Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses TJ working groups as a new phenomenon in TJ praxis in Africa.I argue that besides being a rallying point for TJ, working groups are also zones for knowledge production, human rights advocacy, accountability, memorialization, and a sanctuary for both the perpetrator and victims .

Paper long abstract:

This paper discusses transitional justice working groups as a new phenomenon in transitional justice praxis in Africa. It is not uncommon to find the victims of systemic rights abuses turning to international and regional human rights tribunals to address the failure of states to deal with the past human rights violations. These international bodies are most preferred because they are most organized, safe, well-resourced, technically, well-funded and "reliable" after the collapse of the national justice systems. They are trusted because of the international community and the United Nations backing. Their work is fronted by highly experienced international personnel, and enforced by the international military forces and police. While they have been successful, they have been challenged for being remote, too technical, legalistic, and inorganic to the lived realities. International mechanisms have been accused for using templates to addressing the legacy of past violence. In Africa, transitional justice working groups are emerging as the most effective organizing structures the post conflict societies. They have advantages of not cutting the corners, no deals, consult all the stakeholders and can speak truth to power. I discuss the collective action of the transitional justice working groups by reviewing the Working Group Initiative of West Africa, Uganda, South Sudan and of Zimbabwe. I argue that besides being a rallying point for transitional justice actors, working groups have become also zones for knowledge production, human rights advocacy, accountability, memorialization, and a sanctuary where both the perpetrator and victims would meet and find common ground.