MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) of Liberia held an engagement with the media on Monday, December 2, 2024, signaling a renewed commitment to justice and reconciliation. Executive Director Cllr. Dr. Jallah Barbu hosted an exclusive media conversation with journalists T. Max Jlateh of Sky FM and Clarence Jackson of OK FM at the WECC office in Monrovia. This interactive session underscored the importance of transparency and collaboration as Liberia inches closer to addressing its historical injustices.
Cllr. Barbu began by welcoming the media personalities and emphasizing the court’s commitment to ensuring that the Liberian public remains informed about its work. “The Liberian people have a right to know what we are doing here and how we are proceeding,” he stated, underscoring the court’s mission to serve as a beacon of hope for victims and a pillar for sustainable peace. He described his appointment as a national service, aimed at creating a more just and reconciled society.
During the session, T. Max Jlateh expressed skepticism about Liberia’s readiness to establish the court, citing the country’s history of broken promises on this issue. He questioned whether the WECC is a priority for the government and urged a focus on concrete actions rather than rhetoric. However, he voiced optimism in President Joseph Boakai’s administration, acknowledging that significant progress could be made under his leadership if the political will and funding align.
Clarence Jackson echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the widespread public support for the court’s establishment. He called on the government to be intentional and honest in its efforts, stressing that financial and political commitment is essential to the court’s success. Jackson urged Cllr. Barbu to clarify the court’s next steps, emphasizing the media’s readiness to amplify the process.
In response, Cllr. Barbu provided a detailed overview of WECC’s work, starting from his appointment on November 1, 2024. He described the early challenges of transitioning from his role as a law school dean to leading the WECC. Despite the obstacles, including a lack of office space and resources, Barbu praised the government for leasing a building and committing to the court’s independence.
Acknowledging the limited resources available, Barbu revealed that his appointment letter explicitly tasked him with seeking external funding to supplement government support. He outlined efforts to engage civil society organizations, victim advocacy groups, and international partners, emphasizing the importance of building trust and transparency in the process.
Barbu stressed that victims’ voices are central to the WECC’s mission. He highlighted ongoing consultations with victim organizations to address their diverse concerns, ranging from reparations to prosecution. “Victims are an integral part of this process,” he said, emphasizing that their participation is crucial to achieving genuine reconciliation.
The WECC’s organizational structure was another focal point of the discussion. Barbu outlined the court’s divisions, including sections dedicated to war crimes, economic crimes, and anti-corruption. He underscored the importance of a robust research and operations unit to gather evidence, given the complexity and historical depth of the cases.
To this end, the WECC has initiated field visits to counties such as Margibi, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa to gauge public sentiment and educate citizens about its mission. Barbu noted that these interactions have confirmed strong public support for the court and highlighted the urgent need to address past atrocities and economic malpractices.
Financial accountability remains a top priority for the WECC. Barbu disclosed that the court has recruited a seasoned accountant with experience at the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to develop an internal control system. Plans are also underway to collaborate with the Internal Audit Agency to ensure meticulous financial oversight.
Barbu acknowledged that building the WECC from scratch has been challenging but expressed gratitude to his team for their sacrifices and dedication. He emphasized that the success of the WECC depends on fostering partnerships with civil society, international donors, and the media.
The media’s role in amplifying the WECC’s work was a recurring theme. Barbu described the press as indispensable partners, responsible for disseminating information to the public and holding the court accountable. “The media is very powerful. We see you as partners in this process,” he said.
Reflecting on the WECC’s progress, Barbu noted that while significant strides have been made, much work remains. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the court and emphasized that his team is laying a solid foundation for long-term success.
Barbu also addressed misconceptions about the court’s mandate, clarifying that the WECC’s focus extends beyond prosecutions. He highlighted the importance of reparative justice, ensuring that victims’ needs are met and that the process contributes to national healing.
The WECC is also working to establish partnerships with international organizations and experts to strengthen its capacity. Barbu noted that these collaborations are vital for accessing technical expertise and resources necessary for the court’s operations.
As the conversation drew to a close, Barbu reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability. He encouraged the media to continue scrutinizing the court’s work, emphasizing that public trust is essential for its legitimacy.
Both Jlateh and Jackson expressed optimism about the WECC’s potential to bring closure to Liberia’s dark history of war and corruption. They pledged their media institutions’ support in informing the public and advocating for the court’s success.
In conclusion, Barbu emphasized that the WECC represents a turning point for Liberia. “This is not just a job; it is a service to the nation,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to join hands in building a more just and reconciled Liberia.
