Abuja, Nigeria – The Liberia Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament has reported significant strides towards ensuring justice for victims of the civil conflict, which lasted over 14 years and claimed over 200,000 lives. The delegation emphasized that the Liberian Legislature passed a Joint Resolution to establish a war and economic crimes court to bring those responsible for war and economic crimes to justice.
By Jaheim T. Tumu, [email protected]
This statement was part of Liberia’s Country Reports, presented during the ongoing 2024 Ordinary Session of the Regional Parliament. The report highlighted progress in various areas, including politics, security, the economy, human rights protection, and ECOWAS assistance.
Presenting the report, the head of delegation, Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe stated that Liberia’s political situation remains stable under the Joseph Boakai-led administration following a free, fair, and transparent democratic process in the November 2023 presidential election.
Senator Snowe remarked, “In an elaborate ceremony that brought together two ex-presidents of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, 24th President of Liberia, and H.E. George Manneh Weah, 25th President of the Republic of Liberia, along with dignitaries from Africa, the United States, the European Union, and Asia.”
A notable development in Liberia’s efforts to address past injustices and promote accountability was the establishment of the office of the war and economic crimes. Senator Snowe highlighted the creation of the office for war and economic crimes and the appointment of an executive director as evidence of the government’s commitment to tackling these issues.
“The appointment of an Ombudsman to oversee the Code of Conduct further enhances accountability and adherence to ethical standards,” he added.
Senator Snowe acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by regional insecurity, especially with the emergence of communist influence. He expressed concern over the delay in the turnover of power by military leaders who seized power through coups in the sub-region over the last four years. This situation continues to pose security risks for Liberia, which is still recovering its fragile peace and security after the departure of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
Internally, the drug trade is one of the leading threats to Liberia’s security, impacting young people who make up over 60% of the population. Senator Snowe emphasized that Liberia is a major transit point for drug trafficking. While the domestic drug market is limited, the country’s ports and territory provide favorable conditions for smugglers. Senator Snowe noted that further exacerbating the problem is the in-house fighting among authorities of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.
He was referring to the internal wrangling that marred the LDEA which led to the suspension of Col. Abraham Kromah, the agency’s head and his two deputies.
Regarding national reconciliation, Senator Snowe noted the need for healing after the heavily contested presidential and legislative elections in October and November 2023. Critics of the government argue that more needs to be done to reconcile the country, pointing to ongoing tensions between the ruling and opposition parties.
