Members – African Transitional Justice Network

Members Directory

Professor of Criminology and President, African Forum for Restorative Justice

Position:	Professor of Criminology and President, African Forum for Restorative Justice
Organisation / institution:	African forum for Restorative Justice
Bio:	Don John O. Omale PhD is an UNODC Expert in Restorative Justice; a British Chevening Scholar of Criminology; and Professor of Criminology at the Federal University Wukari Taraba State, Nigeria. He was two times Head of Department from 2018-2022 before joining the School of Law and Criminology University of Derby UK where he is currently teaching Criminology, Restorative Justice Victimology. He holds BSc Psychology (University of Nigeria, Nsukka), MSc Criminology (University of Leicester, UK) and PhD Criminology with specialism in Restorative Justice & Victimology at the Centre for Community and Criminal Justice, De-Montfort University Leicester, England, UK. He is undoubtedly the first black African to be awarded PhD in Restorative Justice and Victimology. He is an alumnus of the Rotary Foundation International “Group Study Exchange Programme” to California, District 5230 USA (2002).; an Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Delegate to the Model United Nations Congress in New York, USA (2003) funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London. He voluntarily disengaged from the Nigerian Prisons Service as Assistant Controller of Prisons (ACP), and has directed Research and Training at the Prisons Staff College Kaduna, and the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna respectively. He is internationally published, and has presented academic papers in Restorative Justice, Counter Violent Extremism and Victimology at international conferences in the UK, USA, Canada, The Hague; Bangkok, Valletta-Malta, South Africa, Mozambique, Addis Ababa, Morocco, Cairo, Egypt and Dakar, Senegal. He is an International Advisory Board member to the Restorative Justice Initiative Midland, UK, the Community of Restorative Researchers, UK and Restorative Justice International, USA respectively. He is also the “Africa Book Review Correspondent” to the International Journal of Restorative Justice at the Catholic University, Leuven, Belgium. And Editorial Team of the International Encyclopedia of Restorative Justice: Africa Volume. He is a member of the World Society of Victimology and Fellow of the Institute of Criminology and Penology, Lagos, Nigeria. He is the author of a bestseller book titled ‘Restorative Justice and Victimology: Euro-Africa Perspectives’ published in The Hague, Netherlands by Wolf Legal Publishers. He is the Founder of African forum for Restorative Justice and his research impact includes the mainstreaming of Restorative Justice in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System culminating in the enactment of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019.
Skills and expertise:	Research and Training
Reason for membership:	To enhance \"restorative \" transitional justice programmes in Africa through research and training
Location:	Derby, UK

Michael Addo

ATJLF EU/AU Project Assistant

Position:	ATJLF EU/AU Project Assistant
Organisation / institution:	Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund
Bio:	ATJLF EU/AU Project Assistant
Skills and expertise:	ATJLF EU/AU Project Assistant
Reason for membership:	To be part of the TJ conversation
Location:	Ghana, Accra

Dr.Fredrick khamis Elias

Former Security expert

Bio:	Dr. Frederick Khamis is a well-known South Sudanese academic, peacebuilder, and security expert. His background makes him a strong candidate for a role that requires balancing law, security, and social reform: Academic Expertise: He holds a PhD and has published significant research on the root causes of conflict in South Sudan, particularly on inter-ethnic violence and the failures of past peace agreements. Security & Rule of Law: He has a long history in law enforcement (formerly a Brigadier General in the Police Service) and has worked extensively with the UN (UNDP and UNDSS) on Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) and Rule of Law programs. Civil Reform: He is recognized for his work with youth rehabilitation (e.g., the \"Niggas Response Program\") and has a reputation for standing his ground on matters of public interest, even facing professional risks in the early 1990s.
Skills and expertise:	Strategic Planning & Development Policy Conflict Recovery & Peacebuilding Humanitarian Protection & Youth Engagement International Security & UN Coordination Police Reform & Institutional Transformation Crisis Management & Negotiation bilingual skills (English and Arabic Honours and recognition certificates by united nations secretary general Antonio guterres
Location:	Juba south sudan
Social Media:	http://www.drfredrickkhamis.in

