-Backs War Crimes Court
By Jerromie S. Walters
The House of Representatives has approved five education bills aimed at expanding academic access, promoting inclusivity, and strengthening regional learning institutions across Liberia. A release issued by the House Press Bureau say these measures seek to establish the Sign Language Institute of Liberia, elevate the Monrovia Vocational Training Center and Bong Technical College to university status, and create new community colleges in River Gee and Rivercess Counties.
The bills were carefully reviewed by the Joint Committee on Education and Public Administration and Judiciary, following extensive participatory public hearings with key education stakeholders.
According to Committee Chairman, Representative Nyahn G. Flomo, the legislative package reflects a bold commitment to inclusive learning, regional development, and the equitable distribution of academic opportunities.
Meanwhile, the instruments have been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence. In another development, the Speaker of the 55th Legislature of Liberia, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, has reaffirmed the unwavering support of the House of Representatives for the establishment and full operationalization of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L) in Liberia.
Delivering a special statement at the High-Level Dialogue and Working Session held at Monrovia City Hall Tuesday, Speaker Koon stressed that Liberia stands at a critical crossroads — one that demands bold, honest, and united action to advance justice, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts.
“We gather at a time that demands for bold and honest action — action that aligns accountability with justice, and anti-corruption with human rights,” Speaker Koon declared. He noted that the Legislature has already taken significant steps, including the passage of a joint resolution supporting the Court’s creation and ensuring an initial budgetary appropriation to begin its operations.
Speaker Koon acknowledged that while important strides have been made, greater legislative, legal, and financial support is required to strengthen the Office as it transitions from its formative stage to full operation.
He pledged that the House of Representatives will prioritize: • The review and passage of the draft bill establishing a specialized anti-corruption court,
• Increased financial appropriations to empower the OWECC-L, and • Sustained legislative oversight and collaboration with integrity institutions.
The Speaker also stressed the importance of synergy among integrity institutions and called for structured national dialogue that fosters diverse partnerships, awareness, and inclusive participation. “More than law and money, people are very important. Synergy is crucial. Collaboration between integrity institutions and the War and Economic Crimes Office is key,” he added.
Meanwhile the Speaker has disclosed that the House of Representatives is contemplating legislation to elevate the current Assets Recovery Unit into a full-fledged anti-corruption agency with broader legal authority and operational independence.
Speaker Koon concluded by assuring stakeholders of the Legislature’s deep investment in the credibility, legal soundness, and successful implementation of the War and Economic Crimes Court process. “To this end, we commit our fullest legislative support,” he pledged.
The event brought together high-level representatives from the Executive, Judiciary, Diplomatic Corps, development partners, and civil society, marking a major step toward deepened coordination and national ownership of transitional justice and anti-corruption reforms.
