Retraction Policy

We understand that authors may need to withdraw a manuscript for various reasons, and we strive to make this process transparent and straightforward. The following outlines our policy regarding article withdrawal:

  1. Definition of Withdrawal

An article withdrawal refers to the removal of a manuscript from the editorial and peer-review process before its formal publication. Withdrawn articles will not be published, and any associated files or data will no longer be accessible on our platform.

  1. Withdrawal Requests

Authors may request to withdraw their manuscript at any stage of the editorial process by submitting a written request to the editorial office at [insert contact information]. The request must include:

  • The manuscript title and submission ID.
  • The reason for the withdrawal.
  • Confirmation that all authors consent to the withdrawal.

All authors listed on the manuscript must agree to the withdrawal request.

  1. No Withdrawal Fees

No fees are charged for withdrawing a manuscript. However, if an Article Processing Charge (APC) has already been paid, it is non-refundable. This is because costs related to the review and editorial process are incurred regardless of the manuscript's withdrawal.

  1. Withdrawal Conditions

Manuscript withdrawal will generally be permitted under the following conditions:

  • The authors identify significant errors or ethical concerns in the manuscript.
  • The manuscript is no longer suitable for submission to our journal (e.g., submitted to another publication).
  • All authors agree on the withdrawal request and provide their consent in writing.

However, withdrawal requests may not be entertained if:

  • The manuscript has already been accepted for publication and is in the final production stages.
  • The request is made solely due to delays in the editorial or review process without prior communication with the editorial office.

In cases of disputes or unresolved concerns, the editorial team reserves the right to make the final decision on withdrawal requests.

  1. Impact of Withdrawal

If a manuscript is withdrawn:

  • The editorial team will notify all associated parties, including reviewers, that the manuscript has been withdrawn.
  • The manuscript’s record will be updated in the submission system, and it will no longer be considered for review or publication.
  • If the manuscript has been indexed in any public preprint repositories or archives, the authors are responsible for addressing its status in those repositories.
  1. Withdrawal Due to Ethical Concerns

Manuscripts found to violate ethical standards (e.g., plagiarism, data fabrication, duplicate submission) may be withdrawn by the editorial office at any stage. In such cases, a formal notice of withdrawal will be issued, and the reasons for the withdrawal will be documented.

  1. Alternatives to Withdrawal

Before withdrawing a manuscript, authors are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the editorial office. In some cases, issues may be resolved through revisions or clarifications without the need for withdrawal.

  1. Updates to Policy

This withdrawal policy may be updated to reflect changes in industry standards or publishing practices. Authors are encouraged to review the policy before submitting their manuscripts.

 

Article Retraction Policy

The Afrihorizon Journal is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. Retractions are a critical mechanism for correcting the scientific record when errors or misconduct are discovered after publication. This policy outlines the principles and procedures that guide retraction decisions across all Afrihorizon journals.

 

Grounds for Retraction

  1. Scientific Misconduct

Evidence of data fabrication, falsification, or manipulation.

Plagiarism, including unattributed use of ideas, text, or data from other works.

Unethical research practices, such as lack of appropriate ethical approval or participant consent.

  1. Significant Errors:

Errors that invalidate the article's findings or conclusions, whether arising from honest mistakes or unintentional omissions.

  1. Duplicate Publication:

The article is discovered to have been published elsewhere without appropriate justification or cross-referencing.

  1. Authorship Issues:

Disputes or changes in authorship, such as unauthorized inclusion or omission of authors.

  1. Legal or Ethical Violations

Legal disputes, copyright infringement, or breaches of confidentiality or privacy.

  1. Failure to Disclose Conflicts of Interest

Material conflicts of interest not disclosed at the time of submission that compromise the integrity of the work.

Retraction Process

Initial Investigation

Concerns regarding an article are brought to the attention of the journal’s editorial board or publisher.

A preliminary assessment is conducted to determine the validity and seriousness of the issue.

Consultation with Stakeholders

Authors are contacted to provide an explanation or additional information.

Relevant institutions, such as the authors' affiliated organizations or ethics committees, may be consulted when necessary.

Decision-Making

The editorial board, in consultation with external experts if required, evaluates the evidence.

The decision to retract is made based on the severity of the issue and its impact on the scholarly record.

Retraction Notice

A formal retraction notice is published in the journal. The notice will:

Clearly identify the retracted article.

State the reasons for the retraction.

Include acknowledgment from the authors (if applicable) or explain their lack of cooperation.

Remain permanently linked to the original article.

Marking the Retracted Article

The original article remains accessible but is watermarked or flagged as “Retracted” to ensure transparency.

A detailed explanation is provided in the retraction notice.

Transparency and Accountability

Retractions are handled transparently and professionally, without undue delay.

Authors and other relevant parties are given an opportunity to respond to allegations before a final decision is made.

Retraction notices are freely accessible to uphold accountability and public trust.

Alternatives to Retraction

In some cases, a full retraction may not be warranted. The following actions may be considered:

Correction: Minor errors that do not compromise the article's validity may be addressed through a correction notice.

Expression of Concern: If an investigation is ongoing and unresolved, an expression of concern may be issued to alert readers of potential issues.

Ethical Guidelines

This policy aligns with the ethical standards of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and industry best practices. The Afrihorizon Journal is committed to safeguarding the integrity of academic research and ensuring trust in scholarly publishing.