Baba Jallow

Former Executive Secretary, Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), Gambia / Member AU TJ Reference Group

Position:	Former Executive Secretary, Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), Gambia / Member AU TJ Reference Group
Organisation / institution:	Independent Consultant
Bio:	Dr. Baba G. Jallow is former Executive Secretary of Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), a position he held from February 2018 to February 2022. He received his Masters in Liberal Studies from Rutgers University, Camden, NJ (2005) and his Ph. D in African History from the University of California at Davis (2011). His research interests include the history of colonial and post-colonial Africa, transitional justice and truth commissions, and negotiation and conflict resolution. Prior to his appointment as Executive Secretary of the TRRC, Dr. Jallow taught African history at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From July 2023 to June 2024, he served as the Inaugural Roger D. Fisher Fellow in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Harvard Law School. Dr. Jallow is a member of the African Union’s Continental Reference Group on Transitional Justice in Africa.
Skills and expertise:	African History / African Studies Transitional Justice / Truth Commissions Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Reason for membership:	Interest in and ongoing work in transitional justice
Location:	Banjul, The Gambia
Social Media:	https://www.facebook.com/share/1CgV52uxvn/

chiara Galletti

1 secretary, UK Embassy Addis Ababa

Position:	1 secretary, UK Embassy Addis Ababa
Bio:	Over 20 years’ experience in human rights policy, advocacy, and programme management across donors, embassies, and international organisations, with deep expertise in transitional justice and atrocity prevention.
Location:	Addis Ababa

DAVIER SWEDI PIERRE

Chercheur en Justice Transitionnelle et réconciliation

Position:	Chercheur en Justice Transitionnelle et réconciliation
Organisation / institution:	Université Evangélique en Afrique (UEA)
Bio:	Détenteur d\'un diplôme de maitrise en étude de paix et conflits, faculté de sciences sociales. Depuis 2021, j\'occupe le poste d\'enseignant et chercheur à l\'Université Evangélique en Afrique (UEA), département et transformation des conflits. En 2024, j\'ai participé dans une conférence nationale sur les conflits, pillages de ressources et violences extrêmes sous le haut patronage du Président de la République Démocratique du Congo, Son Excellence Félix Antoine Tshisekedi. Aujourd\'hui, je suis consultant indépendant sur les mécanismes de prévention et gestion des conflits au sein de BUCOP, Agence Pont pour la Paix et le Développement. Directeur d\'un cabinet de Paix et de réconciliation (CEPR-RDC)
Skills and expertise:	Depuis 2023, spécialiste en matière de justice transitionnelle et réconciliation dans les zones en conflits armés. Mon intérêt repose sur les questions de justice transitionnelle et processus de réconciliation entre les communautés affectées par les effets de la guerre et/ou conflits armés, notamment les crimes contre l\'humanité et les violations de droits humains et de droit international humanitaire.
Reason for membership:	Apprendre avec les autres; analyser les violations de droits humains et droit international humanitaire; participer dans les conférences sur la gestion des conflits, violences, paix et sécurité humaine
Location:	Afrique centrale (République Démocratique du Congo)
Social Media:	http://www.linkedin.com/in/davier-pierre-swedi-07210b159

Roberto Frifrini

EU LAw and Policy Program Manager

Position:	EU LAw and Policy Program Manager
Organisation / institution:	International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)
Bio:	Human Rights lawyer, working at the crossroad of EU and national laws and policies, with a focus on EU external action and linkages with torture and ill-treatment
Skills and expertise:	Human Rights law EU law Anti-torture Istanbul Protocol
Reason for membership:	Collaboration, knowledge-sharing
Location:	Brussels-Belgium
Social Media:	https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-frifrini-74a6538a/

