Sierra Leone Judiciary Offers Justice Expertise as Liberia Considers War Crimes Court

Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has offered to share its experience in transitional justice, post-war accountability and specialized courts with Liberia as the country considers establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court.

A Liberian delegation was received on September 30, 2026, at the Chief Justice’s Chambers in Freetown by Court of Appeal Judge Justice Jamesina E.L. King. She received the delegation on behalf of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda.

Lessons from Sierra Leone’s post-war justice process

Discussions covered Sierra Leone’s response to the civil war, accountability for serious violations and the prosecution of corruption-related offences.

Justice King described Liberia’s proposed initiative as laudable and said Sierra Leone was prepared to provide expertise and experience. She cautioned, however, that establishing and running such a court would require substantial resources, sustained commitment and adequate institutional backing.

She also said Sierra Leone and Liberia share histories marked by devastating civil conflicts, widespread atrocities and suffering. In outlining Sierra Leone’s experience, Justice King referred to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which was created through an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations to prosecute those bearing the greatest responsibility for serious violations committed during Sierra Leone’s civil war.

According to Justice King, the court brought several accused persons to justice and secured convictions against a number of those indicted. She said some convicted people continue to serve their sentences outside Sierra Leone because of security considerations linked to the trials.

Specialized courts and corruption cases

Justice King also highlighted Sierra Leone’s specialized judicial mechanisms, including the Anti-Corruption Court. The court handles cases brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission through trained and experienced judges.

She said the creation of specialized mechanisms provided a more focused approach to corruption-related offences. Before the relevant legislation was enacted, such matters were prosecuted through the Office of the Attorney-General.

Justice John Bosco Allieu addressed the continuing effects of war on individuals and families. He emphasized the importance of accountability and healing, noting that the consequences of conflict remain for families who lost relatives and people who suffered permanent injuries.

“Many people were maimed and disabled as a result of the war,” he said.

Call for continued engagement

Justice Isata Susan Sellu Tucker encouraged the Liberian delegation to pursue further engagements in Sierra Leone and consult other relevant institutions.

Rev. Amnimadab K. John, Head of the Office of War Crimes, expressed appreciation for the meeting and said it offered an opportunity to learn from Sierra Leone’s experience. He also said religious leaders in Liberia had joined efforts to help pioneer the proposed initiative.

The engagement underscored cooperation between the two countries on transitional justice, accountability and institutional responses to war-related atrocities and economic crimes. The meeting did not provide a timetable for establishing Liberia’s proposed court or details of any formal agreement arising from the discussions.