Realising Transformative Institutional Reforms via Civil Society
Posted: 11 February, 2025 Filed under: Andrew Songa | Tags: advocacy for reforms, African Union Transitional Justice Policy, civil society, democratic transformation, divisions, human rights violations, inequalities, institutional reforms, National Council for Administration of Justice, past violations, public opinion, public pressure, public symposiums, reform processes, socio-economic transformation, Transformative Institutional Reforms, Transitional Justice 1 CommentAuthor: Andrew Songa
Strategic Advisor, Alt Advisory
If institutional reforms are meant to positively and fundamentally transform our state structures and society, then civil society must play a key role in developing, implementing and monitoring them. In defining transitional justice as policy measures and mechanisms that are implemented to overcome past violations, divisions and inequalities, the African Union Transitional Justice Policy emphasises that these measures should enable the forward-looking goals of democratic and socio-economic transformation. A key measure that underpins this transformative potential of transitional justice is institutional reforms. This is because, if properly designed and implemented, institutional reforms transcend temporary or symbolic measures. They address past violations by introducing state institutions that are competent, ethical, independent, accessible, well-resourced and a reflection of the communities they serve.
Lesotho: Shaping a New Path Through Transitional Justice
Posted: 9 January, 2025 Filed under: Mary Izobo | Tags: accountability, African Union, African Union Transitional Justice Policy, capacity-building workshop, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, contested elections, CSVR, cultural heritage, fragile governance, governance challenges, healing, holistic policy framework, justice, Kingdom in the Sky, mental health, military coups, political crises, political instability, psychosocial support, reconciliation, stability, under-resourced Leave a comment
Author: Mary Izobo
Advocacy Manager, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
Introduction
Lesotho, a small mountainous nation nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, stands at a pivotal moment as it charts its path toward stability and justice. Often described as the “Kingdom in the Sky” because of its breathtaking highland terrain, Lesotho’s journey is defined by its rich cultural heritage and the challenges of political instability.
Reclaiming African Traditions in Transitional Justice: With Some Reflections on Sudan
Posted: 15 June, 2023 Filed under: Bobuin Jr Valery Gemandze Oben | Tags: African traditions, African Union Transitional Justice Policy, Africaness, authoritarian rule, democratic consolidation, democratic transition, institutional mechanisms, military coup, Omar Al Bashar, ransitional Justice, Rapid Support Forces, Sovereign Council, Sudan, Sudanese Armed Forces, Truth Commissions, violent extremism Leave a comment
Author: Bobuin Jr Valery Gemandze Oben
Advocacy Specialist, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
Introduction
Following the much heralded third wave of democratisation which swept across Africa in the 1990’s, there was optimism that the continent was making a conscious and considerable shift towards democratic consolidation founded on the rule of law and the respect for human rights. Fast-forward almost three decades later and the major headlines across the continent portray conflict, instability and authoritarianism. April was Freedom Month in South Africa, commemorating the first democratic elections held in the country in 1994. As time goes by, much significance has been attached to these celebrations as it reflects the country’s journey towards justice, equality, and dignity from a divisive apartheid-construed society. Transitional justice played a key role in this journey. Most importantly its tools could be used to address conflict, violent extremism and authoritarian rule, issues which are currently plaguing the continent. One of such situations is the ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which degenerated in April.
AfricLaw 