“This policy brief puts into perspective the trial of the former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor, at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his clandestine role in Sierra Leone Civil War of 1991–2002. The brief gives a critical analysis of issues in the case in relation to Sierra Leone as far as state sovereignty, immunity and international humanitarian law are concerned. The indictment and trial of Taylor at the ICC highlight the problem of African identity and judicial imperialism in an era of the African renaissance and globalisation. The trial therefore heralds a new political culture in the struggle for accountability, rule of law and an impunity-free Africa.”
