The role of social activism in pursuing accountability for police abuse of power in Africa

Abstract

Reports of police abuse of power, such as extrajudicial killings and torture are widespread in Africa. When these occur, the public expects the state to hold its agents accountable. Police accountability in human rights is crucial, as it develops a culture of human rights and enhances police effectiveness which can (re-)establish legitimacy and restore public confidence in the police. Though formal mechanisms of police accountability are tasked with holding the police accountable, they sometimes fail to do this effectively. Although there have been several studies on the role and importance of formal mechanisms of police accountability, few qualitative studies exist in Africa that assess the role of social activism in police accountability. This study investigates the role of social activism campaigns in pursuing police accountability for abuse of power in Africa, by examining the #EndSARS campaign in Nigeria, the Khayelitsha police inefficiencies campaign in South Africa, and the Social Justice Centres campaign in Kenya. Using empirical, case study, and doctrinal research methods, this study examines how these campaigns pursue investigations, remedies, and reforms in the process of accountability. This study finds that social activism campaigns pursue police accountability through the socialisation and reinforcement of norms, transnationalisation of issues across borders, and materially contributing to the accountability process, thereby applying pressure on the state and formal mechanisms of accountability to hold the police accountable.