JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

The African environment is plagued my myriads of socio-economic problems. These problems include environmental racism, extinction of endangered species, resource wars, poor leadership, corruption and embezzlement of public fund, desertification, deforestation, oil spillage, pollution of the atmosphere, climate change, etc. Though the African charter was proclaimed in 1981, more than 30 years ago, the environmental crisis has become intensified and so the message of the charter is more vital than ever. This paper argues that Africa’s future is dependent on a safe and healthy environment. The paper uses the method of critical appraisal to examine the meaning of this right to a general satisfactory environment, as enunciated in article 24 of the African Charter. This examination is done in the light of the socio-economic developmental challenges facing the continent. The paper finds and concludes that this is an innovative right proposed by the African Charter, and that the right should not only be human centered but eco-centric. It concludes that this right is necessary for African’s present and future generations.