By Bill W. Cooper
United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Justice, Beth Van Schaack, has disclosed that President Joseph Boakai is expected to release an Executive Order in pursuit of the establishing of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, noting that the Liberian leader has since demonstrated strong commitment for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in the country, ensuring that the culture of impunity comes to an end.
She assured the country that the US Government stands ready to support the Boakai administration through the setting up of the court to prosecute perpetrators of atrocities during the country’s civil war.
The move comes in response to years of calls from the international community, human rights organizations, and several Liberians, for justice to be served for the atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil unrest.
The civil war in Liberia, which lasted from 1989 to 2003, was marked by widespread violence, human rights abuses, as well as war, economic and humanitarian crimes, as all fighting forces, including government forces and rebel groups, were responsible for committing atrocities, including mass killings, rape, torture, and forced recruitment of child soldiers.
But despite the end of the war in 2003, many of those responsible for these crimes have not been held accountable, as some of the alleged perpetrators are now occupying major positions in government, precisely at the level of the Liberian Legislature.
Speaking when she appeared on OK FM radio station yesterday, the US diplomat further revealed that during their interaction at his Capitol Building office, House Speaker, J. Fonatti Koffa, pledged his support to ensuring the establishment of the court in the country.
According to Schaack, who is on a visiting mission to Liberia, the need for holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or status, can never be overemphasized, stressing that it is a crucial step towards achieving justice and reconciliation.
She noted, “Liberia needs justice and the time to ensure that Liberians and victims of War and Economic crimes get justice is now, and this why the US Government, led by President Biden, is committed to ensuring that the court is established in Liberia.”
She then expressed the US Government’s willingness to provide Liberia with all the needed support, emphasizing, “But the Liberian Government has to be accountable to its people. The US is willing to support the government through technical support and financial means to establish the tribunal.”
Schaack, at the same time, highlighted the significant role of the US Government in promoting accountability in West Africa, particularly evident in the pivotal trial of former President, Charles Taylor, by the Sierra Leone Special Court.
She also emphasized the preference for localized hybrid courts over the international tribunals like those in The Hague, without the need for trials in foreign countries, urging for quick action of the recommendations from the TRC.
Meanwhile, as the international community continues to support Liberia in its efforts to address the issues of ending impunity in the country, the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court could be a major achievement for the Boakai administration.
Also, President Boakai’s expected Executive Order is a positive development that signals his commitment to justice and accountability for the crimes committed during Liberia’s civil war, as it is hoped that this move will help to bring closure to the victims of the war and contribute to the long-term peace and stability of the country.
