The book is well-crafted, easy to read, and a testament to the author’s mastery of academic writing. . . .Udogu, overall, does a remarkable job in briefly summarizing the political history of Africa and not just of the states picked for close scrutiny. The book is commendable as an introductory reading to students of African politics. . . .In addition to being a good read in political history, the book successfully introduces the reader to common themes and problems confronting the modern African state.

African Studies Quarterly

This book makes an invaluable contribution to both the academic literature and policy praxis by empirically arguing that the trilogy of human rights, the broader democracy project, and development are inextricably linked and that no one part can exist and function successfully without the other. Udogu illuminates this thesis by examining six case studies.

George Klay Kieh Jr., University of West Georgia

This volume contains an extremely rigorous and informative analysis of the human rights situation in sub-Saharan Africa. Examining Human Rights Issues and the Democracy Project in Sub-Saharan Africa sufficiently and effectively draws out the important link between the protection of human rights and the deepening and institutionalization of democracy. Professor Udogu presents a compelling and credible story for making the protection of human rights the center of a country’s poverty alleviation and development policy. This is a refreshing, rigorous, informative and multidisciplinary analysis of human rights and political development in sub-Saharan Africa. Students of African political economy, policymakers, and anyone interested in human development in the region should find this study especially useful.

John Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University