On October 15, 2024, the Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (LCN) and the Strategic Institute for Research and Dialogue (SIRD), grantees of the Initiative for Transitional Justice in Africa (ITJA) successfully launched their project titled “Popularising the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) and Documenting Victims of Political Violence in Lesotho.” The ITJA is administered by the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) and funded by the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). The project’s overall aims include creating a platform to pursue redress for victims of political violence in Lesotho while popularizing the AUTJP.

Organised in hybrid format, the launch took place at Kick4Life, Hokahanya Inn and Conference Centre in Maseru, Lesotho. Facilitated by Mr. Booi Mohapi (Project Learning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer), the primary aim of the project launch was to raise awareness, enhance visibility, and mobilise support among key stakeholders in Lesotho to achieve its overall goal and specific objectives. The project was officially launched by the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Justice Nthomeng Majara, representing the government of Lesotho. The Minister of Law and Justice, Honourable Richard Ramoeletsi introduced the Deputy Prime Minister. Among a wide-range of participants at the launch event was Mr. Ts’iu Khathibe, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Reforms Transitional Office (NRTO) in charge of the on-going comprehensive reforms in Lesotho. Welcome remarks were delivered by the Project Team Leader, (SIRD Director), Dr. Khabele Matlosa and Project Officer (LCN Executive Director), Mr. Sekonyela Mapetja.

The keynote address was delivered by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR), Mr. Tefo Ralitapole. Messages of support for the project were delivered by representatives from the African Union (AU), Dr. Ayalew Getachew, the European Union (EU), Mr. Mario Giuseppe Varrenti and the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), Mr. Michael Addo. The ATJLF message was delivered virtually.

The essence, rationale, methodology and execution time-frames of the project were presented by the Project Coordinator, Dr. Moeketsi Kali. The launch event garnered significant support from the Government of Lesotho, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media. It successfully forged alliances with key stakeholders and raised awareness and interest among individuals and various entities.