Dr. Jallah Barbu has announced that a bill for the War and Economic Crimes Courts in Liberia will be ready soon, urging citizens to pressure lawmakers for its passage. During a memorial event, calls for accountability and reparations for victims of past atrocities were echoed by various speakers, emphasizing the necessity of justice for national healing and development.
CARTER CAMP, Liberia—Dr. Jallah Barbu, the Executive Director of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Courts of Liberia, announced that a legislative bill for the courts will be prepared “very soon.” The technical committee, which comprises transitional justice experts, has been enhancing a previous draft submitted by the Liberian National Bar Association in 2021, which is currently pending legislative approval. Dr. Barbu emphasized that this updated bill will incorporate recent developments affecting the courts.
During a memorial event for victims of massacres in Liberia, Dr. Barbu expressed confidence that a draft of the bill would be ready shortly, collaborating with international partners to ensure its suitability. He urged citizens to exert pressure on lawmakers when the modified bill is presented, stating his commitment to initiating the first indictments by 2027. Furthermore, he assured that the establishment of the courts would not reignite conflict but would foster peace, development, and unity.
Prominent speakers, including Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, addressed the importance of accountability for past atrocities. Cllr. Gongloe highlighted the necessity to strengthen institutions and prevent crimes from going unpunished. He also commented on Liberia’s UN Ambassador, asserting that Mr. Lewis Brown, associated with past government actions, should be replaced to better advocate for the courts.
Mr. Peterson Sonyah, from the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association, and Mr. Calluchi Beiah, from the Liberia Peacebuilding Office, reiterated calls for justice and accountability for the massacres. Despite some legal actions, such as a US court’s ruling against Moses Thomas for the Lutheran Church massacre, accountability remains elusive within Liberia.
Advocates stressed the importance of memorializing the victims and implementing reparations as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Liberia’s justice minister, previously pledged to establish a reparation trust fund to aid conflict victims, but progress on fulfilling these commitments has been slow.
In February, a special committee was formed to exhume and rebury the remains of former presidents Samuel Doe and William Tolbert, although Dr. Barbu cautioned against this action until the courts are operational, emphasizing the need for evidence for future proceedings. This report was made possible through funding from the Swedish Embassy and collaboration with New Narratives, as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project.
The article presents a clear picture of the ongoing efforts to establish War and Economic Crimes Courts in Liberia as a necessary response to past atrocities. Dr. Jallah Barbu’s assurance of a forthcoming bill, urging public involvement, underscores the commitment to justice. Furthermore, speakers at the memorial event emphasized the importance of accountability and reparations for victims of violence, reflecting a collective desire for healing and closure as Liberia seeks to address its turbulent history. Despite the challenges faced, the push for a robust legal framework remains pivotal for national reconciliation and development.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
