Some of what passes for law enforcement in Africa would never be acceptable under international law. Bruce Baker focuses on the concept of rule of law as a central element of democracy and examines how far Africans have to go to achieve such status. 'This book focuses on a vital and under-researched aspect of politics. It explores the relationship between law and order and the maintenance of democratic structures in an informed and lively manner, raising crucial and important questions over the consolidation of democracy.' Professor Roy May, Coventry University, UK 'Bruce Baker has provided an original and superbly detailed analysis of the alarming collapse of the rule of law in much of Africa - a collapse which threatens to undermine the essential fabric of democracy on that continent, and to collapse the essential link between citizens' rights and obligations. This book will demand the attention of social scientists and human rights activists alike.' Professor Roger Southall, Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa