Leading local and international human rights organizations have joined together to issue a statement urging Liberian President Joseph Boakai to renew an executive order for the Office of War and Economics Crimes Court set to expire tomorrow, May 1.

By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives

The groups, including the Liberian based Civil Society Advocacy Platform of Liberia, Global Justice and Research Project, and international organizations, Civitas Maxima, Center for Justice and Accountability and Human Rights Watch, said the president must step up now – when cuts to US government aid have cast a cloud over the transitional justice process – to show the Liberian people his serious commitment to the court.   

“Liberia’s quest to bring closure for victims of civil war atrocities, and ensure their access to justice, remains a major priority,” said Adama Dempster, secretary-general of the Civil Society Human Rights Platform of Liberia. “We call for government and international support to ensure the establishment of the court.”

The group also released a joint 10-page report, that it has submitted to the UN Human Rights Council ahead of its fourth review of its human rights record in November as part of the “Universal Periodic Review” of its actions to improve the human rights situation in the country.

The joint report the government of a “persistent lack of accountability for the crimes and human rights violations committed during the civil wars and calls for the development of a concrete plan to establish a War and Economic Crimes court.” The report said the government should also “set out a clear timeline for the establishment of the war crimes court, including reporting obligations on the advancement, and ensure transparency in the working methods of the war crimes court Office.”

President Boakai sparked a wave of excitement and energy for the court during the early days of his government, breaking ranks with Liberia’s previous two post-war presidents to commit to establishing a court and implementing outstanding recommendations of the country’s 2009 Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He signed an executive order on May 2, 2024 to establish an office to establish a war and economics crimes court.

The Office was mired in controversy early when the president was forced to withdraw his first appointment to head the Office because of an outcry over the lack of transparency in the appointment process. The second appointee, Dr. Jallah Barbu, has repeatedly expressed frustration with the government’s slow speed in sending funds allocated in the national budget. Dr. Barbu has also demanded a four-fold funding increase to the $300,000 allocated in the 2025 budget.

This year the court was dealt another major blow when the incoming US Trump administration slashed international aid across the world, all but ending hope that the US would provide the majority of the $10 million to $60 million experts estimated was needed for the court. Last week Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, announced the State Department was closing the Office of Global Criminal Justice, which had already allocated funding to support the court and which was expected to provide more.

With the one-year executive order expiring on Thursday the Office has not sent a bill to the Legislature to establish the court – the key objective of the executive order. Dr. Barbu, is expected to report a range of actions undertaken by his office since he took the job in November in a report to President Boakai Wednesday. President Boakai has not given any sign of whether he intends to renew the executive order.

Human rights groups expressed frustration at the slow progress of the Office and urged the government to establish an oversight body for the Office to speed the process. “Establish an independent committee comprised of government officials, a member of the Independent National Commission of Human Rights, international and regional legal experts, and civil society actors from various sectors that is mandated to advise the government on the court’s creation,” they said. “Engage with the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and other international and regional partners to secure technical and financial assistance to develop a credible war crimes court. This may include requesting from international partners adequate support (such as e.g. logistics, operational and legal expertise etc.) and funding for programs designed to improve Liberia’s judiciary and criminal justice system to ensure an effective war crimes court, victims’ access to justice and the right of the accused to a fair trial.”

“Any Executive Order adopted for the extension of the Office should be replaced by legislation in the shortest delays to ensure a continued and sustainable operation of the Office and eventually the war crimes court,” said the organizations in their report. They called on the president to “renew the executive order and ensure sufficient funding is in place so that the necessary work to establish the court can accelerate.”   

They called on the “Office to adopt an action plan, or ‘roadmap,’ to advance preparation for the court’s establishment,” a plan they said “should address the model on which the war crimes court will be designed; the composition of the court; a clear procedure for the election and appointment of its officials; a proposed budget; and efforts needed for the adoption of a statute, among other issues, and have clear action points and intended outcomes.” 

“A comprehensive roadmap that can ensure the Office has both the resources and mandate to fulfill its key mission—establishing a sustainable war crimes court—is therefore vital and urgent,” said Mr. Hassan Bility, director of Global Justice and Research Project, in the report. “We urge the Office to move swiftly in the adoption and implementation of such a plan of action.”

During a FrontPage Africa/New Narratives interview on the margins of the 35^th memorial service last month for the estimated 600 people killed in the Carter Camp massacre 35 years ago, Dr. Barbu said a bill for the court would be ready  “very soon.” He said a roadmap, encompassing security and location, for the court and Liberia’s transitional justice process on the overall, was also being developed.

The expiration of the executive order comes as Mark Toner, US Ambassador to Liberia, met with Dr. Barbu and his team on Friday, giving justice actors hope that some US funding might be found. In a Facebook post by the embassy, Ambassador Toner is quoted as saying they had “a great meeting. The team is off to an impressive start to bring long-overdue justice to Liberia and end the culture of impunity. Their work is making a real contribution to Liberia’s long-term prosperity and stability. Thanks for hosting me and keep up the good work!”

