By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, the Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, has been selected to serve as the National Orator for Liberia’s 2024 Flag Day celebration. The event is scheduled to take place at the Centennial Pavilion on August 24, a day of profound historical significance for the nation.
This year’s Flag Day observance carries particular weight as it occurs amid renewed national efforts to address historical injustices through the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. The selection of Cllr. Barbu, who now heads this pivotal office, signals the government’s intention to intertwine themes of justice, accountability, and national reconciliation with this year’s celebration.
Liberia’s National Flag Day is observed annually on August 24 to commemorate the adoption of the Liberian flag in 1847. This was the very same day that Liberia declared its independence, becoming the first republic on the African continent. The flag itself is a powerful national symbol, each element rich with meaning.
The design of the flag features eleven alternating red and white stripes. These represent the eleven signatories to the Liberian Declaration of Independence, the courageous individuals who boldly established a new sovereign nation. The single white star set upon a field of blue symbolizes Liberia’s unique status as the first independent nation in Africa, a beacon of freedom and self-determination on the continent.
The holiday was officially established in 1915 and has since grown into one of Liberia’s most cherished cultural events. It is a public holiday, marked by the closure of government offices and businesses across the country, allowing citizens to fully participate in the day’s reflections and festivities.
Central to the celebrations are the majestic student parades. Young people from schools across the nation march in a vibrant display of patriotism, often accompanied by cultural performances, music, and dancing. These events serve not only as a celebration but also as a living lesson in national history and civic pride for the younger generation.
The day ultimately serves as a potent opportunity for Liberians of all backgrounds to celebrate their shared national identity and rich heritage. It is a moment that fosters a profound sense of unity and nationalism, reflecting on the past while looking toward the future.
The choice of Cllr. Barbu as National Orator is a deeply symbolic one. His recent appointment on November 1, 2024, as the head of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., was a landmark decision in Liberia’s pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
President Boakai’s appointment was made following the diligent recommendation of a dedicated Search Committee. The committee identified Cllr. Barbu as the ideal candidate for this monumental task, citing his extensive legal experience, impeccable qualifications, and unwavering integrity.
Cllr. Barbu brings a distinguished career to this role. His credentials include serving as the Head of Liberia’s Law Reform Commission, where he was instrumental in reviewing and modernizing the nation’s legal framework. He also served with distinction as the Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia, shaping the minds of the country’s next generation of legal professionals.
Following his appointment, the selection was widely praised. The Coalition for Justice in Liberia (CJL) publicly commended President Boakai for his choice. The advocacy group highlighted the inclusive and transparent nature of the selection process and expressed strong confidence in Cllr. Barbu’s ability to lead the critical work of the court.
Throughout his career, Cllr. Barbu has consistently championed the core principles of the rule of law, judicial integrity, and public accountability. His legal scholarship and professional practice have been defined by a steadfast commitment to these values, making him a respected and trusted figure in Liberia’s legal community.
In his new capacity leading the War and Economic Crimes Court, he is tasked with one of the most sensitive and crucial mandates in Liberia’s recent history: to seek justice for the victims of historical conflicts and to foster a process of genuine national healing. His upcoming Flag Day address is therefore highly anticipated.
