MONROVIA – Liberia First Movement (LFM) Servant In-Charge has commended the passage of a resolution for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia classifying it as a milestone achievement by the Liberian government.
Sheikh Al Moustapha Kouyateh says the momentous passage of the resolution by the House of Representatives for the establishment of the war and economic crimes court in Liberia signified a significant milestone and the unwavering commitment of Liberians to uphold the Constitution through the rule of law; noting that it is a testament to a collective dedication to justice and accountability.
He encouraged the Liberian Senate to follow suit in ensuring that justice is served to the over 250,000 war victims and more than four million victims of economic crimes in the nation.
According to him, the establishment of the war and economic crimes court will not only deliver justice to those who have suffered but will also stand as a powerful deterrent to potential perpetrators of war and economic crimes. Together, we must strive to create a society where justice prevails, and all citizens can live in peace and harmony.
It can be recalled during the observance of Liberia’s 175th Independence anniversary, Liberians witnessed the launch of a new campaign aimed at pushing the country’s decision-makers to sanction the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.The campaign, which is being led by former presidential candidate Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh.
As captured in the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the United
States Congress report of June 2021, between 1989 and 2003, 250,000 Liberians died from the fighting, and thousands more were conscripted as child soldiers, raped, suffered loss of limb, and other traumatic experiences. Since that time, not a single war crimes trial has occurred in Liberia as part of the country’s judicial process.
Kouyateh who has been one of the voices in the establishment of the courts, commended the lower house for mustering the courage in passing the resolution to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court as to bring to justice those who committed atrocities in the country during the country’s 14 years unrest and those who embezzled the country resources.
“We cannot let those who committed atrocities during the civil war go unpunished. We cannot allow those who have stolen our national resources to walk free. We must hold these individuals accountable for their actions, and the establishment of this court will help us to do just that, I am troubled with the delay,” Sheikh disclosed.
According to him, if the court is established, it will serve as a deterrent to future leaders and those who commit crimes against the people; adding that it will help restores the dignity of the nation.
Since the launched of his campaign in 2022, Honorable Kouyateh has been judged by the court of public opinions as one of the few Liberians with a character that can be counted upon.
The Businessman turned politician said: “We encouraged the establishment of the court. We must demand accountability and transparency from our leaders, and we must work together to build a better future for our nation. We must hold our leaders accountable for their actions, and we must work to build strong institutions that will serve the people.”
Servant-In-Chief pointed out that these issues have resulted in the suffering of the people, the decay of reputable institutions, and the erosion of democracy.
During that campaign in 2022, he asserted that it has been a complete rise of corruption in every sector of the society, from the highest levels of government to the lowliest bureaucrat, the abuse of power, the embezzlement of public funds, and the theft of our national resources.