In response to an FPA/NN email inquiry the embassy said, “the Ambassador was impressed with how much the OWECC (Office of the War and Economics Crimes Court) has accomplished while acknowledging more work needs to be done to bring long-overdue justice to Liberia and end the culture of impunity.” It said he “expressed his hope that the Executive Order extending the OWECC’s mandate would be signed soon, so it’s important work can continue.” 

On the question of support for the court, the embassy said, “Since the OWECC EO was announced, the U.S. has supported the initiative with three sets of technical visits.  We will continue to stay engaged and explore possibilities for future assistance.”

Dr. Barbu didn’t respond to a request for an official comment on the meeting.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Toner held a separate meeting with Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Liberia’s justice minister, on Monday. In a Facebook post, the justice ministry said the discussion covered “progress made on the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), the impasse at the House of Representatives , as well as progress made in the investigation of the fire incident at the Capitol building early this year.” Minister Tweh didn’t directly comment on the court, but did say that “the government of Liberia will do everything legal within its power to ensure that Liberia continue to be a safe and conducive environment for all Liberians, its international partners and the protection of current and potential investments opportunities for the betterment of all its citizens,” according to the post.

Cllr. Oswald Tweh did not respond to requests for comment on the report.

It’s been close to 22 years since Liberia’s civil wars. Despite its international obligation, Liberia has yet to hold anyone to account for their alleged crimes. The human rights organizations’ report commended Liberian governments for creating an “enabling environment for criminal cases to move forward in other jurisdictions.” That referred to the growing support in the Weah and Boakai governments’ for international investigators and, in once case a court, to operate in Liberia to pursue more than 15 cases against accused perpetrators who had relocated to Europe or the United States. Those cases were based on evidence gathered by American and European investigations following complaints by Global Justice and Research Project and its partners, Civitas Maxima and Center for Justice and Accountability, on behalf of victims.

The international organizations also raised the issue of reparations for victims. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report recommended $US500 million in reparations payments to victims and communities of the wars over a 30-year period. Despite a promise at a UN meeting in August, the Boakai administration has yet to openly apologize to Liberians for the wars, or make note of any plan for reparations. The human rights organizations urged the government to make the issue a top priority especially as victims get older.

“The reparation scheme remains an urgent need, as many of the victims continue to suffer from

severe bodily harm and psychological trauma,” said the report.

The report also called out Liberia for failing to engage victims in a reconciliation process. It said Liberia had constructed just 10 war memorials and “very little has been done to engage participation of victims and their families as well as civil society organizations active in seeking justice for past crimes. The process of building memorials was not inclusive or holistic, and it left out significant stakeholders.”

The human rights organizations have also called on the government to ensure the protection of victims and witnesses who testify in trials overseas, as well as human rights defenders. Witnesses and human rights defenders have been subjected to numerous threats in the course of the international trials.

This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was provided by the Swedish Embassy in Liberia which had no say in the story’s content.

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.”

MONROVIA, Liberia— Liberia took a major step to end war time impunity this month when President Joseph Boakai issued an executive order to establish an office for a war crimes court to try those “bearing the greatest responsibility” for atrocities in civil wars that ended in 2003 and left 250,000 people dead.

By Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

As advocates celebrated the court, they have now turned to key questions: How will the office work? What is the timing for a court? And, most importantly, who will lead it? Many factions are lobbying, but advocates appear united on one thing:

“We have agreed, along with the United States and other international partners, that the court will be Liberian-led and have advised the Liberian Government to have the Court based on Liberian soil,” said Hassan Bility, Director of the Liberian based Global Justice and Research Project, which together with its Swiss partner, Civitas Maxima, has unearthed evidence that led to prosecutions of accused perpetrators in European and American courts. He warned opponents not to risk U.S. anger by putting roadblocks in the way of a court. “We hope that the Liberian Legislature will not erect unnecessary hurdles. Those intending to disrupt this effort may face some form of sanctions.”

The office for the court will be headed by an executive director, who “shall be an astute lawyer of impeccable character,” according to the declaration. A search is underway for that leader. Court advocates were divided over who that person should be. All refused to go on record because they could be “consulted by the president’s office on the matter.” But they told Front Page Africa/New Narratives that Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, a former president of the Liberian National Bar Association, renowned human rights lawyer and 2023 presidential candidate is a front runner.

“Gongloe is better suited than any person,” one advocate said. “We want someone known with a track record and with trust.”

Also, among those named are: Cllr. Dr. Jallah A. Barbue, Dean of the School of Law at the University of Liberia, ex-chair of a special committee of the Bar that drafted the bill for a war crimes court and a 2017 presidential candidate; Cllr. T. Negbalee Warner, Barbue’s predecessor at the law school; Cllr. Frances Johnson Allison, a former Liberian Chief Justice, and Cllr. Jerome Verdier, former Chairman of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission who now lives in the U.S. Legal scholars said whoever is chosen will determine the model, scope, and duration of the courts, their set up procedures and mechanisms. The Liberian government has allocated an initial $US500,000 to the office. No start date has been set.

One big question is funding. In a 2022 visit to Liberia Beth Van Schaack, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, committed support for the court saying, “the US government is willing to support through technical and financial means to establish a tribunal.” US government sources confirmed that no dollar amount has been discussed.

