Truth, Justice, and the Path to Healing

On Radio Miraya Nationwide, host Gabriel Shadar discussed transitional justice and South Sudan’s planned Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, with guest Dr. Baba Galleh Jallow, former Executive Secretary of The Gambia’s truth commission. Dr. Jallow explained that transitional justice helps address past human rights violations and build a better future, saying truth commissions can work with traditional justice systems but need stronger political will, clear procedures, and protection for victims and witnesses. He outlined how victims testify first, alleged perpetrators are then asked to respond, and psychosocial support is key because truth telling can reopen trauma. Callers questioned accountability and whether the process can work amid ongoing insecurity, and Dr. Jallow said it can start even before conflict fully ends and can support peacebuilding, noting the current mandate period is 2005 to 2018.