Abstract
This paper explores the significance of transformational and political leadership in strengthening the capacities of truth commissions as effective mechanisms for democratization in transitional polities. First, the paper sets out to trace some of the conflicting goals and political compromises that attend to the establishment of truth commissions in Africa as well as lack of political will on the part of political leadership. The paper then identifies and discusses major problems that confront the institutionalization of truth commissions as veritable instruments of post-conflict transformation and democratic consolidation in the continent. Drawing insights from South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria, the paper argues that national reconciliation processes in Africa are characterized by a paradigm shift from the primary concern of leadership choices to those of justice, truth-seeking, granting of amnesty and forgiveness. In conclusion, the paper stresses the role of transformative leadership as crucial to enhancing the capacities of truth commissions in consolidating democracy in post-conflict states.
Highlights
Conflict management strategies in Africa and elsewhere around the world have oscillated from one historical epoch to the other in the last few decades
Truth commissions are being recommended to states that are recovering from post-war traumas and authoritarianism to support transition to democracy and as a means of facilitating national healing and reconciliation
The fact-finding commission was patterned after the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights violations, the victims, causes of the violations and proffer appropriate recommendations in order to reconcile the aggrieved in the society and possibly prevent such occurrences in the future
Summary
Conflict management strategies in Africa and elsewhere around the world have oscillated from one historical epoch to the other in the last few decades. (a) They are temporary bodies, usually in operation from one to two years; (b) are officially sanctioned, authorized or empowered by the state, and in some cases by the armed opposition as well as in a peace accord; (c) are non-judicial bodies that enjoy a measure of de jure independence; (d) are usually created at the point of political transition; either from war to peace or from authoritarian rule to democracy; (e) they focus on the past; (f) investigate pattern of abuses and specific violation committed over a period of time; (g) complete their work and submit a final report that contains conclusions and recommendations; and (h) focus on violation of human rights and humanitarian norms as well. The transformative character of leadership emits from its ability to elicit consensus among various interests for the general well-being of the group
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