Experts say international donors will be resistant to fork out anything like the blown out $US300 million cost of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. They will be looking at other models, including the lower cost trial of Hissène Habre, the former Chadian dictator, in Senegal in 2016. The special tribunal created by the African Union under a deal with Senegal was a ‘hybrid’ court that blended international and national justice systems. The court, trying just one defendant, cost less than $US12m. A Gambian court, moving towards trials of officials under former dictator Yahya Jammeh and perhaps Jammeh himself, is another model.

One big factor in cost will be how many people are tried. The TRC report recommended the prosecution of 116 “Most Notorious Perpetrators” but the number to face trial will likely be far fewer. The Sierra Leone Special Court indicted 13 alleged perpetrators, including former Liberian president Charles Taylor. Will Taylor, serving a 50-year prison sentence in the United Kingdom for his role in Sierra Leone, be tried? What about others who have been convicted by courts in the United States and Europe? Extraditions and security involved in such exercises will add to costs.

International donors are discussing a starting figure of at least $US150m. That might be a hard sell as voters in European nations, traditional backers of these trials, increasingly support populist leaders who are less interested in Africa. Another factor will be the U.S. presidential elections in November. While the Biden administration has given strong backing to Liberia’s transitional justice process it is not clear a second Trump administration would do the same. The U.S. November election date might force some urgency on the part of Liberian court proponents.

The court may also face challenges indicting and detaining sitting legislators such as Senator Prince Johnson who tops the TRC list of perpetrators. Bility said indictments will only come after new investigations by investigators of the court though they may use evidence gathered by the TRC and international trials. But he expects that once the case is made indictees will be detained.

“They will be in detention while their prosecutions are going on, after their arrest, based on credible and internationally standardized evidence. There are examples like the courts for Rwanda, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Yugoslavia,” said Bility. He said once the court is established the investigations will take time. “It will take at least six months to have the first person on trial. There’s zero evidence against anybody accused by the TRC now. Everything will have to start over.”

The hybrid nature of the court is essential because many of the crimes to be tried by Liberia’s court are crimes in international law that are not covered by domestic laws, said Tenneh B. Dalieh Tehoungue, a PhD candidate researching universal jurisdiction, transitional justice, peacebuilding, and reconciliation at the Dublin City University in Ireland.

“Liberia is a signatory to the Geneva conventions, the Rome Statute,” said Tehoungue. “Liberia, with its state obligations, can give the authority to the court to adjudicate all international crimes. The crimes that are going to be admissible before the court are war crimes and crimes against humanity. We are speaking of massacres, rape as a weapon of mass destruction, castration of young men and women. You cannot classify them as national crimes that should be dealt with by national processes.”

Meanwhile the campaigners who have mounted the long battle to bring a court to fruition have been in the United States courting support at the State Department and Congress. The message has been clear: given the United States’ long and close ties to Liberia the country has a moral and strategic interest in seeing justice happen to set the struggling nation on a new path that will bolster accountability and the rule of law.

Adama Dempster, also in Washington D.C. for meetings with Amb. Van Schaack and other U.S. State Department and congressional leaders, praised the U.S. for supporting the court. He also challenged President Boakai “to write to the United Nations requesting assistance as a state party in keeping with its international human rights obligations, the international community, African Union and Economic Community of West African States to provide assistance to Liberia in the lead up to setting up the court.”

John Stewart, who served as a commissioner for Liberia’s TRC, said by WhatsApp that the court “means vindication that our consistent and persistent efforts to keep alive hopes for justice and accountability have not gone in vain.”

This was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was provided by the Swedish Embassy in Liberia. The funder had no say in the story’s content.

Dear President Boakai:

                  The Coalition for Justice in Liberia (CJL) welcomes you and your delegation to the United States of America.  The CJL is a group of Liberian expatriates and war victims living in the United States, who are seeking justice for the victims of Liberia’s civil wars. 

We are writing to express our deep gratitude to you for your work toward establishing a war and economic crimes court in Liberia.  As you are aware, such a court is greatly needed in Liberia.  Your Executive Order establishing an Office of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (the “Office”) and commitment to establishing a war and economic crimes court are important steps forward in bringing justice to Liberian war victims.  The CJL strongly encourages you to take further swift action in this direction.   

                  To be specific, the CJL requests that you ask the United Nations for support in establishing and operating the war and economic crimes court. The United Nations has resources that can greatly assist our nation in the operation of the new tribunal. 

In the recent past, the United Nations has helped establish special courts to deal with war crimes in Rwanda, former Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, and Lebanon.  Thus, the United Nations has knowledge, experience and resources that can greatly help Liberia with the tribunal.  We should take advantage of the lessons learned in these other jurisdictions.  Doing so will enable Liberia to establish a respectful, impartial, and effective court, that can lay the foundation for a stronger society.  

It is possible to act on this immediately.  Your delegation can approach the United Nations while you are here in the United States.  As you know, the United Nations sits in New York City — merely a phone call away from your current visiting locations in Dallas, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia.  We recommend a call to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Office of the Legal Advisor at the United Nations, to get their advice on the next step. 

