Southern Africa African Transitional Justice Hub

Regional Economic Communities Frameworks

Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

The treaty establishing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) states its aims and objectives to be attaining sustainable growth and development of the member states, promoting joint development in all fields of economic activity and the joint adoption of macro-economic policies and programmes to raise the standard of living of its peoples,...

Peace Agreements

Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities

In a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and RENAMO, the Parties reaffirmed the constitutional, legal and defence and security policy principles, the latter including that the security forces must be non-partisan and loyal to the Constitution and the Republic. The Parties agreed to promote and guarantee the spirit of reconciliation and agreed on the...

Peace Agreements

Interim Constitution

The Interim Constitution set out provisions related to citizenship and state symbols, fundamental rights, the functioning of the Government, including Parliament, and the adoption of the new Constitution, the Executive, Judicial authority and administration of justice, Provincial and local government and traditional authorities. The Interim Constitution also provided for the institutions of the Public Protector,...

Peace Agreements

Lancaster House Agreement

The Parties to the Agreement agreed 1) to accept the authority of the Governor; 2) to abide by the Independence Constitution; 3) to comply with the pre-independence arrangements; 4) to abide by the ceasefire agreement; 5) to campaign peacefully and without intimidation; 6) to renounce the use of force for political ends; and 7) to...

Truth Commissions

Mauritius

The Truth and Justice Commission of Mauritius (2009-2011) was created through the Truth and Justice Act in 2008. According to its founding legislation, the commission was tasked with gathering information about the effects of slavery and indentured servitude in the country from the colonial period until the creation of the commission. The commission sought to...

Transitional Justice Processes

Mozambique

Following centuries of occupation and colonisation by the Portuguese, Mozambique gained its independence in 1975. It became the People’s Republic of Mozambique after a decade of armed struggle led by the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frente de Libertação de Moçambique, or FRELIMO) rebel group, commanded by Eduardo Mondlane. Upon independence, FRELIMO set up...

Transitional Justice Processes

Namibia

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

Peace Agreements

Namibian Independence

The Parties in the Principles for an Independent Namibia agreed that elections would be held to select a Constituent Assembly, which would adopt a Constitution for an independent Namibia. In this regard, all adult Namibians would have voting rights and the right to stand and campaign for election. Voting would be by secret ballot, the...

Peace Agreements

National Peace Accord

The Parties to the National Peace Accord agreed to address the worst effects of political violence at a local level and to achieve a measure of stability based on common effort, thereby facilitating a base for broader socio-economic development and reconstruction. The Parties agreed that in order to effectively eradicate intimidation and violence, mechanisms need...

Peace Agreements

Peace Agreement between the Government of the Union of Comoros and the Governors of the Islands

The Parties to the Agreement committed to consolidating the process of national reconciliation and to address the socio-economic development, stability and unity of Comoros following the adoption of Constitutional amendments by referendum on 17 May 2009. The Agreement provided for the election and investiture of the President and Governors, review of the electoral code, the...