By Sir-George S. Tengbeh, Labor, WASH, and Governance Expert
The recent appointment of a new Executive Director for Liberia’s World and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) has sparked renewed hope among Liberians who are eager to see justice served for war crimes and economic injustices that have plagued the country for decades.
This appointment, a decision made after careful vetting by a presidential committee, represents a significant shift toward transparency, accountability, and justice.
For Liberia, which has long struggled with the legacies of impunity, corruption, and abuse of power, the decision to appoint a full-time legal academic to lead the WECC offers a real opportunity to turn the page on its painful history.
As a Labour and Governance expert, I have described in many sentences why Cllr. Barbu’s appointment matters, and why it marks a critical step forward in Liberia’s quest for justice and lasting peace.
Who and what made up the Presidential committee to vet the new Executive Director to head the WECC?
Recent updates confirm that the Liberian government has established a vetting committee to select a new Executive Director for the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC).
President Joseph Boakai appointed this committee to ensure a more transparent selection process, following criticism of previous attempts to appoint leadership without sufficient public input. This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Liberia’s civil society, and professional bodies such as the Liberia National Bar Association.
However, international entities like ECOWAS and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights are no longer directly involved, reportedly to maintain greater local ownership of the process. Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando recently addressed concerns by stating that eight candidates have been shortlisted, although the committee has not released their names publicly to avoid external influence.
Some candidates, like former TRC Chair Cllr. Jerome Verdier, confirmed their invitation for an interview. Advocates have voiced concerns about the selection process’s lack of transparency, calling for more public disclosure on applicants and the criteria for selection.
Additionally, some suggest the requirement for a master’s degree in law might restrict qualified candidates in a role that could benefit from broader administrative expertise. This vetting process marks a critical step in Liberia’s fight against impunity for war crimes and economic crimes, with the outcome closely watched by both the local public and international community.
The committee was expected to submit its final recommendations to the President within 21 days, aiming to fill this role with a leader committed to justice and accountability .
Who were the nominees and what are their professional background?
The five nominees considered for the role of Executive Director of Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) were selected based on their qualifications and experience in law, human rights, and governance:
1. Cllr. Jerome Verdier Former Chair of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Verdier is known for his advocacy in human rights and environmental law, notably guiding Liberia through post-conflict reconciliation. Was the top of the list to head the post but sources closer to him confirmed that he declined due to some security issues he might have.
2. Cllr. James Nyepan Verdier Previously the head of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), James Verdier has a strong background in anti-corruption efforts and governance reform, bringing accountability expertise to the table.
3. Cllr. Jallah Barbu Currently the Dean of the Lewis Arthur Grimes School of Law, Barbu also previously served as chair of the Law Reform Commission and is recognized for his role in establishing the framework for the WECC.
4. Cllr. Â Â Boakai Kanneh As the Chair of the Law Reform Commission, Kanneh contributes significant experience in legal reform, which aligns with Liberia’s need for a justice system capable of handling war and economic crimes.
5. Massa Washington A seasoned journalist and human rights advocate, Washington was a former member of the TRC and has a history of promoting accountability, making her a valuable candidate for the position. This group of nominees brings a mix of legal, reform, and human rights experience crucial for the WECC’s mission to pursue justice and accountability in Liberia
Who is Cllr. Jallah Barbu? Cllr. Jallah Barbu has had a distinguished career contributing extensively to Liberia’s legal and academic landscape.
Currently the Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia, he has significantly influenced legal education and practice. In this role, Barbu is responsible for shaping the next generation of Liberian legal professionals, emphasizing legal reform and integrity within the legal framework.
His position at the law school underscores his deep commitment to legal education and his influence as a mentor to many in the Liberian legal community Beyond academia, Cllr. Barbu has served in several pivotal capacities that demonstrate his dedication to legal reform.
Notably, he was the chairman of Liberia’s Law Reform Commission under the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a role in which he championed legislative advancements aimed at modernizing and strengthening Liberia’s legal system.
Moreover, he played an instrumental role in the development of the legislation that established Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), reflecting his commitment to accountability and justice in post-conflict Liberia.
Why Cllr. Barbu at this time given the historical nature of impunity in Liberia?
Liberia has endured a history of violence and exploitation that has left deep scars on its society. The civil wars that ravaged the country between 1989 and 2003 claimed thousands of lives and devastated communities. Even after the wars ended, high-profile cases of corruption and economic exploitation have further eroded public trust in institutions.
The WECC was established to address these issues by holding accountable those responsible for war crimes and large-scale economic abuses. The court’s purpose is not only to bring justice to victims but to send a powerful message that such actions will no longer be tolerated.
The importance of appointing a capable, unbiased Executive Director for the WECC cannot be overstated. Past efforts at accountability have been marred by controversy, with previous appointees criticized for the perceived lack of transparency in their selection of Cllr. Massaquoi.
