The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) held its annual review meeting on 30^th January, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. The event reaffirmed the organisation’s steadfast commitment to fostering justice, reconciliation, and peace across the continent in 2024.

The meeting commenced with a panel discussion titled Resetting Peacebuilding in Africa, chaired by Nyasha Mpani, IJR’s Project Leader for the Data for Governance Alliance. The panel featured prominent experts in peacebuilding. Professor Cheryl Hendricks, Executive Director of the IJR, spoke on Resetting the Agenda and Structures for Peacebuilding in Africa, setting the stage for a critical examination of the evolving peace and security landscape.

Professor Tim Murithi, Head of IJR’s Peacebuilding Programme, highlighted Transitional Justice and Reparations as core components of sustainable peace. Professor Antoni van Nieuwkerk from the University of South Africa, provided insights into Key Issues for Peacebuilding in Southern Africa, while Dr Faith Mabera from the University of the Witwatersrand explored Trends in the Peacebuilding Scape: Normative and Practical Implications.

The discussion addressed key challenges and future directions for peacebuilding in Africa. Speakers underscored the necessity of forging a new consensus between and within states, guided by values, principles, and ethics that uphold peace and security. They stressed the urgency of tackling inequalities in global power structures and domestic contexts, advocating for renewed focus on disarmament and the decolonisation of peace. Furthermore, the panel emphasised the importance of local community involvement and thought leadership in peacebuilding efforts, alongside sustained investment in economic development and capacity building. The need to adapt existing institutions and frameworks to better respond to contemporary challenges was also brought to the fore.

The issue of accountability and reparations for past injustices was a focal point, with discussions highlighting the African Union’s role in addressing historical wrongs. Notably, the establishment of expert committees and reference groups was acknowledged, alongside the need for a global reparations fund and strategic partnerships with international bodies such as the United Nations.

Specific challenges in Southern African peacebuilding were also examined, including institutional capacity limitations, coordination gaps, and financial constraints. The panel stressed the need to prioritise strong relations with communities affected by violent conflict and natural disasters, alongside efforts to enhance local capacity to assess needs and mobilise resources. The importance of youth involvement in peacebuilding, as well as the necessity for intergenerational dialogues, was also emphasised.

A presentation made by Professor Hendricks outlined the IJR’s progress across its key programmes:

• IJR’s Peacebuilding Interventions Programme has expanded its transitional justice approach through a combination of new and established initiatives. The introduction of African Perspectives on the Global Order brings fresh insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape, complementing long-standing projects such as the Pan-African Reconciliation Network (PAREN) and Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE). These efforts reflect a commitment to fostering innovative and collaborative solutions in peacebuilding across the continent.
• The Research and Policy Programme continues to shape evidence-based policymaking through flagship initiatives like the South African Reconciliation Barometer (SARB). In collaboration with partners such as Afrobarometer and Data4Governance, the programme has generated critical insights that inform both policy and practice, strengthening democratic governance and accountability.
• Through the Sustained Dialogues Programme, IJR has reinforced its mission to foster inclusion, identity, and reconciliation. By creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations, the programme has helped strengthen community social cohesion, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to the ongoing process of healing and nation-building.
• The Women, Peace and Security Project has played a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of women’s leadership in peacebuilding. Key initiatives such as the National Peace Charter and the Women’s Election Mechanism for Peace (WEMP) have emphasised the necessity of women’s participation in conflict prevention and resolution, paving the way for more sustainable and inclusive peace efforts.

Additionally, the IJR has made significant strides in enhancing its internal processes to support the organisation’s long-term impact, ensuring that its operational framework aligns with its broader peacebuilding vision.

The annual review meeting reaffirmed IJR’s pivotal role in shaping Africa’s peace and reconciliation agenda. With a renewed commitment to innovation, collaboration, and local engagement, the organisation continues to drive change in pursuit of a more just and peaceful continent.