African Social Movements vs civil societies in Africa?

This article critically discusses the supposed contradiction between social movements and civil societies. Some social movement theorists have criticised the use of the term civil society in an African context as it is seen as a western or even neo-liberal invention. However, the author argues that civil societies in Africa - including social movements - have a long tradition and an increasing impact on political processes. The article argues for an inclusive interpretation of the term civil society as an analytical category in research on social movements in Africa. Adapted from the source document