By Mariama Bundu
Two senior Sierra Leonean jurists, Justice Komba Kamanda and Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi, have been sworn in as Judges of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL).
The oath of office was administered by RSCSL President Justice Richard Brunt Lussick. Both judges pledged to serve “without fear or favour, affection or ill-will” and to carry out their duties honestly, faithfully and impartially.
They replace Justices Desmond Babatunde Edwards and Eldred Taylor-Camara on the Court’s roster. The RSCSL is composed of 16 judges — ten appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and six by the Government of Sierra Leone. Judges serve on a roster basis and are remunerated only when called upon to perform duties.
The ceremony was witnessed by RSCSL Registrar Binta Mansaray, representing the United Nations, and Ambassador Asmaa Angela James, Deputy Head of Mission at the Sierra Leone Embassy in The Hague, representing the Government of Sierra Leone.
Justice Kamanda currently serves as Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, a position he has held since December 2024. Over more than two decades, he has served at every level of the country’s judiciary, including Magistrate, High Court Judge, Court of Appeal Judge and Supreme Court Justice. In 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council.
Justice Alhadi has been a Justice of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone since May 2025. She previously served on the Court of Appeal and the High Court. Her career also includes experience as a prosecutor, legal counsel, private practitioner and lecturer at the Sierra Leone Law School. She has worked with the former Special Court for Sierra Leone in various capacities.
The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone carries forward the remaining responsibilities of the Special Court, which concluded its mandate in December 2013. These duties include supervising prison sentences, protecting and supporting witnesses, preserving archives, and assisting national prosecution authorities.
The swearing-in reinforces Sierra Leone’s continued contribution to international justice and accountability.
