By Patrick Stephen Tokpah
-Bong
The Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) of Liberia, Jallah A. Barbu, has revealed that whether warlords in Liberia like it or not, the WECC will be established.
President Joseph Boakai, on November 1, 2024, appointed Cllr. Barbu, following a recommendation from a Search Committee that was established by the President regarding experience and qualifications to lead the establishment of the Court.
The Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) said they are hoping that by 2027, the court will be operational in the country.
He further stated that his office is currently engaging with leaders and other international partners regarding the establishment of the Court.
Cllr. Barbu told journalists that the office of WECC has been visiting the various massacre sites across the Country.
The former Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia underscored the media’s essential role in fostering transparency and societal accountability in advocating for accurate and balanced reporting of Liberia’s justice system regarding the court.
He reminded journalists of the critical role they have to play in ensuring that the public remains informed, particularly as Liberia seeks justice for the atrocities committed during its civil wars.
He made the statement in Gbarnga, Bong County, at the ongoing training organized by the New Narratives, in collaboration with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) on Liberia’s War and Economics Crimes Courts.
Atty. Anthony Stephens, Assistant Editor/ Senior Justice Correspondent of the News Narrative, said the training is intended to inform Liberian journalists on the basics of international law and the choices ahead for the Office of the War and Economics Crimes Courts.
He emphasized that the training will ‘arm’ Liberian journalists with tools to do high-quality, fact-based, trauma-informed reporting on Liberia’s transitional justice process that spots and exposes misinformation and disinformation.
Atty. Stephens further noted that the ongoing training seeks to strengthen the working relationships between journalists and key stakeholders to improve journalistic coverage of Liberia’s transitional justice process.
The training, which is taking place in the central Liberian city of Gbarnga, Bong County, has attracted journalists from the host county as well as , Nimba and Lofa Counties.
The forum which attracted talk show hosts, editors, and reporters is focused on deepening the participant understands of the War and Economic Crimes Court and its implications for Liberia’s legal system and societal healing.
