Civil–Military Relations in Africa

Abstract

This chapter argues that “objective” civilian control of the military may not be achieved now in Africa because there is no political socialization guiding the social formation of the African citizen. Instead it is asking, given all the crises and conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa (except in a few states) since the 1960s, why should there be “objective” civil–military relations in Africa? The chapter is of the view that the “subjective” civil–military relations in the greater part of Africa conform with the unstable social and political history of the region. It suggests a socialization process to build a spirit of nationalism in the citizen before he is admitted into a military school. Political socialization increases the prospect of building “objective” civil–military relations. This chapter presents a general perspective of civil–military relations in Africa. It does not provide detailed analysis of Africa generally or of selected African countries.