- The Accused
- The Judges
- The Prosecution
- The Defense
- Key Organizations Referred to During Taylor’s Trial
- Key Individuals Referred to During Taylor’s Trial
- Prosecution Witnesses: An Overview
- Other Trials at the Special Court for Sierra Leone
- Other Indictments by the Special Court for Sierra Leone
- Heads of State of Sierra Leone From the Start of the War
- Heads of State of Liberia From the Start of the War
The Accused
Charles Ghankay Taylor: Leader or Head of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) from the late 1980s onward; President of the Republic of Liberia from August 2, 1997, until August 11, 2003.
The Judges
Justice Teresa Doherty
Justice Julia Sebutinde
Justice Richard Lussick
Justice El Hadji Malick Sow, Alternate
The Prosecution
Stephen Rapp, Chief Prosecutor
Brenda J. Hollis, Lead Prosecutor
Mohamed Bangura, Prosecutor
Shyamala Alagendra, Prosecutor
Alain Werner, Prosecutor
Christopher Santora, Prosecutor
Nick Koumjian, Prosecutor
Julia Baly, Prosecutor
Maja Dimitrova, Case Manager
The Defense
Courtenay Griffiths, Lead Defense Counsel
Terry Munyard, Defense Counsel
Andrew Cayley, Defense Counsel
Morris Anyah, Defense Counsel
Silas Chikera, Duty Counsel
Logan Hambrick, Legal Assistant
Key Organizations Referred to during Taylor’s Trial
AFL – Armed Forces of Liberia
AFRC – Armed Forces Revolutionary Council. Founded by members of the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone who seized power from the elected government of Sierra Leone via a coup d’état on May 25, 1997. Soldiers of the Sierra Leone Army comprised the majority of the AFRC membership. Shortly after the AFRC seized power, the RUF joined with the AFRC.
APC – All People’s Congress, political party in Sierra Leone
ATU – Anti-Terrorist Unit. President Taylor’s personal security force, headed by Taylor’s son Chuckie Taylor.
Black Gadaffa – A renegade group within the NPFL with as leader General Gbong.
Black Guards – Foday Sankoh’s private security force.
CDF – Civil Defense Forces. An organised armed force comprising various tribally-based traditional hunters. The Kamajors were comprised mainly of persons from the Mende tribe resident in the south and east of Sierra Leone, and were the predominant group within the CDF. Other groups playing a less dominant role were the Gbentis and the Kapras, both comprising mainly of Temnes from the north; the Tamaboros comprising mainly of Korankos also from the north; and the Donsos, comprising mainly of Konos from the east. The CDF fought against the RUF and AFRC.
CPS – Close Protective Service. CPS was directly responsible for the safety and welfare of the presidential family of Charles Taylor.
DDRR – Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Rehabilitation Program
ECOMOG – Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group. A West African multilateral armed force established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOMOG is not a standing army, but a formal arrangement for separate armies to work together, along similar lines to NATO. It is composed mainly of Nigerian armed forces and financial resources, with assistance from other ECOWAS members—Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
ECOWAS – Economic Community of West-African States
ELBC – Liberia Broadcasting System, formerly known by the name Eternal Love Broadcasting Corporation.
EMG – Executive Mansion Ground. A presidential residency of Charles Taylor in Gbarnga, Central Liberia.
ENG – Executive National Guard, a military branch on its own, directly reporting to Taylor, consisting of Liberian instructors; Chief of Staff: Cassius Jacob.
Executive Outcomes – An organization of South African mercenaries.
ICC – International Criminal Court. Based in The Hague, The Netherlands.
ICTR – International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
ICTY – International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
IDU – Internal Defense Unit in the RUF
IGNU – Interim Government of National Unity, led by Amos Sawyer in Liberia, ceased to exist in 1994
INPFL – Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia, founded by Prince Johnson in 1990 following an internal struggle within the NPFL.
JSBIP – Joint Security Board Investigation Panel, a semi-court for the RUF.
Junta – Another names for the AFRC/RUF regime that ceased power in Sierra Leone in 1997.
Kamajors – Predominant group within the CDF, mainly from the Mende tribe.
LBC – Liberian Peace Council
LDF – Lofa Defense Force, consisting of RUF and NPFL soldiers under Gambian Commander Jallow (Jalloh).
LISCR – Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry
LNTG – Liberian National Transitional Government, a unity government of warlords, including Charles Taylor.
LUDF – Liberia United Defense Force founded by Albert Karpeh, later becoming ULIMO.
LURD – Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy. A Liberian rebel group active from around 1999-2003. Its main purpose was to remove Taylor from power.
MMC – Makpele Mining Company, at one time Foday Sankoh’s Headquarters.
MODEL – Movement for Democracy in Liberia
NPDC – National Provisional Defense Council, the ruling authority in Sierra Leone from April 30, 1992, until July 1992.
NPFL – National Patriotic Front of Liberia, a Liberian rebel group loyal to Taylor
NPRAG – National Patriotic Reconstruction Assembly Government, a self-declared, alternative administration established in early 1991 in areas held by the NPFL during the civil war. It was formed in opposition to the internationally recognized IGNU (Interim Government of National Unity) led by Amos Sawyer. The NPRAG was based in Gbarnga, Bong County. Charles Taylor declared himself head of the NPRAG, but this led to a dispute that eventually split the rebel group. Both the NPRAG and IGNU ceased to exist in 1994.
NPRC – National Provisional Ruling Council, same as NPDC.
NSA – National Security Agency, in Liberia
OTC – Oriental Timber Corporation. Once Liberia’s largest logging company. President was Gus Kouwenhoven.
