By Bill W. Cooper
President Joseph Boakai has signed an Executive Order #131, calling for the establishment of the long-awaited office of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, bringing relief to victims of the Liberian civil war.The ceremony took place yesterday at the Executive Mansion, in the presence of several dignitaries, including international partners and members of the Legislature, where the President emphasized the importance of justice and accountability for the atrocities committed during the country’s civil war.
The President’s decision came months after both Houses of the Legislature signed a resolution, which was later sent to the President for his signature, calling for the establishment of the court in the country.
The resolution, signed by both Houses and approved by President Boakai, now marks a significant step towards justice for the victims of the country’s brutal civil war, which lasted from 1989 to 2003 and claimed the lives of an estimated 250,000 people.
Also, President Boakai’s latest decision of signing Executive Order 131 now sets the stage to prosecute individuals responsible for war and economic crimes committed during Liberia’s civil wars.
The historic decision further highlights the need for justice and accountability for the victims of these crimes, many of whom have yet to see any form of justice from past governments since the end of the civil unrest.
The establishment of the WECC has also been a contentious issue in Liberia for many years, as the country’s civil wars, which lasted from 1989 to 2003, were marked by widespread atrocities and human rights abuses.
But despite the end of the wars, many of those responsible for these crimes have not been held accountable, with some of the alleged perpetrators now occupying key positions in the Liberian government, especially at the level of Legislature.
Furthermore, human rights organizations and international bodies, including the United States Government, have all long called for the establishment of a court to prosecute individuals responsible for war and economic crimes in Liberia.
The court, once established, would be tasked with investigating and prosecuting individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and economic crimes committed during the civil war, including atrocities such as mass killings, rape, torture, and looting of natural resources.
Remarking during the signing ceremony, President Boakai said, “I have gathered you all here this afternoon for a noble purpose that has far-reaching positive implications for our country.”
“We have endured a tragic and violent misadventure that scarred the nation for more than 14 years, and it’s time to bring justice and closure to these memories. To pave the way for a just, healed, and reconciled future, the National Legislature has passed a separate and joint resolution,” he said.
According to the President, the lawmakers’ overwhelming vote shows that for peace and harmony to prevail, justice and healing are the perfect grounds, and as such, it is incumbent upon them as leaders to act now on behalf of the citizenry and take tangible steps towards a better future.
Commending the Legislature for what he described as their commitment to justice and peace, Boakai intoned, “The interfaith community and the victims have been asking for a long time for justice to be served.”
He maintained, “They have been holding themselves back in fear of violence. It is important for the nation to come together and address the causes and effects of the violence that has plagued us.”
“We must justly apportion the blame and rewards, and show our commitment to justice and the rule of law. We cannot allow impunity to stand on our watch. Therefore, I fully support the efforts of the National Legislature in this matter.
As such, on this Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, I have signed and issued Executive Order #131, which establishes the office of a War and Economic Crimes Court for this purpose, because we believe that taking a firm stand against injustice and impunity is crucial for restoring respectability and integrity to our country, as well as promoting reconciliation,” Boakai asserted.
The President added, “As proud citizens of Liberia, we encourage everyone to contribute their efforts towards this goal. By doing so, we can move forward as a nation and leave behind the dark memories of our past, and may God bless our nation.”
Meanwhile, following the signing of the Executive Order, United States Charge d’affaires to Liberia, Catherine Rodriguez, said, “I commend President Joseph N. Boakai for taking this historic and courageous step to bring justice and accountability for the atrocities committed during the Liberian civil wars.”
“The United States firmly supports Liberia’s establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and stands ready to assist all Liberians as it moves forward,” a US release added.
As Liberia moves forward with the establishment of the court, the WECC is seen as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to address the impact of the civil war and promote accountability for past crimes, promoting justice, reconciliation, and peace, and ensuring that the victims of the civil war are not forgotten.
