Evaluating the Efficacy of Truth Commissions in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone: A Grassroots Perspective

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 1, No. 5, May 2010 | pp. 98–106

DOI: 10.46882/2010/GJPCS/000012

Research Article

Evaluating the Efficacy of Truth Commissions in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone: A Grassroots Perspective

Sahr J. Kabba¹

¹Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Abstract: Institutional mechanisms for transitional justice often diverge significantly from grassroots expectations of healing and restitution. This study evaluates the long-term communal impacts of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) within rural provinces. Utilizing field data collected from 520 rural participants through multi-stage cluster sampling, we assess the correlation between TRC testimony exposure and local community reconciliation scores. Structural equation modeling indicated that simple awareness of TRC mandates did not significantly improve community trust patterns (R² = 0.12, p > 0.05). However, localized traditional cleansing ceremonies held concurrently with testimonies enhanced social cohesion indicators by a factor of 2.1 ± 0.3. Quantitative findings show that 68% of respondents felt economically abandoned due to the non-implementation of TRC-mandated material reparations. The paper argues that national truth-seeking bodies remain symbolic abstractions to rural populations unless tied to direct economic development. We recommend an integrated transitional model that anchors state-level legal frameworks firmly within indigenous restorative customs and rural development planning.

Keywords: truth commissions, Sierra Leone, grassroots reconciliation, transitional justice, communal cohesion, economic reparations

Manuscript Timeline: Received February 04, 2010; Revised March 18, 2010; Accepted April 12, 2010; Published May 09, 2010.

Citation: Kabba, S. J. (2010). Evaluating the Efficacy of Truth Commissions in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone: A Grassroots Perspective. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 1(5), 98–106. DOI: 10.46882/2010/GJPCS/000012

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