African Constitutionalism: Comparative Perspectives

The general focus is on examining critical issues affecting the promotion of constitutionalism in Africa from a comparative perspective. It will examine issues considered to be particularly problematic and how comparative African experiences could influence present and future developments.Specific issues that will be dealt with include:

• stimulating interest in the importance of comparative constitutional law research and studies in Africa, its diverse methodologies and the African context;
• providing in-depth knowledge and understanding of African constitutional regimes and their evolution;
• examining problems arising and challenges faced in African constitution-making processes and considering best practices;
• reviewing the problems of implementing African constitutions and ways of overcoming this;
• examining the theory and practice in Africa of certain selected aspects of constitutional law.

An introductory seminar will run from 4-6 September 2013, bringing together a selected group of outstanding African and some non-African experts. The discussions will define the nature and scope of future seminars.