OTP – Office of The Prosecutor
RUF – Revolutionary United Front. Founded in Libya in 1988/1989, led by Foday Sankoh (co-founders Abu Kanu and Rashid Mansaray) and began organised armed operations in Sierra Leone in or about March 1991. It later developed into a political party, the Revolutionary United Front Party.
SBUs – Small Boy Units, boys kidnapped from their homes, forced to become camp followers, used as slaves for work, later forced to become child soldiers in the RUF.
Scorpion Unit- A unit within the RUF, with Keita as Commander, granted by Bockarie.
SCS – Supreme Council of State, the ruling authority in Sierra Leone from July 1992 until March 29, 1996.
SCSL – Special Court for Sierra Leone
SFM – Strike Force Marine
SGUs – Small Girl Units, see SBU’s
SLA – Sierra Leone Army
SLPP – Sierra Leone People’s Party, one of the major political parties in Sierra Leone.
SOD – Special Operations Division of the Liberian National Police
SOFA – Special Operational Force for Africa
SSS – Special Security Service in Liberia under Taylor. Director was Benjamin Yeaten.
SSU – Special Security Unit in Liberia under Taylor
STF – Special Task Force. A group of Liberian fighters with roots in the SLA and in ULIMO.
TDY – Temporary Duties in the Year. A temporary assignment outside one’s base camp.
TRC – Truth and Reconciliation Commission
ULIMO – United Liberation Movement for Democracy. A rebel group, which fought Taylor during Liberia’s civil war in the early 1990s, led by Alhaji Kromah. Later split into ULIMO-J and ULIMO-K.
ULIMO-J – United Liberation Movement for Democracy-Johnson. Founded in 1994/1995 following internal power disputes in ULIMO. Led by Roosevelt Johnson.
ULIMO-K – United Liberation Movement for Democracy-Kromah. Founded in 1994/1995 following internal power disputes in ULIMO. Led by Alhaji Kromah.
Vanguards – RUF members trained in late 1980s to early 1990s in NPFL territory in Liberia. These formed part of the first group of RUF fighters who invaded Sierra Leone in March 1991.
WACS – Women Army Commando Soldiers in the RUF
West Side Boys – An armed group, splinter faction of the AFRC, headed by Bazzy Kamara and with Hassan Bangura as second-in-command. It captured and held members of a mostly West African peacekeeping force in 2000.
White Flower – Taylor’s residence in Monrovia, Liberia.
WVS – Witness and Victims Section of the SCSL
Key Individuals referred to during Taylor’s Trial
Abacha, Sani – military ruler of Nigeria 1993-1998
Babangida, Ibrahim – military ruler of Nigeria 1985-1993
Bah, Abdulai – Gambian Chief of Staff
Bah, Ibrahim – General in the RUF, former fighter with NPFL
Bangura, Patrick – RUF Commander in charge of diamond mining in Yandohun and in Giema
Bangura, Hassan Papa (a.k.a. Bomb Blast) -member of the Junta AFRC Supreme Council
Banya, K.S. – AFRC captain
Bao, Augustine (a.k.a. Augustine Gbao) – senior officer and commander in the RUF, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces. Convicted and sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment in the RUF trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
Barbue, Matthew – Liberian front-line Commander in the RUF
Bio, Julius Maada – Chairman of the Supreme Council of State in Sierra Leone from January 17, 1996, to March 29, 1996.
Bio, Steve – businessman and friend of the RUF
Blah, Moses Zeh – Vice-president of Liberia during Taylor’s Presidency, President of Liberia from August 11, 2003, until October 14, 2003, 28th Prosecution witness
Bockarie, Samuel (a.k.a. Mosquito, Borbor Samai) - Senior commander of RUF; later Commander in Chief of the RUF in 1998 and most of 1999; indictment by the Special Court for Sierra Leone withdrawn on December 8, 2003; died May 6, 2003, allegedly killed by Benjamin Yeaten on instructions of Charles Taylor.
Brima, Alex Tamba (a.k.a. Gullit) – senior member of the AFRC, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces, member of the Junta Governing Body, the Supreme Council. Convicted and sentenced to 50 years imprisonment in the RUF trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
Brown, Alfred – senior radio operator in the RUF
Bryant, Gyude – Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia from October 14, 2003, to January 16, 2006.
Caballero, José Maria (a.k.a. Father Cheema) – Spanish Catholic Priest working in Sierra Leone. 6th Prosecution witness.
Camara, Suwandi – Gambian member of the SSS; 11th Prosecution witness
Captan, Monie – Minister of Foreign Affairs under Charles Taylor
Cissé, Musa (a.k.a. Mamadee Kamara) – Chief of Presidential Protocol of Liberia, allegedly handled funds from diamond and timber sales on Taylor’s behalf.
Collins, Eldred – RUF Commander and spokesman
Compaoré, Blaise – President of Burkina Faso since 1987
Conteh, Lansana – Former President of Guinea
Divun – General in the NPFL
Doe, Samual K. – Head of the People’s Redemption Council from April 12, 1980, to January 6, 1986; President of the Republic of Liberia from January 6, 1986, to September 9, 1990; assassinated in a coup d’état.
