Perspectives on Transnational Apology and Reconciliation in Africa

Abstract

Apologies for violations of human rights and concrete mechanisms of justice and reconciliation after civil conflict have evolved, in large part as a result of the experiences of African countries, into an international “transitional justice” norm. As a means of reconciliation of interstate conflict, however, apology is a much rarer and more controversial phenomenon. While some research explores the views of ordinary Africans on internal transitional justice processes, little is known about their attitudes toward transnational apology. This chapter addresses African perspectives on the circumstances under which people accept apology as a means of reconciliation between states. Using grounded theory to identify themes in Africans’ qualitative responses to relevant open-ended questions on the Personal and Institutional Rights to Aggression and Peace Survey, we find that over half of the participants suggested that apology is successful only under certain conditions. Recognition of wrongdoing, remorse, concrete measures to repair the relationship, and material reparations were the most common prerequisites identified in the African sample. These conditions are similar to those identified in previous research exploring how ordinary people define the elements of effective apology. Coded and analyzed independently, the survey responses are remarkably consistent with the African experience of interstate apology discussed in the first part of this chapter. Although the method used and the nature of the sample do not permit conclusive inferences, it is notable that, like the survey responses, the public and official discourses surrounding bilateral and multilateral efforts by African countries to obtain redress for past wrongs have also emphasized material reparations. We conclude by discussing possible theoretical explanations for the patterns and the implications of the preliminary observations and for existing and future research.