By Festus Poquie
The Secretariat tasked with establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court—a tribunal aimed at prosecuting numerous individuals for heinous acts committed during Liberia’s Civil Conflict has been stripped of its security protection.
Authorities from the Liberia National Police have recalled the armed officers assigned to the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Mamba Point. This abrupt withdrawal follows a reported security breach and, nearly three weeks later, those officers have yet to be redeployed, according to a spokesperson from the Secretariat.
On Tuesday, the Independent National Human Rights Commission sought clarification from the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General regarding the removal of security personnel assigned to the Executive Director and the Secretariat’s premises.
However, officials from the Justice Ministry have not provided any comments on the matter, raising concerns about the safety of the agency’s officials and the continuation of its pivotal operations.
In May 2024, President Joseph Boakai made a landmark move by issuing Executive Order 131, which established the Secretariat with the mission of combating impunity for war and economic crimes while promoting national reconciliation and sustainable peace.
This initiative was widely praised as a courageous attempt to deliver justice and accountability for the atrocities committed during Liberia’s turbulent past, aligning with recommendations set forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) established in 2005.
The court is expected to prosecute not only those accused of war crimes but also individuals implicated in the extensive plundering of the country’s financial and mineral resources, particularly diamonds.
Approximately 50 suspects, including several women—many residing abroad are anticipated to face trial, according to official sources.
While a date for the court’s official establishment remains unconfirmed, it is estimated that the total cost to set up and operate the court will reach around one hundred million dollars and the first case may be heard in 2027.
Transitional justice experts have expressed alarm regarding the impact of the U.S. government’s recent aid cuts on accountability for war crimes in Liberia and elsewhere. These cuts have made it nearly impossible for transitional justice initiatives to progress without U.S. support.
Since late January, thousands of global aid recipients have faced work stoppages due to the new U.S. administration’s decision to “pause” global assistance for 90 days. This pause has had far-reaching effects on transitional justice organizations, particularly those engaged in post-conflict settings, ranging from small NGOs aiding survivors of sexual violence to large organizations providing advisory support to government institutions.
The suspension of funding from USAID due to the Trump administration’s policies, along with other restrictions impacting U.S. State Department grants, has considerably hampered transitional justice programs worldwide
Behind the scenes, vital long-term efforts by NGOs, which focus on evidence-gathering, victim support, and the pursuit of accountability, have been significantly undermined.
Prospects for future initiatives, such as the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, are grim. A high-level delegation visiting Liberia in January to consult on the court was caught off guard by the U.S. aid freeze. “Everything may be lost,” lamented one member of the delegation, speaking on the condition of anonymity in an RFI publication.