Dokie, Sam – close associate of Charles Taylor, murdered in December 1997, allegedly by Benjamin Yeaten on orders of Charles Taylor
Dolleh, Varfley A. – member of the National Transitional Government of Liberia of Gyude Bryant
Dolo, Adolphus (a.k.a. General Peanut Butter) – Security Director for OTC, Security Director of Hotel Africa (a government owned hotel during Taylor’s administration), leader of the SFM, and today a junior senator for Nimba County in the Liberian House of Representatives
Domingo – RUF General
Dry Pepper (a.k.a. Menquenagbeh) – RUF Commander
Duana, George (a.k.a. Jack the Rebel – One of the junior forces for the NPFL
Dufka, Corinne – Senior Researcher for the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch, 7th Prosecution witness
Eagle (a.k.a. Karmoh Kanneh) – RUF Commander, 27th Prosecution witness
Elephant (a.k.a. Rashid) – RUF Commander
Ellis, Stephen – Senior Researcher at the African Studies Centre, University of Leiden in The Netherlands. 5th Prosecution witness.
Eyadema, Gnassingbé – President of Togo from 1967 until his death on February 5, 2005.
Fofana, Moinina – National Director of War of the CDF and second in command. Tried before the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Forge, Alison des – Consultant of Human Rights Watch
G5 – a soldier/commander in charge of civilians in the RUF
Gaddafi, Muammar al – Head of State of Libya. Had a revolutionary vision that led him to support a number of anti-American, anti-Western movements. Instituted military training camps in Libya where NPFL and RUF rebels received their original trainings before attacking Liberia and Sierra Leone respectively.
Gaye, Nixon – First Chief of Staff SFM
Gbao, Augustine (a.k.a. Augustine Bao) – senior officer and commander in the RUF, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces. Tried before the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Convicted and sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment.
Gbong – General of the Black Gadaffa, a renegade group within the NPFL
General 245 – female General in NPFL
Gibba, Momoh – Senior aide-de-camp to Taylor, Liberian General
Goe, Junior – Delta Force Commander, died in December 1994, allegedly by the order of Charles Taylor
Goodridge, Reginald – Minister of Information under Taylor
Ice T (a.k.a. Alimamy Bobson Sesay) – former member SLA and former combat commander in the AFRC, now an evangelical pastor, 23rd Prosecution witness
Jack the Rebel (a.k.a. George Duana) – One of the junior commanders in the NPFL
Jackson – Gambian aide-de-camp
Jacob, Cassius – Liberian General, Chief of Staff EMG, died in December 1994, allegedly by the order of Charles Taylor
Jaiteh, Alhaji Saikou – Gambian who was in Libya with Taylor and Foday Sankoh
Jalloh, Jumu – RUF Commander
Jallow (Jalloh), Mustapha – Gambian Commander in RUF, LDF Commander, EMG Security Commander
James, Sahr (a.k.a. Zedman) – a chief radio operator and station sergeant
Jaward, Jabati – member of RUF SBU a later recruited into Taylor’s ATU 35th Prosecution witness
Jean, Pa – RUF Commander, died in 1993, Morris Kallon took over his command
Johnny Paul Koroma (a.k.a. JPK) – Leader of the AFRC from May 26, 1997, to February 12, 1998. At present his whereabouts and fate are unknown. The indictment against him by the Special Court for Sierra Leone remains in force.
Johnson, Prince – founder of the INPFL in 1990, in charge of the murder of Samuel Doe; since 2005 a senior senator in the Liberian Congress representing Nimba County
Johnson, Roosevelt – ULIMO member; Head of ULIMO-J following the split of ULIMO into ULIMO-J and ULIMO-K in 1994/1995
Johnson-Sirleaf, Ellen – President of Liberia from January 16, 2006, until present; first female President in Africa.
Jumu, S.B. – adviser to Head of State Strasser and member of the Supreme Council of State in Sierra Leone
Jungle – member of the SSS and bodyguard to Benjamin Yeaten
Jungle (a.k.a. Daniel Tamba) – junior RUF Commander
Jusu, Stanley – RUF Commander
Kabbah, Ahmad Tejan – President of Sierra Leone from March 29, 1996, to May 25, 1997, and from March 10, 1998 to September 17, 2007.
Kabbeh, Ali – allegedly originally set up the RUF in Libya
Kaisoko – Militairy Commander in the RUF
Kallon, Morris (a.k.a. Bilai Karim) – senior officer and commander in the RUF and AFRC/RUF forces. Tried in the RUF trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Convicted and sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment.
Kamara, Brima Bazzy (a.k.a. Ibrahim Bazzy Kamara, Alhaji Ibrahim Kamara) – senior member of the AFRC and AFRC/RUF forces, member of the AFRC Governing Body, the Supreme Council. Tried in the AFRC trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Convicted and sentenced to 45 years imprisonment.
Kamara, Idrissa (a.k.a. Leather Boot) – military supervisor in the AFRC/RUF in 1998, now a protection officer for the President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma
Kamara, Mamadee (a.k.a. Cissé, Musa) – Chief of Presidential Protocol of Liberia, allegedly handled funds from diamond and timber sales on Taylor’s behalf.
Kamara, Perry Mohamed – former RUF Radio Communications Officer. 10th Prosecution witness.
Kanneh, Eddie – ex-field Commander; Diamond Manager for the RUF
Kanneh, Karmoh (a.k.a. Eagle) – RUF Commander, 27th Prosecution witness
Kanu, Abu - co-founder of the RUF, later executed at the demand of Foday Sankoh
Kanu, Santigie Kanu (a.k.a. 55) – senior member of the AFRC, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces, member of the Junta Governing Body, the Supreme Council. Tried in the AFRC trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Convicted and sentenced to 50 years imprisonment.
Kargbo, Samuel – SLA soldier, 29th Prosecution witness
Karim, Bilai (a.k.a. Morris Kallon) – senior officer and commander in the RUF, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces. Tried in the RUF trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Convicted and sentenced to 40 years imprisonment.
