From war to peace and reconciliation in Darfur

June 25, 2009 — The Darfur crisis is nearing its end. One way or another, peace will be reached within the near future. However, sustainable peace requires arduous reconciliation that is indivisible from punishment of those responsible for atrocities committed in the conflict. This calls for the investigation and trial of tens of thousands, if not more, individuals implicated in the atrocities. While the ICC and Sudan’s National Justice System (NJS) can deal with the higher level crimes, the lower level crimes which are more numerous can only be dealt with within the traditional legal system (the Judia). In comparison to both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the NJS the Judia is more efficient, but above all conducive for future co-existence and reconciliation. Drawing on the use of the traditional Gacaca system of justice, the author concludes by making suggestions that may improve delivery of the Judia in Darfur post-war trials