By Zainab Sunkary Koroma (MRCG/ATJLF Fellow 2025)
For over a decade, Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war left a trail of destruction, with thousands killed, maimed, or displaced. In the aftermath, the demand for justice was loud and clear. The international community answered, believing that accountability was key to ensuring lasting peace. In 2002, the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) was established under an agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone. Unlike other international tribunals, it operated under a unique mandate, focusing solely on those who bore the greatest responsibility for atrocities committed after November 30, 1996, the date of the failed Abidjan Peace Accord, which had sought to end the war.
The Special Court was not a blanket tribunal; it targeted individuals who directed and organized the crimes. A total of 13 individuals were indicted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international law. These charges included murder, rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, acts of terrorism, attacks on UN peacekeepers, and the recruitment of child soldiers.
Five were leaders of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), the rebel group notorious for mass atrocities. Four belonged to the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), which seized power in a coup. Three were leaders of the pro-government Civil Defence Forces (CDF), a militia accused of retaliatory violence. The final accused, Charles Taylor, was then-President of Liberia, charged with aiding and abetting the conflict.
Ultimately, only nine individuals were tried and convicted. RUF leader Foday Sankoh and Commander Sam Bockarie died before they could face trial. CDF leader Sam Hinga Norman died before a verdict was reached, and AFRC leader Johnny Paul Koroma fled the country before he could be arrested.
The Transition to Residual Special Court
After completing its trials, the Special Court for Sierra Leone closed in December 2013, but its obligations did not end there. The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL) was created to handle ongoing legal matters linked to the original court’s work.
According to Patrick A. Fatoma, the RSCSL focal person, the court’s transition was necessary to protect witnesses, enforce sentences, assist the government if needed, and continue the court’s legacy. The RSCSL is composed of 16 judges, 10 appointed by the UN and six by the Government of Sierra Leone, who are tasked with handling any legal matters arising from the Special Court’s mandate.
Additionally, the whereabouts of Johnny Paul Koroma remain unknown. Prosecutors continue to search for him, as reports suggest he may still be alive. “People like him don’t seek safe havens; they thrive in conflict zones,” said Fatoma. Until definitive proof of his death emerges, the search will continue.
One of the key responsibilities of the Residual Special Court is to maintain the Special Court’s archives, ensuring that future generations can learn from Sierra Leone’s pursuit of justice. While the original records were transferred to the Dutch National Archive in The Hague in 2010, copies remain in Freetown at the Sierra Leone Peace Museum, alongside the Truth and Reconciliation Commission records.
Beyond legal matters, the RSCSL continues its outreach efforts, including partnerships with media organizations to educate the public about transitional justice. Augustine James, Head of Programmes at the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), emphasized the importance of accessibility. His organization is working with the RSCSL to digitize and showcase court records on a smart TV at the museum, allowing visitors to watch key moments of the trials instead of reading through bulky documents.
Ensuring Security and Accountability
The nine convicted individuals are serving their sentences outside of Sierra Leone. Charles Taylor is imprisoned in the UK, while the Sierra Leonean convicts are in Rwanda. The decision to house them abroad was made to prevent security risks, as officials feared that keeping them in Pademba Road Prison could destabilize the country.
Meanwhile, the RSCSL and its partners continue to strengthen mechanisms for victim protection, ensuring that those who testified during the trials remain safe. Through joint efforts, over 50 videos documenting transitional justice stories have been produced, helping to keep the public informed.
The Road Ahead
The Special Court for Sierra Leone was a landmark institution, setting a precedent for international justice by holding warlords and political leaders accountable for their crimes. As the Residual Special Court continues its work, its mission remains clear: to protect the legacy of justice, support ongoing transitional justice efforts, and ensure that the country never returns to the dark days of war.
This report was produced with support from the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) through the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), under the project ‘Engaging Media and Communities to Change the Narrative on Transitional Justice Issues in Sierra Leone.
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