Capitol Building, Capitol Hill, October 26, 2026 – As he received a petition on the War and Economic Crimes Court from a CSO group under the banner National Council of Chiefs Support Office and the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association (LIMASA), House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon tells the petitioners that all is on course at the level of the Legislature for the actualization of the proposal.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Receiving the document on Monday at his Capitol Building office in Monrovia, the Speaker of the 55th Legislature assured petitioners that the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court bills remain on the Legislature’s agenda.
LIMASA, the petitioners, was accompanied by a host of other civil society organizations and war victims, who are seeking justice, national healing, reconciliation and accountability for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts. The move signals the critical importance of the ensuring accountability from what many believe was a nonsensical civil war that ravaged the country for more than 14 years.
Speaker Koon acknowledged the concerns raised by victims and survivors across the country’s 15 counties and said the House leadership understands the importance of the proposed legislation.
Status Of The Proposal
He pointed out that the bills are currently before the relevant committees of both Houses and are undergoing thorough scrutiny.
According to him, the committees have already conducted public hearings and are seeking funding to conduct additional consultations to gather firsthand information from affected communities before submitting comprehensive reports to plenary.
He noted that the proposed legislation involves technical and complex issues that require careful review, adequate public consultation, and detailed explanations to enable lawmakers to make informed decisions.
No Specific Target
Speaker Koon clarified that the proposed bills are not intended to target any particular individual, tribe or religion, but is intended establish a legal framework for addressing war-related and economic crimes and to strengthen the rule of law.
“The committees are expected to continue consultations after the passage of the national budget, with further legislative discussions anticipated in the first session in January 2027. But what I can tell you is that the proposal is not targeted at any specific individual or group,” asserted the House Speaker.
The Montserrado County Electoral District #11 Representative and head of the Liberian Legislature among other things, assured the petitioners of the House’s commitment to responsible deliberation and encouraged them to continue engaging lawmakers throughout the process.
What The Petitioners Say?
Presenting the document, the petitioners emphasized the importance of establishing the proposed court to provide justice for victims and survivors, promote national reconciliation, and deter future atrocities.
They also highlighted concerns raised during public awareness engagements across Liberia’s 15 counties, noting that victims and survivors continue to seek accountability and closure for atrocities committed during the country’s civil wars.
The petitioners then appealed to the House leadership to prioritize the bills, arguing that their enactment would demonstrate Liberia’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and strengthening the rule of law.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