Chinwike Okereke

Executive Director

Position:	Executive Director
Organisation / institution:	African Law Foundation (AFRILAW)
Bio:	AFRILAW is a national NGO advancing respect of rule of law, human rights and justice for a just, peaceful, secured, inclusive and sustainable development of African society. AFRILAW achieve its mission and objectives through Legal and Policy Reform advocacy; Capacity building and Sensitisation Campaigns; Stakeholders and Community Engagement; Legal aid and Mediation service; Research and Publication; Coalition and network building.
Skills and expertise:	AFRILAW Thematic Areas of work include: Security Sector Governance and Reform; Access to Justice and Legal Empowerment of the Poor; Corporate Accountability/ Business and Human Rights: Gender Justice; Civic Space and Digital Rights; Land Rights and Natural Resources Governance; Peace Building and Conflicts Resolution; Drug Policy Reform and Organised Crimes; Climate and Environmental Justice.
Reason for membership:	Becoming a member is a great opportunity for AFRILAW to learn and build it\'s knowledge and capacity from the network in advancing transitional justice in Nigeria, and share our programme experiencess, explore opportunities to build relevant collaboration and partnership in achieving and promoting transitional justice in Nigeria and across Africa.
Location:	Nigeria

Sandra Ezoke

Lecturer

Position:	Lecturer
Organisation / institution:	University of Calabar
Bio:	Sandra Ezoke is a PhD researcher in International Human Rights Law. She is a Law Lecturer in the University of Calabar, Nigeria with legislative drafting and research experience at the National Assembly of Nigeria. Her research focuses on Refugee and Asylum Seeker protection and procedural justice, alongside a growing and deliberate engagement with Transitional Justice across Africa. She has also undergone specialized mentorship with the Youth Organization for Research and Justice Advocacy (YORJA), where she was trained in Transitional Justice processes and practice. Sandra is committed to bridging the gap between academia and policy, and to advancing innovative rights-based approaches to justice, governance and institutional reforms across the continent.
Skills and expertise:	- Expertise in International Human Rights Law and procedural justice. - Legislative research and drafting, policy development, and parliamentary practice. - Law teaching, legal research, and comparative analysis. - Knowledge in transitional justice processes and ability to connect theory with practice. - Strong interest in governance reform, accountability, and bridging academia with policy.

Ivan Steenkamp

Executive Director

Position:	Executive Director
Organisation / institution:	Aqua Energy Research Institute NPC
Bio:	I work at the intersection of governance, skills development, social enterprise, social impact, and sustainability, helping governments, organisations, and institutions design systems that deliver measurable impact, accountability, and long-term value. With over 25 years of experience across public sector leadership, consulting, and academia, I have advised on strategy, policy, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as organisational development at the provincial and national levels. As CEO of Evers Xcellence Management Consulting, I support: · Government departments · Development agencies · NGOs and social enterprises · Corporates navigating ESG and sustainability My work focuses on: ✔ Governance frameworks and institutional strengthening ✔ ESG strategy and sustainability systems ✔ Monitoring & evaluation and impact measurement ✔ Social enterprise ecosystem development ✔ Strategic planning and policy advisory ✔Skills Development Planning and Implementation I am currently completing a PhD in Business Administration, focusing on governance frameworks for social enterprises in South Africa, and actively contributing to global research and policy discussions. I have presented and collaborated internationally with organisations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) and global academic and development platforms. What I do best: I help organisations transition from strategy to execution by designing systems that work in complex environments. Let’s connect if you are A government leader needing strategic or governance support A corporate addressing ESG and sustainability requirements A development agency seeking impact-driven solutions A partner interested in collaboration across Africa A Skills Development and Training Provider 📩 Open to advisory roles, consulting opportunities, partnerships, and speaking engagements.
Skills and expertise:	Project Management Skills Facilitation Skills Negotiation Skills
Reason for membership:	Networking and Collaboration
Location:	Kimberley, South Africa
Social Media:	https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-steenkamp/

Agathe Galabert

Human Rights Officer

Position:	Human Rights Officer
Organisation / institution:	International Institute for Rights and Development
Bio:	Human Rights Lawyer.
Skills and expertise:	Transitional Justice. Decolonial perspectives. Antiracism.
Reason for membership:	Human Rights Lawyer
Location:	Geneva, Switzerland

