Ultimately, Doumbia reaffirmed the importance of accountability, stating that ‘the impunity of today is the crime of tomorrow’. – together with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Ligue Ivoirienne des Droits de l’Homme (Ivorian League for Human Rights), the Mouvement Ivoirien des Droits de l’Homme (the Ivorian Movement for Human Rights) and the Association des Femmes Juristes de Côte d’Ivoire (Women Lawyers Association of Côte d’Ivoire) – lodged a civil party petition to accompany 43 women victims before the Special Investigation Cell (CSE). This cell, created by the government of Côte d’Ivoire, had a one-year mandate. At the end of its mandate, the authorities announced the termination of the cell. However, significant advocacy by Ivorian human rights organisations led to the continuation of the special cell. Ultimately, a presidential decree allowed it to continue, and it morphed into a Special Investigations and Prosecutions Cell (CSEI). Two legal proceedings have been instituted within the CSEI and relate to the most serious crimes committed during the crisis. Doumbia noted that, while the CSEI’s work was delayed by the announcement of its termination in 2013 and by the challenges in making it operational in 2014, today it has the necessary resources to conduct its investigations. She noted that many human rights organisations are pleased by the reinstatement of the cell, but that substantial investigative work needs to be done for trials to be acceptable. • The lack of communication and the cost of medical certificates affected the judicial process; • Rape is not clearly defined in the Ivorian jurisdiction, leaving the High Court discretion to decide whether rape has occurred; • In 2014, the special cell was not operational and cases had to be adjudicated by other courts. In many instances, perpetrators were incarcerated for short periods; many of the cases are still pending; • There were difficulties related to the identification of perpetrators, especially in cases of collective and mass rape; • The protracted process of justice has a significant impact on survivors; and • Doumbia suggested interrogating possibilities regarding alternative justice and the potential for creating jurisdiction for reparations. Ultimately, Doumbia reaffirmed the importance of accountability, stating that ‘the impunity of today is the crime of tomorrow’. During the special cell’s tenure, it encountered several challenges, which include the following: • Victims faced stigma and reprisals from their communities; 22\ Accountability for conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence: Successes, challenges, narratives, and omissions