Serving as the keynote speaker at the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) Annual Conference Convention, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe has advised LNBA to commit themselves to promoting adherence to the rule of law, because the rule of law is the only way to promote sustainable peace, progress, and prosperity.
According to him, adherence to the rule of law is the only way to prevent impunity, and that their profession will be meaningless and irrelevant if the people of Liberia accept the culture of impunity, whereby individuals can violate the rights of people without any consequence.
He spoke on the general theme, “Addressing the General Question of Impunity in Liberia: The implications for Liberia’s rule of law system”, consistent with the permanent mission of the Liberian National Bar Association, which is to promote adherence to the rule of law.
The Bar Assembly 2024 was held over the weekend at the Ellen Johnson Ministerial Complex, where Gongloe spoke on the importance of the gathering as members of the legal profession to reflect on activities of the LNBA since their last convention, and to acquire additional knowledge through the continuing education process.
Cllr. Gongloe added that the issue of whether or not there should be justice has only one holding for those who believe in peace, progress, and prosperity in Liberia, and that is a resounding yes.
“It does not make sense for any Liberian of sound mind to say no to the issue of whether or not there should be justice, in view of the fact that the promotion of justice is the only way to address past unlawful conduct as a way of preventing future unlawful conduct,” he said.
“For over a decade now, the people of Liberia have been faced with the issue of whether not those who committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the armed civil conflict in Liberia should be held to account. On this issue, the Liberian National Bar Association has already given an affirmative answer,” Cllr. Gongloe said.
He mentioned that at the LNBA Assembly held in Kakata, Margibi County, in 2019, a majority of the lawyers attending the assembly resolved to support the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), especially the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.
According to him, he is calling upon all members of the Bar to support this position by leading the process of creating awareness throughout the country. “Awareness cannot be created by remaining silent. We should not allow the momentum now existing in the country for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, following the inaugural speech of President Joseph N. Boakai, to die.”
“We commend our colleague, Cllr. Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the House of Representatives, for the leadership demonstrated by him in the House of Representatives for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. Based on his hard work, the House passed a resolution for the establishment of the court.”
“The Liberian people and the world are looking up to the Senate to concur with the House of Representatives. The Senate must not be an obstructionist for the second time. I want to also publicly commend our colleagues at the Independent Human Rights Commission, led by their Chairman, Cllr T. Dempster Brown, for their advocacy for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court,” he noted.
Cllr Gongloe emphasized that all members of the LNBA should be proactive in advocating for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in support of the LNBA’s 2019 resolution, adding that the 2019 support of the LNBA is promotive of justice through the Rule of Law.
Meanwhile, he intoned that it is time to speak out against impunity in order for justice to prevail, adding, “Our legal system cannot survive, if we are not prepared to standup for justice.”
