The Leadership of Parliament has on Wednesday, 16 August 2023 received the Ethiopian Transitional Justice (TJ) Working Group in Committee Room One, Parliament Building in Freetown. Explaining the objective of the visit, one of the members of the TJ Working Group, Kaikidan Dereje told the Leadership that they are in Sierra Leone to share and gain experiences on the transitional justice system relative to the post-war, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations and other situations.
The delegate said in 2020 war broke out in Ethiopia which incurred many human rights violations and according to her their country has established institutions to enhance transitional justice.
She told Parliamentary Leadership that they have conducted many internal consultations, in light of transitional Justice to find everlasting solution to Ethiopian peace. According to her, their government has developed comprehensive and distinct policy framework in light of establishing independent, impartial Justice Working Group which is mandated to carry out the transitional Justice for Ethiopia.
Relative to the formulation of this policy, she said they have drafted policy for Transitional Justice for Ethiopia which is based on the transitional Africa Justice policy and International agreements and framework as well as experience. She revealed that they have consulted many stakeholders in their country in light of the transition and they are in Sierra Leone to gain experience.
“We appreciate the transition justice of Sierra Leone,” she concluded.
Responding to their request, the Acting Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Saa Emerson welcomed the delegation and informed them that Sierra Leone is unique in religious tolerance.
He recalled the post independent conflicts of military coup de’ta and counter coup. He reiterated that coup, corruption were common phenomenon. He revealed the untold stories of the war and Ebola as well as COVID-19. The Leader eloquently explained the process of the transitional justice process, that led to the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and informed that the recommendation in light of the implementation in governance have contributed to the peace and national cohesion.
He categorically stated that Parliament had made many laws in lieu of TRC recommendations including the Youth Service Commission Act, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, removal of the Death Penalty Law, Customary Land Rights Act, Disability Act, access to justice and governance amongst others.
He also explained the drawbacks of the “Winner and Takes All” and the necessity of the Proportional Representation system. The transition of powers from one party to another and several successive Democratic elections he said were among gains made by Sierra Leone.
Other Members of Parliament including Acting Leader of Opposition, Hon. Mohamed Bangura, President of the Female Caucus, Hon. Neneh Lebbie made very salient points with regard the country’s unique culture, tribal relations, and peace as well as gender mainstreaming and increasing women and youths participation in governance amongst others. Challenges regarding misuse of social media were also revealed.
Concluding, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government of Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma said Ethiopia and Sierra Leone shared similar post-war situations and the visit of the delegates was prudent.
