Steven |Haraǂgeib, who served as Director in the Office of the First Lady during Monica Geingos' tenure, has been appointed as an expert on the Continental Reference Group on Transitional Justice in Africa.
This group is established by the African Union Commission's Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR).
In response to his appointment, |Haraǂgeib said, “As we approach the AU Year of Reparations 2025—Justice for Africans and People of African Descent—this role offers a humbling opportunity to engage in the challenging and often uncomfortable conversations essential for genuine nation-building.”
He further emphasised, “Our communities are still grappling with the consequences of past and ongoing conflicts. The national and continental psyche requires healing, and that journey begins with truth, justice, and a collective commitment to building the Africa we envision.”
The Reference Group will function as a quality control and strategic advisory body on Transitional Justice (TJ) in Africa, serving a three-year term. Their primary responsibility will be to provide strategic guidance on the implementation of the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP).
|Haraǂgeib was selected for his expertise in African transitional justice policies, processes, and mechanisms. He is among 15 individuals appointed from various African countries, with three Transitional Justice experts representing each region: Southern, East, West, Central, and North Africa. Each region will also include a youth representative, a gender expert, and a TJ technical expert.
The Reference Group's duties will encompass programme definition, strategic advisory roles, and quality control for various transitional justice initiatives in Africa. Additionally, they will support the realisation of the strategic vision for transitional justice and assist in implementing the African Union Transitional Justice Policy.
This will involve providing technical support, civic engagement, and advice to AU Member States, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and civil society organisations.
The Reference Group will also play a crucial role in mobilising resources for the effective implementation of the AUTJP.
Steven |Haraǂgeib is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work and Policy at Cardiff University in the UK.