Sara Samra

Assistant Lecturer of Criminal Law

Position:	Assistant Lecturer of Criminal Law
Organisation / institution:	The Faculty of Law at Mansoura University

Bénédicte Ntongon à Kiki

Human Right and Gender Based Violence Specialist

Position:	Human Right and Gender Based Violence Specialist
Organisation / institution:	UNDP
Bio:	Bénédicte Ntongon A. Kiki est une spécialiste des droits humains, de la protection et des violences sexistes, forte de plus de 15 ans d\'expérience opérationnelle dans des contextes de crise et de conflit au Sahel, dans le bassin du lac Tchad et en Afrique centrale. Elle travaille actuellement pour le PNUD dans la région de l\'Extrême-Nord du Cameroun, où elle dirige des initiatives relatives au respect des droits humains, au DDR, à la consolidation de la paix et à la justice transitionnelle. Mon expertise couvre l\'état de droit, les mécanismes de justice militaire et communautaire, le DDR et la réintégration, la protection tenant compte des questions de genre, ainsi que la conception et la gestion de programmes humanitaires et de stabilisation. Elle a coordonné des projets de réforme de la justice de haut niveau, notamment en matière de justice transitionnelle et de soutien à la justice militaire au Tchad, et a formé plus de 7 500 membres des forces de sécurité ainsi que des centaines de responsables communautaires, de femmes et de jeunes. Je possède une solide expérience en matière de réconciliation communautaire, de cohésion sociale et de développement de la justice transitionnelle localisée et d\'approches de DDR en partenariat avec la société civile et les autorités traditionnelles. J\'ai également travaillé plusieurs années comme chargée de cours et chercheuse en droit, paix et sécurité, contribuant ainsi au renforcement des capacités académiques et professionnelles. Je suis titulaire d\'un doctorat en droit, d\'une maîtrise en études stratégiques et gestion des conflits, et de plusieurs certifications en matière de DDR, de gestion de projets humanitaires, de coordination civilo-militaire et d\'intégration de la dimension de genre. Je m\'engage à promouvoir la redevabilité, la prévention, les approches centrées sur les victimes et une paix durable dans les contextes fragiles.
Skills and expertise:	Je suis spécialiste des droits humains, de la protection et des violences sexistes, avec plus de quinze ans d\'expérience dans des contextes de crise et de conflit au Sahel, dans le bassin du lac Tchad et en Afrique centrale. Je possède une solide expertise en matière de justice transitionnelle, d\'état de droit, de démobilisation, de réintégration et de désarmement (DDR), de consolidation de la paix et de résilience communautaire. Je conçois, gérer et coordonner des projets axés sur le respect des droits humains, l\'accès à la justice, le soutien à la justice militaire, la protection tenant compte des spécificités de genre, la cohésion sociale et la réconciliation communautaire. J\'ai dirigé la mise en œuvre de programmes de grande envergure et formé des milliers de membres des forces de sécurité, de responsables communautaires, de femmes et de jeunes aux droits humains, à la prévention des violences sexistes et aux normes de responsabilité. J\'ai une vaste expérience en matière de DDR et de réintégration, notamment des approches localisées de consolidation de la paix, des mécanismes de dialogue communautaire et des initiatives visant à rétablir la confiance entre les anciens collaborateurs et les communautés d\'accueil. J\'apporte également un soutien technique aux gouvernements, à la société civile et aux autorités traditionnelles afin de renforcer les politiques publiques et les mécanismes de justice transitionnelle. En tant qu\'ancienne chargée de cours et chercheuse en droit, paix et sécurité, je contribue au renforcement des capacités et à l\'élaboration d\'outils et de guides adaptés au contexte pour les acteurs intervenant dans des environnements fragiles. Mes travaux privilégient la prévention, les approches centrées sur les victimes, la prise en compte des conflits et la durabilité à long terme.
Reason for membership:	To contribute my field‑based expertise in human rights, transitional justice, DDR, and protection, gained over years of work in conflict‑affected environments. To engage with a community of practitioners and researchers working on transitional justice, in order to exchange knowledge, practical tools and innovative approaches. To strengthen collaborative learning, particularly on community‑driven reconciliation, survivor‑centered mechanisms, and justice reforms in fragile contexts. To access and contribute to high‑level discussions on accountability, rule of law, military justice support and peacebuilding strategies. To build professional partnerships that support evidence‑based practices and enhance the effectiveness of transitional justice initiatives in the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin and similar contexts. To share lessons learned from my operational experience in designing and implementing justice, protection and social cohesion programmes. To expand opportunities for joint advocacy, especially on the protection of vulnerable groups, women’s participation, and conflict‑sensitive justice processes.
Location:	Cameroon

