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Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has been widely commended for repositioning the Judiciary to attain increased international recognition, both within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and at global judicial institutions.
Recent developments have positioned Sierra Leone’s Judiciary prominently on the international stage, particularly through appointments at the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL) in The Hague, Netherlands. Among those appointed is Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi, who now serves as a Judge of the Residual Special Court.
On Friday, Honourable Justice Tonia Barnett was also appointed as Staff Appeal Judge by the Judges of the RSCSL.
Notably, the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda himself was on 26th February, 2026 appointed as a Judge of the Residual Special Court, further solidifying Sierra Leone’s contribution to international jurisprudence.
These appointments are widely regarded as a testament to the growing credibility, competence, and integrity of Sierra Leone’s Judiciary.
Since assuming office in December 2024, Chief Justice Kamanda has prioritised judicial diplomacy and international collaboration as central pillars of reform.
Through structured engagements, strategic partnerships, and participation in global judicial forums, Sierra Leonean judges have increasingly gained exposure to international best practices in adjudication, judicial ethics, and court administration.
Judges, Magistrates, and support staff have also benefited from a series of international trainings, workshops, and exchange programmes aimed at strengthening judicial capacity, improving case management systems, and reinforcing ethical standards within the justice sector.
“Our judiciary must not only administer justice within our borders but also stand confidently among the community of nations,” Chief Justice Komba Kamanda stated, adding that “By investing in capacity building and creating opportunities for international exposure, we are strengthening the integrity of our institution and demonstrating that Sierra Leonean judges can contribute meaningfully to global jurisprudence.”
The appointments of Justice Alhadi and Justice Barnett are being celebrated across the legal fraternity as milestones reflecting both individual merit and sustained institutional progress.
