By Bill W. Cooper
The Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC), Cllr. Jallah Barbu has expressed his deep concerns regarding the insufficient budgetary allocation for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) in Liberia.
Cllr. Barbu also highlighted the stark reality of the current budgetary allotment towards the OWECC to the tune of US$313,000 in the FY2025 budget, something he said is insufficient for the running of the office, which is tasked to ensure the equipment of the WECC in Liberia.
He lamented, “Let it be clear that everything you see ongoing here is a donation from our partners. Yes, the government appropriated 368,000, both in US$ and LD, in the FY2024 budget and now US$313,000 in the FY2025 budget.”
“But mind you, these funds are not even captured in the name of the office on a budget line but placed under the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, and that is the only contribution from the government so far in terms of supporting the establishment of the court.
Yes, many people could say that it is disheartening to see such funds being allotted for the establishment of the court, which is essential for healing and reconciliation, but again, it is a gradual process, and I am optimistic that more funding will come in,” he noted.
It can be recalled that President Joseph Boakai, in May of 2024, signed Executive Order 131 to establish the office of the war crimes court meant to bring overdue justice to victims of serious abuses committed during the West African country’s two civil wars.
The establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court has been a long-standing demand from various sectors of the Liberian society, particularly from victims of the civil wars that ravaged the country from 1989 to 2003.
The court is envisioned as a mechanism to address the impunity that has characterized the post-war era, where many perpetrators of heinous crimes have evaded justice after allegedly killing over 250,000 Liberians, leaving several to seek refuge in exile.
The proposed WECC also aims to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity committed during the civil wars, and economic crimes during and after the civil conflict.
It is further seen as a crucial step towards achieving justice for the thousands of victims who suffered atrocities during the conflict and those who continue to suffer from Economic Crimes by public officials.
However, the lack of financial resources, many believed, has stalled the process, thus raising questions about the government’s commitment to this vital initiative, which many victims have cried for years.
Addressing a news conference recently in Monrovia, Cllr. Barbu further argued that without the establishment of the WECC to address war crimes, Liberia risks perpetuating a cycle of impunity that undermines the rule of law and hinders national development.
On the issue of the recent passing of former warlord and Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson, a figure whose legacy is deeply intertwined with Liberia’s violent past, Cllr. Barbu asserted, “While the death of Prince Johnson marks the end of an era, it does not absolve the need for justice.”
He added, “His passing should serve as a reminder that we must not allow the past to dictate our future. The establishment of the WECC is not just about punishing individuals; it is about acknowledging the suffering of victims and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.”
Meanwhile, despite these challenges, Cllr. Barbu has assured that the court will be operational before the end of President Joseph Boakai’s tenure, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability in a nation still struggling with the scars of its tumultuous past.
He further stated that his optimism for the establishment of the court is rooted in the belief that the current administration, led by President Boakai, has the opportunity to make a significant impact on Liberia’s path towards justice and reconciliation.
The OWECC ED also urged the government to prioritize the court’s establishment in the next budget discussions, emphasizing that the allocation of resources for the court is not merely a financial decision but a moral imperative.
“The establishment of this court is a litmus test for our commitment to justice. It is an opportunity for this administration to demonstrate that it values the lives and dignity of all Liberians, especially those who have suffered the most,” he intoned.
Cllr. Jallah, has at the same time, highlighted the importance of international support and collaboration in the establishment of the court, disclosing that plans are already underway for the formation and crafting of the WECC Act to be presented at the Legislature soon.
Cllr. Barbu has also countered opposing views that the court could exacerbate divisions within the country, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to reconciliation that includes accountability for past crimes, adding, “True reconciliation cannot occur without justice, and we must confront our past to build a better future.”
