Abstract:

This study articulates how Hannah Arendt’s conceptualization of forgiveness, reconciliation and promise contribute to our understanding of the dynamics of forgiveness in post-conflict Africa contexts. Against widespread belief that Western theory or thought are not relevant to understanding African idiosyncrasies let alone post-conflict Africa, this study contends that Hannah Arendt’s theorizing on promise and forgiveness is relevant to explaining conflict resolution and transitional justice mechanisms in post-conflict Africa because of her emphasis that the imperative forgiveness should be based on respect, consistent and continuous rather than “confined to one single deed from which we could never recover” or “love” and the truth commission mirrors Arendtian’s conditions. Specifically, the study looks at the power of forgiveness in Arendt’s work as integral to the South Africa and Rwandan Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Again, the main thesis of this study is that Arendt’s concept of forgiveness is anchored on respect, consistency and continuity rather than on love or one-off/single action and that transitional justice in post-conflict Africa – Rwanda and South Africa reflect Arendtian’s conditions on forgiveness.