The African peer review mechanism (APRM) and the African Union (AU): the case for leadership and governance perspectives in african public services

Abstract

The research investigate the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) from a leadership and governance perspective in the African public services. The research was initiated with a historiography to map out efforts that were made to unify the continent against slavery and colonialism, which were primary factors responsible for Africa’s underdevelopment and poverty. National, regional and sub regional organisations have been formed to forge collective action against colonisation and the marginalisation of the continent. Each of the organisations, indicating their achievements and challenges has been discussed in this research. The research has revealed that there was a common denominator in most organisations, which revolved around creating a better continent for the African people and to restore their dignity as a people. The need for unity in Africa has received more attention, especially when Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was transformed into the African Union (AU), which focuses on development, democratic rule and good governance to tackle poverty, marginalisation and underdevelopment in the continent. What is evident in this research is the fact that African leaders are now seeking African solutions to the problems that have plagued the continent for decades. African leaders recognise that transplanted policies and initiatives are responsible for Africa’s dependency syndrome and marginalisation in the development process. The research has pointed out that Africans should lead the process of African development because they are the custodians of the needs of their citizens. In order to satisfy and provide essential services and goods to their citizens African leaders should exercise effective and responsible leadership, and good governance principles in order to implement policies that would create a better life for all on the continent. In order to ensure that African public services implement appropriate policies, a monitoring mechanism has been instituted, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) through which countries are evaluated and assessed on compliance with good governance and development objectives to provide essential goods and services to the African people. The New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as the vehicle of the AU has set out development objectives and priorities, which should be implemented by national, regional, and sub-regional organisations, therefore countries would be monitored to ensure that they comply with the aims and mandate of the AU. Effective leadership and good governance would ensure cost effective delivery of services and the provision of goods by public services. African leaders want to create genuine partnership with their citizens and international communities to ensure that poverty is eradicated and the needs of Africans are satisfied. Africa requires strong and effective leaders who identify and work for their people at all costs through proper utilisation and management of public resources for the benefit of all. Recommendations have been made for consideration by African leaders in their endeavour to create a better life for the African people based on effective leadership, the rule of law and good governance. Africans know what is best for them and therefore they should engage in collective action to achieve the African Development Goals.