It is imperative that this project continues to move forward. Crimes committed against humanity are not a victimless crime. Liberia’s war victims are real people — they are your fellow citizens who have been forced to live with the scars, agony and sorrow of the civil wars that devastated Liberia.  The victims’ prolonged quests for justice have for the most part been ignored.  Mr. President, as you are aware, justice delayed is tantamount to justice denied.  Peace, political stability, and economic development are undermined by the absence of justice.

For these reasons, the CJL implores you to approach the United Nations for guidance, direction, and expertise in establishing and operating Liberia’s war and economic crimes court. The time for acting on this matter is now.

                  In addition to involving the United Nations, the CJL strongly recommends that your government staff the Office with international experts and ordinary Liberian citizens, whose characters are above reproach. Specifically, we entreat your office to look beyond the Liberian Judiciary and Bar Association. As you know, the Liberian Judiciary is plagued by corruption, incompetence, and pervasive bribery. The Liberian people do not have faith in the judges and most lawyers who practice law in Liberia.  As a process, this important office needs to be credible, impartial, and driven by the highest moral and ethical considerations. This cannot be done solely on the age-old political and economic connections. If necessary, the CJL encourages your administration to consider staff for the Office and the court from outside of Liberia, including persons in the Liberian diaspora.

Finally, Mr. President, the CJL encourages you to include Liberian war victims in the Office and the court.  The victims of the Liberian civil wars should have a place at the table, have voice in the process, and take ownership of the court.  We are concerned that certain persons are attempting to undermine the work of the Office and the eventual court, for political and/or financial reasons.  Mr. President, the CJL calls on you to reject these outside efforts, and to embrace the concept of victims’ participation in this process.  

                  Mr. President, we hope you have had an enjoyable and productive trip to the United States.  Once again, the CJL welcomes you and your delegation to the United States. The CJL looks forward to a favorable response from your office.

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 – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

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.”

Monrovia – The hopes of several warlords who continue to live with impunity are expected to be dashed by what may be seen as a robust decision that has dangled along the way for several years, as the Liberian Senate takes a major decision today, Tuesday, April 9, on the establishment of War and Economics Crimes Court at its regular session.

By Willie N. Tokpah/0777039231

The divulgence was made by Senate Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence, on her official Facebook page, Monday, April 8.

Senate Lawrence displayed snapshots of several members of the upper house signing a document that is believed to be a hint of their approval to establish the court, long craved by victims of the Liberian civil crisis, who still see their predators, most of whom are enjoying public offices, noting that there is a need to end the culture of impunity.

Senate Lawrence noted that the Upper House decision is predicated upon advice from members of the Committees on Judiciary, Defense, Security, and Intelligence to give justice to those who were harmed as the result of the civil unrest. 

In her Facebook post, she noted: “The public is invited to follow the Senate session tomorrow, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, as a major decision will be taken on calls for the establishment of thr war and economic crimes court.

The Senate notes the concerns of the public concerning the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, however, members of the Senate have relied on advice from members of the Committee on Judiciary, Defense, Security, and Intelligence.

The public can be assured that just as they are concerned and interested in ending the culture of impunity in Liberia, Senators are also interested in ending what has been a long-standing issue of impunity, but have been keen on taking the appropriate steps.

Below are senators making their position clear on the issue of the court establishment.”

FrontPageAfrica has not gathered how many of these senators are taking a position on the establishment of the court, as rumors have it that Senator Prince Y. Johnson and others associated with the civil crisis are seriously opposing the establishment of the court.

Victims of the Liberian civil crisis, many of whom still carried the scars continue to demand justice for the ghastliness that affected them.

The concurrence by the Senate would give relief to those who have long waited to seek justice for several years since the end of the war in Liberia.

MONROVIA – Former Liberian warlord turned Senator, Thomas Yaya Nimely, has sounded a caveat to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to suspend his quest to ensure the establishment of a war and economic crime court in Liberia during this initial stage of his government, and concentrate on finding solutions to issues confronting the nation and its citizens.

By Obediah Johnson

Senator Nimely was the Founder of the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL), a rebel group which ousted and forced into exile former Liberian President Charles Ghankay Taylor.

MODEL was accused of multiple human rights violations, including atrocities, murder, rape, sexual abuse, among others by the erstwhile Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

For weeks now, the Unity Party (UP) led-government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has been under intense international pressure to ensure the establishment of the court to prosecute war and economic crimes perpetrators.

Liberia suffered a 14-year civil conflict. An estimated 250,000 people died during the conflict, according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) final report. Many believed that the formation of the court would help end the culture of impunity and bring justice to the victims.

As a result of this, members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 5 endorsed a resolution calling for the establishment of the court in the country.

Senator Nimely remains one of those recommended for prosecution at a war crime court for Liberia.

But speaking at a news conference held at his Capitol Building office in Monrovia on Wednesday, March 6, Senator Nimely observed that the UP led-government of President Boakai is not applying wisdom in working out modalities for the establishment of a war and economic crime court in Liberia.

He said government should suspend its unwavering stance to ensure that the court is established and concentrate on finding solutions to issues confronting Liberia and its citizens.

