Fahimeh Manjili African Transitional Justice Hub

Transitional Justice Processes

South Africa

South Africa’s history has long been marred by racism and discrimination. In 1652, the Dutch East India Company established a settlement in the Cape. Once there, the settlers brutalized and dispossessed the indigenous San and Khoikhoi populations, forcing them into indentured servitude. Control over the Cape passed to the British in 1806. European domination was...

Transitional Justice Processes

Libya

Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qaddafi came to power in 1960 after overthrowing King Idris in a coup d’état. Qaddafi remained the head of state until his violent removal and death during the 2011 revolution. At the time, Libya’s uprising surpassed those of other Arab Spring countries with regard to the level of violence and human rights...

Transitional Justice Processes

Morocco

Morocco is a racially and linguistically diverse country with a history of political upheaval rooted in early colonial occupation. Arabs and Imazighen (Berber) make up the largest percentage of the population, while other groups include descendants of Spanish refugees who fled the Reconquista and of Sub-Saharan African slaves. The country’s status as a French protectorate...

Transitional Justice Processes

Namibia

The Republic of Namibia gained its independence on 21 March 1990 after decades of colonial rule by Germany and later under occupation by South Africa’s apartheid government. Prior to independence, Namibia witnessed grave violations of human rights, including the Nama and Herero genocide at the hands of German colonialists, the forced disappearances of thousands by...

Transitional Justice Processes

Zimbabwe

In April 1980, after gaining its independence from Britain, Zimbabwe adopted a new Constitution and held its first democratic elections. Robert Mugabe of the Zimbabwe African National Unity (ZANU) party won the presidential election and held the post for decades. Soon, a seven-year armed conflict erupted between the new government and opposition forces, consisting of...

Transitional Justice Processes

Tunisia

Under President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s regime from 1987 to 2011, union members, human rights defenders, civil servants, journalists, and political activists in Tunisia were harassed, intimidated, detained, tortured, and subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment. Freedom of expression and assembly were under strict scrutiny. Oppressive security policies were implemented by the state to silence...

Transitional Justice Processes

Algeria

Fearing a victory for the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), the National Liberation Front (FLN) cancelled elections in December 1991, allowing the Algerian military to take control in a coup. Armed conflict erupted between the Algerian government and various Islamist rebel groups, which resulted in a 10-year civil war. The army repressed civilians suspected of supporting...