War Crimes Court Office Concludes 4- Day High level Technical Working Workshop

By: Keith Morrison| Staff writer

Monrovia, Liberia-Saturday, April 5, 2025-The office of the War and Economic Crime court had ended a four day technical working workshop with several stakeholders for the Establishment of a special War Crimes Court.

“Liberia’s commitment to upholding the rule of law is something that each person must respect,” says Cllr. Jallah A. Barbue, Director of the War Crimes Court.

Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu highlighted the significance of this initiative as a crucial step towards accountability and justice for past atrocities and wrongs, underscoring Liberia’s dedication to restoring trust in its legal and judicial systems.

He said the establishment of the special war crimes court of Liberia (SWCCL), the government and the people of Liberia aim to demonstrate to the international community their respect for legal frameworks and their resolve to confront the challenges posed by war and economic crimes.

The workshop brought together various stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society organizations, and government representatives to discuss the operational and legal frameworks necessary for the SWCCL.

Cllr. Barbu expressed hope that the collaborative efforts from this workshop will pave the way for a court that not only addresses past grievances but also fosters a culture of accountability and rule of law in Liberia.

This initiative, part of a broader effort to heal the nation and promote justice, signifies Liberia’s determination to progress on the path of transparency and human rights, reinforcing the idea that no one is above the law.

At the same time, Madam Christine N. Umutoni, the United Nations Resident coordinator expressed the UN’s full commitment and support in collaborating with the Liberian government on the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes and Corruption Court.

She furthered that the court looking deeper into the past events suggests a desire for thorough investigations and accountability for war and economic crimes.

She added that the establishment of such a court is crucial for achieving justice, reconciliation, and ensuring that the atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil wars are addressed.

“Exploring different models, the court can adopt best practices from other countries that have navigated similar issues, potentially improving the effectiveness and fairness of the proceedings”.

For her part, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of establishing a court that serves the needs of the people and respects the process.

Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti highlighted that it is crucial for citizens to have a clear understanding of their identity and their discussions regarding the country.

Minister Beysolow noted that the journey toward establishing this court has been ongoing for a long time, and although it should not be halted, it is essential to prioritize and maintain peace throughout the process.

She said the government headed by President Joseph N. Boakai had committed itself to fully supporting the Establishment of the Court.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief