Gender African Transitional Justice Hub

Sierra Leone

In March 1991, a growing rebel force in neighboring Liberia known as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) invaded Sierra Leone, commencing one of the most violent civil wars in modern history. With the support of Liberian President Charles Taylor, RUF Commander Foday Sankoh recruited Sierra Leonean youths struggling with unemployment and lack of access to...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2002-2004)

From 1991 to 2002, a civil war raged between pro-government forces and rebel groups in Sierra Leone. Conflict-related sexual violence (CSVR) was pervasive during the war. Sierra Leonean women and girls were subjected to widespread and systematic sexual violence perpetrated by rebel groups and, to a lesser extent, pro-government and peacekeeping forces (HRW, 2003). From...

Transitional Justice Processes

Somalia

In the context of competition over scarce resources, ethnic tensions and armed conflict, Somalia has been consumed by violence and gross human rights violations for the last five decades. On 1 July 1960, following a merger between the British Somaliland protectorate and the Italian Trust Territory of Somalia, Somalia was created in the Horn of...

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...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1996-2002)

Following a political stalemate in the 1980s and 1990s, which had seen growing unrest and ungovernability in South Africa, the National Party government, the African National Congress (ANC), the Inkatha Freedom Party and other political groups entered into negotiations to end apartheid and establish a democracy.

Transitional Justice Processes

South Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan declared independence from the Republic of the Sudan in 2011. Prior to its independence, South Sudan fought two wars against the Khartoum government in Sudan from 1955 to 1972 and from 1983 to 2005, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1.5 million and the displacement of over four...

Opinion

The Deadly Intersection of Climate Change and Insecurity Hits Women and Girls the Hardest

Women-led and gender-sensitive climate action is key to sustainable peace, political stability and greater socioeconomic equality in Africa, writes Mary Izobo.

Transitional Justice Processes

Togo

A former French and British colony, Seychellois society has been shaped by a history of slave labour and trade, resource exploitation, and racialised socioeconomic inequality. In 1756, the French administration occupied Seychelles. Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, France was forced to give Seychelles to Britain as a condition of the Treaty of Paris...

Truth Seeking and Sexual Violence

Togo Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (2009-2012)

For nearly five decades, Togo experienced an internal conflict that was characterised by clashes between political factions, state security forces and various other organisations. From 1958 to 2005, there were continuous attacks by these armed groups on civilians, communities, chiefs and other leaders (CVJR, 2012, p. 227), beginning with the rule of Sylvanus Olympio and...

Opinion

Transitional Justice in Sudan: Potential Opportunities and Key Challenges

Transitional justice is key to building peace and stability in Sudan after years of impunity, especially in light of the current conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, writes Abdelmageed Yahya.