30 Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
The Great Lakes Region Burundi The Democratic Republic of Congo Rwanda Justice and reconciliation processes in Africa are largely state-led, and confined within national borders. The Institute’s experiences working in the Great Lakes region have demonstrated the necessity for promoting reconciliation processes across borders. In the Great Lakes in particular, the regionalised conflict and forced migration from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda has meant that victims and perpetrators can be divided by geographic borders. Similar circumstances prevail in the Horn of Africa between Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya, as well as in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Over the next five years, the Institute will contribute towards defining how regional reconciliation initiatives can be promoted across borders, starting with the Great Lakes region. The IJR has been working in the Great Lakes region since 2004 and has built up a solid network of like-minded organisations. It is the first time that the IJR is applying the transitional justice work on a regional level, even though it does a lot of cross-border and multi-country work (see pages 32 and 33). The Institute envisages drawing some lessons that may be relevant for other regions on the continent.
Publications and data influencing change The IJR undertook extensive research and analysis of its partner countries in the Great Lakes region – notably Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda – which are all grappling with justice and reconciliation issues. On a more theoretical level, the Institute has devoted significant research towards the exploration of options for regional transitional justice in the Great Lakes. Towards this end, the IJR has commissioned a series of chapters to be compiled into an edited book titled, The Politics of Transitional Justice in the Great Lakes Region. This project seeks to utilise the comprehensive research and analysis undertaken in the region to generate insights for policy-makers and reconciliation practitioners in Burundi, Rwanda and the DRC. The publication, to be published in 2012, will draw on the expertise of authors who are nationals of these countries. It will aim to enhance understanding of the complexities of postconflict stabilisation and reconstruction in a social and political context where most of the underlying causes of conflict are not adequately addressed. It will explore some of the tensions between policy and practice, examine the conflicting visions of different stakeholders and analyse the successes of, and emerging challenges to, the implementation of transitional justice processes in difficult political contexts.
BURUNDI After four decades of recurring violence, Burundians are now building peace. Thus far this has been achieved through power sharing deals and peace talks which culminated in the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accords in 2000. This milestone was later followed by a cease-fire and the restructuring of the security and defence forces to include members from the rebel groups as well as the national army. Unfortunately, justice and truth were not given enough attention during this peace process. However, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is set to be established in the near future. Its members are expected to be distinguished Burundians who are impartial and independent regarding past events, who able to set aside individual interests and lay a foundation for reconciliation and sustainable peace for future generations. Astère Muyango, Program Director, International Bridges to Justice, Burundi, March 2012