Public frustration boiled over with the last appointment, as citizens demanded a fair and thorough vetting process. By responding to this outcry and creating a structured process for the new selection, Liberia’s president has taken a positive step toward rebuilding public confidence in the WECC’s role.
Restoring Public Confidence in Justice Institutions For any justice institution to function effectively, it must have the trust and confidence of the public. In a country like Liberia, where years of unchecked abuses have bred cynicism, this trust is hard-won.
The recent appointment marked by transparency and adherence to the recommendations of a vetting committee sends a signal that Liberia is committed to fair governance and the rule of law. The appointment of a respected academic and legal expert is a wise choice, as it helps distance the role from the pressures of political affiliation or bias.
This transparency can help restore faith among Liberians that the WECC will act impartially, and not be swayed by political interests or personal connections. As the court works to tackle serious cases of war crimes and economic exploitation, it must be able to do so without fear or favor.
The careful, transparent approach taken with this appointment is a step in the right direction, demonstrating that the current administration values accountability and is willing to respond to public concerns. Qualifications and Integrity of the New Executive Director, Cllr. Barbu The newly appointed Executive Director brings a wealth of experience and integrity to the role.
As a full-time legal academic, this individual is equipped with both the legal acumen and the ethical grounding necessary to handle the sensitive cases that will come before the WECC. Their background suggests a commitment to justice rather than personal or political gain, which is critical in a role that demands unwavering integrity. An academic appointee brings a unique perspective, focusing on the rule of law and justice as guiding principles rather than as tools for political ends.
This appointment helps ensure that the WECC is led by someone who prioritizes Liberia’s long-term legal and moral responsibilities over short-term political gains. By placing a seasoned legal professional in this role, Liberia has increased the chances that the WECC will act as a model of fairness, independence, and commitment to justice.
Setting a New Standard for Accountability and Ending Impunity
The appointment of a qualified and impartial director at the WECC could set a new standard for accountability in Liberia. For too long, impunity has been the norm, with those responsible for both war crimes and economic abuses rarely facing consequences.
The court’s strengthened leadership signals a change in government priorities a shift towards genuine accountability for past crimes, no matter how high-profile or politically connected the accused may be. This appointment is also significant in that it reinforces the message that Liberia is committed to addressing historical injustices. It is a reminder to all Liberians that the days of immunity for the powerful are coming to an end.
By putting a competent and impartial professional at the helm of the WECC, Liberia is setting an important legal and moral precedent, one that could encourage other institutions to act with similar integrity and commitment to justice.
The Broader Impact on Governance and Public Perception In addition to addressing specific cases of war and economic crimes, the strengthened leadership at the WECC could have broader implications for governance in Liberia. A credible and effective WECC could help reduce corruption across the public sector, as officials become more aware that their actions may have consequences.
Furthermore, a visible commitment to justice could positively influence Liberia’s international reputation, attracting investment and support from the global community. When citizens see that justice is being served fairly, regardless of a person’s political or social status, it can inspire greater trust in governance overall.
Liberians are more likely to participate actively in the democratic process if they believe that their government is committed to justice and the rule of law.
This is particularly important for younger generations, who have grown up witnessing the impacts of corruption and impunity. Seeing real accountability in action could inspire a new era of civic engagement, in which citizens demand transparency and ethical governance at all levels.
Moving Towards a Just and Peaceful Liberia (Ending Impunity)
The appointment of a new Executive Director for Liberia’s World and Economic Crimes Court is more than just a personnel change it is a hopeful milestone on Liberia’s journey toward justice, accountability, and peace.
By listening to the public, adhering to a transparent vetting process, and appointing a respected legal academic, the administration has shown that it values justice and is ready to take steps to end impunity for those who have committed serious crimes.
This commitment to transparency and impartiality lays a foundation for a stronger, more resilient Liberia, where the rule of law prevails over political favoritism.
However, the question for all Liberians is, TO WHAT END? This question signifies that the government has made many steps on paper that could see Justice and accountability come to Liberia’s governance process but all have been marred by wrongful procedures. However, the path forward will require continued commitment from the government, the judiciary, and the public. The WECC’s success depends on consistent support, both financially and morally, from those in power and from the broader Liberian society.
This is an opportunity for all Liberians to come together in support of a justice system that serves everyone equally, and that holds all individuals accountable, regardless of their rank or influence. Let me close by acknowledging that the appointment marks a significant victory for justice in Liberia, however, it is only the beginning.
The WECC must now move forward with determination, guided by the principles of impartiality and fairness. With sustained support and vigilance from both the public and the government, Liberia can look forward to a future where justice is not only an ideal but a lived reality.
This appointment is a beacon of hope, and if we continue on this path, we may indeed see an end to the era of impunity in Liberia.
