RSLAF re-introduces Court Martial

By Ibrahim Tarawallie

In a bid to instill discipline in the army, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has re-introduced Court Martial in the military.

RSLAF’s Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and Spokesman, Brigadier Nelson Williams Wednesday told journalists that the reintroduction of Court Martial into the legal system of the army is one that will improve professionalism and credible status which they are aiming at.

“The court martial will improve the operational efficiency of the force in time of peace as well as war,” he said.

He said hearing will be done in an open court whilst the court members will take the decision or verdict in close doors.

“During court proceedings, the accused is provided with an escort who must be superior in rank to him. The escort is there to make sure the accused does not do anything out of the way as a result of court tension,” he said.

Brig. Williams said that the accused may file in an appeal through his legal counsel if he thinks the sentence is not appropriate.

“The court martial is not a witch hunt but a way to instill discipline and see that it maintains the army. The Status Conference and trial proceedings will commence from 9 to 14 January 2008,” he concluded.

Mohamed Kamara, a soldier said that he is in support of the reintroduction of the court martial in the army.

“I think it will help to instill discipline in the army,” he said.

Abu Conteh agreed. The Freetown soldier said that members of the court should not be bias when they are taken decision.

“I think members of the court should take a fair decision,” he said.

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