Ayany Akec Ayany

Executive Director

Position:	Executive Director
Organisation / institution:	Youth Affairs Centre for Africa (YACA)
Bio:	Ayany Akec Ayany – Executive Director, Youth Affairs Center for Africa (YACA), South Sudan Ayany Akec Ayany is a prominent youth leader and advocate for social change in South Sudan. As the Executive Director of the Youth Affairs Center for Africa (YACA), he has dedicated his career to empowering young people, promoting peace, and advancing sustainable development across the country. With a strong commitment to youth rights, Ayany works tirelessly to ensure that the voices of young South Sudanese are heard at all levels of decision-making. He leads initiatives focused on civic engagement, leadership training, and economic empowerment, equipping youth with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute positively to their communities. A passionate champion for education, Ayany places special emphasis on girls’ education and protection. He actively campaigns against early marriage and gender-based violence, advocating for equal access to quality education for all children, especially girls. Through YACA, he has launched awareness programs and partnered with local and international organizations to create safe learning environments and support vulnerable youth. Ayany is also recognized for his efforts in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. He facilitates dialogue among youth from diverse backgrounds, fostering understanding and reconciliation in a country affected by years of conflict. His work bridges divides and inspires hope for a peaceful and inclusive future. Respected for his integrity and vision, Ayany Akec Ayany continues to be a leading voice for youth empowerment, peace, and development in South Sudan and beyond.
Skills and expertise:	Skills and Expertise of Ayany Akec Ayany Youth Empowerment & Leadership Development: Extensive experience in designing and implementing programs that build leadership, advocacy, and life skills among young people. Advocacy & Policy Engagement: Skilled in advocating for youth rights, gender equality, peace, and development at local, national, and regional levels; experienced in engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to influence positive change. Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution: Proficient in facilitating community dialogues, mediation, and reconciliation initiatives aimed at reducing violence and fostering social cohesion among diverse groups. Education Promotion & Girls’ Protection: Strong expertise in promoting access to quality education, especially for girls; knowledgeable in child protection, prevention of early marriage, and addressing gender-based violence. Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, and manage multi-sectoral projects from inception to completion, including monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Community Mobilization & Outreach: Effective in mobilizing youth and communities for participation in development programs, awareness campaigns, and civic engagement activities. Partnership Building: Experienced in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and grassroots movements. Public Speaking & Communication: Excellent communicator with strong public speaking, presentation, and negotiation skills; adept at representing youth interests in various forums. Research & Analysis: Competent in conducting research on youth issues, education, peace, and development to inform evidence-based advocacy and programming. Mentorship & Capacity Building: Committed mentor and trainer, supporting the growth and capacity development of emerging youth leaders and activists. These skills and areas of expertise position Ayany Akec Ayany as a leading figure in youth advocacy, peacebuilding, and development in South Sudan.
Reason for membership:	Partnering with the Africa Transitional Justice Network enables organizations in South Sudan to access expertise, resources, and best practices in transitional justice, supporting efforts to address past human rights violations and promote accountability. Capacity Building and Technical Support: ATJN offers training, mentorship, and technical assistance to local actors, enhancing their ability to implement truth-seeking, reconciliation, reparations, and justice initiatives effectively. Regional Collaboration and Solidarity: The partnership fosters collaboration across African countries facing similar challenges, facilitating knowledge exchange, joint advocacy, and solidarity in addressing transitional justice issues. Amplifying Advocacy and Policy Influence: Working with ATJN strengthens advocacy campaigns by providing a unified regional voice, increasing influence on national and continental policy frameworks related to justice, peace, and human rights. Resource Mobilization: ATJN’s network can help mobilize financial and material resources from international donors and partners, supporting local projects and expanding the reach of transitional justice programs. Promoting Inclusive Processes: Through partnership, organizations can ensure that transitional justice processes are inclusive, participatory, and sensitive to the needs of youth, women, and marginalized groups. Enhancing Public Awareness: Joint activities with ATJN raise public awareness about transitional justice, its importance, and the role of communities in achieving lasting peace and reconciliation. Monitoring and Accountability: ATJN provides tools and platforms for monitoring progress, sharing lessons learned, and holding stakeholders accountable for commitments made under peace agreements and justice mechanisms. Supporting Sustainable Peace: By working together, partners contribute to building sustainable peace, preventing future conflicts, and fostering healing and trust among affected populations. In summary, partnership with the Africa Transitional Justice Network is vital for advancing effective, inclusive, and sustainable transitional justice in South Sudan and across the continent.
Location:	South Sudan

