MONROVIA, Liberia – The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), the national umbrella organization representing women-led and women’s rights groups across the country, has warmly commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for submitting draft bills to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court to the National Legislature.
In a statement issued Friday, WONGOSOL described the President’s action as “historic and courageous” — a clear sign of political will to sustain peace, strengthen the rule of law, combat impunity, and promote national healing. “For many Liberians, particularly survivors of Liberia’s brutal civil conflict, women, children, and communities most affected by violence and injustice, this development represents a long-awaited step toward truth, justice, dignity, and closure,” the statement read.
WONGOSOL stressed that sustainable peace cannot thrive where impunity persists. “Accountability remains a cornerstone of reconciliation and democratic governance,” the group said. “The establishment of both Courts presents Liberia with a critical opportunity to address historical injustices, strengthen institutional integrity, restore citizens’ trust in public institutions, and send a strong signal nationally and internationally that Liberia is prepared to confront its painful past while safeguarding its future.”
The War and Economic Crimes Court, as the Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) first recommended in 2009, would address serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed during Liberia’s civil wars. The National Anti-Corruption Court would ensure greater accountability and transparency in managing public resources at a time when citizens continue to demand stronger action against corruption.
WONGOSOL noted that both efforts align with Article 11 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law. They also align with regional and international commitments, including the African Union, the UN Charter, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda under UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
The organization extended profound appreciation to the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), under Executive Director Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Prof., and his team. “Their commitment, resilience, consultations, and public engagement continue to inspire confidence in Liberia’s transitional justice journey,” WONGOSOL said.
WONGOSOL proudly acknowledged its own long-standing advocacy, from active engagement during the TRC process to sustained calls for implementing its recommendations. The group has consistently pushed for a survivor-centered, gender-responsive, and victim-focused accountability process that recognizes the disproportionate impact of war and corruption on women and girls.
The organization specifically celebrated “the resilient women of Liberia, including survivors, peace hut leaders, grassroots women’s organizations, market women, traditional and religious women leaders, and women human rights defenders, whose tireless advocacy, courage, and sacrifices helped sustain peace during and after Liberia’s conflict.”
Addressing survivors of war and violence — especially women and girls who suffered sexual violence, displacement, trauma, and unimaginable atrocities — WONGOSOL said this moment brings renewed hope.
“Their voices matter, their pain has not been forgotten, and Liberia is gradually moving toward a future where justice, healing, recognition, and reparative measures can become realities,” the group stated.
WONGOSOL extended sincere appreciation to Liberia’s international, regional, and continental partners, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, diplomatic missions, and international justice organizations, for their continuous support..
“As custodians of the democratic aspirations of the Liberian people, we respectfully call upon the Honorable Members of the Legislature to act with urgency, patriotism, and courage in reviewing and passing these landmark bills into law,” WONGOSOL said. “The Liberian people, and indeed the international community, are watching closely and expecting decisive action.”
“The youth, women, and children of Liberia deserve better, and now is the time for the Legislature to ensure the passage of these landmark bills in the interest of justice, accountability, national healing, and the protection of Liberia’s future,” the group said.
Passing the bills, WONGOSOL argued, will help close impunity gaps, strengthen public trust in national institutions, and move Liberia toward a country free from hurt, corruption, and injustice.
“This moment demands leadership above politics and national interest above personal considerations,” WONGOSOL declared. “The passage of these bills into law will mark a defining chapter in Liberia’s democratic and peacebuilding history — one that demonstrates that accountability and reconciliation are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.”
WONGOSOL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a transparent, inclusive, survivor-centered, and gender-responsive accountability process that advances justice, strengthens institutions, and guarantees non-recurrence for future generations.
“Justice delayed has been painful for many survivors, but justice pursued with sincerity can restore hope, strengthen peace, and reaffirm our collective humanity as a nation.”
