Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding in Post-Elimination Sierra Leone: A Qualitative Inquiry

Transitional justice mechanisms (TJM) have been pivotal in post-conflict societies for healing societal wounds and fostering sustainable peace. Sierra Leone’s experience following its civil war exemplifies this, with significant efforts towards TJM implementation. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including government officials, civil society representatives, and victims' groups. Data was analysed through thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to TJM implementation and its outcomes in Sierra Leone’s post-conflict landscape. Interviews revealed that while TJMs have facilitated some healing processes, significant challenges persist such as inadequate funding for support services and limited public awareness of the mechanisms' importance. Despite progress, Sierra Leone's transitional justice efforts face substantial hurdles in fully achieving their intended goals. This study underscores the need for sustained advocacy and enhanced resource allocation to address these issues effectively. Recommendations include increased investment in support services, public education campaigns about TJMs, and closer collaboration between government entities and civil society organizations to ensure more equitable access to justice mechanisms.