As the COVID-19 crisis worsens, its impact on the democratic development of African countries is becoming a key issue and a priority. Much attention has been paid to the question of the pandemic’s consequences for electoral processes, constitutionalism and the rule of law. With very few exceptions, its impact on transitional justice and social cohesion (re)construction processes in the countries of Africa has received relatively less attention.

Indeed, in all the fragile countries emerging from conflicts, armed violence or authoritarian regimes in Africa, the ongoing pandemic is not only a public health emergency but also a human rights and justice crisis. The situation, sometimes aggravated by the fact that it is happening at a moment when other political interventions (such as constitutional revision, electoral management or the implementation of peace agreements) are taking place, has shed light on underlying social, political and economic problems deeply rooted in historical inequality, exclusion, human rights violations and injustice. Therefore, the problem—for citizens, leaders and partners—is to determine how to keep justice and reconciliation at the top of the democratic development agenda in these extraordinarily complex contexts.

Against this backdrop, International IDEA organized, 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(TRRC), an experience-sharing webinar called 'Transitional Justice and Social Cohesion (re)Construction in African Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic'.