“Fund War Crimes Court To End Impunity In Liberia” -Dr. Pailey Urges Boakai

By Bill W. Cooper
Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Orator, Robtel Pailey, has urged President Joseph Boakai to allocate the necessary funds towards the establishment of the Office for the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC).
Pailey, a prominent academic and advocate for justice, also narrated that adequate funding is crucial for addressing the legacy of impunity that has plagued Liberia since the end of its civil wars in 2003.
The award-winning Liberian academic also commended President Boakai for the signing of Executive Order 131, as well as his decision, which she said was a show of reasonability and maturity to have corrected the appointment of OWECC Executive Director.
Liberia has a long and tumultuous history marked by civil conflict, human rights abuses, and widespread corruption, as the two civil wars, which lasted from 1989 to 2003, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 250,000 people and left countless others traumatized and displaced.
But despite the signing of the peace accords and the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms and the finalization of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), many perpetrators of war and economic crimes have yet to be held accountable.
During her appearance yesterday, on ELBC Super Morning Show, Dr. Pailey, who has dedicated her career to advocating for justice and human rights, noted that the lack of accountability has created a culture of impunity that continues to undermine the rule of law in Liberia.
She maintained, “For too long, the victims of our past have been denied justice as such, the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court is not just a legal necessity; it is a moral imperative.”
Pailey also outlined several key reasons why President Boakai should prioritize funding for the court, highlighting the need for justice for the victims of war and economic crimes, asserting, “Many Liberians still bear the scars of the past; they deserve to see their perpetrators brought to justice, and a dedicated court is essential for this process.”
She further pointed to the broader implications of establishing the court for Liberia’s democratic development, and said, “A functioning justice system is the backbone of any democracy. So, by investing in the court, President Boakai would be sending a strong message that Liberia is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no one is above the law.”
Pailey added, “Investing in the War and Economic Crimes Court is an investment in Liberia’s future. It is about building a society where the rule of law prevails and where citizens can trust their institutions and that the culture of impunity will be a history.”
Meanwhile, Pailey also lauded the government of President Boakai for its steady progress in the fight against corruption, thus acknowledging the government’s consideration of some of the recommendations she made in her Independence Day speech.
She, however, praised the President behind a listening leader and described as remarkable the unprecedented decision taken by him (Boakai) to suspend over 400 government officials who failed to declare their assets.