The Hague, Netherlands, 26th February 2026 – The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL) has formally welcomed Chief Justice Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda and Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi to its judicial roster, strengthening the institution’s capacity to uphold post-conflict justice.
The swearing-in ceremony, held in The Hague, followed the protocols of Rule 14A of the Court’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence. Both judges made formal declarations before President Justice Richard Lussick, pledging impartiality and commitment to the Court’s mandate.
Justice Lussick praised the appointments, noting that the two jurists bring more than two decades of experience from Sierra Leone’s judiciary. “These appointments provide the Court with a stable foundation of expertise. Their backgrounds suggest a deep understanding of the socio-legal context of the cases under the Court’s jurisdiction, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the judicial process in a post-conflict legacy framework,” he said.
Representing Sierra Leone, Deputy Ambassador Mrs. Asmaa James described the appointments as a practical application of domestic expertise to an international mandate. “The Government of Sierra Leone views this as ensuring the Court remains functional and effective. The knowledge these judges possess is an asset that the Residual Special Court will now be able to employ in its daily operations,” she remarked.
Established in 2013 through a joint agreement between the United Nations and Sierra Leone, the RSCSL serves as the permanent custodian of the Special Court’s ongoing judicial mandates. It was designed to address “post-closure” legal requirements, including witness protection, sentence enforcement, and management of archives.
The integration of Chief Justice Kamanda and Justice Alhadi is expected to reinforce the Court’s credibility and ensure continuity in addressing matters tied to Sierra Leone’s post-conflict justice legacy.
