At a high-level World Bank forum in Washington, D.C., on April 8-9, Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) Executive Chairperson, Cllr. Alexandra Kormah Zoe, delivered an address on the critical role of fighting corruption in fragile and conflict-affected societies.
In her compelling speech, Cllr. Zoe underscored the deep connection between Liberia’s long road to peace and the relentless battle against corruption. She emphasized that the fight against corruption in Liberia has been just as vital to national stability as the restoration of security following the devastating civil conflict.
“Corruption wasn’t just a governance issue for Liberia; it was a catalyst that prolonged our senseless war,” Cllr. Zoe stated. “That’s why tackling corruption couldn’t be an afterthought in our pursuit of peace; it had to be central to our solution.”
Addressing an audience of global policymakers, civil society leaders, and development partners, Cllr. Zoe reflected on the deep-rooted corruption that had not only fueled Liberia’s 14-year civil war but also hindered post-war recovery. She pointed out that despite early reform efforts after the war, the return of warlords to government roles led to further setbacks, both in public trust and international donor confidence.
Cllr. Zoe noted that Liberia’s commitment to tackling corruption gained momentum through initiatives such as the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP), which introduced international oversight into the country’s public financial management. Supported by the World Bank, the European Union, and the United Nations, GEMAP marked a transformative phase in Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts, setting a global example of transparency.
The LACC, established in 2008, has since evolved from a body with limited powers to one that now investigates and prosecutes corruption cases directly. Cllr. Zoe highlighted the Commission’s continued expansion of its mandate, with strong public support for accountability. Additionally, Liberia has passed key anti-corruption legislation, including the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Acts, the National Code of Conduct, and the creation of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Acknowledging the pivotal leadership of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Cllr. Zoe credited the 2005 democratic elections and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) for beginning the difficult process of confronting Liberia’s dark history and laying the groundwork for reform.
Despite the advances made, Cllr. Zoe admitted that challenges remain, noting the political and resource constraints under which the LACC operates. Yet, she remained resolute: “We are undeterred. This journey is long, but we know that good governance and anti-corruption are the bedrock of trust, development, and ultimately, peace.”
Cllr. Zoe concluded with a powerful statement on Liberia’s continued struggle for enduring peace: “Restoring security was our initial mandate, but we soon realized that true peace could only be built by embedding integrity in every aspect of governance.”
