In the presence of H.E. the President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the conference, consisting of national, regional and international practitioners, was convened to examine the building of a “South Sudanese Model for Transitional Justice System."

Addressing the conference, Amb. Maj Gen Charles Tai Gituai said: “It is important that the Transitional Justice model to be used in South Sudan is homegrown and in accordance with the people’s sense of justice.”

Noting that chapter 5 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides broad parameters for the implementation of transitional justice, in particular truth-seeking, reconciliation, healing, reparations and accountability using a range of interlinked mechanisms, the RJMEC Chair informed participants that “it is expected that the outcome will inform and enrich the legislative process for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.”

Amb. Gituai added that “this conference provides an opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing so that all participants can contribute to the development of a South Sudanese model of transitional justice.”

Concluding, the RJMEC Chair said: “It is clear that much remains to be done and we are behind schedule according to the Roadmap timelines. It my sincere hope therefore, that this conference will create fresh momentum in the implementation of chapter 5, and other critical pending tasks of the Agreement.”