By Bill W. Cooper
The Executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Alexandra Zoe has emphasized the critical link between the fight against corruption and the nation’s quest for peace and stability.
She also highlighted that Liberia’s path to peace and stability has been deeply intertwined with the fight against corruption, a battle that remains just as critical today as the restoration of security in the aftermath of the nation’s brutal civil conflict.
Cllr. Zoe spoke recently, at a high-level World Bank forum held in the United States capital, where she served as one of the panelists for a powerful session focused on “Corruption in Fragile, Conflict, and Violence Affected Contexts.”
Liberia, like any other nation, have struggled with the issues of corruption since its founding, a malice that has often undermined governance and hindered economic progress, leaving thousands of Liberians in abject poverty.
However, the country, which emerged from a devastating civil war that lasted from 1989 to 2003, has made strides in rebuilding its institutions, but corruption remains a significant barrier to achieving lasting peace and prosperity.
In her address, Cllr. Zoe emphasized, “Corruption is not just an issue of governance, it was a trigger that helped accelerate years of senseless war in our country. That’s why tackling corruption had to be part of the peace solution, not an afterthought.”
Remarking to an audience of global development partners, policymakers, and civil society leaders, the LACC Boss recounted how Liberia’s 14-year civil war, which ended in 2003, was fueled in part by entrenched corruption that eroded public trust and dismantled state institutions.
She explained that following the war, the return of warlords to government positions has since undermined the country’s early efforts and commitment to reform and disillusioned both citizens and donors.
Cllr. Zoe also reflected on the evolution of the LACC since its establishment in 2008, highlighting that while the Commission was initially limited in its mandate, public demand for accountability led to the expansion of its powers to both investigate and prosecute corruption cases directly.
She narrated, “And today, the LACC not only enforces the law but has also worked to shape public attitudes through education, outreach, and strong partnerships with civil society and the media.”
“Liberia has also taken critical legislative steps with the passage of the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Acts, the National Code of Conduct, and the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman all key components of a growing anti-corruption framework,” the LACC Boss noted.
Cllr. Zoe, at the same time, acknowledged the historic significance of the 2005 democratic elections and the leadership of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in driving early anti-corruption reforms.
The LACC Boss also pointed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which she described as a key mechanism for uncovering past abuses and laying the groundwork for institutional renewal.
She lamented, “But despite the progress, challenges still remain. We are working under tight resources and political pressure, but again, we are undeterred because we know this is a long journey.”
“Good governance and anti-corruption are not just technical issues; they are the foundation for trust, development, and ultimately, peace. As such, restoring security was our initial mandate, but we soon realized that true, enduring peace could only be achieved by embedding integrity into every layer of governance,” Zoe added.
