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Saturday, February 15, 2025

Liberian Justice Actors Speak Out Against Impunity at Bar Assembly

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Justice actors from across Liberia gathered in Monrovia, the nation’s capital, for a two-day assembly organized by the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) to discuss and address the issue of impunity in the country and its impact on the rule of law system.
During the event, prominent justice actors such as Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, President of the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia (NATJL) Nancy F. Sammy, Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Liberia N. Oswald Tweh, and human rights advocate Tiawan S. Gongloe, voiced their concerns about the prevalent culture of impunity in Liberian society and stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law.
In his keynote speech titled “Addressing the General Question of Impunity in Liberia: The Implication for Liberia’s Rule of Law,” Cllr. Gongloe emphasized that adherence to the rule of law is crucial to prevent impunity. He stated that the legal profession loses its meaning and relevance if individuals can violate people’s rights without consequences. Without the rule of law, Liberia would become a lawless society resembling a jungle, where strength dictates survival. Cllr. Gongloe emphasized that promoting adherence to the rule of law is the only way to ensure sustainable peace, progress, and prosperity.
Cllr. Gongloe also asserted that there should be no debate within the legal profession regarding holding individuals accountable for their unlawful actions against citizens and residents of Liberia. He called on all members of the Bar to support the LNBA’s efforts to create awareness about impunity and promote justice throughout the country.
Chief Justice Yuoh, delivering a special statement on behalf of the Supreme Court of Liberia, stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law at all times. She emphasized that even when allegations of criminal offenses arise, due process must be observed, as it is a sacred right enshrined in the Constitution. The Chief Justice also urged the prosecution arms of the government to diligently fulfill their responsibilities to ensure that perpetrators of offenses are prosecuted regardless of their status or affiliations.
President of the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia (NATJL) Nancy F. Sammy highlighted the public’s perception that impunity thrives in the absence of the rule of law. She emphasized the duty of trial judges to promote justice and serve the public interest. Judge Sammy contended that adhering to the rule of law, as envisioned by the LNBA, is critical to discouraging the culture of impunity and ensuring that the courts remain a forum for promoting justice.
Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Liberia N. Oswald Tweh called on justice actors to intensify their efforts in upholding the rule of law in society. He expressed concern about the rise in illegal activities, including mob justice, and emphasized the need to change people’s mentality towards crime. Minister Tweh stressed the importance of creating awareness about the rule of law and individual rights, thereby fostering trust and belief in the justice system.
Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie, the National President of the LNBA, opened the two-day assembly, stating that it fulfilled the bar’s constitutional responsibility. He explained that the decision to consolidate several quarterly assemblies into a single gathering was made during a national convention. Cllr. Rennie expressed that the assembly aimed to address issues pertaining to the growth and development of the organization.
LNBA assembly served as a platform for justice actors to unite in their condemnation of impunity and advocate for the adherence to the rule of law in Liberia. Their collective efforts aim to ensure justice, peace, progress, and prosperity for all citizens and residents of the country.

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