Webinar: Experience Sharing on COVID-19 Pandemic, Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion (re)construction in African Countries

As COVID-19 crisis worsens, its effects on democratic development of African countries become a key issue and priority. Much attention has been paid to the question of its consequences on electoral processes, as well as on constitutionalism and the rule of law. Its impact on Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion (re)construction Processes in these States has received relatively less attention. Against this backdrop, International IDEA is organizing, in partnership with the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission and the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission of Republic of The Gambia, a two and half-hour experience sharing webinar around the theme: COVID-19 Pandemic, Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion (re)construction in African Countries.

Indeed, in a number of African countries, the Coronavirus and the measures put in place to contain it have brought the ongoing transitional justice and social cohesion (re)construction processes to a standstill. In these fragile countries emerging from conflicts/armed violences or authoritarian regime, the current pandemic is not only a public health emergency but also a crisis for human rights promotion, protection and for justice as part of a new social contract between the State and citizens. The situation, which is made more complicated by the fact that it is happening at a moment where other political interventions (like constitution revision or elections) are ongoing, has brought to the surface underlying social, political and economic problems rooted in historical inequality, exclusion, human rights violations and injustice. The question is therefore, for the countries' citizens, leaders and partners, to reflect on how to keep justice and reconciliation at the top of the democratic development agenda at this critical time.

The objectives of the webinar dialogue will be, from a retrospective and prospective practical analysis, to inspire decision-makers and feed the thinking of experts, academics, researchers, journalists and citizens around this theme. More specifically, the discussion will consider not only the challenges in terms of socio-political dynamics induced by the COVID-19 crisis as well as its impact on Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion (re)construction in African Countries , but also the opportunities the pandemic presents for these pertinent processes in democratic development.

Issues to be discussed will include:

• Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Transitional Justice Processes.
• Effects on (re)construction of Social Cohesion Processes.
• Impacts on most vulnerable populations (particularly Women, Youth, Refugees, IDPs and victims of Gross Human Rights Abuses).
• Effects on reparation regulations – including interim reparations.
• Functioning and operations of Truth and Reconciliations Bodies during COVID-19 pandemic or similar emergencies.
• Human Rights monitoring, investigations and Reporting during COVID-19 Pandemic or similar emergencies
• Dynamics of State-Citizens relations on Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion (re)construction processes during COVID-19 pandemic or similar emergencies.
• Control/Oversight of Executive under Emergency Regulations.

The Webinar will take place on 18 June 2020, from 14:00 to 16:45, CEST and accessible via a link that will be shared shortly.

It will be moderated by Maurice Engueleguele from International IDEA and John Ikubaje from DPA AUC.

Welcome Remarks will be delivered by:

• Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi, Regional Director, AWA International IDEA
• H.E. Amb. Minata Cessouma Samate, Commissionner for Political Affairs, African Union Commission

Panelists will include:

• H.E. Hon. Adelaide Sosseh, Deputy Chairperson of the TRRC of the Gambia: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Transitional Justice Processes. The case of the Gambia.
• Ms Claudine Y. L. Kpondzo Ahianyo, Rapporteur, for the High Commission for Reconciliation and Reinforcement of the National Unity (HCRUN): Effects of COVID19 pandemic on National Reconciliation Processes. The case of Togo.
• Ms Nomfundo Mogapi, Executive Director, CSVR: Impact on COVID-19 pandemics on most vulnerable people.
• Mrs Ismene Zafiris, Senior Technical Advisor, American Bar Association Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on reparations regulations – including interim reparations. Challenges and opportunities.
• Mr Joel Milton Aliro-Omara, Former Government Minister, Board Chairperson of Human Rights Center Uganda: Human Rights monitoring, investigations and Reporting during COVID19 Pandemic or similar emergencies.
• Dr Anna Myriam Roccatello, Deputy Executive Director and Director of Programmes, ICTJ: Best practices in functioning and operations of Transitional Justice and National Reconciliation Bodies during COVID-19 pandemic or similar emergencies.
• H.E. Mr Johnny Delange, Former Deputy Minister, South Africa Dynamics of State-Citizens relations on Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion (re) construction processes during COVID-19 pandemic or similar emergencies.

Synthesis will be delivered by Dr Khabele Matlosa, Director for Political Affairs, African Union Commission.

A Report will capture outcomes of the Webinar. It will be shared to Officials of targeted Countries and will be disseminated widely. International IDEA and organizing partners will provide technical assistance on implementation of recommendations.