Africa Today Seminar: The Legacy of the Special Court for Sierra Leone

The Special Court for Sierra Leone was set up in January 2002 in a treaty between the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations. It was one of the first examples of a ‘hybrid tribunal’ with personnel from both the national government and the international community working together. The treaty and its statutes gave the court the jurisdiction to try those considered ‘most responsible’ for the atrocities that were committed in Sierra Leone between 30 November 1996 and the official declaration of the end of the war on 18 January 2002. Since its inception, the court has indicted 13 persons, of whom three died before being brought to trial, and one during his trial. All the remaining accused were tried on four cases, three of which have been completed through appeal and the last, the Prosecution vs. Charles Taylor, is now awaiting judgment by the Trial Chamber. The verdict, which is expected in about September, will be the first ever verdict of a trial of a former head of state by an international tribunal.