A South Sudanese activist has called on President Salva Kiir to establish the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) as outlined in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

The commission is expected to address the impacts of past conflicts and work toward peace, reconciliation, and healing after years of violence since December 2013.

Edmund Yakani, the head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), emphasized that transitional justice is essential for the success of any political transition. He urged the government to act quickly to set up the CTRH and related bodies.

“We appeal to the country’s leadership to establish the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority as required by the law signed last year,” Yakani said.

He also encouraged the government to work closely with the African Union to establish the Hybrid Court, which will handle cases of human rights violations.

Yakani stressed the need for commissioners of these institutions to be non-partisan and of high integrity, given the delicate nature of transitional justice. The commission’s tasks will include documenting crimes, fostering reconciliation, and recommending compensation for victims.

In November 2024, President Kiir signed the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Act, which will provide a framework for investigating human rights abuses, war crimes, and other atrocities.