 “This government is just two months old and is in power for six years-you promised your citizens who were denied by the former government and criticize them that they didn’t do well and I am coming to rescue you; where is that wisdom? The people have been waiting for you to rescue them. What happened to the rice price? Why don’t you rescue first? Rescue first and don’t worry about Thomas Yaya Nimely.”

“Whether you put me in jail or not, I got a hell. Why worry about me and leave the rest of the population? 90% of this population is at a younger age. What are you worried about Prince Johnson? Rescue the nation.”

Senator Nimely said government should pay keen attention towards improving the country’s health, educational and other sectors and better road connectivity instead of hastily going after those who participated in civil wars in Liberia.

Undermining programs

He observed that it is not timely for the government to establish the court in the post-conflict society.

“War crime court should not be in your 100 days. Take it from your 100 days and put it into your 4^th year. When you are leaving power and you bring war crime court, nobody will care.”

Senator Nimely threatened that the agenda and programs of the UP led-administration would be undermined if President Boakai and his government continue to proceed with the formalities leading to the establishment of the court just few months into his presidency.

Predicting confusion in a fragile state

He said the move would cause confusion in the country due to the fragility of the nation.

“Liberia is still fragile; we are peaceful but not stable. This is not a stabilized country. Things are going on day and night here. This President needs to listen, work and analyze. War crime court, move it from the agenda now. ”

Senator Nimely claimed that the Liberian constitution does not allow foreigner to become citizens of Liberia and as such, government should ensure that foreigners do not interfere with the will of the people by encouraging the President to go after ex-warlords.

“Rescue the 4.5 million people who are younger than 40 years old. We know that you want justice, but that’s not how you will want to see justice in your first three months in government when the resumes of your ministers, deputy and assistant ministers are piling up in my office and we have not confirmed them yet. Look at your policy you have to rescue this country and transfer and tell the young people on the radio stations to stop talking about war crime court so that your can’t deviate from this government’s policy.”

When quizzed whether he is moved by the decision taken by lawmakers from the House of Representatives affixing their signatures to a resolution calling for the establishment of the court, Senator Nimely stated: “The House of Senate is the House of Elders. The people in the lower House (of Representatives), there are some that can analyze and some that do not analyze.”

He accused Representatives who signed the resolution for a war crime court of receiving US$1000 each to sign the document.

He said those who signed the resolution did not take into consideration the future of the nation.

“You want to take me to war crime court; I can guarantee you that I will walk back home.”

The latest opposition against the formation of the court from Senator Nimely brings to two the number of ex-warlords that have been consistently wailing against it in less than two days.

On Tuesday, Senator Prince Johnson claimed to be having a strained relationship with President Boakai (the man he supported and canvassed for during the 2023 elections), since news of the establishment of the court went viral in the country.

Senator Johnson, who is affectionately known as PYJ, was the head of the notorious rebel group Independent National Patriotic Front (INPFL) which captured, ousted and brutally killed ex-Liberian President Samuel Kanyan Doe, in September 1990.

He claimed that the Liberian leader was no longer responding to his phone calls.

“Mr. Boakai has even refused to pick up my phone because of his connection with the Allan White group, as he feels that I am a war criminal. But we are watching. They want to do something clandestine against us, and we are not going to accept that,” Senator Johnson said.

He added, “My people in Nimba County were killed in cold blood, and we fought in defense. We gave you votes, and you want to go after us? We are not going to accept that. My people in Nimba are listening to you, and you think they are going to sit here and turn me over to you to give me false charges on things that I never did before?”

On Superintendent Grant

Several citizens of Grand Gedeh have been protesting against the nomination of former Representative Alex Grant as Superintendent of the county by President Boakai.

But speaking further, Senator Nimely observed that the nomination was made by the Liberian leader without holding consultations with stakeholders of the county.

He claimed that customarily, lawmakers of the county are consulted by past leaders prior to appointing a superintendent of the county.

He stressed that similar path should also be followed by President Boakai.

“Anytime the President appoints a Superintendent at his will and pleasure that should trigger down to the people of the county. For the past three weeks, the President appointed one of our sons to become Superintendent and that has been causing serious problems. The citizens are demonstrating day and night and I have told the governing party that your nominee has raised pressure on our people, please recall him.”

Senator Nimely maintained that Grand Gedeh contains many citizens who are educated and qualified and as such, President Boakai should recall and replace him.

“There is no opposition in this country. The people who are in opposition are the ones who are unemployed. Once you give an opposition member a job, he is no longer an opposition. Whatever you say to him is what he’s going to do.”

He added that for the past 18 years the county has not benefitted from past governments and as such, the “Rescue Mission” should desist from raising the pressure of its citizens by reappointing Mr. Grant to another position in the executive.

He used the occasion to disclose that he has already requested the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs to place a hold on the confirmation of Mr. Grant until consultations are held with stakeholders.

Senator Nimely claimed that the nominee has also been banned by citizens of district # 2 from entering their district for allegedly kidnapping their son in 2021.

He pointed out that Grand Gedeans currently want a Superintendent that will help unify the county after over 18 years of division.

