On State Accountability for Enforced Disappearances, Missing Persons and Missing-in-Action Persons in Africa

As it stands, the fate and whereabouts of people in Africa who are referred to as missing persons have not received adequate national and international attention. Even though the responsibility for preventing persons from becoming missing or disappearing lies solely with the state, not much has been done by African states to safeguard their people from this tragic phenomenon. Obstacles to discharging this essential duty are linked to a lack of political will.

This edition of Nextier Special Issue interrogates the phenomenon of enforced disappearances, missing persons and missing-in-action persons in Africa and proffer recommendations to address the challenge.