Covering the period from decolonisation to 2020, this database provides an overview of peace agreements in Africa that contain components related to transitional justice.

As defined by the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP), transitional justice encompasses “the various (formal and traditional or non-formal) policy measures and institutional mechanisms that societies, through an inclusive consultative process, adopt in order to overcome past violations, divisions and inequalities and to create conditions for both security and democratic and socio-economic transformation.” This database includes truth-seeking mechanisms, accountability mechanisms following on conflict or crisis periods, and political and institutional reforms. It also includes traditional justice, reparations, socioeconomic measures and recognition and restoration of the human rights of affected and vulnerable communities.

Peace processes are an indicative element of transitional justice. According to the AUTJP, they are “concerned with bringing an end to any ongoing violence and removing the threats of further violence impacting the affected population.” Peace negotiations and agreements ideally incorporate transitional justice considerations from the outset so as to positively influence the resolution of all dimensions of the conflict. This database focuses on peace agreements involving African states and national-level political players. Peace agreements at the subnational level and among non-state actors are not included, nor are agreements that relate only to ceasefires and their implementation or humanitarian aid.