By Patrick S. Tokpah
-BONG
Bong County District Leader of the Women In Peace Building Network (WIPNET), Garmai Koko, has lauded the government for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court office in Liberia.
Speaking during the closing of a two-day workshop organized by New Narrative in Gbarnga, Madam Koko expressed deep concerns about the current state of Liberia, noting that such a court when established would promote justice and accountability in the country.
“Nobody recognizes us in this country, and there are no jobs for our children,” she added.
Madam Koko highlights the struggles many Liberians face in a nation still feeling the effects of a brutal civil war.
She attributed the lawlessness of Liberia to the absence of a dedicated court for war crimes, stating that those who fought the war in the country and killed innocent children are now in government, enjoying the sweat of the suffering masses.
She further argued that it undermines the rule of law.
The WIPNET Bong County District Leader insisted that those who committed crimes during the civil war should face justice, citing the need for them to be prosecuted by the World Crimes Court to serve as a deterrent for others who might consider committing similar acts.
Sharing the pain of many Liberians, Koko said, “We are victims of the civil war and we are traumatized.”
She reflected on the loss of families during the conflict, saying, “Our families were murdered and slaughtered in cold blood.”
Madam Koko emphasized that many are willing to testify against those responsible for these atrocities in Liberia.
She warned that “where there is no law, there will always be violence,” indicating that the lack of accountability continues to harm the nation development.
The WIPNET District Leader believes that a silent war still persists in Liberia, fueled by unresolved grievances from the past.
She made it clear that once the War and Economic Crimes Court is established, the government must also take further action.
She called for the creation of vocational training, free education, and job opportunities to help rebuild the community.
Moreover, she joined citizens who are seeking justice and a better future for Liberia through the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court; something she said could be a significant step toward healing and accountability in the country.
However, the Program Officer at the Swedish Embassy in Liberia, Johanna Suberu Svanelind, said Sweden remains committed to supporting Liberia’s Peacebuilding initiatives and transitional justice efforts.
“Ending impunity and strengthening the Rule of Law in Liberia will improve the country’s overall development; it will improve access to justice, increase trade opportunities, and it will bring justice to victims,” she added, “If that takes form as a court or something else is up to Liberians to decide. Sweden supports this process, but how future support could look is too early to say. If what is proposed is a costly model, then Sweden will not be able to support it on its own but will need other international partners to come in. I think the office and the Legislature are aware of the challenges and are trying to develop a costly model-efficient model which is realistic and reasonable for the court establishment.”
The New Narrative intensive two-day workshop in Gbarnga was held for journalists from Bong, Nimba and Lofa Counties on reporting on the process of Liberia’s war and economic crimes courts.
The training was facilitated by leading psychosocial and transitional justice experts, including Jallah Barbu, head of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Courts, Tiawan Gongloe, a veteran human rights lawyer; Hassan Bility, director of Global Justice and Research Project; Garmai Koko from the Women in Peacebuilding Network; and Patience Garyeazon from the Liberia Association of Psychosocial Sciences in the County.
