FVP Dr. Riek Machar speaks at Conference on Transitional Justice System in Juba. May 15, 2023. | Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio

The First Vice President is calling for the inclusion of non-signatory groups to the revitalized peace agreement in the ongoing implementation of transitional justice mechanisms to make the process inclusive.

Dr. Riek Machar made the remarks during the opening of the Conference on the Transitional Justice System in Juba on Monday.

According to Chapter Five of the 2018 peace deal, the African Union and the transitional government in South Sudan should establish a Hybrid Court to investigate and try those accused of war crimes between 2013 and 2018.

However, new rebel groups including the National Salvation Front and the South Sudan United Front later emerged and were not part of the agreement.

Dr. Riek Machar suggests that the opposition groups are included in the process.

“We are hoping that in the Rome talks, our brothers who have not signed the peace agreement, and who have made a statement on declaration of principles that by this time, they would have signed their version of what they see as the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan,” he said.

“They would come and participate in this process. Unfortunately, in the last round, we didn’t reach an agreement, their participation would have been very important, but we hope they will also participate in the next coming conferences.”

It is seven years since the peace deal was signed with a commitment to set up the Hybrid Court in the country.

But the tribunal has not yet been formed – despite its approval by the government.

The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing and the Compensation and Reparation Authority have not been appointed as well.

However, the Conference on Transitional Justice System is expected to supplement the draft bills for the establishment of the truth and reconciliation commission as well as the compensation and reparation authority.

It is being attended by government officials and experts from countries emerging from conflicts like South Africa, The Gambia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Congo, and Ethiopia to share their post-war experience and how their countries transitioned to peace.