South Sudan launches public consultations for establishment of truth commission

JUBA — South Sudan has launched national public consultations for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) as envisioned in the 2018 peace agreement.

The commission will spearhead efforts to address the legacy of the conflict and promote peace, national reconciliation, and healing following years of deadly conflicts since December 2013.

Speaking during the launch of public consultations on the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing in Juba on Tuesday, South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit described the launch as marking a crucial milestone in the implementation of the 2018 peace deal.

“Today we mark another milestone in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and as we embark on this process,” Kiir said during the launch of national public consultations for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing in Juba on Tuesday.

Kiir said South Sudan needs reconciliation more than pursuing justice.

“The establishment of Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing doesn’t neglect the other pillars and in light of the challenges that we currently facing, what we need more is reconciliation before the next step of pursuing justice,” Kiir said.

He said community healing is a first priority of the government.

 “We need community healing first rather than devoting our energies to deterring specific acts of violence through criminal prosecution. We need to use reconciliation and forgiveness to eradicate the culture of impunity,” he said.

First Vice President of South Sudan, Dr. Riek Machar Teny said the commission for truth and healing is the most important chapter in the quest for justice in the country.

“Today’s launching of a national consultative process with an aim to draft legislation for the establishment of Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing is an important moment in our country in a quest for justice and reconciliation,” Dr. Machar said.

“This milestone event should have been done within three months of the establishment of the R-TGoNU and not only for this commission but also for Hybrid Court of South Sudan and Compensation and Reparation Authority,” Dr. Machar added.

Dr. Machar said will spearhead efforts to address the legacy of conflict, and promote peace, national reconciliation, and healing in the country.

“The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing is recognized as a critical part of the peacebuilding process as it will spearhead efforts to address the legacy of conflict, promote peace, national reconciliation, and healing,” he said.

“It is expected to inquire into all aspects of human rights violations and abuses. Bridges of rule of law and excessive abuse of power committed against all persons by the state, non-state actors or the region or allies,” he added.