CEPO urges government to fast-track transitional justice process

JUBA, MAY 20, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – South Sudan’s civil society watchdog, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has called on the government of South Sudan to fast track the implementation of the transitional justice process provided for in the revitalized peace agreement’s chapter five.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post this morning, CEPO’s Executive Director Edmund Yakani said that the recent three-day transitional justice conference in Juba was an important step in the process and urged the government to fast-track the process before the 2024 elections.

The conference which was held from 16 to 18 May aimed at accelerating the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement with specific focus on enriching the content of drafted bills for the establishment Commission for Truth, National Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA).

“CEPO Transitional Justice Resource Centre observed the process of the three days conference as great but with some shortcomings in the terms of the agenda of the conference is too loaded with items to the level that effective and meaning participation was inadequate,” CEPO said.

Yakani said that “accelerating the transitional justice process prior the conduct of the expected or forthcoming general National Elections is great and it is attempt for creating conducive environment for the conduct of the national general elections if the government get serious commitment to deliver transitional justice in South Sudan.

“The great fear is the government after the concluded three days transitional justice conference never invest funds timely and it will delay the process for the enactment of the two drafted bills on transitional justice element of Commission for Truth, National Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA),” he added.

He stressed that “CEPO transitional Justice Resources Centre observation of the two drafted bills on the establishment of Commission for Truth, National Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA), their content is limited in aspects of gender mainstreaming and embracing principle of disabilities inclusion.”

“CEPO transitional Justice Resources Centre will be organizing public hearing on the drafted two bills establishment of Commission for Truth, National Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA) across the country. The public hearing will be utilized to strengthening mainstreaming of gender and disabilities inclusion.”