By Sabri Dibaco
The Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) and the South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) have called on the government to urgently finalise the appointment of commissioners and operationalise the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH).
In a joint statement issued in Juba on Thursday, the civil society organisations welcomed the African Union’s (AU) submission of nominees for non-South Sudanese commissioners, describing it as a major milestone toward implementing Chapter V of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“This submission marks an essential step towards operationalising one of the key transitional justice mechanisms mandated under the peace agreement,” the groups noted in their statement.
The bodies praised the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for guiding the selection panel and maintaining an open dialogue with civil society and other stakeholders during the candidate interviews.
Despite these positive developments, the TJWG and SSCSF warned that lingering procedural delays threaten to derail momentum and erode trust among the public and victims.
“Continued delays could undermine public confidence and compromise the credibility and integrity of the broader transitional justice process,” the statement cautioned.
To prevent further stalled progress, the advocacy groups urged key state institutions—specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice—to act swiftly.
The organisations outlined four critical actions for the government to take immediately: Fast-track the appointment process for all nominated commissioners. Forward the full list of candidates to the Cabinet and the Revitalised Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA) for formal review and legal ratification. Formally constitute and launch the CTRH without unnecessary delays.
Guarantee complete transparency and inclusivity throughout the remaining phases in accordance with the CTRH Act, 2024.
Established under the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Act, 2024, the CTRH is designed to address South Sudan’s legacy of conflict by documenting past human rights violations, promoting accountability, and facilitating reconciliation for survivors and affected communities.
The TJWG and SSCSF reaffirmed their readiness to offer technical, moral, and financial support to the government, the AU, development partners, and victims’ groups to ensure the commission starts its work on a credible foundation.
“The process must command public confidence and reflect the aspirations of victims, survivors, affected communities, and the people of South Sudan,” the statement concluded.