President Joseph Boakai has extended the mandate of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L) by issuing Executive Order No. 148.
This latest order renews Executive Order No. 131, which initially set the foundation for Liberia’s pursuit of accountability for crimes committed during its turbulent civil conflict years.
Executive Order No. 131, signed on May 2, 2024, marked a historic moment in Liberia’s post-war governance.
It was the first concrete step by the Boakai Administration to operationalize the long-discussed War and Economic Crimes Court a commitment that past administrations had sidestepped despite repeated recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and pressure from rights advocates.
Executive Order No. 131 created the OWECC-L with the sole purpose of preparing the groundwork for the court’s establishment.
The Office, led by Jallah A. Barbu, was tasked with designing a roadmap for the court, consulting with stakeholders, and recommending a legal framework to prosecute war and economic crimes.
One year later, Executive Order No. 148 extends that mandate, reinforcing the administration’s determination to combat impunity and promote justice.
The renewed order empowers OWECC-L to continue its critical work aimed at conducting research, drafting legislation, engaging international partners, and recommending the structure and jurisdiction of both a War Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court.
The decision to renew the executive order comes as both domestic and international pressure mounts on the Liberian Government to take decisive action.
Human rights groups have warned that delays risk eroding public trust and undermining victims’ hopes for justice.
By renewing the executive order, President Boakai signals that Liberia is not turning back.
The government emphasized that the success of the initiative will depend on sustained transparency, political will, international support, and adequate funding.
Through Executive Order No. 148, the Boakai Administration reiterated its pledge to pursue justice not just as a matter of policy, but as a moral obligation to victims and future generations.
