In an insightful dialogue co-hosted by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, Daily Maverick, Institute for Security Studies, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation and The Ukranian Association of South Africa, on 10^th April, African voices joined the global conversation on what a just peace in Ukraine could look like.

In 2023, the African Peace Mission to Kyiv and St. Petersburg highlighted the key elements that are necessary to ensure the pursuit of peace and justice in the war-affected region. Valuable insights can be learned from the experiences of South Africa and other countries that faced oppression and invasion in addressing the challenges of pursuing a just and sustainable peace during a negotiated settlement.

This dialogue therefore sought to provide a platform in which we can learn more about Ukraine’s concerns and thinking about a pathway to peace as well as share some of the strategies, best practices and pitfalls of others who sought to achieve a just peace.

Moderated by Janet Jobson, CEO of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the conversation marked a sobering milestone: three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and 11 years since the annexation of Crimea. Jobson reminded attendees of the urgency of the moment, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to visit South Africa later this month.

The panel featured Dvzinka Kachur of the Ukrainian Association of South Africa, Priyal Singh from the Institute for Security Studies, and Professor Tim Murithi, Head of Peacebuilding Initiatives at the IJR. Together, they tackled a pressing question: What does a truly just peace look like in Ukraine—and is it possible?

“Peace without justice risks repeating history,” said Tim Murithi, referencing South Africa’s hard-won lessons in transitional justice. “With more than 80% of war victims being civilians, genuine peace must be rooted in justice for those affected.”

The dialogue emphasized that the international community is increasingly focused on what a negotiated end to the war might entail. However, panellists agreed that any roadmap for peace must prioritize justice from the outset to ensure long-term stability. In addition, transitional justice processes offer a basis for addressing human rights violations and injustices in the aftermath of a conflict and more reflection of what this can entail in the context of Ukraine is also necessary.

South Africa’s role as a peace actor

The panel also examined South Africa’s potential to contribute meaningfully to global peace efforts. Drawing on its historical transition and foreign policy stance promoting peace and stability, South Africa has engaged in peace formula discussions for Ukraine. While geopolitical complexities remain, panellists agreed that South Africa continues to offer valuable experiences and perspectives.

“The global order has shifted dramatically in recent years,” one speaker noted. “Despite the challenges, South Africa remains well-positioned to support short-, medium-, and long-term peace solutions for Ukraine.”

The discussion closed with a call for deeper international cooperation, grounded in the principle that sustainable peace can only be achieved when justice is not an afterthought, but a foundation.

This thought-provoking dialogue offered fresh perspectives and practical insights into one of today’s most urgent global crises—highlighting how the South African experience continues to inform and inspire the pursuit of peace and justice worldwide.