3277: NATIONWIDE: Transitional Justice, The Public’s Role in Truth and Accountability

In this episode of Nationwide on Radio Miraya, host Gabriel Shadar explores the critical role of the public in transitional justice, particularly in post-conflict societies like South Sudan. Guest Agatha Ndonga, Country Program Director for the International Center for Transitional Justice, explains that transitional justice is not just about holding perpetrators accountable, but also about truth-telling, reparations, institutional reform, and memorialization to prevent future violence. She emphasizes that the public is not a passive observer but a central actor in the process—through awareness, advocacy, testimony, and community mobilization. Listeners raise pressing concerns about perpetrators who disappear, victims who are deceased, lack of trust in institutions, and inadequate consultation processes. Ndonga responds by affirming that transitional justice mechanisms must continue regardless of a perpetrator’s absence, that secondary victims (family and communities) can speak on behalf of the deceased, and that public education, protection programs, and inclusive outreach are essential to building trust and ensuring participation. She also highlights the importance of both formal and customary justice mechanisms, and the state’s responsibility to provide reparations even when perpetrators cannot be found or are unable to pay. The episode underscores that transitional justice is a collective, societal endeavor requiring active public engagement. Key takeaways include the need for widespread awareness campaigns, protection for witnesses and survivors, inclusive consultation processes, and the state’s obligation to deliver reparations even in the absence of perpetrators. The discussion also affirms that gender should not influence the recognition of harm or the form of redress. Ultimately, the public’s role in demanding truth, supporting victims, and holding institutions accountable is vital to achieving lasting peace and justice in post-conflict societies.