The first major comparative study of the way human rights south of the Sahara have been revolutionized by NGOs, which have become the most effective detectives in discovering abuses and the most active advocates in seeking solutions. Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Book. "A wise, nuanced, and copiously referenced study for practitioners and donors as well as academic analysts."--Foreign Affairs "Welch offers coherent analysis, incisive insights, and questions of central importance."--Human Rights Quarterly "One of the best books of its kind."--Journal of Southern African Studies Since the 1950s, sub-Saharan Africa has been the site of profound political changes initiated by ascendant nationalism and rapid decolonization. With this new beginning came fresh challenges involving many crucial aspects of human rights: self-determination; civil and political rights, including government legitimacy; military involvement in African politics; and unfulfilled basic