than curbing it. John Githongo, chairman of the board of Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi and founding director of Transparency International Kenya, noted that "The problem is not what we lack, but what we refuse to do."
Afrobarometer's September 2026 report found that 64 per cent of Africans surveyed across 38 countries prefer democracy to other forms of government. However, only 36 per cent demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to democracy. The findings expose a widening disconnect between citizens' democratic aspirations and their experience of governance. According to Afrobarometer, full demand for democracy has fallen by 10 percentage points across 29 countries surveyed consistently over the past decade.
The erosion of confidence in democratic institutions must be understood against a backdrop of corruption, insecurity, and unmet public expectations, particularly among young people. Afrobarometer's 2024 research found that 64 per cent of young Africans aged 18 to 35 preferred democracy, but 56 per cent said they would accept a military takeover if elected leaders abused power for personal gain. This suggests that citizens may continue to value democracy while becoming more willing to consider alternatives when elected governments are perceived to have betrayed their mandate.
Key points
- Human rights situation worsens as governments redefine rights exercise and protection
- Shrinking civic space puts people in all professions at risk
- Erosion of confidence in democratic institutions threatens Africa's governance
