Tackling the scourge of socio-economic injustices in Africa: whither art thou, African political leadership?

The pursuit of socio-economic justice in Africa remains one of the gravest challenges facing Africa's political leadership, as it involves the realisation of socio-economic rights, social cohesion, poverty alleviation, structural inequality and inequities and political stability. Political leaders are entrusted with the mandate to tackle and surmount this scourge, yet, through their actions and political philosophies, present an anti-thesis. Covering topics from grand corruption to toxic political ideologies, the pursuit of socio-economic justice is quite a formidable task. Through the lack of socio-economic justice, communities are rendered more vulnerable, individuals lose trust in their leaders and the system, the gap between the rich and the poor is widened, undeserving millionaires are created, and ultimately, the legitimacy of regimes is questioned. My research has sought to investigate different angles of irresponsible political leadership, with a narrowed focus on (im)migration, corruption, international human rights law, international criminal law and justice, and good governance.