In Liberia today, the rule of law stands at a crossroads—not because the laws are absent, but because public trust in their enforcement has been dangerously eroded. The Ministry of Justice’s nationwide campaign, “Justice for All, Not Just Us,” now entering its rollout phase, is not merely a policy intervention. It is a moral reckoning.
The recent community dialogue in New Kru Town was more than symbolic—it was strategic. This township, long scarred by episodes of mob violence, became the launchpad for a national movement that seeks to reclaim justice from the shadows of fear, frustration, and misinformation. The presence of civil society leaders, youth advocates, and law enforcement officials underscored a critical truth: justice cannot be imposed from above; it must be co-created with the people.
Mob violence—often romanticized as “jungle justice”—is not justice at all. It is a breakdown of civic order, a betrayal of constitutional rights, and a threat to national development. When citizens act as judge, jury, and executioner, they not only violate the rights of the accused but also undermine the very institutions designed to protect them. As Cllr. Cora Hare Konuwa rightly stated, this culture of vigilantism deters investment, destabilizes communities, and corrodes the moral fabric of our nation.
But the roots of this crisis run deep. Poverty, prolonged court delays, and digital misinformation have created a perfect storm of disillusionment. The rollout phase of this campaign must therefore go beyond awareness—it must deliver reform. Legal literacy programs must reach every county. Community-police relations must be rebuilt through transparency and accountability. And the judiciary must be equipped and empowered to deliver timely, credible justice.
This is not just a Liberian challenge—it is a continental one. Across Africa, the tension between formal justice systems and informal retribution is growing. Liberia now has an opportunity to lead by example, showing that institutional renewal is possible when government, civil society, and communities act in concert.
The message from New Kru Town was clear: justice must be seen, felt, and trusted. The Ministry of Justice has taken a bold step. Now, every Liberian must walk with it—rejecting mob violence, demanding due process, and defending the rule of law not just as a legal principle, but as a national identity.