MONROVIA – The House of Representatives is poised to pass a resolution for the establishment of a war crimes court on Thursday, as gathered by FrontPageAfrica. This would be followed by a possible concurrence by the Liberian Senate, which, if granted, would then lead to the enactment of a statute bringing the Court into force.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

On Monday, Dr. Beth Van Schaack, the United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, who arrived in Liberia on Sunday evening, met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and sponsors of the war crimes bill to receive updates on the bill’s status. She is also scheduled to meet with the Liberian Senate later this week.

Amb. Schaacks advises the Secretary of State and other Department leadership on issues related to the prevention of and response to atrocity crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Also in the meeting were Hon. Sumo K Mulbah (mont), Hon. Austin Taylor (Maryland), and Hon. Jacob Debbie (Grand Gedeh).

The Liberian civil war stands as one of Africa’s most devastating conflicts. Spanning from 1989 to 1996, it resulted in the tragic loss of over 200,000 Liberian lives and forced a staggering one million individuals into refugee camps in neighboring nations. Tragically, the conflict also saw the exploitation of child soldiers, further compounding its human toll. But there has been justice for the victims of the war on Liberian soil while some perpetrators of the attrocities committed during the war hold prominent positions in government.

FrontPageAfrica gathered that one of the contentious issues raised during the meeting with Amb. Schaack was the venue of the court which had been widely reported to be Winneba in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Both Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Ambassador Beth Van Schaack dismissed reports of the establishment of the war crimes tribunal in Winneba in Cape Coast, Ghana. Speaker Koffa told FrontPageAfrica that his office was insistent on the establishment of the court in Liberia in order to afford Liberians the opportunity to witness justice. According to him, Amb. Schaacks also expressed shock at the news that preparations were underway for the establishment of the court in Ghana. She reportedly informed the lawmakers that the United States government had no intention of taking the tribunal to Ghana.

FrontPageAfrica further gathered that the Lliberian lawmakers pushed for international resources that would make the court operate at international standard.

After the meeting, Speaker Koffa posted to Facebook:

Met with  Ambassador-at-Large Beth Van Schaach and her team from the Office of  Global Criminal Justice (J/GCJ), earlier today at my Capitol Building office.

I made clear to the Ambassador-at-Large, that we support Justice for war victims but we won’t be rushed or insensitive to the concerns of people who feel targeted. This will be done right, and if it is what our people want, their elected representatives will say so through their votes. As Speaker, I will make sure the debate is thorough and that it considers everything; reconciliation, maintenance of peace and fairness to alleged perpetrators.

Upon his election as Speaker of the 55th Legislature in January, Speaker Koffa committed to revisitng unresolved matters left by the 54th Legislature, particularly those concerning war and economic crimes.

In his post-election statement, Rep. Koffa emphasized his dedication to collaborating with the incoming Boakai-Koung administration to formulate an agenda that prioritizes the interests of the Liberian people.

“I will also request that unfinished business of the 54th Legislature will be carried over so that we can come to a resolution of somethings that were left undone, notably the issue of war and economic crimes,” he said.

The establishement of the war and economic crimes court for Liberia gained traction when Joseph Nyumah Boakai in his inaugural address pledged to establish an office dedicated to the Court. President Boakai emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity by providing them an opportunity to face justice in court.

President Boakai highlighted corruption as a significant obstacle to progress, stressing the necessity of upholding the rule of law to combat it effectively. He declared that combating public corruption is integral to Liberia’s development agenda, stating, “We must, accordingly, reset the fight against corruption and impunity to demonstrate firmness and resolve.” Boakai underscored the profound impact of the war on Liberia, emphasizing the importance of closure for the nation’s healing process.

In seeking to establish the court, President Boakai expressed his intention to seek guidance and support from the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General to ensure that the court, if feasible, adheres to the highest international standards. Additionally, he assured that the Legislature would be appropriately involved in the process to avoid any perception of bias or witch-hunt.

In 2022, Amb. Schaack expressed the United States government’s willingness to provide Liberia with all the needed support when she said, “The Liberian government has to be accountable to its people. The US government is willing to support through technical and financial means to establish a tribunal.” She made the statement while visiting Liberia in October that year.

Schaack highlighted the significant role of the US government in promoting accountability in West Africa, particularly evident in the pivotal trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor by the Sierra Leone Special Court.

She underscored that the Lutheran massacre, attributed to government forces rather than rebel factions, exemplifies the necessity of holding government leaders accountable. Schaack emphasized the preference for localized hybrid courts over international tribunals like those in The Hague, ensuring justice remains accessible without the need for trials in foreign countries.

In an open letter to Liberians published two months post her Liberia visit, Schaack reiterated the challenges facing Liberia in achieving justice and accountability. She emphasized the corrosive nature of impunity, urging action on the recommendations of the 2009 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). These recommendations, crafted by a diverse array of Liberian leaders and experts, seek to prevent further violence, provide justice for victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.

Despite the TRC’s call for an Extraordinary Criminal Court for Liberia, designed to investigate war and economic crimes, Schaack lamented that justice has predominantly been pursued through foreign courts. Notably, she cited the verdict in France against Kunti Kamara, sentenced for complicity in crimes against humanity, torture, and barbarism, as an instance where justice was sought outside Liberia’s borders.

