6th forum on transitional justice in Africa: The Togolese experience shared in Lomé

The proceedings of the sixth forum on the state of transitional justice in Africa opened this Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Hôtel 2 Février in Lomé. Co-organised by the African Union (AU), the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) and the High Commission for Reconciliation and Strengthening National Unity (HCRRUN), this meeting enables the hundred or so participants, from several countries across the continent, to reflect and exchange on the theme “transitional justice and social capital in Africa”. Panels on various themes, including “emerging transitions and changes of power and their role in development and social transformation in Africa”, “regional mechanisms and transitional justice”, “participation of marginalised groups in transitional justice” are on the programme.

In his opening address, the Minister for Human Rights, in charge of Relations with the Institutions of the Republic, Mr Christian Trimua, stressed that transitional justice, as an innovative approach in reconciliation policies and the promotion of democracy, cannot ignore the new threats that weaken the balances and the socio-economic progress achieved. He welcomed the choice of Togo, whose people have a clear understanding of the sacrifices to be made and the obstacles to be overcome in order to decisively heal the wounds of the past, effectively fight impunity and strengthen the foundations of democracy.

For her part, the President of the HCRRUN, Mrs Awa Nana-Daboya, paid a well-deserved tribute to the President of the Republic, whose political will has made it possible to translate into action the essential transitional justice mechanisms for which Togo has opted.