Capital punishment: the colonial era legacy that still finds fertile ground in Africa
Back in the 18th century when colonialism was losing its ground in Europe , it found fertile soil in Africa. The colonial era was known for the death penalty being given to those who tried to raise their voice. Now years later, thanks to rigorous efforts by human rights organizations and activists, capital punishment is slowly dwindling from across the continent. But still, a lot needs to be done, many countries still have the death penalty practice in their statute books due to the strong withholding of their colonial legacy. In July, Sierra Leone became the 23rd country from Africa to abolish capital punishment from its constitutional books. During the peak of colonialism in Africa, the death penalty was the most common form of punishment after imprisonment. The practice is said to be deeply embedded in the formation of the continent’s decree. During the 1890s, which were the formative years of Africa, capital punishment was introduced in the continent’s Belgian Congo and...