Books

“Berihun Gebeye has written a comprehensive, ambitious, and sophisticated account of constitutionalism in Africa that rejects both the standard account of liberal constitutionalism and pluralist accounts of constitutionalism in Africa. Characterizing African constitutionalism as 'syncretic' Gebeye gives a rich account of how modern African states engage in continuous adoption, rejection, invention, and transformation of the diverse constitutional traditions of the pre-colonial societies and colonial powers. A Theory of African Constitutionalism is a much-needed study and an invaluable resource for comparative constitutionalists.”

“Although comparative constitutionalism has a long and distinguished history, the African perspective has, until recently been largely ignored in the discourse. Berihun Gebeye's book contributes enormously to filling this gap. Written in clear and engaging style, the book is insightful and thought-provoking. It provides invaluable insights on transformative constitutionalism on the continent, its design and practice from diverse perspectives and is backed by important and well-researched cases studies. From this perspective, the book is a must-read and an important reference resource for constitutional comparatists, legal scholars, and policy makers on contemporary trends in constitutionalism in Africa.”

“A transformative theory of constitutionalism in Africa – a region that has been largely overlooked by comparative constitutional scholarship. In his artful exposition of the uneasy yet fascinating intersection of ideals and principles of modern constitutionalism with colonial legacies, ethnic tensions, legal plurality, and the political realities of state-building and constitution-making in Africa, Berihun Gebeye produced a unique, ground-breaking work that makes an indispensable contribution to comparative constitutional studies, and to our understanding of constitutional development beyond the West.”

“This is a ground-breaking book, which provides a powerful argument for a theory of African constitutionalism built on the history and experience of modern African states. Its publication should foster a historically aware and institutionally informed discourse about African constitutions and politics. Every constitutional lawyer and social scientist interested in Africa should read it.”

“For anybody seriously interested in a deeper understanding of the development, character, and predicaments of African constitutionalism, this book is not only essential but indispensable reading.”

“While this book clearly offers an original contribution to African constitutional thought, the appeal and openings of its theoretical framework ought to be considered much wider.”

“Berihun Adugna Gebeye's book remains the most comprehensive analysis of constitutionalism in Africa to appear in decades, if not ever.”

“Überdies können der vom Autor dargelegte theoretische Ansatz und der empirische Erfahrungsreichtum des Kontinents auch als Erkenntnisressource für andere Weltregionen dienen.”

“The book that is the subject of this review by Gebeye must nonetheless, not be considered merely as a piece by an African on Africa published by a reputable publisher. Rather, as I later show while campaigning for its readership, it is a valuable contribution to the constitutional law discourse in Africa and beyond.”

“Exceptionally well-written and indispensable book for comparative constitutional law scholars who wish to understand the origin and predicament of African constitutionalism.”