Truth Commission without Truth: A Critical Analysis of the Truth-Seeking Process in the Central African Republic

Abstract

The Central African Republic (CAR) has been plagued by political instability and
violence since gaining independence in 1960. After the 2003 failed attempt at creating a
truth commission, the CAR established a Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation
Commission (TJRRC) in 2020 to investigate past human rights abuses and promote
national healing. However, the TJRRC's truth-seeking process has been hampered by a
lack of polical will, inadequate resources, political constraints and security threats. This
study aims to assess the effectiveness of the CAR's truth-seeking process in fulfilling its
goals. The paper adopts a qualitative approach, guided by a case study design, with data
collected through semi-structured interviews with the process’s stakeholders, and
secondary data sourced from scholarly publications and reports related to the topic and
case study. Interview participants were interrogated on the truth-seeking activities,
challenges encountered, and insights into its impact. The findings reveal that the various
truth-seeking attempts in the CAR encountered substantial impediments in performing
its fact-finding and truth-telling mandates. Truth Commissioners lacked independence,
and resources and were politically controlled. Persistent insecurity limited the truthseeking actors from accessing conflict-affected areas. Inadequate victim protection
mechanisms prevented victims from testifying. The CAR's truth-seeking process
demonstrates the obstacles to launching an effective transitional justice strategy during
enduring conflict and weak state capacity. Without suitable political, institutional,
financial, and security backing, truth-seeking failed to achieve its essential task of
uncovering the truth about the legacies of atrocities. This case emphasises the need for
truth-seeking supported by inclusive institutional mechanisms and political
commitment.