South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has opened applications for four South Sudanese commissioners to serve on the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH).
Established under the 2018 peace agreement, the CTRH is mandated to investigate past human rights violations, promote national healing, and lay the foundation for lasting peace.
It is designed to operate alongside the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) as part of the country’s broader transitional justice framework.
The commission will comprise seven members: four South Sudanese, including two women, and three from other African countries, with at least one woman.
A South Sudanese national will chair the CTRH, deputised by a non-South Sudanese.
In a letter issued on 4 November 2025, the Ministry invited applications for four South Sudanese commissioners to serve on the CTRH.
“The panel for the selection of commissioners is established in accordance with section 10 of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Act, 2024, and hereby invites applications from qualified South Sudanese to fill the position of four commissioners for the CTRH, among whom two shall be women,” read part of the letter.
To be considered for selection as a commissioner, applicants must meet certain requirements, including being free from any criminal convictions or corruption charges.
Additional criteria include not having violated human rights or engaged in conflict-related sexual violence, as well as having a strong track record and public confidence.
The commissioners are expected to possess high moral character, impartiality, and integrity.
Furthermore, individuals should not be active members of any political party or military organisation and must be professionals in their area of expertise.
The African Union (AU), in collaboration with the United Nations and the Government of South Sudan, has invited applications for three non-South Sudanese nationals to join the CTRH.
Applications close on 14 November 2025.
President Salva Kiir signed the CTRH Act into law in November 2024, paving the way for the body’s creation.
The commissioners will oversee truth-telling processes, document violations committed from July 2005 to September 2018, and recommend mechanisms for reparation, compensation, and reconciliation.
