MONROVIA – A renowned clergyman, Prophet Amos Warter Zor, based in the United States, has lauded the Liberian Legislature for endorsing a resolution to establish a war and economic crimes court in Liberia.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
The House of Representatives unanimously endorsed the resolution nearly a month ago, while the Senate recently followed suit, paving the way for the executive branch of the Liberian government to finalize plans for the court’s establishment.
Prophet Zor said the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia will be a significant milestone in ensuring proper deliverance, reconciliation and justice for the nation.
“Deliverance happens morally, physically and spiritually, and we cannot only speak about the spiritual aspect,” he said. “I said before that I travelled to many countries because of the deliverance of Liberia and reconciliation. I believe part of the way forward right now is the establishment of the war and economic crimes court. You cannot talk about deliverance and reconciliation without talking about the court.”
For years, Prophet Zor has advocated for Liberia’s deliverance following decades of political turmoil, starting with the assassination of President William R. Tolbert in 1980 and subsequent violence that led to back-to-back civil wars, claiming an estimated 250,000 lives and causing widespread displacement and economic devastation.
Prophet Zor believes that the tragic events of 1980 have left a curse on the country, emphasizing the urgent need for national deliverance and reconciliation to heal wounds and pave a path towards a better future for all Liberians.
As part of his advocacy, Prophet Zor has engaged with stakeholders globally, including governmental and religious institutions, promoting the message of deliverance and reconciliation. His recent travels took him to Scotland, Luxembourg, France, and Dubai on a fact-finding mission.
During a press conference on his recent visit to Liberia, Prophet Zor said despite two decades of peace and stability, the country still faces challenges. He emphasized that deliverance encompasses moral, physical, and spiritual aspects beyond mere fasting and prayer.
“You must be naive to think that attaining deliverance is only fasting and praying,” Fast and prayer are only the tip of preparation. In this case, fast and prayer or praying and speaking in all the tongues are not enough to bring about deliverance.
The Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, following the Accra Comprehensive Peace Accord, investigated human rights violations and economic crimes from 1979 to 2003, recommending compensation for victims and punishment for perpetrators. It also proposed the establishment of a formal court for serious war crimes and crimes against humanity.
However, opinions on the court’s establishment vary, with some fearing it may deepen divisions while others see it as a step towards justice and closure. Prophet Zor aligns with the latter view, seeing the court as integral to Liberia’s deliverance and reconciliation.
He stressed the need for comprehensive involvement, including law enforcement, security, market traders, and victims, particularly women and children who suffered greatly during the wars. He acknowledged the challenges ahead for the court’s establishment and urged the government to prepare for potential implications.
Prophet Zor emphasized the importance of judgment and truth in addressing past crimes, believing that this process will pave the way for spiritual renewal and national prosperity.
“I believe in judgment. I believe in making people to admit the truth concerning what they have done and paying for their crimes. After that, we will embark on the spiritual aspect—after which we will start to see our country flourishing.”
