The Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara officially opened the capacity building workshop on the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) for security agencies which was made possible by  the African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS) in collaboration with the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR), with coordination by the Ministry of Law and Justice through National Reforms Transitional Office (NRTO) and the funding from German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in Maseru on Monday.

In her remarks during this opening, Justice Majara indicated that for the longest time, Lesotho has been known for ongoing peace, stability and unity which has in the latest time been divided by the political lines which has exposed Lesotho's international respect, contributed to loss of lies and has also shaken the country’s economy due to loss of international investments.

She highlighted that with support such as capacity-building of the security sector on the African Union Transitional Justice Policy, Lesotho will be able to reach its goal of attaining a stable peaceful state.

This stems from the fact that the Government places a high premium on professional conduct within the sector, with the aim of fostering public trust and removing the dark cloud associated with the sector.

On the other hand, the Minister of Law and Justice Mr. Richard Ramoeletsi said the workshop comes at the right time when Lesotho is in the process of delivering the National reforms which are geared towards stability, peace and reconciliation.

He stated that Transitional justice is crucial for the promotion of human rights and justice, peace and security, good governance and development therefore aligning with the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and its First Ten-Year Implementation Plan underscore the importance of these ideals as part of the drive towards the ‘Lesotho-We-Want’.

Moreover, Dr. John Ikubaje of the African Union said that transitional justice needs a special approach towards its implementation therefore the capacity of security agencies is well needed.

He however mentioned that the Africa Union is willing to support the government of Lesotho in ensuring that it achieves its goals toward the implementation of transitional justice.

The African Union Transitional Justice Policy is a coherent and comprehensive framework building on Africa’s experience, and, as such, constitutes a significant contribution to the global discourse and practice on transitional justice.

It is also conceived as a continental guideline for African Union (AU) Member States to develop their own context-specific comprehensive policies, strategies and programmes towards democratic and socio-economic transformation, and achieving sustainable peace, justice, reconciliation, social cohesion and healing.