Procedures of Public Deliberation as an Evaluation Framework for Gacaca
Procedures of Public Deliberation as an Evaluation Framework for Gacaca

Summary/Abstract: Deliberative democracy has experienced a significant increase in popularity within both the theoretical as well as the practical literature. The term deliberative turn has joined those notions that describe fundamental changes in their relevant field of study. With regard to post-conflict societies however questions regarding the inclusion of citizens in the public discourse may appear to be luxury problems that will not be addresses during transition and reconstruction of political systems, institutions, and society. This paper, however, will show how the Rwandan gacaca trials correspond to the theoretical ideals of public deliberation. Therefore, the strict procedures defining the framework for deliberation has been utilized as an evaluation framework for the success of gacaca. Having emphasized the significance of equality of opportunity, neutral structures, and a consensual outcome of the public debates, the article concludes that gacaca has been relatively unsuccessful in reaching the goals of truth, reconciliation, and reunification of the Rwandan society.

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