Gelila Daniel

Transitional Justice Research

Position:	Transitional Justice Research
Location:	Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

Bobuin Valery

Advocacy Specialist

Position:	Advocacy Specialist
Organisation / institution:	CSVR
Bio:	Dr. Bobuin Jr. Valery is an Advocacy Specialist at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. His expertise is grounded in transitional justice, peace and security, violent extremism, and governance in fragile settings. He actively engages with state-level institutions to influence policy, including interventions with the United Nations, the African Union, the G5 Sahel, ECOWAS and ECCAS. And with parliaments and state ministries across Africa. His work focuses on proposing model transitional justice approaches to address several developmental challenges and governance deficits in Africa. He holds a Doctor of Laws in Constitutional Law and the Philosophy of Law from the Universiteit van die Vrystaat, South Africa.
Skills and expertise:	Transitional Justice, Human Rights, Violent Extremism, Law, Stakeholder Management.

Achileus Dzevernyuy Tardzenyuy

Human Rights Officer

Position:	Human Rights Officer
Organisation / institution:	Africa Albinism Network
Bio:	Achileus Tardzenyuy is a Human Rights Officer, Peace Trainer, and Transitional Justice Practitioner passionate about advancing the rights and dignity of persons with Albinism, people affected by conflict, discrimination, and marginalization. My work focuses on strengthening human rights systems, promoting peaceful civic engagement, and ensuring equitable access to justice across Africa. He currently serve as Human Rights Officer at the Africa Albinism Network, where he support regional advocacy initiatives, draft human rights reports and policy briefs, and coordinate the participation of African Human Rights defenders with albinism in high-level AU and UN mechanisms.
Skills and expertise:	Advanced legal and human rights research. Data management and website content upload knowledge Policy analysis, judgment writing, and advocacy. Strong drafting and editing (policy briefs, shadow reports, legal pleadings). Expertise in African human rights mechanisms (AU, ACHPR, CRPD, UPR).
Reason for membership:	To stay informed and to be involve in all transitional Justice initiatives across the continent especillay initiatives centered on Reparation as this directly aligns with my Phd research topic. I am passionate about transitional justice and want to increase by knowledge and contribute to discourse surrounding transitional justice in Africa
Location:	Cameroon
Social Media:	https://www.linkedin.com/in/achileus-tardzenyuy-0b2448201/

Abdelhak Moussaddak

Rabat / Maroc

Position:	Rabat / Maroc
Organisation / institution:	Association des victimes des violations graves des droits de l\'Homme
Reason for membership:	# partager l\'experience marocaine en matiére de justice transitionel;
Location:	# Consolider l\'experience marocaine.

Viewing 73 - 90 of 128 active members

← 1 … 4 5 6 … 8 →

ABOUT US

JOHANNESBURG OFFICE

FOLLOW US