Monrovia—The Liberia Massacre Survivors Association (LIMASA), with support from the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), has hosted a one-day public forum to gather the views of Liberians on the establishment of a War Crimes Court in the country.
By: Francis G. Boayue
The event, led by LIMASA Executive Director Peter K. Sonyah, was held on Thursday in Paynesville, providing a platform for citizens to voice their opinions on whether Liberia should move forward with establishing the court.
Renowned Liberian human rights lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, delivered the keynote address. Speaking at the forum, Cllr. Gongloe praised President Joseph Boakai for taking significant steps toward making the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court a national priority.
“President Boakai has passed the test of a good leader by making the court’s establishment a central issue,” Cllr. Gongloe stated, adding that this decision reflects the growing demand from civil society organizations, including LIMASA, for justice and accountability in Liberia.
He emphasized that the court’s success depends on the full cooperation of victims and eyewitnesses.
“The work of the War and Economic Crimes Court will not succeed without the active participation of those who suffered during the civil conflict. Victims and survivors must come forward with their stories, evidence, and testimonies,” he said.
Cllr. Gongloe further stressed that this participation is not only necessary for legal reasons but is also a moral obligation.
“By sharing their experiences, victims can help ensure that those responsible for war crimes and economic crimes are held accountable. This is not about revenge, but about justice, closure, and the restoration of dignity,” he added. “It also ensures that Liberia does not repeat its painful history.”
For his part, European Union Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, also made remarks during the event.
She acknowledged the challenges faced in establishing the court, such as the lack of political will from some leaders and opposition from those benefiting from impunity. However, she remained optimistic about the future of the process.
“The EU and its Member States continue to actively monitor developments as the concrete next steps of this Liberian-led and Liberian-owned process unfold,” said Ambassador Deprez.
Amb. Deprez words: “We are hopeful that this initiative will end impunity for war and economic crimes while promoting national reconciliation and lasting peace.”
