Former Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards
By Emma Black
Sierra Leone’s former Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, has emphasized the central role of judicial independence and access to justice in any successful transitional justice process. Speaking to a high-level delegation from Ethiopia’s ministry of Justice, the Chief Justice asserted that without these foundations, the public cannot place confidence in the legal system.
Judicial independence, access to justice, and integrity are the cornerstones of transitional justice, Justice Edwards stated during the meeting held in the Chief Justice’s Conference Room at the Main Law Courts Building, these principles ensure that the judiciary can function without external interference, building public trust in its ability to deliver fair and impartial justice.”
He noted that following Sierra Leone’s brutal 11-year civil conflict, the nation’s 1991 Constitution the supreme law of the land remained in effect and continues to guide the operations of all courts, this constitution, he added, explicitly enshrines the separation of powers among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, ensuring each arm operates independently yet cooperatively.
While recognizing that the three arms of government must collaborate in governance, the Chief Justice assured the visiting delegation that the Judiciary remains autonomous in its core function: the interpretation and application of the law, my judges are committed to the people, he said. They will not act against the interests of justice.
As the head of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, Justice Edwards explained the robust process for appointing judges in Sierra Leone. The Commission recommends qualified candidates to the President, who then makes appointments subject to parliamentary approval. He stressed that key elements judicial appointments, tenure, salaries, and retirement benefits are all clearly provided for by law, reinforcing the independence and impartiality of the bench.
Our judiciary stands on strong values: independence, impartiality, equality, accountability, and integrity, he said, noting that these principles are vital in any transitional justice framework.
Justice Edwards also reflected on Sierra Leone’s own experience with transitional justice, highlighting the impactful roles played by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Special Court for Sierra Leone. These mechanisms, he said, provided essential lessons on healing, accountability, and reform in post-conflict societies.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Tadesse Kasse, Chair of the Transitional Justice Working Group of Experts (TJWGE), comprised thirteen professionals from diverse sectors, including independent experts and representatives from the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. The team was mandated by Ethiopia’s minister of Justice to study regional and sub-regional models of transitional justice that have been successfully implemented in post-conflict contexts.
We are here to learn from Sierra Leone’s experience, Mr. Kasse said. “Our goal is to develop a transitional justice policy that best fits Ethiopia’s unique context, he added that insights from Sierra Leone’s journey will significantly inform their report, which will eventually be presented to the Ethiopian government for action. The visit by the Ethiopian delegation signifies growing international interest in Sierra Leone’s approach to justice and reconciliation, particularly its emphasis on upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights in post-conflict recovery.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Wednesday, May 28TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