Karpeh, Albert – founder of the LUDF
Keita, Abu – Deputy Chief of Staff in ULIMO-K and ranked General until disarmed in 1996. Was also in the AFL, the LUDF, and ULIMO.
Kmormakpor, David D. – Chairman of the Council of State in Liberia from March 7, 1994, to September 1, 1995.
Koker, Dennis – former soldier for the NPRC in Sierra Leone, provided security for E.B. Jumu. 4th Prosecution witness.
Kondewa, Allieu (a.k.a. Allieu Musa) – High Priest of the CDF. Tried before the CDF Trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Konneh, Sekou – Leader of LURD
Koroma, Ernest Bai – President of Sierra Leone from September 17, 2007, until present
Koroma, Musa – 14th Prosecution witness
Kosia, Pa – General Security Officer in the RUF
Kouwenhoven, Gus – Owner of Hotel Africa; President of the Oriental Timber Company. Has been accused by the Dutch public prosecution service of: a) illegal arms trade to the regime of Charles Taylor in Liberia from 2001-2003, and b) participation in war crimes committed by Liberian troops and/or militias from 2000-2002 during armed conflicts in Guinea and Liberia. The District Court of The Hague had sentenced Kouwenhoven on June 7, 2006, to a term of imprisonment of 8 years for illegal arms trade, but acquitted him of involvement in war crimes. Subsequently both Kouwenhoven and the Prosecution appealed. On March 10, 2008, the Court of Appeal of The Hague acquitted Kouwenhoven of all charges.
Krio Mammy- female RUF member
Kromah, Alhaji – Head of ULIMO-K following the split of ULIMO into ULIMO-J and ULIMO-K in 1994/1995
Lahai, Monia – RUF Commander in charge of diamond mining in Monfidor/Sahbahun
Lamin, Mike – Commander in the RUF, member of the Junta AFRC Supreme Council
Lansana, Foday – Liberian former NPFL/RUF radio operator, 17th Prosecution witness
Leather Boot (a.k.a. Idrissa Kamara) – military supervisor in the AFRC-RUF in 1998, now a protection officer for the President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma
Liberian Mosquito (a.k.a. Christopher Varmoh) – in charge of Lofa County in 1998
Manneh, Dr. aka Kukoi Samba Sanyang – a Gambian who tried but failed a coup d’etat in The Gambia, trained in Libya, head of SOFA
Mansaray, Mustapha Marvin – former RUF Commander, 19th Prosecution witness
Mansaray, Rashid – co-founder of the RUF, later executed at the demand of Foday Sankoh
Marzah, Joseph (a.k.a. Zigzag) – Chief of Operations in the NPFL, 21st Prosecution witness
Massaka – senior RUF Commander
Mussaquoi, Gibril – RUF Commander
Menquenagbeh (a.k.a. Dry Pepper) – RUF Commander
Mingo, Dennis (a.k.a. Superman) – Senior Commander in the RUF, allegedly killed by Benjamin Yeaten on the orders of Charles Taylor
Minin, Leonid – notorious Ukrainian arms dealer
Mongor, Isaac Tamba – RUF Commander, member of the Junta AFRC Supreme Council, 20th Prosecution witness.
Montgomery, Joseph – Deputy Director of Operations SSS
Morris, Amos – driver of 3rd Prosecution witness Varmuyan Sherif,
Mosquito (a.k.a. Sam Bockarie, Borbor Samai) - Senior commander of RUF; later Commander in Chief of the RUF in 1998 and most of 1999; indictment by the Special Court for Sierra Leone withdrawn on December 8, 2003; died May 6, 2003.
Mosquito Spray – a LURD Commander who allegedly said he was in Liberia to spray the AFL and national police and remove Charles Taylor from power
Musa, Allieu (a.k.a. Allieu Kondewa) – High Priest of the CDF. Tried before the CDF Trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Musa, Isaac – NPFL General, military adviser to Taylor
Musa, SAJ (a.k.a. Solomon Anthony James) – Former Vice Chairman of the NPRC and later AFRC Commander, died during the rebel advance to Freetown in 1998.
Nkruma, Kwame – 1st President of Ghana, from March 6, 1957-July 1, 1960. Advanced the concept of Pan-Africanism, the notion that Africa should be unified, as a political program
Norman, Samuel Hinga – National Coordinator of the CDF and Commander of the Kamajors, first in command. Tried before the CDF Trial of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Died February 22, 2007.
Nowrojee, Binaifer – Counsel to the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch
Nya (a.k.a. Foday Lansana) – Liberian radio operations instructor in the RUF
Nyassi, Jackson Johnday – a Gambian rebel commander in the NPFL
One Man One – Chief of Staff for the NPFL
Peanut Butter (a.k.a. Adolphus Dolo) – Security Director for OTC, Security Director of Hotel Africa (a government owned hotel during Taylor’s administration), leader of the SFM, and today a junior senator for Nimba County in the House of Representatives
Pearson, Monica – Liberian Training Commander in the RUF
Peleto (a.k.a. Amara Salia Peleto) – member of RUF, allegedly issued orders during operations in attacks on Guinea from 2000-2001
Peper – General in the NPFL
Perry, Ruth – Chairwoman of the Council of State in Liberia from September 3, 1996-August 27, 1997.
Pyne, Alice – radio operator, at one time girlfriend of 17th Prosecution witness Foday Lansana; 32nd Prosecution witness
Quiwonkpa, Thomas – cousin of Moses Blah, was in the army with Samuel Doe. Fled from Liberia in 1983 with several others, including Charles Taylor and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Planned a coup against Doe in November 1985, which failed and he was killed.
