FLASHBACK: Images of Liberia’s 14 years brutal civil war which officially ended in 2003 claiming the lives of approximately 250,000 people
STORY SOURCE: Liberian News Agency
By Reagan S. Lebbie
MONROVIA, May 1(LINA) – President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has officially renewed Executive Order No. 131, now Executive Order No. 148, reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to establishing the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L).
The Liberian leader has also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the OWECC-L in its mission to bring justice to victims and foster national reconciliation.
President Boakai’s decision to renew Executive Order No. 131, now Executive Order No. 148 underscores his Administration’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and addressing past injustices.
The renewal comes amid calls from local and international human rights organizations urging the Liberian Government to maintain momentum in addressing the legacy of impunity.
According to an Executive Mansion release the OWECC-L, under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Jallah A. Barbu has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the court’s establishment, despite facing challenges such as funding constraints and administrative hurdles.
This renewal ensures the continued operation of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, which was initially created on May 2, 2024, to spearhead the process of justice and reconciliation for atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts.
The release further noted that the renewed Executive Order reinforces the OWECC-L’s responsibilities, including Conducting comprehensive research and consultations to design a model for the Special War Crimes Court that aligns with international standards.
Drafting legislation for the establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Court to address corruption cases linked to the civil war and subsequent periods.
Engaging with international partners to secure funding and technical assistance necessary for the courts’ establishment and operation. Recommending the scope, jurisdiction, and operational framework of the proposed courts.
The Government acknowledges the importance of transparency, adequate resourcing, and international collaboration in successfully establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court.
RSL RSL/WSG/ATT
U.S. Embassy Backs Pres. Boakai’s Decision To Renew Mandate Of OWECC
By K. Ericson Sayee
MONROVIA, May 01(LINA) – The United States of America Embassy near Monrovia has expressed support for President Joseph N. Boakai’s move to renew the authority of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC).
On April 30, 2025, according to an Executive Mansion press statement, Pres. Boakai renewed Executive Order No. 131, now Executive Order No. 148, reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to establishing the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
This commitment ensures the continued operation of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L), which was initially created on May 2, 2024, to spearhead the process of justice and reconciliation for atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts.
The renewal comes amid calls from local and international human rights organizations urging the Liberian Government to maintain momentum in addressing the legacy of impunity.
The renewal reinforces the OWECC-L’s responsibilities, including: conducting comprehensive research and consultations to design a model for the Special War Crimes Court that aligns with international standards, drafting legislation for the establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Court to address corruption cases linked to the civil war and subsequent periods.
Engaging with international partners to secure funding and technical assistance necessary for the courts’ establishment and operation as well as recommending the scope, jurisdiction, and operational framework of the proposed courts.
Based on these critical steps proffered by the Liberian leader, the U.S. Embassy on Thursday, May 1, 2025, expressed optimism in a statement that the president is on track to end the culture of impunity in Liberia, lauding the Liberian Chief Executive for his farsightedness.
“The U.S. Embassy supports President Joseph Boakai’s decision to renew the mandate of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC)”, the embassy said.
It added: “The OWECC can now continue its work to bring long-overdue justice to Liberia and end the culture of impunity that will make a decided contribution to Liberia’s long-term prosperity and stability”.
LINA KES/WSG/ATT