Balancing Peace and Justice: Ambassador Yvette Stevens on Sierra Leone’s Journey from Civil War

Ambassador Yvette Stevens, Sierra Leone's first female engineer, reflects on her groundbreaking diplomatic career at the United Nations and her nation’s tumultuous journey to peace during and after the civil war (1991–2002). In this compelling episode, she delves into the complex dynamics of the Sierra Leone Civil War, the controversial Lomé Peace Accord, and the innovative Special Court for Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Stevens shares her perspective on the delicate balance between peace and justice, revealing how the Special Court for Sierra Leone was established despite the Lomé Agreement’s amnesty provision. While Sierra Leonean citizens initially may have wished that more international resources were put towards reconstructing the country rather than to pursuing justice, the Special Court proved groundbreaking, achieving several firsts in international law, including:

• Prosecution of child soldier recruitment.
• Conviction of forced marriage as a crime against humanity.
• Prosecutions for attacks on UN workers.
• The first trial and conviction of a former head of state since Nuremberg.

Gain unique insights into Sierra Leone’s path to peace, the importance of gender-inclusive negotiations, and the enduring power of human rights as a cornerstone for lasting stability in this episode.