Rambo – Liberian front-line Commander in the RUF, allegedly killed by “Zigzag” (Joseph Marzah), allegedly instructed by Benjamin Yeaten
Rashid (a.k.a. Elephant) – RUF Commander
Rashim – One of Foday Sankoh’s bodyguards; Commander at the RUF ‘guesthouse’
Rocky (a.k.a. Emmanuel Williams) – RUF Commander
Rogers, S.B. – War Council Chairman of the RUF
Saidu, Albert Hindowa (a.k.a. Arbor) – from the Mende tribe, before the war a college student to become a teacher. Captured by rebels and forced to become a junior commando. 29th Prosecution witness.
Salame, Mohamed Ahmad - Owner of the Mohamed Group of Companies; Taylor’s informal diplomatic representative
Salami - senior bodyguard commander to Benjamin Yeaten, RUF member
Samuel Bockarie (a.k.a. Sam Bockarie, Mosquito) - Senior commander of RUF; later Commander in Chief of the RUF in 1998 and most of 1999; indictment by the Special Court for Sierra Leone withdrawn on 8 December 2003; died 6 May 2003.
Samboyan, Kukoi – a Gambian, vice-president to Taylor during the NPRAG regime
Sankawulo, Wilton G.S. – Chairman of the Council of State in Liberia from September 1, 1995-September 3, 1996
Sankoh, Foday Saybana – Leader and founder of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). Indictment by the Special Court for Sierra Leone withdrawn on December 8, 2003. Died July 29, 2003, from complications of a stroke.
Sanyang, Kukoi Samba (a.k.a. Dr. Manneh) – a Gambian who tried but failed a coup d’etat in Gambia, trained in Libya, head of SOFA
Sawyer, Amos – President of the Interim Government of National Unity in Liberia from November 22, 1990-March 7, 1994
Seboe, Michael – Task Force Commander, died in December 1994, allegedly by the order of Charles Taylor
Sesay, Alimamy Bobson (a.k.a Ice T) – former member SLA and former combat commander in the AFRC, now an evangelist pastor, 23rd Prosecution witness
Sesay, Mohamed – 13th Prosecution witness
Sherif, Varmuyan – Battalion Commander and later General Supervisor in ULIMO in the early 1990’s. Assistant Director for Operations for the SSS from 1995-1999/2000. Various posts in the Immigration Department (Deputy Chief of Security, Chief of Security, Assistant Commissioner of Operations, Deputy Commissioner of Operations) in the Liberian government from 2000-2003. Deputy Chief of Staff for the Army Division from 2001-2002. 3rd Prosecution witness.
Smart, Yanks – a Gambian, ambassador to Libya under Taylor during the NPRAG regime
Smillie, Ian – Research Coordinator with Partnership Africa Canada’s “Diamonds and Human Security Project” and a diamond expert. 1st Prosecution witness.
Strasser, Valentine – Chairman of the National Provisional Defense Council in Sierra Leone from May-July 1992; Chairman of the Supreme Council of State in Sierra Leone from July 1992-January 1996
Superman (a.k.a. Dennis Mingo) – Senior Commander in the RUF, allegedly killed by Benjamin Yeaten
Supoon – SBU Commander, nephew of Charles Taylor
Sylvester – Liberian Captain in the RUF
Tamba, Daniel (a.k.a. Jungle) -junior RUF Commander
Tarawalli, Mohamed (a.k.a. Zino) – RUF Commander
Taylor, Chuckie (a.k.a. Charles McArthur Emmanuel Taylor, Roy Belfast) – Charles Taylor’s son and head of the ATU; mother is the American Bernice Yolanda Emmanuel; convicted in the United States for torture
Taylor, Prince – Commander of all the junior and senior G5’s in the RUF
Tolbert, William R. Jr. – President of the Republic of Liberia from July 23, 1971-April 12, 1980; assassinated in a coup d’état
Tuah, Joe – Artillery Commander in the NPFL, deputy of Benjamin Yeaten in the SSS
Vandi, Peter Borbor – built an airfield for the RUF in Buedu
Varmoh, Christopher (a.k.a. Liberian Mosquito) – in charge of Lofa County in 1998
Walo, Yakba – political leader and spokesman of the LDF
Williams, Emmanuel (a.k.a. Rocky) – RUF Commander
Wohmandia, Lawrence – Commander in the RUF
Yeaten, Benjamin – Head of the Special Security Service in Liberia; Director of SSS until 2003
Zedman (a.k.a. Sahr James) – a chief radio operator and station sergeant
Zigzag (a.k.a. Joseph Marzah) – Chief of Operations in the NPFL, 21st Prosecution witness
Zino (a.k.a. Mohamed Tarawally) – RUF Commander
Prosecution Witnesses
1. Ian Smillie: Expert Witness, a Research Coordinator with Partnership Africa Canada’s “Diamonds and Human Security Project” and a diamond expert
2. Alex Tamba Teh (TF1-015): Crime base Witness, a Sierra Leonean Pastor, born in Tombodu, in Kono District
3. Vamunyan Sherif (TF1-406): Linkage Witness, a former member of Taylor’s personal security force (Special Security Service or SSS), born in Voinjama in Liberia
4. Dennis Koker (TF1-114): Crime base Witness, a former soldier for the NPRC in Sierra Leone, he provided security for the advisor to the President, E.B. Jumu, who was a member of the Supreme Council of State; from the Mende tribe
5. Dr. Stephen Ellis: Expert Witness, a Senior Researcher at the African Studies Centre, University of Leiden in The Netherlands
6. José Maria Caballero (a.k.a. Father Cheema) (TF1-326): Factual Witness, a Spanish Catholic Priest, working in Sierra Leone, started a program of reintegrating and educating child soldiers
