African Constitutional Law Journal | 04 September 2009
Transitional Justice Mechanisms and Peacebuilding in Sierra Leone: A Survey Study
K, a, m, a, r, a, J, a, l, l, o, h, ,, S, o, r, i, e, K, a, m, a, r, a
Abstract
Transitional justice mechanisms (TJM) have been employed in Sierra Leone to address past human rights violations and promote peacebuilding following the end of a decade-long civil war. The study employs structured interviews with key stakeholders including government officials, NGOs, and community leaders. Quantitative data is collected through a Likert scale questionnaire administered across various regions in Sierra Leone. Findings indicate that while TJM have significantly improved societal trust in the justice system (85% of respondents), challenges persist such as resource constraints and public skepticism about their efficacy. Despite these challenges, transitional justice mechanisms remain a critical component for fostering peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone. Further investment is recommended to enhance community engagement and address persistent public doubts regarding the effectiveness of TJM.