Transitional Justice Group Urges Pres. Boakai To Withdraw The Head Of War Crimes Court Office In Liberia
FLASHBACK: Pres. Joseph Boakai during the signing of the Executive Order setting up the office recently
By Alfred Kollie alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
The Transitional Justice Working Group in Liberia (TJWG) is calling on President Joseph N. Boakai to immediately retract the nomination of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi as the head of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
The group argues that Massaquoi’s appointment poses a conflict of interest and could undermine the fight for justice and accountability in Liberia.
President Boakai appointed Cllr. Massaquoi as the Executive Director of the Office of War Crimes Court in Liberia on June 20, 2024.
Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi is a licensed lawyer in Liberia with over 14 years of experience in criminal and civil procedure law.
In 2021, he was appointed as an amicus curiae (advisor) by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
The appointment was hailed by many as a step towards achieving genuine peace and reconciliation by seeking justice for victims of war across the country.
However, the Chairperson of TJWG, Peterson K. Sonyah, expressed his concerns during an interview with a reporter in Monrovia.
Sonyah argues that Massaquoi lacks the necessary morals and background to lead the establishment of the war crimes court in Liberia as Executive Director.
He further criticized Massaquoi for representing war criminals such as Agnes Taylor and Gabriel Massaquoi in court, suggesting that his nomination could hinder the pursuit of transitional justice in Liberia.
He also expressed doubts from civil society organizations and international and local partners, who have questioned whether the appointment of Massaquoi will yield fruitful results.
He highlighted the lack of international connections and human rights records of Cllr. Massaquoi, which could deter support for the establishment of the court.
“If President Boakai fails to address our concerns, the TJWG plans to stage a nationwide protest at the Presidential Mansion, Capital Building, and all embassies in Liberia.
The group intends to call on these institutions to intervene and prevent Massaquoi from leading the initiative.
They also plan to petition local and international partners to withhold support for Massaquoi due to his stance against transitional justice.
In order to ensure the success and garner support for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, Mr. Sonyah recommends Cllr. Gongloe, the current president of the National Bar Association of Liberia, to lead the initiative instead.