7. Corinne Dufka: Expert Witness, a Senior Researcher for the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch
8. Abu Keita (TF1-276): Linkage Witness, a Mandingo, born in Zorzor, Lofa County, Liberia; he has been in the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the LUDF, ULIMO and ULIMO-K, was deputy Chief of Staff in ULIMO-K and ranked General until disarmed in 1996
9. TF1-371: Linkage Witness, closed session testimony
10. Perry Mohamed Kamara (TF1-360): Insider Witness, former RUF radio communications operator
11. Suwandi Camara (TF1-548): Insider Witness, a Gambian, trained in Libya, later member of the SSS
12. TF1-026: Crime base female Witness, 24-year old woman, member of the Limba tribe, from Freetown, Sierra Leone; testified with protective measures
13. Mohamed Sesay (TF1-101): Crime base Witness, Sierra Leonean whose both hands have been amputated
14. Musa Koroma (TF1-192): Crime base Witness, Sierra Leonean whose right arm has been badly mutilated
15. TF1-150: Factual Witness, Closed Court Session
16. Aruna Gbondo (TF1-330): Crime base Witness from Talia, Kailahun District, Sierra Leone, rice farmer forced to work for the rebels
17. Foday Lansana (TF1-275): Insider Witness, a Liberian former NPFL/RUF radio communications operator
18. TF1-362: Insider Witness, closed session testimony
19. Mustapha Marvin Mansaray (TF1-337): Insider Witness from Fonima, Pujehun District, Sierra Leone from the Mende tribe, former RUF Commander
20. Isaac Tamba Mongor (TF1-532): Insider Witness (TF1-532), from Kangama, Kailahun District, Sierra Leone, member AFRC and RUF
21. Joseph D. Marzah (a.k.a. Zigzag Marzah) (TF1-399): Insider Witness (TF1-399), from Nimba County, Liberia, Chief of Operations in the NPFL
22. TF1-516: Insider Witness, former RUF radio communications operator; protective measures: pseudonym, screen, image distortion
23. Alimamy Bobson Sesay (a.k.a. Ice T) (TF1-334): Insider Witness, former member SLA and former combat commander in the AFRC, now an evangelicalt pastor
24. TF1-143: Child Witness, former child soldier, now 22 years old, testified with protective measures
Next witness = TF1-215, did not take the stand, Prosecution wanted protective measures, Defense argued that the witness had appeared in a video released to the public, Court stripped witness of protective measures and Prosecution withdrew the witness
25. TF1-028: Crime base female Witness, woman from Sierra Leone, 42 years old of the Madinka tribe, abducted and captivated by the rebels; testified using protective measures
26. Karmoh Kanneh (TF1-571): Insider Witness, a.k.a. Eagle, former RUF Commander
27. Moses Zeh Blah (TF1- 561): Insider Witness, from the Gio tribe, Vice-President of Liberia during Taylor’s Presidency, President of Liberia from August 11, 2003 untill October 14, 2003
28. Samuel Kargbo (TF1-597): Insider Witness, from the Limba tribe, Sierra Leone, former AFRC Council member and Sierra Leone Army soldier
29. Albert Hindowa Saidu (TF10577): Insider Witness, from the Mende tribe, before the war a college student to become a teacher; captured by rebels and forced to become a junior commando
30. TF1-539: Insider Witness, testified using protective measures
31. TF1-590: Insider Witness, testified using protective measures
32. Alice Pyne (TF1-584): Insider Witness, former NPFL/RUF radio communications operator, at one time girlfriend of 17th Prosecution Witness Foday Lansana
33. TF1-375: Insider Witness, captured as a boy of 11 by the RUF in 1991,testified using protective measures
34. TF1-567: Insider Witness, captured as a civilian from his home town, trained by NPFL rebels to fight for the RUF; later became a member of the Black Guards, serving as a bodyguard to RUF leader Foday Sankoh
35. Jabati Jaward (TF1-388): Insider Witness, Sierra Leonean, captured by the RUF in 1991 and put in a Small Boys Unit at the age of 18
36. TF1-367: Insider Witness, former mining commander in the RUF with close links to those in high command; was co-trained with Sam Bockarie, Mike Lamin and Issa Sesay
37. TF1-367: Insider Witness, former mining commander in the RUF with close links to those in high command; was co-trained with Sam Bockarie, Mike Lamin and Issa Sesay
38. TF1-338: Insider Witness, former RUF member, testified using protective measures
39. TF1-585: Insider Witness, former RUF radio operator, testified using protective measures
40. Mohamed Berete Kabbah (TF1-568): Insider Witness, overall signal commander for the RUF
41. TF1-189: Crime base witness, testified with protective measures
42. Alex Sheku Bao (TF1-122): Sierra Leone Police Officer, testified about complaints of RUF murders during the AFRC reign in 1997
43. Stephen Smith (TF1-588): Factual Witness, American Professor who has worked as journalist in West Africa and has written extensively about issues in the sub-region
44. Edesanya Sandy Hyde: Sierra Leone police officer, testified about atrocities committed by the RUF and AFRC
45. Samuel Bull (TF1-065): Civilian witness, testified about AFRC/RUF activities in Kono District
46. Emmanuel Bull (TF1-459): Civilian Witness, testified AFRC/RUF activities in Kono District
