SALALA DISTRICT, Bong County — For many residents of Salala District, the scars of Liberia’s civil war may have faded from their bodies, but not from their memories.
By Patience M. Jones
On Friday, June 19, women, youth, elders and community leaders gathered in the district not only to discuss reconciliation but to send a powerful message to the nation: Liberia must finally confront its painful past through the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court.
The gathering, organized by Salala District Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, became more than a political meeting.
It was a moment for citizens to reflect on years of suffering, injustice, and the urgent need for accountability.
Speaking to hundreds of residents, Representative Mensah declared that Liberia can no longer afford to tolerate impunity.
“The practice of using government resources for personal gain and taking the law into one’s own hands must stop,” she said.
“Those who committed grave crimes during the civil war must be held accountable.”
Her remarks drew support from many in attendance, some of whom lived through the violence that devastated communities across Liberia.
Representative Mensah pledged her continued support for the national effort to establish the courts, describing justice and accountability as essential ingredients for lasting peace.
“As the elected representative of the people of Salala District, I will continue to support the work of Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu and the national effort to establish both courts,” she said.
The reconciliation event also brought together key advocates for justice and inclusion.
Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), urged Liberians to embrace accountability as a pathway to healing.
“The only way conflicts can truly be resolved is when individuals acknowledge their wrongdoing and accept responsibility for their actions,” Dr. Barbu told the gathering.
He warned against political hostility and encouraged residents to engage opponents peacefully.
“I encourage the people of Salala District to continue engaging political opponents in a civil manner and avoid returning to the dark days of conflict,” he said.
The event also highlighted the role of women in shaping Liberia’s future. Esther Davis Yango, Executive Director of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), challenged women to become active participants in politics and economic development.
“Women deserve a special place in Liberia’s democratic governance, and their rights must be protected,” she said. “They must be part of decision-making processes and development initiatives.”
As the meeting ended, one message echoed throughout the district: peace without justice remains incomplete. For many residents gathered under the reconciliation initiative, supporting the War and Economic Crimes Court is not about revenge—it is about ensuring that future generations inherit a Liberia where no one is above the law.
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