MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is set to make a significant move today as he signs Executive Order #131 regarding the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia. According to President Boakai’s press secretary Madam Kolu Fofana, the signing, scheduled for 4:00 pm, marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s quest for justice and accountability for past atrocities.
Recently, the Liberian Senate concurred with the House of Representatives, endorsing the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
However, the creation of such a court has been a long-standing issue in Liberia, originating from the country’s brutal civil wars spanning from 1989 to 2003. Throughout these conflicts, there were widespread human rights abuses and atrocities, including massacres, rape, and the recruitment of child soldiers.
Efforts to address these crimes have been ongoing, with calls for accountability coming from both within Liberia and the international community. The signing of Executive Order #131 signals President Boakai’s commitment to addressing these calls and ensuring that those responsible for war crimes and economic crimes are held accountable.
The establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court is seen as a crucial step towards reconciliation and healing in Liberia. It is hoped that the court will not only deliver justice to the victims of the civil wars but also serve as a deterrent to future perpetrators of such crimes.
President Boakai’s decision to sign Executive Order #131 is likely to be met with both support and opposition. While many see it as a necessary step towards justice, others may view it as a threat to stability and reconciliation in Liberia. However, with the signing of the executive order, the path towards establishing the court is now set, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey towards accountability and peace.
