Judges of the Residual Special Court for Sierra LeoneJustice Richard Brunt Lussick of Samoa was elected as the new President of the Residual Special Court for a two-year term during the most recent Plenary of Judges meeting, which took place in Freetown. As the Vice President, Justice Isaack Lenaola of Kenya was elected to succeed Justice Emmanuel Ekundayo Roberts of Sierra Leone.
Justice Lussick succeeds Justice Pierre Boutet of Canada. In addition, Justice Alusine Sesay of Sierra Leone was chosen to replace Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards as Staff Appeal Judge. The Registrar, Prosecutor, and Principal Defender of the Court briefed the Judges on a range of judicial and administrative matters during the two-day meeting. Changes to the Court’s Rules of Evidence and Procedure were also discussed.
As the sixth president of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal, Justice Lussick brings a wealth of experience to his new position as president. He was a trial judge in the Special Court for Sierra Leone from 2004 to 2012.
Among the many judicial appointments Justice Lussick held in Samoa during his distinguished legal career were positions as Chief Justice of the Republic of Kiribati from 1995 to 2000. In addition, he has actively participated in several legal associations, including the Judges Association and the Commonwealth Magistrates. Conversely, the recently elected Vice President of Kenya, Justice Isaack Lenaola, has a background in land law and commercial law and has served in various capacities within the Kenyan judiciary for a considerable amount of time.
Before being appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Lenaola’s career highlights included serving as the Presiding Judge of the Constitutional and Human Rights Division at the High Court in Nairobi. His dedication to maintaining the rule of law and advancing justice is evident in his contributions to the Kenyan judiciary, which include his membership in judicial committees and associations.
The Residual Special Court’s commitment to carrying out its mandate of prosecuting individuals accountable for grave breaches of international humanitarian law during the Sierra Leone civil war is demonstrated by the election of Justices Lussick, Lenaola, and Alusine Sesay to their respective positions. Together, the recently elected leaders will endeavour to maintain the Court’s efficient operation and uphold its dedication to justice and accountability.
The Plenary meeting was a noteworthy assembly for the RSCSL Judges, where crucial choices concerning the Court’s future course were made. The newly elected Supreme Court Chief Justice, Vice President, and Staff Appeal Judge will be essential in guiding the Court and making sure that justice is administered in compliance with global legal norms.
The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone is responsible for the ongoing legal obligations of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which concluded its mandate in December 2013. These include supervision of prison sentences, witness protection and support, maintenance and preservation of the archives, and assistance to national prosecution authorities.
