Does East Africa have a role to play in the exercise of universal jurisdiction? Can civil society play a role in case building, including engaging with prosecutors to encourage them to file cases?
Tina Alai, Transitional Justice Advisor, United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan sits down with Wayamo to discuss the potential for the exercise of universal jurisdiction in East Africa, the role of civil society organisations in the pursuit of justice for international crimes, and the developments in Kenya, such as the “Baby Pendo” case that give her hope for the future.
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The interview took place on the sidelines of February 2025 Wayamo Foundation symposium on the subject of “Advancing accountability for international crimes in Africa” held at Nairobi’s Aga Khan University which focused on identifying appropriate and creative means and mechanisms to advance accountability for international crimes. Speaking at the symposium Tina Alai noted the importance of tracking crimes across borders due to regional disruptions and recalled the long trek toward accountability in Kenya where incremental change has followed numerous setbacks. She spoke on the second panel which focused on domestic justice for international crimes, along with Judge Isaac Lenaola of the Supreme Court of Kenya and experts from the International Centre for Transitional Justice, and the International Criminal Court. You can view the Symposium in full at the link below (or view as YouTube playlist):
