By Laurina B. Lormia
President Joseph Boakai has established a committee tasked with recruiting and vetting candidates for the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
Though the positions being vetted were not made know, it is perceived that the President’s action could affect Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi’s appointment as Executive Director.
Howbeit, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the Office of the President denied reports of dismissing Cllr. Massaquoi and clarified that he was on a mission abroad in the interest of the Office, assuring that Massaquoi would have made full report upon his return.
The Executive Mansion in the statement urged the public to rely only on official government sources for information on such matters.
However, a week after, on August 15, precisely, it was announced that President Boakai had established a high-level committee tasked with recruiting and vetting the leadership for the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, the very office Cllr Massaquoi is rumored to have been removed from due to pressure.
According to the President, the move is to build public trust and demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing the lingering issues of impunity and corruption in Liberia.
Highlighting the complexities involved in establishing the court, which are seen as pivotal to addressing Liberia’s troubled past and fostering accountability, many are still watching and holding their thoughts on what the President’s decision would generate.
The calls for the recall of Cllr. Massaquoi, among many things, cautioned President Boakai about creating a justice system that is both fair and capable of withstanding domestic and international scrutiny and placing someone with integrity in the WECC Office.
It was this same Massaquoi who was appointed Justice Minister and unceremoniously recalled only to surface at the WECC but the calls to retain him seems more than the contentment to have him replaced.
The Office of War and Economic Crimes Court was established under Executive Order #131 and seeks to put in place the modalities and mechanisms to ensure the setting up of a Special War Crimes Court for Liberia and an Anti-Corruption Court.
The President’s decision is said to be reflecting an understanding of the complexities involved in establishing such court, which are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing Liberia’s troubled past and fostering accountability.
The selection of candidates is targeted at proven integrity and expertise in Liberian law, the administration’s resolve to create a justice system that is both fair and capable of withstanding domestic and international scrutiny.
President Boakai’s aim to lay a solid foundation for the long-awaited War and Economic Crimes Courts, could be instrumental in ending a culture of impunity and setting a new standard for justice in Liberia.
Though, the newly formed Search and Vetting Committee comprises a diverse range of respected institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, ECOWAS, the United Nations Office in Liberia, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, the Liberia National Bar Association, the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia and the African Union Mission to Liberia, the Liberia NGOs Network (LINNK), an umbrella organization for all national NGOs, CSOs, and CBOs said it has observed a significant oversight in the formation of the vetting committee.
LINNK said it was not included in this process and in a press release issued on Saturday, August 17, 2024, the National Chairperson of LINNK, Stephen Norman, stated that LINNK represents the collective voices and interests of the Liberian people, therefore, it feels compelled to address its exclusion from the vetting committee.
LINNK viewed its exclusion from the Presidential Recruitment and Vetting Committee as a serious oversight that requires immediate reconsideration as it is also a member and the Treasurer for West Africa in the International Council on Social Protection.
The press release also highlighted that on July 30, 2024, LINNK, launched a massive public awareness campaign to emphasize the importance of establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, ensuring citizen participation for peace, justice, and accountability.
