Washington, D.C. (The Saharaa) – The lower house of the national legislature in Liberia has taken a historic step by adopting a resolution aimed at establishing a war and economic crimes court. This development coincides with the visit of Dr. Beth Van Schaack, the United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, adding significance to the move.
The resolution, once granted, will pave the way for the enactment of a statute to bring the Court into force. This decision comes decades after the end of the brutal civil war that claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more.
Out of 73 members of the House, 42 have signed the resolution, marking a pivotal moment for the victims of the civil war. Notably, all representatives from Nimba County, the former stronghold of warlord Prince Johnson, voted against the resolution, except for Taa Wongbe. Businessman Musa Bility, who recently won a seat from the county, abstained from the process.
The resolution calls on President Joseph Boakai to collaborate with the United Nations, international partners, institutions, and civil society organizations to establish the Extraordinary Criminal Court in Liberia. It emphasizes the need for trials to adhere to international standards and best practices.
Furthermore, the resolution highlights the connection between economic crimes and war crimes, urging legislative action to establish an Economic Crimes Court for the swift prosecution of corruption and economic crimes.
Recalling the atrocities of the civil wars from 1989 to 2003, the resolution underscores the need for justice. It references the Liberian Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which provided for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address impunity and promote healing and reconciliation.
Despite the enactment of the TRC Act in 2005 and the submission of the TRC’s final report in 2009, which recommended the establishment of an Extraordinary Criminal Court, full implementation of these recommendations has yet to occur. The resolution expresses concern over the lack of prosecutions for crimes committed during the armed conflicts and calls for accountability.
The Lower House resolved to support the full implementation of TRC recommendations, including the establishment of an Extraordinary Criminal Court and pledged to work with President Joseph Nyumah Boakai towards this goal.
Additionally, the resolution emphasizes the importance of conserving the records of the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, highlighting their role in preserving the country’s collective memory, promoting justice, and advancing the democratization process.
In conclusion, the adoption of this resolution signifies a significant step towards justice for the victims of Liberia’s civil war and serves as a tribute to their resilience and sacrifices.
