Liberian President Joseph Boakai has signed Executive Order No. 131, establishing the Office of a War and Economic Crimes Court that will prosecute people bearing greatest responsibility for crimes committed during the West African nation’s civil wars between 1989 and 2003.
Speaking at a special address held at the Executive Mansion on Thursday, May 2, 2024, President Boakai said the establishment of the court is a noble and humane effort that holds far-reaching positive implications for the country and its people.
The president acknowledged the historic move by the Liberian National Legislature, both the House of Representatives and the Senate, in passing a joint resolution urging the nation to take tangible steps towards bringing a just, healed, and reconciled finality to the issues of Liberia’s tragic and violent 14-year civil conflict.
“This nation needs to be united in this resolve to ferret the causes and effects of the violence that was visited upon this Land to justly apportion the blame and rewards wherever they may lie,” Boakai stated.
The establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court is seen as a significant step towards addressing the issues of justice and reconciliation in Liberia, as the country aims to move forward and build a united, prosperous, and peaceful nation.
