Conflict-Related Sexual Violence African Transitional Justice Hub

Burundi Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2014-present)

Interethnic conflicts were ongoing in Burundi from its independence from Belgium in 1962 until the signing of various peace agreements in 2008. This constant conflict was punctuated by sporadic but interconnected civil wars in 1965, 1972, 1988 and 1991, in addition to multiple coups (Ngaruko & Nkurunziza, 2005). The largest civil war, which lasted from...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Central African Republic Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission (2021-present)

Since 2012, the Central African Republic (CAR) has been embroiled in a civil war between the government and rebel groups, specifically the coalition of rebel militias known as the Séléka and Anti-balaka. This civil war has seen the targeting of civilians, with sexual violence used as a tactic of war and considered to be performed...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Chad Commission of Inquiry into the Crimes and Misappropriations Committed by Ex-President Habré, His Accomplices and/or Accessories (1990-1992)

The Commission of Inquiry into the Crimes and Misappropriations Committed by Ex-President Habré, His Accomplices and/or Accessories (1990-1992) was established by President Idriss Déby Itno under Decree No. 014/P.CE/CJ to investigate former President Hissène Habré and his associates.

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Commission of Inquiry into the Disappearances of People in Uganda since January 25, 1971 (1974-1975)

On 30 June 1974, President Idi Amin passed Presidential Legal Notice No. 2., the Commission of Inquiry Act (Charter, 1974), to establish the Commission of Inquiry into the Disappearances of People in Uganda since January 25, 1971. It was alleged that a number of Ugandan citizens had disappeared in Uganda after the military coup that...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Côte d’Ivoire Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2011-2014)

The conflict in Côte d’Ivoire lasted from 2002 to 2011. During this period, the country essentially became divided in two: a largely Muslim north that supported one presidential candidate, Alassane Ouattara, and a largely Christian south in support of another, Laurent Gbagbo (Gumede, 2020). After over a decade of violence, with significant loss of life...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Democratic Republic of the Congo Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2003-2007)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experienced political instability, armed conflict and humanitarian crises from its independence from Belgian colonial rule in 1960 to its political transition in 2006. Political power struggles and coups d’état resulted in periods of conflict escalation known as the Congo Wars, occurring in 1996 and again in 1998 (Lwanzo...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Gambia Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (2017-2021)

The Gambian National Assembly passed the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Act on 13 December 2017 and the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) was established on 13 January 2018. The commission was mandated to investigate and establish an impartial historical record of the human rights violations committed from July 1994 to January 2017 under former...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Ghana National Reconciliation Commission (2002-2004)

The National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) was created to promote national reconciliation among Ghanaians by establishing a record of past violations and making recommendations for redress of victims and institutional reforms (NRCA, 2002, p. 2). Established by the National Reconciliation Commission Act of 2002, the commission operated from 14 January 2003 to 14 October 2004 with...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Kenya Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (2008-2013)

The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) was established in the wake of the 2007-2008 post-election violence in Kenya, with the mandate to investigate gross violations of human rights and economic rights over the period of 1963 to 2008. The commission operated from 2008 to 2013, its investigations spanning the colonial era and the independence...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2005-2009)

On 18 April 2003, former President and leader of the National Patriotic Front (NPF) of Liberia Charles Taylor and two rebel groups – Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) – signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). This agreement signalled the end of a 14-year conflict that...