The Africa Group for Justice and Accountability (AGJA) extends a warm welcome to its newest member, Haja Zainab Hawa Bangura. In joining the Group, Ms. Bangura becomes its thirteenth member.
“We are excited and honoured to welcome Ms. Bangura to the Africa Group for Justice and Accountability,” declared AGJA chairperson Hassan Bubacar Jallow. “Her proven track record, vision, and leadership on issues of justice and accountability, human rights, and sexual and gender-based violence represent a tremendous addition to the Group as it continues to advocate for accountability across the African continent. On behalf of the AGJA, I extend my warmest welcome to Ms. Bangura and look forward to working with her on justice and accountability issues in Africa and beyond.”
Bangura stated that she is looking forward to joining the AGJA and furthering its mandate of advocating for justice and accountability in Africa, particularly in the realm of sexual and gender-based violence. “I am very honored to be a part of the great work that is being done by this distinguished group of people in my continent of Africa,” said Bangura. “I see my involvement in the group as an opportunity to continue to work on issues that been the defining cause of my career and my life — the quest for gender justice, which is a tool for better and more responsive governance. It is a force for peace and shared prosperity. I thank the entire AGJA for the great job they have done and continue to do to support justice and accountability in Africa.”
Zainab Bangura has a long and widely acclaimed track-record of speaking out against mass atrocities, corruption, and sexual violence, for which she has been widely recognized and celebrated. From 2012 to 2017, Bangura was the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Prior to her time at the UN, Bangura was the Minister of Health and Sanitation (2010-2012) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs (2007-2010) of Sierra Leone. Bangura has been awarded numerous prizes for her efforts in the fields of justice, human rights, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.