Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

DOI

10.25776/dey9-3g41

Pages

16 pp.

Abstract

This paper will evaluate how security governance contributes to both the development of democracy and the establishment of stable institutions within newly independent post-colonial states in Africa. Security governance is examined here as it relates to the long-term influence of colonial legacy, military presence, and the politicization of the security services. The authors have based their analysis of this issue on qualitative data gathered from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya. The findings of the research suggest that unless security sectors are subject to civilian oversight and adhere to democratic principles, they tend to serve the interests of ruling regimes by allowing human rights abuses and by creating instability and increasing the likelihood of coup d'états, and as such, diminishing the public's confidence in government - ultimately reducing the strength of democratic institutions (such as legislatures, courts, and electoral processes) and limiting the potential for democratic consolidation. On the other hand, the authors also found that security sector reform can enhance democratic stability and improve a nation's ability to address its security needs if the security sector has been made inclusive and accountable and respects human rights. Based on security sector reform literature, democratic consolidation literature, and post-colonial state literature, the authors argue that security governance cannot be transformed without the transformation of democracy in Africa. The author recommends that the best way to achieve this transformation is to encourage local ownership; strengthen oversight mechanisms; invest in both the professionalism of the security services and human rights training; empower civil society and media; promote cooperation between nations; and ensure that foreign aid is consistent with democratic goals. Ultimately, the authors present a model for policy makers and emphasize that while there are many barriers to reform, there are successful reform models that demonstrate that accountable and democratic security governance is possible and necessary for a democratic future in Africa.

Rights

© 2026 Chick Edmond. 

Included with kind permission of the author.

ORCID

0009-0006-9633-0945 (Edmond)

Original Publication Citation

Edmond, C. (2026). Security governance in post-colonial Africa and implications on democratic institutions. 1-16.  https://doi.org/10.25776/dey9-3g41

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