In a historic move bolstering the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) quest for justice, Justice Miatta Maria Samba, an esteemed jurist hailing from Sierra Leone, has clinched the presidency of the Trial Division.
Boasting a sterling reputation as a legal scholar and advocate for justice, Justice Samba brings a rich tapestry of experience to her new role. Born on October 3rd, 1971, she holds a Bachelor of Laws from Fourah Bay College, alongside postgraduate degrees in Human Rights and Energy Law from the prestigious Universities of Pretoria and Dundee, respectively.
Embarking on her legal odyssey in 1999 as a member of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Justice Samba ascended to prominence through her pivotal role as a prosecutor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where she confronted the grim specter of war crimes haunting her nation’s history.
Beyond the confines of the courtroom, Justice Samba has left an indelible mark, serving as an educator at Fourah Bay College and assuming leadership roles within the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone.
Justice Samba’s steadfast commitment to justice has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she ascended to the esteemed position of Judge at the ICC, presiding over significant cases involving figures like Paul Gicheru from Kenya and Mahamat Said Abdel Kani from the Central African Republic.
Her recent appointment as President of the Trial Division heralds a watershed moment for both Sierra Leone and the global struggle against impunity.
With Justice Samba at the helm, the ICC is poised to navigate complex legal waters with integrity and efficacy, ensuring that the wheels of justice turn unhindered in the pursuit of accountability and fairness.
