Adios! Amigo, Amb. Prof. Biswaro, Until Your Next Assignment

With Yaba Odongo Odoyo

My encounter with Amb. Joram Biswaro, which later developed into a friendship and good working relationship goes beyond eight years when he first arrived in Juba as the African Union head of Mission for South Sudan.

Although, he has left Juba and is back  to his native country, Tanzania, the impact he has left behind during his stint in the country is enormous- and speaks for itself. Hopefully his successor will fit in his shoes and pursue AU’s plans and vision of having lasting peace in South Sudan. Take this narrative from a friend and a colleague who welcomed the ambassador then and worked with him until the day he left.

“On the day he landed in Juba in Feb or March 2017 (eight and half years ago), JMEC was in session. We told him about the meeting as we left the airport. He said, “Take me there!” Upon introduction to the Plenary, his first words to the meeting were, *”I have hit the ground running.”* Since then, he never stopped. First, he made official the new name of the AU office. He said to me, “Why do we still call it ‘Liaison Office’ when it’s new name was authenticated by the Peace and Security Council way back in Sept 2015?”

The next day, we started using, ‘African Union Mission in South Sudan.’ When he took over from President Konare, the AU High Rep for South Sudan, we witnessed what they accomplished together with former RJMEC Chair Festus Mogai and his successor Generals Augustino Njoroge and Charles Tai Gituai, along with Amb Ismail Wais, and SRSGs Shearer and Haysom.

Amb. Biswaro was a fearless leader in this team. Together, he led to create the Trilateral Task-force on Support to the Constitution-making and Electoral Processes in South-Sudan, and the Quartet Mechanism that put off real-time crises before they turn into violence. He led the South Sudan post-conflict reconstruction and development assessment, now funded by IGAD, the draw-down of the AU Regional Task-force on the Elimination of the Lord’s Resistance Army (which comprised South Sudan, DR Congo, Uganda and Central African Republic force leaderships), and the airlift of AU donation of 140 military-type tents from the Continental Logistics Base in Cameroon to Juba to support the early stages of the Necessary Unified Forces cantonment process.

He hosted countless solidarity missions of the AU PSC and several AU C5 delegations to South Sudan. He spoke to the powerful and the not so powerful with equal spirit. He would pick his small analogue phone and call anyone, from the President’s office at J1 (State House) to any minister, to ambassador, to his driver. No one was too small or too big. He changed lives without knowing he did. He changed the path of a country without perceiving in quantum terms what this has been. Most times he said to his staff, “Let’s die a little for Africa.” Amb Biswaro lived up to those words. He put his life down, literally, many times for Africa and South Sudan. I believe I speak for Eric, Olayinka, Mama Theresa, Mulu, Daniel, Safiya, Ghislaine, Nothando, Olu, Variadzo, Sally, Amadou, and all our departed brothers and sisters in what I have said on their behalf.

May God be Ambassador’s guide in all the years ahead. For me, it is a special thank you that only I understand. Thank you, Excellency. Allah be with you.” That coming from a colleague speaks volumes. As for me, he still remains a friend with focus on continental affairs and interests to uplift the positive standard of humanity globally. I am wishing him to use the knowledge and commitment to go farther and make his stand be a living symbol and legacy for the future.

Under our tight working relationship, I became the first individual he resorted to when his new book was authored.

The book, titled “ Transitional Justice Under Scrutiny “ (Volumes One and Two), presents a meticulously crafted analysis of major socio-political landscapes, spanning both past and present generations. With remarkable depth, the author unearths issues that have long remained concealed beneath the surface, offering a compelling examination of some of the most pressing social and political dilemmas of our time. His insights extend beyond Africa to encompass global contexts where injustices and human rights violations have been rampant.

At the heart of this work lies a profound message: “There are three things that cannot be long hidden—the sun, the moon, and the truth.” This statement encapsulates the book’s core purpose: to shed light on historical and contemporary injustices while fostering discourse on truth, justice, and reconciliation.

The Struggle for Justice and Human Rights

Since time immemorial, human history has been marked by struggle—first against nature, then against fellow human beings. As societies evolved, the emergence of private property introduced class struggles, exacerbating conflicts. In this turbulent landscape, men and women have suffered immense loss—of life, property, dignity, and rights—due to marginalization, exploitation, and atrocities.

Biswaro delves into fundamental questions regarding political power, justice, equality, freedom, democracy, and governance. He examines the intricate relationship between individuals and society, emphasizing the rights and responsibilities of citizens within political frameworks. His exploration of transitional justice offers a crucial lens through which to view efforts aimed at addressing systematic human rights violations.

Understanding Transitional Justice

The book defines transitional justice as a response to widespread human rights abuses, designed to acknowledge victims, promote reconciliation, and facilitate democratic transformation. It is not merely a distinct form of justice but an adaptation of justice to societies seeking to heal from historical traumas.

These societies face critical questions and bring to fore his love and thinking for mankind and the continent in totality.

• How much of the past should be remembered, and who bears responsibility?
• Should perpetrators be prosecuted, or would such actions deepen divisions?
• Should amnesty be granted, and if so, under what conditions?

These dilemmas underscore the moral complexities inherent in seeking justice and reconciliation. The author provides an in-depth discussion of the trade-offs societies must navigate in their pursuit of peace.

A Thought-Provoking Masterpiece

This voluminous work is intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking. Its impact depends on the reader’s perspective and the author’s intent. Biswaro, a seasoned scholar and diplomat with vast local and international experience, brings to the table urgent concerns affecting Africa and the wider world. His proposed solutions aim to curb, if not eliminate, the persistent political instability that plagues many nations.

With clarity and depth, Transitional Justice Under Scrutiny engages with real-world issues, offering a compelling and insightful perspective. It transcends mere academic discourse, providing practical insights into justice, governance, and human rights.

A Must-Read for Thought Leaders

In today’s world, many are conditioned to accept falsehoods and follow predefined narratives without critical thought. A society devoid of independent reasoning is vulnerable to manipulation, particularly when those in power dictate its ideological course. Biswaro challenges such passivity, encouraging readers to engage critically with history, justice, and governance.

The book addresses pressing issues, including war, genocide, mass rape, gender-based violence, economic exploitation, and political repression. As nations grapple with these challenges, rebuilding shattered lives and institutions remains a daunting task. Beyond physical reconstruction, there is a need to restore social fabrics torn apart by distrust and betrayal.

The Relevance of Transitional Justice

Transitional justice has become a global norm in post-conflict and post-authoritarian societies. While past efforts were largely nationally driven, international involvement has increased, shaping the mechanisms used to address gross human rights violations. The United Nations’ 2004 definition remains one of the most cited: Transitional justice refers to the full range of processes and mechanisms associated with a society’s attempt to come to terms with a legacy of large-scale past abuses to ensure accountability, serve justice, and achieve reconciliation.

Biswaro’s work provides a critical interrogation of these processes, shedding light on the evolving nature of transitional justice. This book is essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in justice, governance, gender and human rights.

Conclusion

With Transitional Justice Under Scrutiny, Amb. Prof. Biswaro has made a significant contribution to discussions on justice and reconciliation. His analysis is both enlightening and provocative, compelling readers to rethink prevailing narratives and consider holistic approaches to justice. This book is not only a scholarly triumph, but also a vital tool for those committed to shaping a more peaceful, just and equitable world.

Yaba (Jaduong) Odongo Odoyo is a leading   commentator, writer and established Editor with long standing career in journalism and media industry internationally. The comments and insight shared are his own. You can contact him at +211921351878, +254795226883 or e-mail: odoyo2002@gmail.com.