IPNEWS: Liberia stands at a crossroads, with its president, Joseph Boakai, facing a defining moment that will either solidify his legacy or tarnish it irreparably. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, recently shed light on the precarious balance Boakai must navigate. In his article, “With Biden Exiting, Liberia Should Put Justice Above Human Rights Profiteers,” Rubin explores a long-standing issue: Liberia’s inability to hold accountable those who profited from its bloodshed.
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Boakai’s commitment initially seemed steadfast. His appointment of Jonathan Massaquoi, a legal luminary who had successfully dismantled dubious testimony schemes orchestrated by organizations like Civitas Maxima, signaled a fresh approach. Massaquoi envisioned a hybrid court modeled after the Sierra Leone Special Tribunal. This model combined international expertise with local knowledge, offering mentorship and capacity-building opportunities for Liberian legal professionals. Such a court would not only deliver justice but also fortify Liberia’s judicial framework for generations to come.
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Beth Van Schaack, the Biden administration’s ambassador-at-large for Global Criminal Justice, is a key figure in this saga. Van Schaack previously worked with the Center for Justice and Accountability, which maintained ties with Civitas Maxima. According to Rubin, instead of addressing allegations of fraud and negligence against her former colleagues, Van Schaack shielded them, dismissing criticisms as threats to civil society. Rubin counters this narrative, asserting that robust civil societies should embrace scrutiny and debate, not suppress them.
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As Rubin notes, this decision places Boakai’s legacy on shaky ground. By acquiescing to external pressures, Boakai risks aligning his administration with those who prioritize financial gain over justice. This not only undermines Liberia’s sovereignty but also dashes the hopes of victims who have waited decades for accountability.
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History will judge Joseph Boakai not for the challenges he faced but for how he responded to them. Will he rise to the occasion and champion justice, or will he allow his administration to be co-opted by profiteers masquerading as human rights advocates? The answer will not only define his legacy but also shape Liberia’s future.
