Reparations African Transitional Justice Hub

30 Years into South Africa’s Democracy, the Struggle for Justice for Apartheid-Era Crimes Continues

The South African government bodies tasked with investigating and prosecuting apartheid-era political crimes must face closer public scrutiny and take stronger action to fast-track long-overdue justice for victims’ families and survivors, writes Katarzyna Zdunczyk.

Opinion

Adopting an Environmental Restorative Justice Framework to Combat Climate Change

Environmental restorative justice and epistemic justice are key to integrating ideas of transitional justice and restorative practices to tackle environmental harms and climate change in Africa, writes Saniah Matengu.

Transitional Justice Processes

Algeria

During Alegria’s war of independence against France (1954–1962), a number of revolutionary groups emerged, with the most prominent being the National Liberation Front (Front de Liberation Nationale, or FLN). As part of the agreement ending colonial occupation, the FLN banned political opposition, making Algeria a one-party state for 27 years.

Opinion

Building Climate Justice through Transitional Justice: A New Path for Malawi’s Resilience

Climate change must be understood not only as an environmental or humanitarian challenge, but also as a justice issue that raises fundamental questions about whose lives are protected, whose losses are recognised, and who participates in shaping recovery and resilience, writes Julius Ng’oma.

Transitional Justice Processes

Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s socio-political and economic crises are rooted in patronage and historically antagonistic ethnic, religious, and political relations. In 1895, Italy invaded Ethiopia, ensuing the first Italo-Ethiopian War. On 1 March 1896, Ethiopia overcame the invasion and won the war at the Battle of Adowa.[1] On 23 October 1896, the two warring parties signed the Treaty...

Transitional Justice Processes

Gambia

In February 1965, The Gambia gained independence from colonial Britain, becoming a republic in April 1970. Dawda Jawara, head of the People’s Progressive Party, was the first prime minister and first elected president of independent Gambia. In July 1981, the government prevented a coup with the help of Senegalese forces. In 1982, Jawara and Senegalese...

Opinion

Integrating a Transitional Justice Approach into Climate Finance Negotiations: A Clarion Call for True Climate Justice

Integrating a transitional justice approach into climate finance negotiations and provision can help rectify historical wrongs, ensure fair distribution of resources, and support vulnerable populations in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change, writes Augustine Njamnshi.

Transitional Justice Processes

Liberia

Liberia’s history as the first African state to proclaim independence in 1847 makes it one of the most unique countries on the continent. The abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century and the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 motivated many people of African descent in the United States, including freed...

Transitional Justice Processes

Mauritius

The island nation of Mauritius has a history of colonialism and slavery, the tendrils of which are still present in modern Mauritian society. The uninhabited island was first claimed and unsuccessfully colonized by the Dutch between 1598 and 1710. The Dutch withdrew and France took control, until Mauritius was ceded to Britain under the Treaty...

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...