By G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L), in collaboration with transitional justice partners, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, officially launched a National Outreach Campaign under the theme “Justice for All.”
The campaign aims to engage citizens across all fifteen counties and the diaspora in promoting accountability, justice reform, and civic education.
The initiative which marks a major step toward establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court, with targeted operational dates in November 2027 and November 2026, respectively, is guided by a National Communication and Outreach Strategy that emphasizes inclusive engagement, truth-telling, and survivor-centeredstorytelling.
Officially launching the National Outreach, the Executive Director Dr. Jallah A. Barbu stressed the importance of nationwide involvement is to address impunity, support the rules of law and ensure accountability in Liberia.
“To address impunity, support the rules of law and ensure accountability in the country, and by bringing reconciliation and peace to our country, I do hereby, with the authority in me vested by the President – Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., I now declared the launch of the national outreach program.”
Dr. Barbu urged Liberians to collaborate with the (OWECC-L) to ensure that the objectives of the establishment of the office become a reality by ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
“I ask you to put on your slankers and let work together to make Liberia great again justice must be accessible to all.”
He asserted that Justice is everybody’s business” and “Delayed justice is not denied justice.”
It may be recalled, President Joseph Boakai signed Executive Order No. 148, renewing and expanding the mandate of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC‑L), first created under Executive Order No. 131 in May 2024. The order empowers OWECC‑L to continue leading efforts to establish a court to prosecute war and economic crimes from Liberia’s civil conflicts.
The Executive Order comes in direct response to Joint Resolution #JR‑001/2024 passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives. The resolution calls for the creation of an Extraordinary Criminal Court for war crimes and a separate Anti-Corruption Court. It mandates the President to issue an Executive Order to establish an Office of War Crimes under the Ministry of Justice, led by “an internationally certified envoy,” to coordinate court planning, mobilize resources, and engage with global partners.
Under the renewed mandate, OWECC‑L is tasked with consultations, drafting legislation, and building partnerships. Its Executive Director, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, welcomed the move, saying: “This is a significant step in the fight against impunity. It reflects our commitment to justice and aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations.”
The resolution also outlines broader measures, including reparations, a national apology, support for reconciliation programs like the Palava Hut, and the construction of a memorial. It urges the President to seek international support and present a financing plan. These provisions complement Executive Order No. 148, which emphasizes: “Justice is not just a policy choice but a moral duty to victims and future generations.”
By acting on both legal and political fronts, the Boakai administration and the Legislature are showing a unified stance. Human rights groups continue to press for urgent action, with calls for “adequate funding and swift implementation” to make the courts operational.
The Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L further described the establishment of the office as the manifestation of the Government commitment to respect the rule of law – acting on the recommendations of the TRC report.
“Our presence here is a clear manifestation of our country respect for the rules of law.” Dr. Barbu stated
The Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), formed in 2005, recommended creating a War and Economic Crimes Court to prosecute those most responsible for atrocities committed between 1979 and 2003. It also suggested banning key perpetrators from holding public office for 30 years and called for justice through fair trials and accountability.
The TRC further proposed reparations for victims, civic education, and reforms in the judiciary and security sectors. It urged national memorials and historical records to preserve the conflict’s memory and promote healing. Though controversial, these recommendations remain central to Liberia’s justice and reconciliation efforts.
Historical facts of the civil conflict:
The Liberian civil war started in December 1989 when former President – then rebel leader – Charles Taylor, led the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), ansld launched an attack against President Samuel Doe’s government. Taylor’s move was in response to years of corruption, ethnic favoritism, and oppression under Doe’s rule, particularly against the Gio and Mano ethnic groups. The war quickly spread and became brutal, involving civilian massacres and ethnic killings.
As the conflict intensified, new rebel groups emerged. The Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) was formed by Prince Johnson, who later captured and killed Doe in 1990. Other major factions included the United Liberation Movement for Democracy in Liberia (ULIMO), later split into ULIMO-J led by Roosevelt Johnson and ULIMO-K led by Alhaji Kromah. In the second civil war (1999–2003), major groups included the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) led by Sekou Conneh and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL).
The war caused the deaths of an estimated 250,000 people and displaced more than a million. Civilians suffered massive abuse, including rape, forced conscription, and mutilation. The country’s economy, infrastructure, and institutions collapsed, and child soldiers were widely used by all factions.
The conflict officially ended with the signing of the Accra Peace Accord on August 18, 2003. The agreement led to the resignation of President Charles Taylor, who went into exile in Nigeria. It also paved the way for the formation of a transitional government, the deployment of UN peacekeepers, and the 2005 democratic elections that brought Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to power.
