By: Andrew B Weah
IPNEW: A coalition of leading civil society organizations has thrown its full support behind efforts to establish both a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court, describing the proposed institutions as critical tools for ending decades of impunity and strengthening accountability in Liberia.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia, Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, and Sisters AID Liberia Inc. called on lawmakers to fully support the pending bills and ensure their timely passage.
Reading the joint statement on behalf of the organizations, Anderson D Miamen said Liberia has waited far too long for justice for victims of the country’s civil conflicts and for accountability for corruption that continues to undermine national development.
“For many years, the hope of ending impunity for atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil war appeared distant, while corruption continued to flourish with little consequence for those accused,” the organizations stated. “The establishment of these courts offers a historic opportunity to confront both challenges.”
A Defining Moment for Liberia
The statement comes ahead of a high-level technical working session scheduled for June 11-12 for members of the House of Representatives assigned to review the proposed legislation.
According to the CSOs, the session represents a crucial stage in Liberia’s pursuit of justice and institutional reform, providing lawmakers with the opportunity to gain deeper understanding of the legal, operational, and institutional frameworks required to establish the courts.
The groups described the President’s submission of the two bills to the National Legislature as a “decisive moment” in Liberia’s long journey toward justice, accountability, and democratic renewal.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently submitted legislation seeking the establishment of both a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court. The administration also extended the mandate of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court and provided funding support to ensure continuity in the process.
The coalition noted that these actions signal a clear commitment by the Executive Branch to address longstanding demands for justice from victims, survivors, and ordinary Liberians.
“These developments demonstrate that Liberia can no longer afford to postpone justice or ignore the voices of citizens who have waited for more than two decades for accountability,” the statement said.
Lawmakers Praised
The organizations praised lawmakers who have already indicated their willingness to participate in the upcoming technical session, describing their engagement as evidence of responsible leadership.
According to the CSOs, legislators who choose to attend are demonstrating courage and a commitment to national interests over political considerations.
“Their participation sends a powerful message that the Legislature is prepared to stand with victims, survivors, and citizens demanding justice and accountability,” the statement noted.
The groups further argued that such actions help restore public confidence in the Legislature and reinforce its role in advancing democratic reforms and strengthening the rule of law.
Call for Full Participation
At the same time, the organizations urged lawmakers who remain undecided or have not publicly committed to supporting the process to attend the working session and engage constructively.
The coalition stressed that while the Executive Branch has already taken significant steps by submitting the legislation and extending the mandate of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, the responsibility now rests with lawmakers to complete the process through legislative action.
“We urge all designated and invited lawmakers to attend the session without excuses and place national interest above political comfort,” the statement emphasized.
Commitment to Support the Process
The civil society organizations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Legislature throughout the process by providing technical expertise, independent monitoring, public engagement, and advocacy.
They said their goal is to ensure that both courts become credible, effective, inclusive, and independent institutions capable of meeting the expectations of Liberians both at home and abroad.
