By Bill W. Cooper
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh has reiterated President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) in Liberia, reiterating that impunity for warlords under his government will not be tolerated.
Minister Tweh reaffirmed the President’s commitment and also emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the atrocities committed during the country’s civil war.
He noted that the establishment of the WECC is crucial for ensuring justice for the victims and their families, as well as promoting reconciliation and healing across Liberia.
Tweh, who currently serves as the acting chairperson of the government’s cabinet, made the disclosure on Friday, August 30, 2024, at a program marking the commemoration of the 21st Anniversary of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the country’s brutal civil war.
With support from the United Nations on Human Rights (OHCHR), ECOWAS, AGIAMONDO, Civil Peace Service (CPS), Mano River Union, Ecofresh BILI and G5+breweries, the initiative was held by the Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation (KAICT) at the University of Liberia.
Held under the theme: “Reconciling and Uniting for Sustainable Peace in Liberia”, the occasion brought together several astute individuals including some signatories of the peace accord, former warlords and diplomats, among others.
Delivering a special message on behalf of President Boakai in the face of two notable warlords; George Boley and Thomas Yaya Nimely, Minister Tweh signaled that gone are the days for the culture of impunity in Liberia.
“Liberians have suffered for too long without seeing justice served for the crimes committed during the civil war, as such, it is time for us as a government to take a stand against impunity and hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” he said.
President Boakai has long been a vocal advocate for the establishment of a WECC in Liberia. It can be recalled that during his campaign for the presidency, he promised to prioritize the issue and work towards ensuring that justice is served for the victims of the civil war.
In fulfillment of said promise, the President then issued an Executive Order recently, establishing the office of the Court in Liberia, and reaffirmed his commitment to establishing the court before the expiration of his six-year mandate.
Earlier at the signing ceremony of the Executive Order, Boakai mentioned that the court is essential for Liberia to move forward and heal the wounds of the past, warning that impunity for warlords and perpetrators of war crimes will not be tolerated.
Cllr. Tweh added that the President remains steadfast in his commitment to establishing the court with the belief that justice must be served for the victims of the war, and that impunity for warlords and perpetrators cannot be allowed to continue.
In remarks, United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner thanked the organizers for the program, emphasizing that the need for continuous celebration for the country’s lasting peace and improved democracy cannot be overemphasized.
The US Diplomat at the same time pledged his government’s fullest support in ensuring that the court is established to investigate and prosecute individuals culpable for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international law.
He added, “Liberians cannot move forward as a country until they confront the past and hold those responsible for the atrocities committed during the civil war accountable. So, the WECC establishment is a necessary step towards achieving justice and reconciliation.”
“And this is something that the US government and other international partners are committed to helping the Liberian government to achieve because we believe a strong and independent court is essential for ensuring that justice is served, ensuring the war victims receive the closure and healing they deserve,” the US diplomat added.
Earlier giving the overview of the celebration, the Executive Director of KAICT, Debby Syandee said the Friday’s event mark the anniversary of the end of the civil war in Liberia and the beginning of a new epoch of peace and stability in the country.
Prof. Syandee added that the event also marked a celebration of the progress that has been made in Liberia over the past 21 years, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that still lie ahead.
Having witnessed two successful transferred of power from one elected government to another, KAICT Executive Director asserted that the occasion was intended to bring together both the government, opposition, youth, women and the disabled to brainstorm on ways to continue the maintenance of peace in the country.
