South Sudanese civil society groups have welcomed the African Union’s nomination of non-South Sudanese commissioners to the country’s long-delayed Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, but urged the government to complete the appointment process without further delay.
The Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) and South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) said the AU’s submission was an important step towards establishing one of the transitional justice mechanisms provided for under the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
The groups said the commission could help South Sudan confront its history of conflict, address serious human rights violations and promote truth, accountability, reconciliation and healing.
But they warned that further delays in appointing commissioners and making the commission operational could weaken public confidence in the wider transitional justice process.
Calls for faster appointments
The groups urged the government, particularly the ministries responsible for foreign affairs, cabinet affairs and justice, to complete the remaining steps needed to appoint the commissioners and establish the commission.
They called for the full list of nominees to be submitted to the Cabinet and the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly for consideration and approval, as required by law.
They also called for the commission to be formally established and made operational, with the remaining stages conducted transparently and with the participation of victims, survivors and affected communities.
AU nomination welcomed
The TJWG and SSCSF praised the African Union for submitting its list of nominees for the non-South Sudanese commissioners.
They also commended the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for guiding the selection panel and engaging civil society and other stakeholders in the transitional justice process.
The groups said they were ready to work with the government, African Union, development partners, victims’ groups and other stakeholders to support the establishment of the commission.
The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing is intended to play a central role in South Sudan’s efforts to address the legacy of conflict and human rights abuses. The groups said its credibility would depend on an inclusive, transparent and participatory process.
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