Taboos are common in many traditional African communities. Many taboos have been abandoned as irrelevant. However, some have persisted in spite of the influence of education, western liberal cultures, and adoption of modern lifestyles. Taboos played important roles in regulating behavior in respect to specific activities. What is the underlying reasoning for using taboos? Is there any philosophical basis for the use of taboos to regulate behavior? Taboos often appeal to a person’s conscience in justifying the proposed prohibitions. Is there any relationship between the underlying philosophy of taboos and the concept of conscientious objection? This paper explores the role of taboos in African societies and the underlying philosophical underpinnings. It involves analyzing relevant texts on the subject of taboos in African Communities as well as papers on conscientious objection. Similarities and differences between philosophical justifications for conscientious objection and justification of taboos are examined. Arguments are developed to support the thesis that African societies in which taboos are commonly practiced, find it easier to accept the concept of conscientious objection.