Sierra Leone Offers Expertise to Liberia on Proposed War Crimes Court
Aaron Parker The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has offered to share its judicial expertise and experience with Liberia as the West African country moves towards the proposed establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court.
The commitment was made during an engagement between senior officials of Sierra Leone’s Judiciary and a Liberian delegation at the Chief Justice’s Chambers in Freetown on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, Court of Appeal Judge Justice Jamesina E.L. King welcomed Liberia’s initiative and assured the delegation of the Judiciary’s willingness to share lessons from Sierra Leone’s experience.
Justice King highlighted the two countries’ shared history of civil conflict, pointing to Sierra Leone’s experience with the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which was established through an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations to prosecute those bearing the greatest responsibility for atrocities committed during the civil war.
She described Liberia’s initiative as laudable but stressed that establishing and operating such a court would require adequate resources, sustained commitment and strong national ownership.
Justice King also highlighted Sierra Leone’s experience in addressing economic crimes through specialised judicial mechanisms, including the Anti-Corruption Court, where experienced judges handle corruption-related cases.
She reaffirmed Chief Justice Komba Kamanda’s readiness to support Liberia by sharing Sierra Leone’s judicial experience and expertise.
Also speaking during the engagement, Court of Appeal Judge Justice John Bosco Allieu underscored the importance of accountability and healing following armed conflict. He noted that although the wars in both countries have ended, the loss of lives and suffering endured by victims cannot be reversed.
“Many people were maimed and disabled as a result of the war,” Justice Allieu said.
High Court Judge Justice Isata Susan Sellu Tucker encouraged the Liberian delegation to engage further with relevant institutions in Sierra Leone to gain a broader understanding of the country’s transitional justice experience.
Head of Liberia’s Office of War Crimes, Rev. Amnimadab K. John, expressed appreciation for the engagement, highlighting the role of religious leaders in supporting Liberia’s initiative and the importance of drawing lessons from Sierra Leone.
The engagement forms part of growing cooperation and knowledge-sharing between Sierra Leone and Liberia on transitional justice, accountability, and efforts to address war and economic crimes.
