Abstract
The nexus between human rights and good governance plays a key role in terms of leading to sustainable peace. Human rights and good governance reinforce each other such that one cannot exist without the other. Both are the significant features of our political reality in our daily lives, and ingredients of moral rights of the highest order. There can be no human rights without good governance and vice versa. The research question the study sought to answer is: what is the interface between good governance and human rights and to what extent is this interface significant in the preservation of peace and stability in Africa? The study found that upholding human rights is a crucial element of good governance and human rights are inherently linked to good governance. Human rights create an important field of rule-governed interactions centred on, and under the control of, the right-holder. Furthermore, they create a conducive environment under which good governance becomes a result of the protection and respect of human rights. Human rights principles provide a set of values to guide the work of governments and other political and social actors. That is to say that the nexus between good governance and human rights leads to sustainable peace. It also means that upholding or respecting human rights is respecting the principles of good governance, thus peace and stability becomes automatic. Thus, good governance-human rights relationship is a tool for sustainable peace and stability in the society. It cements the bond between individuals and promotes peaceful coexistence, thereby making societies more resilient. However, the study found that failure to uphold human rights leads to political instability and violence. The study found that in Africa political violence and civil wars are caused by violations of human rights. The study discussed that human rights violation are drivers of social protests, civil wars and conflicts including the rise of terrorism. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology with explanatory approach. The study also relied on the secondary sources that were found in the published books and recognised internet sources.