Transitional Justice Ombudsperson Resigns Amid Allegations

Ombudsperson Jihadha Anees has tendered her resignation from the Office of Transitional Justice, just five days before the legal expiration of its term. 

In her resignation statement, Jihadha pointed to a series of challenges that have plagued her tenure since assuming the position. Notably, she emphasised that despite a year passing, necessary investigations failed to commence within the two-year legal timeframe for the office. Jihadha attributed this delay to systemic obstructions impeding the investigative process.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

The former Assistant Prosecutor General claimed that proper functioning of the office would have allowed for the investigation of all 469 submitted cases. While some cases were reportedly investigated by the end of 2022, Jihadha asserted that a lack of attention from the highest authority responsible for addressing them, along with the tardiness of a subsequently appointed ombudsperson, led to the unresolved status of many cases by October 2023.

Jihadha alleged that decisions on cases were delayed or prioritised based on personal agendas of superiors, resulting in incomplete tasks. She accused officials of manipulating findings in completed cases and altering information without her knowledge.

Furthermore, Jihadha spoke of attempts to falsely depict her presence in official meetings she did not attend. She claimed exclusion from decision-making processes on cases and expressed concern that decisions were being made in violation of the Transitional Justice Act.

The former Ombudsperson also revealed personal challenges, including an incident of sexual harassment by an office employee under the influence. Despite reporting the incident, Jihadha asserted that no disciplinary action was taken against the harasser, who allegedly continued their actions without repercussions.

Jihadha highlighted a toxic work environment and a culture of bullying within the office, affecting the mental well-being of employees. She lamented that these issues were consistently overlooked without appropriate action.

As the term of the office approaches its conclusion on November 17, Jihadha raised additional concerns about the unresolved employment contracts of permanent staff.

In justifying her resignation, Jihadha cited the absence of legal remedies against misconduct and expressed a belief in the potential for further misconduct in the days leading up to the office’s expiration.