MONROVIA – In the face of a troubling lack of political resolve to bring to justice those responsible for the grievous atrocities of the civil war, the Liberian Legislature persists in being perceived as a safe haven for these warlords. These individuals audaciously seek citizens’ endorsement for legislative seats, cloaking their past transgressions as acts of protection for their people against enemies.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

One such warlord seeking citizens’ reward for his kills is Roland Duo. Duo was a senior frontline commander of jailed ex-president Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL).

The final report of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission indicts him for murder, torture, and abduction.

A Central Figure of Violence

Roland Duo’s actions, as described in the final report of the TRC, portray him as a central figure in a range of violent and abusive activities during the Liberian civil war. His involvement spans forced displacement, extrajudicial killings, intimidation, looting, and destruction of property. These actions collectively depict a troubling picture of his role in the conflict and its devastating impact on the population.

At Mahir Bridge in Bomi County, Roland Duo, along with Benjamin Yeatin, is implicated in a disturbing incident where hundreds of individuals were loaded onto pickup trucks with the promise of transportation to Monrovia. Instead, they were dumped into a river under the accusation of being supporters of the LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy) rebel group.

Roland Duo, commanding NPFL fighters, engaged in looting and extorting logging companies, such as Carlton Resources (CR) owned by John Gbedez. In 1996-1997, Duo’s forces unlawfully detained a CR employee and seized company property, demanding a significant sum of money.

On June 9, 2003, under the leadership of General Roland Duo, a tragic event unfolded at Stockton Creek Bridge in Monrovia. Charles Taylor, Jr., reportedly perpetrated the murder of eighteen prisoners of war (POWs). These POWs had been arrested by Duo’s forces, suggesting his complicity in the incident.

Between October 11-26, 2003, another harrowing incident occurred along the Po-River on the Tubmanburg highway. Under the orders of General Wasue Donzo from the LURD, over 26 individuals were executed, with some bodies dumped into the Po River. Local accounts attributed the dumping of bodies to Marine Chief of Staff Roland Duo. The discovery of nineteen mass graves in Lofa County further implicates Duo in this disturbing event.

“Reward Me, Too”

On Sunday, August 13, 2023, Roland G. Duo addressed a gathering in Nimba, emphasizing the sacrifice he made for the County by partaking in the war and his aspiration for the Senatorial position. He highlighted the contrasting instances of Senator Prince Johnson’s 9-month participation in the war, which resulted in his double election to the Liberian Senate by the people of Nimba, stressing that he deserves similar recognition for his own efforts made for the county during the war.

Drawing a pointed contrast, Duo pointed out that during the same period when he and others were on the front lines of the war, Senator Prince Johnson was reportedly enjoying relative safety in a hotel in Nigeria.

“This old man fought for nine months, and y’all gave him 18 years in the Liberian Senate. How many of you people here don’t know that Roland Duo fought for 14 years in this country? How many of you people don’t know that when they said Gbarnga was captured, it was Roland Duo? When this Senior Senator [Prince Johnson] was enjoying himself in a big hotel in Nigeria, when they staged the war and left it, they went and started enjoying themselves, we were here trying to stand in front of the enemy for Nimba to survive.

“My people, I’m begging y’all, if y’all can give Adolphus Dolo his term [in the Senate], y’all gave Senator Johnson 18 years for the nine-month war that he fought, Roland Duo that fought for y’all for 14 years, y’all please give me a chance too.”

Duo went on to tell his supporters and the people of Nimba that he enjoys the confidence of President Weah; therefore, there will be a lot of development in the county if he is elected as Senator.

Reactions

Mr. Hassan Bility, the Executive Director of the Global Justice Research Project (GJRP), lamented Duo’s campaign message. He said Liberia has been betrayed by all of its politicians, irrespective of which side they are on.

“Liberia has been betrayed by all of its politicians, irrespective of which side they’re on. It looks like the contaminated renegades of the old political order, whose bags of exhausted and unmarketable political tricks are succeeding,” he said.

Bility called on the people of Liberia, specifically the electorate, to reject all warlords and their associates in the forthcoming October general and presidential elections.

“The failure of the Liberian Legislature to take any form of action aimed at implementing the TRC’s recommendations is a total disgrace for the respective constituencies they represent and the oldest republic in Africa. Political office seekers are shying away from addressing this crucial issue of justice. How can one plan to prosecute a thief but allow a mass murderer to go free and reward said person? This is totally abhorrent,” he said.

He called on the international community, especially the US, to widen its sanctions horizon to include all warlords and their political promoters.

Bility further added, “This is ridiculously outrageous and is a total disrespect for the hundreds of thousands of innocent lives that were unjustifiably short-circuited by these murderers. I can assure you that additional US sanctions are coming soon. War criminals should NOT be rewarded; they should be punished.”

Also reacting to Duo, Adama Dempster, Secretary-General of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, lamented that the country’s failure to prosecute warlords and former rebel generals to account for their atrocities committed during the war has led them to see the Legislature and other government offices as a safe haven.

Eddie Jarwolo, the Executive Director of Naymote, expressed that the war, a tragic and destructive period in the nation’s history, should not serve as a source of pride for anyone seeking to leverage their wartime actions for political gain. Rather than focusing on such divisive and potentially harmful narratives, Jarwolo emphasized the importance of directing attention toward discussions of reconciliation and the pursuit of justice.

