By Bill W. Cooper
The Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L), Jallah Barbu, says justice is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative.
According to him, the court is a critical step towards healing the wounds of the past and building a future where such atrocities are not repeated
During a press conference over the weekend, Cllr. Barbu further stressed the importance of accountability for former warlords and perpetrators of war crimes, and said, “Our country may never enjoy stable peace and justice unless, and until former warlords are dealt with uncompromisingly.”
Barbu maintained, “In our country today, we still experience war mongering, threats of violence, and in reality, violence that reminds us all, of the atrocities, pains and sufferings from our civil crises.”
“Unless, and until they are dealt with uncompromisingly, our country may never enjoy stable peace and justice for all. Therefore, I agree fully with the President that it is in the best interest of Liberians to forge ahead with the implementation of the TRC Report.
He commended President Joseph Boakai for extending his executive order on the mandate of the court in Liberia emphasizing, it is a crucial and significant step towards addressing the lingering impacts of Liberia’s brutal civil wars, which left deep scars on the nation and its people.
President Boakai’s executive order, which was initially issued in 2024, aims to facilitate the establishment of a specialized court to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes and economic crimes in Liberia.
The latest extension of EO No. 148 also reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that the voices of victims are heard, as the court is expected to provide a platform for accountability, allowing survivors to seek redress and closure for the horrors they endured.
The report which calls for the establishment of an Extraordinary Criminal Tribunal for Liberia that will prosecute people who committed war crimes and, crimes against humanity, of whatever nature, during the course of the Liberian civil war, be pursued not only to address the impunities and atrocities that attended the Liberian civil war but also to serve as a deterrence for similar events in the future,” he reiterated.
Barbu further narrated, “On the basis of our acknowledgment of the benefits of establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court to the people of Liberia and the nation, and being fully mindful of our obligations contained in Executive Order No. 148, which is clear and firm, we, the OWECC-L hereby declare that we shall, at the peril of our lives, do all that is necessary and proper to achieve our mandate.”
“We therefore call on all actors, government ministries and agencies, officials of government, civil society actors, business people, academics, students, religious institutions and persons, the international community and everyone, to support this effort.
Please take note of the Executive Order and act in the best interest of the people, and I want to thank you on the note that our principle of inclusion of all persons and no room for exclusion remains in force,” he added.
