Penal Policy and Justice in African Countries: History and Modernity – JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE FOR AFRICAN STUDIES

Author:

Sadovskaya L.M.

Abstract:

This article examines the social and political history of African prisons and the evolution of penal policy in African countries from the pre-colonial era (the slave trade of the 15th and 16th centuries) to the present. It analyzes the historical impact of colonization on the justice system and contemporary criminal investigation practices. Emphasis is placed on the traditional form of prison, which generally follows the principles of customary law but is limited to the civil and commercial spheres. Prison is viewed not only as a legal institution but also as an instrument of power, reflecting socioeconomic relations within the state, as well as the colonial and neocolonial legacy. The influence of Western development institutions on criminal and penal policy is demonstrated. Particular attention is paid to the interference of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the justice systems of African states. In practice, the punitive model used by the ICC against African leaders has proven ineffective in resolving many problems, primarily related to political conflicts. The deterioration of relations between the African Union (AU) and the ICC accelerated the process of establishing an African Criminal Court with the goal of gaining autonomy and primacy over justice processes in Africa. The study shows that penal policies in African countries have been associated with the punishment and isolation of both criminal and political opponents, including through international jurisdiction. This, of course, represents a certain limitation of state sovereignty. It is no coincidence that for many states on the continent, the struggle for genuine sovereignty, including in the area of jurisdiction, is becoming a priority.

Keywords:

Africa, justice, prison, penal policy, International Criminal Court, Malabo Protocol, African Criminal Court

DOI:

10.31132/2412-5717-2025-73-4-99-112

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For citation:

Sadovskaya L.M. (2025). Penal Policy and Justice in African Countries: History and Modernity. Journal of the Institute for African Studies. Vol. 11. № 4. Pp. 99–112. https://doi.org/10.31132/2412-5717-2025-73-4-99-112

Для цитирования:

Садовская Л.М. Пенитенциарная политика и правосудие в странах Африки: история и современность. Ученые записки Института Африки РАН. 2025. Т. 11. № 4. С. 99–112. https://doi.org/10.31132/2412-5717-2025-73-4-99-112

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