Washington, D.C. – A significant development is underway in Liberia as a resolution for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court is set to be introduced in the lower house of the National Legislature next week. The impetus behind this move comes in the wake of a visit by Beth Van Schaack, the US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, to Liberia.
While the specific details of the resolution remain shrouded in secrecy, it is anticipated that the trial will take place in Accra, Ghana. Diplomatic sources suggest that alleged perpetrators from Liberia’s 14-year brutal fratricidal conflict could face justice in this neighboring West African nation.
Liberia’s Painful History
Liberia’s civil war began in 1989, and although most violence subsided by 1997, renewed clashes in 2003 drew international attention. The conflict resulted in the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force to the country. Tragically, an estimated 150,000 people—equivalent to one in twenty Liberians—lost their lives during this tumultuous period. The war involved widespread atrocities, including the killing and rape of civilians, as well as the forced recruitment of child soldiers.
In 1989, Charles Taylor led an incursion from the northeast, marking the start of the civil war. Taylor had garnered external support from Burkina Faso, Libya, and Côte d’Ivoire, while his internal backing primarily came from the Gios and Manos ethnic groups. Within months, the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) split from Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL). The INPFL went on to assassinate President Samuel Doe in 1990, but fighting persisted between Doe’s Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the NPFL, and the INPFL.
The Venue: Accra, Ghana
Ghana has emerged as the likely venue for hosting Liberia’s long-awaited War and Economic Crimes Court. However, there are already reservations about this choice. Jerome Verdier, former head of Liberia’s erstwhile Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has expressed concerns. In a recent appearance on OK FM, Cllr. Verdier, now a war crimes court advocate based in the United States, emphasized that establishing the court outside Liberia would deprive Liberians of the social and economic benefits associated with such a tribunal.
“Liberians should have the benefit of seeing justice,” Cllr. Verdier asserted. “The economic benefits, the healing and recovery process—all of these should take place within Liberia.”
Balancing Justice and Practical Considerations
International stakeholders advocating for a war and economic crimes court are grappling with several considerations. First, there are fears that protests in favor of some of the accused could disrupt proceedings if the trial were held in Liberia. Additionally, concerns exist regarding the economic benefits to Ghana compared to Liberia, where donor funds are urgently needed.
Reports indicate that approximately US$200 million has been earmarked to sponsor the trial. Despite these challenges, Cllr. Verdier dismisses the notion that holding the court in Liberia would negatively impact the country’s security. He believes that Liberians are no longer willing to return to war merely to appease a few dissenting voices.
President Boakai’s Decision
The final decision rests with President Joseph Boakai. While he has expressed willingness to support the establishment of the court, diplomatic sources reveal growing frustration over his pace in pushing for its realization. The signing of an executive order remains uncertain, leaving observers eager to see how this critical chapter in Liberia’s history unfolds.
In a recent interview with war crimes advocate Allan White, President Joseph Boakai expressed his endorsement for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia. His statements underscore the urgent need for truth and accountability regarding the devastating civil conflict that scarred the nation.
Seeking Justice and Truth
President Boakai emphasized that Liberians deserve to know the unvarnished truth about the 14-year brutal fratricidal conflict that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced countless others. The war, which began in 1989, left deep wounds in the fabric of Liberian society. Impunity, disrespect for justice, and disregard for human rights have haunted the nation for far too long.
“In every country, especially one that has celebrated 176 years of independence,” President Boakai asserted, “we must confront our past. Let all the facts come to light. Innocence or guilt should be proven, allowing us to move forward as a nation. This is not a witch-hunt; it’s a matter of testifying to the truth.”
Liberians Demand Closure
The President acknowledged that many individuals who participated in the civil war recognize the importance of transparency. Regardless of their allegiances during the conflict, they share a common desire for the truth to emerge. “The truth is truth,” President Boakai affirmed. “Each person has been affected, and we should find solace in finally closing this painful chapter of our history.”
A Pledge in January
During his inaugural address in January, President Boakai made a resolute commitment to justice. “We have decided to establish an office to explore the feasibility of creating a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC),” he declared. The court aims to hold accountable those who bear the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. By providing an opportunity for testimony and accountability, the WECC seeks to pave the way for healing and reconciliation.
Challenges and Frustrations
While the path toward justice is clearer than ever, challenges remain. The choice of Accra, Ghana as the trial venue has sparked debate. Some argue that hosting the court outside Liberia could deprive Liberians of the social and economic benefits associated with such proceedings. However, international stakeholders are concerned that protests and security risks might disrupt the trial if held within Liberia.
Reports indicate that approximately US$200 million has been allocated to sponsor the trial. Despite these concerns, President Boakai remains steadfast in his commitment to truth and accountability.
Diplomatic Tensions
Diplomatic sources reveal growing frustration over President Boakai’s pace in pushing for the court’s establishment. The signing of an executive order remains uncertain, leaving observers eager to witness the unfolding of this critical chapter in Liberia’s history.
As the resolution heads to the House floor next week, the eyes of the nation—and the world—are fixed on Liberia’s pursuit of justice and closure.