47. Tamba Mondeh (TF1-173): Crime Base Witness, testified about AFRC/RUF activities in Kono District
48. Abdul Otonjo Conteh (TF1-060): Insider Witness, testified about RUF attacks and mining activities in Kenema District and thehandling of diamonds by Sam Bockarie
49. TF1-064: Crime Base Witness, testified using protective measures
50. Osman Jalloh (TF1-233): Crime Base Witness, whose two hands were amputated by rebels
51. Patrick Sheriff (TF1-279): Crime Base Witness, testified about rebel atrocities in the Western Area of Sierra Leone
52. Komba Sumana (TF1-263): Insider witness and former child soldier
53. TF1-305: Crime Base Witness, testified using protective measures
54. James Kpunghu (TF1-087): Crime Base Witness, testified about rebel atrocities in the Western Area
55. Samuel Komba (TF1-072): Crime Base Witness, testified about atrocities committed in Kono
56. Sorie Kondeh (TF1-074): Crime Base Witness, testified about recruitment of child soldiers, abductions and forced labour in Kono
57. Yei Sundu Macualey (TF1-076): Crime Base Witness, testified about events in Kono
58. Sieh Mansaray (TF1-215): Insider Witness, testified about events in Koinadugu District
59. Ruko Turay (TF1-218): Crime Base Witness, was raped by rebels in Kono
60. Sahr Charles (TF1-304): Insider Witness, testified about mining activities in Kono
61. Sia Kamara (TF1-195): Crime Base Witness, testified about abductions and amputations in Tongo Fields, Kenema District
62. Alhaji Tejan Cole (TF1-206): Civilian Witness, testified about Liberian mercenaries fighting in Sierra Leone
63. Sahr Bindi (TF1-197): Crime Base Witness, testified about events in Kono
64. Ibrahim Wai (TF1-097): Crime Base Witness whose hand was amputated by rebels
65. Edna Bangura (TF1-314): Insider Witness, testified about RUF/AFRC activities in Bombali and Kailahun Districts, and arms shipments from Liberia
66. TF1-158: Insider witness, and former child soldier
67. TF1-023: Crime Base Witness, testified about rebel activities in the Western Area
68. TF1-029: Crime Base Witness, was abducted by rebels in 1999
69. Sarah Koroma (TF1-331): Crime Base Witness, testified about rebel activities in the Western Area
70. Mohamed Samson Blah (TF1-084): Crime Base Witness whose hand was amputated by rebels
71. Alpha Jalloh (098): Insider Witness, former soldier in the Sierra Leone Army
72. Samuel Radder (TF1-104): Crime Base Witness, testified about amputations done by rebels
73. Akiatu Tholley (TF1-085): Crime Base Witness, was victim of rape by rebels
74. Paul Nabieu Conteh (TF1-227): Crime Base Witness, testified about atrocities committed by rebels in Freetown
75. Ibrahim Fofanah (TF1-216): Insider witness, testified about rebel activities in Kono
76. Gibril Sesay (TF1-217): Insider Witness, testified about rebel activities in Kono
77. Kumba Bindi (TF1-198): Crime Base Witness and victim of rape by rebels
78. Abu Bakarr Mansaray (TF1-024): Crime Base Witness, testified about rebel activities in Freetown
79. Mustapha Mansaray (TF1-210): Insider Witness, testified about rebel activities in the Western Area and Kono District
80. Sheku Bah Kuyateh (TF1-201): Crime Base Witness, testified about rebel activities in Kono
81. TF1-579: Insider Witness who was a member of the NPFL in Liberia
82. Augustine Sama Mallah (TF1-045): Insider Witness was captured and recruited into the RUF.
83. TF1-358: Expert Medical Witness testified using protective measures and discussed the nature of gunshot wounds for which he provided medical treatment for many victims in Freetown.
84. Dauda A. Fornie, (a.k.a. DAF) (TF1-274): Insider Witness, served as RUF signal commander/radio operator
85. Hassan Bility (TF1-355): Factual Witness, Liberian journalist who testified against the RUF in Sierra Leone, Chuckie Taylor in the United States and Charles Taylor in The Hague
86. Tariq Malik: Head of evidence unit at the Special Court who testified about how documents are received and processed as evidence by the prosecution
87. TF1-168: Insider Witness who testified entirely in closed session
88. TF1-062: Crime Base witness, testified using protective measures
89. TF1-174: Crime Base Witness, testified about crimes committed in Makeni specifically with regard to child soldiers
90. Finda Gbamanja (TF1-303): Crime Base Witness, who was captured and raped by rebels
91. Alusine Conteh (TF1-278): Crime Base Witness, whose two hands were amputated by rebels in Freetown
Other Trials at the Special Court for Sierra Leone
AFRC TRIAL
Alex Tamba Brima (a.k.a. Tamba Alex Brima, Gullit), senior member of the AFRC, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces, member of the Junta Governing Body, the Supreme Council. Trial Judgment July 19, 2007: guilty, 50 years single term of imprisonment. Appeal Judgment February 22, 2008: guilty, 50 years single term of imprisonment.
Brima Bazzy Kamara (a.k.a. Ibrahim Bazzy Kamara, Alhaji Ibrahim Kamara), senior member of the AFRC, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces, member of the Junta Governing Body, the Supreme Council. Trial Judgment July 19, 2007: guilty, 45 years single term of imprisonment. Appeal Judgment February 22, 2008: guilty, 45 years single term of imprisonment.
