By Jenifer James
Ter Manyany, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy, has urged the swift implementation of Chapter Five of the peace agreement, stressing the need to address critical elements of the deal. Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop on Monday aimed at raising awareness about Chapter Five, Ter highlighted the slow progress in establishing the Commission for Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation, the Compensation and Reparation Authority, and the Hybrid Court.
“On September 3rd, 2024, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) passed both the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Bill 2024 and the Compensation and Reparation Authority Bill 2024. These bills are now awaiting the signature of His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit to become law,” Ter said.
Ter stressed that civil society organizations are working hard to raise awareness about the significance of these bills, as many South Sudanese still need to familiarize themselves with their content.
“A large number of South Sudanese citizens are unaware of these important legislations. This lack of understanding creates a major challenge for both the government and civil society when it comes to effectively communicating the roles of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) to the public,” Ter added.
Ter emphasized that Chapter Five of the peace agreement is not just for community leaders or civil society organizations but for all the people of South Sudan. “We need to take ownership of this process as South Sudanese,” he urged.
Meanwhile the Head of Program for South Sudan at the International Center for Transitional Justice Agatha Ndonga expressed optimism about the potential impact of recent training sessions.
“By the end of this training, I trust that South Sudan will have ambassadors of transitional justice who deeply understand the significance of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA),” she said.
Agatha recognized the significance of these institutions, recently approved by the National Assembly, as pivotal for South Sudan’s future. She further highlighted that the training extends beyond mere understanding of these bodies.
“It’s about grasping why they are essential for South Sudan, how to engage with them, and how to monitor their operations, from the appointment of key members like the Commissioner and the Head of the Secretariat,” she explained.
Agatha also underscored the need for inclusivity in the appointment process, with a special focus on ensuring gender representation.
“We all understand that strong leadership can determine the success or failure of these institutions,” Agatha said.
In her address to the workshop participants, Ndonga urged them to stay vigilant, ensuring that the processes are not merely symbolic but meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
“We need to ensure South Sudan embarks on a genuine path to reconciliation, healing, and national unity, which will help prevent further violence and human rights violations. This is the only way we can achieve lasting peace in South Sudan,” Agatha said.
Youth activist Tap Badeng emphasized the significance of Chapter Five of the peace agreement, stressing that it is crucial for young people to be actively involved in the process.
“We have gone to war for so long, this chapter five is the only hope that can help us forgive each other and open a new chapter for lasting peace in the country,’’ Badeng concludes.
Chapter Five of the 2018 Peace Agreement requires the government to establish a commission. This commission will document human rights violations and advance the common goal of promoting truth, reconciliation, healing, compensation, and reparations in South Sudan.Top of Form