South Sudan’s First Vice President Taban Deng Gai has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to establish a strong foundation for accountability and justice for war victims during the launch for the process of establishing a truth, reconciliation, and healing commission in Juba on Thursday.

Article 1 of Chapter 5 of the peace agreement says that the transitional government will establish three new institutions to help bring justice to South Sudan.These institutions are the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, the independent hybrid court, and the Compensation and Reparation Authority.

Deng said that the government will encourage the people of South Sudan through the commission to talk about real issues that affect their social fabric, saying his government will also fight against impunity.

“The issue of accountability and how to fight impunity must be discussed, and we must encourage the perpetrators to confess their actions,” said Deng.

“I know this process will be very painful but it will make a better and united country,” he added.

For his part, Paulino Wanawila, National Minister of Justice, said that his ministry will spearhead the process for the establishment of the truth commission to make sure there is accountability according to the signed peace agreement.

File photo: Taban Deng