The president of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) Sylvester D. Rennie, and the newly accredited U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark C. Toner, met recently and held a significant discussion on key issues affecting Liberia’s justice system and bilateral relations.
The meeting took place at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia during the Transitional Justice Stakeholders Roundtable, hosted in honor of the LNBA and other transitional justice actors.
In a release dated August 21, 2024, the LNBA expressed enthusiasm and congratulated Ambassador Toner on his new role, noting the importance of his appointment by President Joe Biden in strengthening the traditional ties between Liberia and the United States.
Both parties emphasized the necessity of establishing a war and economic crimes court in Liberia, a move they believe will address past atrocities and bring justice to victims of the country’s protracted civil conflicts, as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC).
The LNBA highlighted that the roundtable meeting, organized by Ambassador Toner, was designed to foster acquaintance and facilitate a deeper discussion on the role of the Bar and civil society in supporting President Joseph Boakai’s government in tackling transitional justice issues.
The Bar stressed that the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and Liberia in advancing rule of law and accountability.
Ambassador Toner reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to work alongside the LNBA and other relevant institutions to address legal and governance challenges in Liberia.
The LNBA noted that promoting the rule of law is central to the U.S. approach in supporting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.
The LNBA underscored the critical role of access to legal services in reducing poverty, promoting gender equality, and fostering sustainable development in Liberia.
They argued that ensuring justice is a fundamental aspect of protecting human rights and supporting democratic institutions.
In related news, the LNBA also commended the United Nations Peace Building Commission (PBC) Liberia configuration for its recent meeting on August 19, 2024, in New York.
The session, chaired by Sweden’s Ambassador to the UN, focused on transitional justice and youth, peace, and security.
The PBC meeting aimed to discuss Liberia’s peace building priorities, including support for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court and the development of a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security.
The LNBA emphasized that the international community’s support is crucial for advancing Liberia’s peace building and transitional justice efforts.
