In an exclusive interview with Oracle News Daily, Liberian Senator Nathaniel McGill opens up about his transformation from being sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department for corruption to becoming a champion for justice and economic governance in the Senate.
McGill, 53, who was accused of corruption in 2022, now plays a vital role in advocating for a mixture of domestic and international tribunals to address rights violations and economic crimes committed during Liberia’s civil wars from 1989 to 2003.
Reflecting on his past, McGill said “I am walking with scars of accusation. So, I believe justice and the fight against impunity is necessary.”
Despite facing accusations from both the United States government and Liberians, McGill emphasizes that his advocacy for justice is not influenced by personal circumstances but by the need for fairness for all Liberians, particularly war victims.
During his time in the previous administration, McGill admits that prioritizing development overshadowed war crimes justice. However, he recognizes the importance of addressing wartime atrocities now, with a stable government established under Presidents Weah and Boakai.
McGill firmly stands by the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, emphasizing the principles of justice, equality, and accountability.
As McGill recounts the accusations made against him, he expresses a desire to have a platform to vindicate himself. Believing himself to be a victim rather than a perpetrator, he yearns for justice to prevail, ultimately highlighting the necessity of the proposed court.
Regarding the concerns around security during the court proceedings, McGill reassures that thoughtful considerations have been taken into account, including consultations with the United States government and the United Nations
McGill acknowledges that there will always be consequences for leaders who fail to act. He believes that the War and Economic Crimes Court is not intended to target every individual involved in the conflicts but rather those who bear the greatest responsibility.
Furthermore, he emphasizes Liberia’s commitment to jumpstarting the process using its own resources, thus displaying the nation’s dedication to accountability.
Senator Nathaniel McGill envisions a Liberia where individuals are held accountable for their actions and where justice prevails. Supporting the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, he hopes to pave the way for a brighter future and discourage any acts that may disrupt peace and stability in Liberia.
With this remarkable transformation, McGill’s journey from accused to advocate stands as a testament to the potential for personal growth and societal change.
Here is excerpt of the Interview
I am walking With scars of accusation. So, I believe justice and the fight against impunity is necessary. That’s the reason for my advocacy towards this initiative, which has been very strong. I am looking forward to the actual actualization of this court not on the basis of politics but on the basis of justice.
Every human has the right to change. During our administration we thought that it was not a priority for the nation at that time but to focus on development. As you know we have just transitioned from the United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL) period and there were issues of security and we were a new government and we couldn’t make it a priority.
But after six years of stable government from President Weah and President Boakai now sees it fits and who said we should do it and we review our stands and we think it is necessary.
Look, no one can speak against justice. no one can speak against equality. No one can speak against impunity, Liberians believed it is time now to put this whole war crimes court behind us and move forward.
Therefore, as one of the leaders of this country I see it prudent at this time to support the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court
Like I said, I stand accused and I believe I committed no wrong but yet people have accused me. I believe I need a voice and I need a space where I can vindicate myself. I believe within this space justice will prevail.
I considered myself as a victim and not as a perpetrator because I have been accused of something I have no knowledge of. I have gone about my life with scars on me for years.
There are always consequences for leaders not acting. I don’t think the War Crimes Court is intended to go after everyone who fought the wars instead people who bear the greatest responsibility..
As a government we will find the resources to jumpstart the process to show that we are committed to the process and not fully depend on the international community for money. I see a Liberia that will be accountable for their actions. People will answer for their stewardship. That’s the kind of Liberia we want to see.
There should be no fear of security during these times of the war crimes court period. When properly done all the security issues will be addressed. We took into account the United States government and the United Nations to consider the security of the state. These counts are within the resolution.
The passage of the resolution we have taken the first significant step towards justice relative to crimes that were committed during the wars and we are proud of our decision. This will set an example for the future for anyone who wants to cause any problem.
