Launch of transitional justice mechanisms delayed in South Sudan — column author
The launch of transitional justice mechanisms provided for by the 2018 peace agreement is being delayed in South Sudan. Column author John G. Ikubaje attributes this, among other things, to the country’s government’s limited cooperation with the African Union on establishing accountability mechanisms.
In a column for Premium Times Nigeria, Ikubaje notes that in November 2024, President Salva Kiir Mayardit signed laws on the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparations Authority. At the same time, according to the author’s assessment, the practical implementation of these laws and the relevant institutions remains complicated.
Three mechanisms of the agreement
Chapter V of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan provides for the establishment of three bodies: the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and the Compensation and Reparations Authority.
The agreement also defines the role of the African Union and the UN in developing and implementing these mechanisms together with the government of South Sudan. According to Ikubaje, the greatest problems arise with the practical launch of the Hybrid Court.
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Selection of commissioners
The law on the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing assigns the Chairperson of the African Union and the UN secretary-general responsibility for selecting three commissioners who are not citizens of South Sudan. A joint technical committee of the African Union and the UN selected six candidates, from whom South Sudan is to choose three — two men and one woman.
According to the author, the final stage of the selection has been delayed due to unresolved issues concerning remuneration, accommodation, security, placement and translation for foreign commissioners. He also points to non-compliance with the established deadlines amid preparations for general elections scheduled for December 2026.
Ikubaje called on the South Sudanese authorities to provide funding for these mechanisms and ensure the participation of civil society, youth, women, persons with disabilities and elders. He also emphasized the need for technical and financial support from the international community, the African Union, the UN and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
