Managing Expectations: How Have Tensions between the International Community and National Government Impacted the Implementation of Transitional Justice in South Sudan?

Local ownership and participation of the local population is increasingly the formula suggested for transitional justice. However, this paper only explores the tensions that arise between the expectations of national governments and the international community, the parties most responsible for the implementation of transitional justice mechanisms. Using the Resolution of the conflict in South Sudan as a reference point, the paper looks at where and how the expectations arise, the impact these tensions have on the implementation of mechanisms, and strategies for lessening the tensions. The conclusion suggests that transitional justice will be better achieved through mechanisms that take into consideration the expectations of what is to be achieved and where more effort has been put into the negotiation and aligning the expectations of the national and international organisations involved in the implementation.