Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has reiterated the country’s commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and urged for closer cooperation among nations, improved domestic legal systems, and consistent enforcement of international criminal law.
Sesay made these remarks during a two-day regional seminar at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown. The seminar, themed “The International Criminal Court and National Jurisdictions: A Partnership in Fighting Impunity for the Gravest Crimes Under International Law,” was organised by his office in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ICC.
Addressing the attendees, Sesay pointed out various challenges facing the ICC, including sanctions, political pressure, and the need for better international cooperation. He stressed that countries must fulfil their treaty obligations, referencing Article 127 of the Rome Statute regarding the withdrawal process and its legal consequences.
He also reflected on Sierra Leone’s civil war and the establishment of the Special Court for Sierra Leone in 2002. Sierra Leone ratified the Rome Statute in September 2000, and Sesay emphasised the importance of accountability, asserting that “no one is above the law.”
The Attorney General urged states to bolster their domestic institutions and legal frameworks to facilitate the ICC’s work in arresting suspects, collecting evidence, and tracing assets. He stressed that the effectiveness of international justice relies heavily on practical cooperation at the national level, as outlined in Article 86 of the Rome Statute.
Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, the ICC’s Second Vice President, cautioned that sanctions and political pressures could threaten the Court’s independence and effectiveness. She highlighted the dedication of the Court’s personnel to serving victims and upholding the rule of law while calling for constructive dialogue and acknowledging Africa’s contribution to international justice.
Abdoul Aziz Mbaye, the ICC Prosecutor’s International Cooperation Adviser, spoke on behalf of Acting ICC Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, emphasising that the Court relies on states for vital tasks like suspect arrests and evidence gathering, as it does not possess a police force.
Mbaye highlighted that national jurisdictions hold primary responsibility for prosecuting international crimes, making effective domestic justice systems vital for accountability and the Court’s overall mission.
Dawda A. Jallow, Attorney General of The Gambia, called for stronger domestic justice systems, better witness protection, and enhanced regional cooperation, noting his country’s commitment to accountability.
Mohamed Ould Soueidatt, Mauritania’s Minister of Justice, presented his country’s judicial reforms and its 2014 cooperation framework with the ICC, emphasising that Mauritania is not a party to the Rome Statute.
Emilio Rosseetti, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the EU’s support for the ICC and acknowledged the legacy of the Special Court for Sierra Leone in advancing international criminal law.
Ibrahim Sorie Yillah, a member of the ICC Trust Fund for Victims Board, stressed the importance of offering meaningful reparations and sustainable support for victims to restore their dignity.
The seminar underscored the necessity of fostering partnerships between the ICC and national jurisdictions, calling for cooperation and effective national legislation to uphold international law and ensure accountability for serious crimes, irrespective of nationality or official position.
