1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910162058103321

Autore

Ubink Janine M. <1976->

Titolo

Traditional authorities in Africa [[electronic resource] ] : resurgence in an era of democratisation / / Janine Ubink

Pubbl/distr/stampa

[Amsterdam], : Leiden University Press, 2008

ISBN

1-281-98833-2

9786611988333

90-485-0658-1

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (39 pages)

Collana

Law, governance, and development. Research & policy notes

Disciplina

306.2096

Soggetti

Chiefdoms - Africa

Tribal government - Africa

Africa Politics and government 1960-

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references (p. [33]-38).

Nota di contenuto

Outline -- 1. What are Traditional Authorities -- 2. The Changing Attitude of African Governments -- 3. Explaining the Renewed Interest in Traditional Authorities -- 4. The Current Position of Traditional Authorities -- 5. Traditional Governance in an Era of Democratisation.

Sommario/riassunto

Traditional authority is a distinguishing feature in the landscape of contemporary Africa. It remains important in organising the life of the people at the local level despite modern state structures. And since the 1990's, African governments, international institutions and donor organisations have shown a renewed interest in it. As a result, a large number of African countries have enhanced or formalised the position of their chiefs. At the same time, however, this resurgence of traditional authority coincides with the wave of democratisation across sub- Saharan Africa, and many question the desirability and legitimacy of traditional authority in modern forms of governance.