Santigie Borbor Kanu (a.k.a. 55, five-five, Santigie Khanu, Santigie Kanu, S.B. Khanu, S.B. Kanu, Santigie Bobson Kanu, Borbor Santigie Kanu), senior member of the AFRC, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces, member of the Junta Governing Body, the Supreme Council. Trial Judgment July 19, 2007: guilty, 50 years single term of imprisonment. Appeal Judgment February 22, 2008: guilty, 50 years single term of imprisonment.
CDF TRIAL
Samuel Hinga Norman, National Coordinator of the CDF and Commander of the Kamajors, first in command. Died February 22, 2007.
Moinina Fofana, National Director of War of the CDF, second in command. Trial Judgment October 9, 2007: guilty on several counts, 6 years total term of imprisonment. Appeal Judgment May 28, 2008, guilty on several counts, 15 years total term of imprisonment.
Allieu Kondewa (a.k.a. Allieu Musa) High Priest of the CDF, directly answerable to Samuel Hinga Norman. Trial Judgment October 9, 2007: guilty on several counts, 8 years total term of imprisonment. Appeal Judgment May 28, 2008, guilty on several counts, 20 years total term of imprisonment.
RUF Trial
Issa Hassan Sesay (a.k.a. Issa Sesay), senior officer and commander in the RUF, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces. From 1993-1997 RUF Area Commander. From 1997-1999 RUF Battle Group Commander, subordinate only to Sam Bockarie (RUF Battle Field Commander), Foday Sankoh (Leader RUF) and Johnny Paul Koroma (Leader AFRC). During the AFRC regime, member of the Junta Governing Body. In 2000, RUF Battle Field Commander, subordinate only to Foday Sankoh and Johnny Paul Koroma. Trial Judgment February 25, 2009: guilty on 16 counts, sentenced to 52 years of imprisonment. Appeals Judgment pending.
Morris Kallon (a.k.a. Bilai Karim), senior officer and commander in the RUF, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces. From 1996-1998 RUF Deputy Area Commander. From 1998-1999 RUF Battle Field Inspector, subordinate only to Issa Sesay (RUF Battle Group Commander), Sam Bockarie (RUF Battle Field Commander), Foday Sankoh (Leader RUF) and Johnny Paul Koroma (Leader AFRC). During the Junta regime member of the Junta Governing Body. In 2000, RUF Battle Group Commander. From June 2001 Battle Field Commander, subordinate only to Foday Sankoh and Johnny Paul Koroma. Trial judgment February 25, 2009: guilty on 16 counts, sentenced to 40 years imprisonment. Appeals Judgment pending.
Augustine Gbao (a.k.a. Augustine Bao), senior officer and commander in the RUF, Junta and AFRC/RUF forces. From 1996-1998 senior RUF Commander in Kailahun District, subordinate only to the RUF Battle Group Commander, the RUF Battle Field Commander, Foday Sankoh (Leader RUF) and Johnny Paul Koroma (Leader AFRC). From 1998-2002 Overall Security Commander in the AFRC/RUF forces, subordinate only to Foday Sankoh and Johnny Paul Koroma. From 1999-2002 also Joint Commander of AFRC/RUF forces in the Makeni area, Bombali District, subordinate only to the RUF Battlefield Commander, Foday Sankoh (Leader RUF) and Johnny Paul Koroma (Leader AFRC). Trial judgment February 25, 2009: guilty on 14 counts, sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. Appeals Judgment pending.
Other Indictments by the Special Court for Sierra Leone
The indictments against Foday Saybana Sankoh, Leader and founder of the RUF, and against Samuel Bockarie, Commander in Chief of the RUF, were withdrawn on December 8, 2003, due to the deaths of the two accused.
The whereabouts and fate of Johnny Paul Koroma (a.k.a. JPK), leader of the AFRC, are unknown. The indictment against him remains in force.
Heads of State of Sierra Leone from the Start of the War
Joseph Saidu Momoh: Nov. 28, 1985-April 29, 1992; President
Yahya Kanu: April 30, 1992-May 1, 1992; Chair, National Provisional Defense Council (NPRC)
Valentine Strasser: May 1, 1992-Jan. 17, 1996; Chair, Supreme Council of State of NPRC
Julius Maada Bio: Jan. 17, 1996-March 29, 1996; Chair, Supreme Council of State of NPRC
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah: March 26, 1996-May 25, 1997; President
Johnny Paul Koroma: May 26, 1997-Feb. 12, 1998; Chair, Armed Forces Revolutionary Council
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah: March 10, 1998-Sept. 17, 2007; President
Ernest Bai Koroma: Sept. 17, 2007-Present; President
Heads of State of Liberia Since the Start of the War
Samuel K. Doe: April 12, 1980-Sept. 9, 1990; President, assassinated in a coup d’etat
Dr. Amos Sawyer: Nov. 11, 1990-March 7, 1994; President, Interim Government of National Unity
David D. Kpormakpor: March 7, 1994-Sept. 1, 1995; Chair, Council of State
Wilton G.S. Sankawulo: Sept. 1, 1995-Sept. 9 1996; Chair, Council of State
Ruth Perry: Sept. 3, 1996-Aug. 3, 1997; Chair, Council of State
Charles Taylor: Aug. 2, 1997-Aug. 11, 2003; President, (Enoch Dogolea/Moses Blah, Vice-Presidents)
Moses Blah: Aug. 11, 2003-Oct. 10, 2003; President
Gyude Bryant: Oct. 10, 2003-Jan. 16, 2006; Chair, National Transitional Government of Liberia
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: Jan. 16, 2006-Present; President (Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Vice-President)