“The war killed and destroyed the fabric of the nation; nobody should be proud of using his/her actions in the war as a campaign matter. We should be holding conversations on reconciliation or creating a war crime court to bring closure to those who got killed during the war. Our election should be more about issues that will improve the quality of life, fight against the mismanagement of state resources, and improve access to justice, human rights, and accountability of elected officials. What are the issues they want to address when elected and how?”

Shying Away from War Crimes Court

The call for the establishment of a war crimes court has always been a controversial issue. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and even her successor, President George Weah, ignored calls by citizens, local and international advocates to implement the recommendation of the TRC that a court try the worst perpetrators of Liberia’s civil wars which left an estimated 250,000 people dead.

Before assuming the Presidency, President Weah had made a commitment to establish the court. However, he later reversed his stance, seemingly as a concession to Senator Prince Y. Johnson, who played a significant role in ensuring his success in the 2017 elections.

Senator Johnson hails from Nimba, the second most populous county in Liberia. Johnson, infamously known for killing former President Samuel Doe, prides himself as the godfather of Nimba County.

Former Vice President Joseph Boakai has also toned down his call for the establishment of the court as he now enjoys the confidence of Sen. Johnson, who broke ranks with Pres. Weah to support Boakai’s presidential bid in the upcoming elections. Boakai’s picked his vice standard bearer, Sen. Jeremiah Koung, from Sen. Johnson’s Movement for Democratic Reconstruction.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with New Narratives/FrontPageAfrica, the standard-bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), Alexander Cummings, said Liberia’s fear of confronting the difficult past, which has led to present-day fragility, has only ensured that the country remains a fragile society.

“The War and Economic Crimes Court will deepen and accelerate the processes of national reconciliation and healing, strengthen the bonds of a divided nation through justice, and bring much-needed closure to years of wars and tenuous peace,” Cummings opined.

Also, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, the flag bearer of the Liberia People Party, also opined that the time for a court is long overdue, and he expects the new representatives that join the next Legislature will be more open to passing a bill to establish a court.

“We anticipate a speedy national, and especially, international mobilization, as well as the commitment of the needed resources to establish the court and support the judicial reform process that is required,” he says. “Our hope is that support for the establishment of the WECC can be provided early so that the process is concluded early. This will be crucial and helpful.”

Gongloe said as part of a series of plans for the court, he will set up a small committee of Liberian legal experts to relook at a bill the Liberian National Bar Association under his leadership as president and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) submitted to the Legislature in 2021.

By Anthony Stephens with New Narratives

Lawyers for Kunti Kamara, a Liberian war criminal who was convicted by a French court last week for his role in the country’s first civil war, have appealed his landmark judgment. It is a decision that may see the entire case being re-litigated.

Last week the Paris Appeal Court found Kamara, 47, guilty of all 11 counts in his indictment of crimes against humanity, torture, and barbarism. In a unanimous decision, the nine-person jury agreed with Kamara’s victims and state prosecutors that he committed the crimes in 1993 when he served as a commander for the United Liberation Movement for Democracy (Ulimo). The jury sentenced him to life in prison, which in France equals thirty years after which he will likely be expelled from Europe. The judge in the trial told Kamara he had ten days to appeal the verdict.

Throughout the trial, Kamara repeatedly denied the charges, but did admit that he was a commander with Ulimo in Foya at the time and had 80 men under his command. In a phone call from Paris Marilyne Secci, Kamara’s lead lawyer, said the basis of the appeal was the defense’s claim that Kamara was given an unfair trial based only on testimony from witnesses remembering events from 29-years ago and with no forensic evidence.

“We don’t agree with this decision,” said Secci of the verdict. “I think there’s no proof. My client said he was just a soldier and with no prove and lifetime sentence. That’s why for me, the decision is not correct.”

Secci maintained Kamara was found guilty in the minds of the jury before the trial began.

“He was already looked like somebody guilty before his trial because when you arrive at the court and you are accused of crimes against humanity, everyone looks at you as a criminal, even if there’s nothing on the file for you,” said Secci.

Secci defended Kamara’s slamming of witnesses as “criminals” and liars. She claimed that Kamara did not tell the trial that Ulimo committed no war crimes—a comment that was a major twist in the over three-week legal proceedings.

“Anything he said was used against him. He never said that Ulimo didn’t do anything in Foya, Lofa county. He said he didn’t see anything,”.

On appeal, a new court and a jury will hear the case in accordance with French law. It’s unclear when the appeal will take place. Under French law Kamara has the right to request his release until the appeal.

Sabrina Delattre, lawyer for the civil parties, said she was unmoved by Kamara’s appeal.

“It’s Kamara’s right to appeal,” said Delattre. “It’s just how it works in the French system. And for the victims, I know it can be a bit difficult to understand, but we will see how it goes.”

Delattre defended the credibility of her clients.

“The victims and the witnesses were heard and believed. Their testimonies were deemed valuable and were considered authentic. So, I do not see the contrary happening for the appeal.”

This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project.