By Moses J Dawoe
Former presidential candidate, Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe, has intensified efforts to promote the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) in Liberia.
Partnering with the investigative media institution New Narrative, Cllr. Gongloe is spearheading a training initiative for over 20 journalists in southeastern Liberia, aimed at raising public awareness about the court’s importance.
Speaking on February 6, 2025, during an interview with Voice of Pleebo Radio, Cllr. Gongloe urged Liberians to view the WECC not merely as a court prosecuting crimes but also as a justice hub addressing the atrocities committed during Liberia’s brutal civil war.
“Citizens should focus on the justice and peace this court can bring to families affected by the war, rather than being intimidated by its name,” he said.
Gongloe, who served as Minister of Labor in the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration, revealed that his post-election contribution to Liberia involves education and advocacy.
He has dedicated himself to teaching at law schools, facilitating workshops, and championing awareness for the court.
According to him, the WECC will rely on the findings of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to prosecute individuals implicated in war crimes.
He clarified that not all individuals associated with the conflict would face prosecution—only those responsible for killing unarmed civilians or committing heinous acts outside the context of rebel group affiliations.
Cllr. Gongloe also highlighted the proposed court’s structure as a hybrid model, akin to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, blending local and international expertise to ensure fair and transparent prosecutions.
“This will not be an entirely foreign court. It will involve both Liberian and international lawyers, ensuring that justice is served with fairness and neutrality,” he added.
As part of this initiative, New Narrative’s Assistant Editor and Senior Justice Correspondent, Anthony Stephens, emphasized the organization’s role in the process.
While not part of the Judiciary, New Narrative focuses on investigative journalism to fact-check claims and combat misinformation surrounding the WECC.
Mr. Stephens further disclosed that New Narrative operates across four West African countries—Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Gambia—aiming to amplify justice and accountability.
“Our mission is to provide accurate and unbiased information to the public. The court will rely on facts, and it is our responsibility to ensure that misinformation does not undermine its credibility,” Mr Stephens said.
The journalists trained in Maryland, Grand Gedeh, and Grand Kru counties are expected to play a critical role in mobilizing grassroots support for the establishment of the WECC, ensuring communities are informed and engaged in the justice process.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Gongloe’s advocacy represents a renewed push for accountability in Liberia, where calls for justice have often clashed with political resistance.
