CEPO calls for Independent Transitional Justice Process

The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has called for the soon to be established transitional justice institutions to be independent from political interference.

By Jenifer James

The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, has called for the soon to be established transitional justice institutions to be independent from political interference.

“I appeal to our leaders and all signatory parties to guarantee that the process of setting up transitional justice institutions is independent and nonpartisan. We need individuals of high integrity, people who are not affiliated with any political party, to lead these institutions,” said Yakani in a statement issued over the weekend in Juba.

The Council of Ministers made a key decision last week to operationalize transitional justice legislation, paving the way for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA).

Yakani emphasized that transitional justice is fundamental to South Sudan’s political transition and future stability.

“For any political transition to succeed, a functional transitional justice system is essential. It lays the foundation for repairing the broken social fabric caused by violence since 2013, and also creates the right conditions for the elections scheduled for December 2026,” he explained.

Yakani urged inclusivity in leadership appointments, particularly for persons with disability since South Sudan is a state party to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“We want to see representation among the Commissioners of the Commission for Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation and the Compensation and Reparations Authority. At least one person with a disability should be part of each institution’s leadership,” he said.

Chapter 5 of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement mandates the transitional unity government to establish the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing, which is a critical part in addressing the legacy of conflict and promote national reconciliation and healing.

It is mandated to enquire into all aspects of human rights violations and abuses, breaches of the rule of law, and excessive abuses of power committed against all persons in South Sudan by state, non-state actors, or agents and allies.  

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