Sierra Leone’s Judiciary has held discussions with a delegation from Liberia on plans to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court, sharing the country’s experience in transitional justice, post-war accountability and the prosecution of corruption-related offences.

The delegation was received on Tuesday, September 30, 2026, at the Chief Justice’s Chambers in Freetown by Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice Jamesina E.L. King, on behalf of His Lordship the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda.

Welcoming the delegation, Justice Jamesina E.L. King described Liberia’s initiative as laudable and assured the team of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone’s willingness to share its expertise and experience in support of the process.

She cautioned, however, that establishing and operating such a court would require considerable resources, sustained commitment and adequate institutional support, noting that the administration of justice is costly everywhere.

Drawing on Sierra Leone’s experience, Justice Jamesina E.L. King said Sierra Leone and Liberia share similar histories, having both endured devastating civil conflicts that resulted in widespread atrocities and suffering.

She recalled that the Special Court for Sierra Leone was established following an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations to prosecute persons bearing the greatest responsibility for serious violations committed during the country's civil war.

According to Justice Jamesina E.L. King, the Special Court succeeded in bringing several accused persons to justice, with a number of those indicted eventually convicted. She noted that some convicted persons continue to serve their sentences outside Sierra Leone because of security considerations associated with the trials.

While acknowledging the role of the international community in Sierra Leone’s transitional justice process, Justice Jamesina E.L. King encouraged the Liberian delegation to consider developing a system with strong national ownership and leadership.

She stressed that peace and justice must ultimately prevail, while emphasizing the importance of creating a process that responds to Liberia’s particular circumstances.

Turning to economic crimes, Justice Jamesina E.L. King outlined Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen mechanisms for combating corruption and other economic offences. She highlighted the establishment of specialized courts, including the Anti-Corruption Court, where trained and experienced judges handle matters brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

She explained that before the enactment of the relevant legislation, corruption-related matters were prosecuted through the Office of the Attorney-General. The introduction of specialized mechanisms, she said, has provided a more focused approach to dealing with corruption-related offences.

Justice Jamesina E.L. King assured the delegation that Chief Justice Komba Kamanda remains willing to share his experience, expertise and support with Liberia, which she described as a valued collaborator.

Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice John Bosco Allieu, also addressed the delegation, underscoring the importance of accountability and healing in societies emerging from conflict.

He observed that although the wars have ended, the human consequences remain, particularly for families who lost loved ones and people who suffered permanent injuries.

“Many people were maimed and disabled as a result of the war,” Justice John Bosco Allieu said.

High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Isata Susan Sellu Tucker, encouraged the delegation to undertake further engagements in Sierra Leone and consult other relevant institutions to broaden its understanding of the country’s post-war justice experience.

Members of the Liberian delegation also made statements during the meeting. Head of the Office of War Crimes, Rev. Amnimadab K. John, expressed appreciation for the engagement and the opportunity to learn from Sierra Leone’s experience.

He said religious leaders had joined efforts to help pioneer the initiative in Liberia and welcomed the exchange of knowledge between the two neighbouring countries.

The engagement highlighted growing cooperation between Sierra Leone and Liberia on transitional justice, accountability and institutional approaches to addressing war-related atrocities and economic crimes. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65096