Transitional Justice Mechanisms and Peacebuilding in Sierra Leone: An Action Research Study

Transitional justice mechanisms (TJM) have been employed in Sierra Leone to address past human rights abuses and promote peacebuilding. The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these mechanisms. This study employs an action research approach, involving interviews with stakeholders including victims, perpetrators, and community leaders. Data collection is through semi-structured interviews to gather insights into the implementation and impact of TJM. Findings indicate that while TJM have led to some reconciliation efforts, challenges such as delayed justice and stigma associated with victim status persist, necessitating further policy adjustments. The findings suggest a need for more inclusive and responsive transitional justice processes tailored to local contexts in Sierra Leone. Recommendations include enhancing community engagement in TJM processes and developing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to complement traditional judicial systems.