IPNEWS: Senators Joseph Kpator Jallah of Lofa County and Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence of Grand Bassa County have introduced two bills seeking to establish the War Crimes Court and the Special Economic and Corruption Crimes Court in Liberia.
The proposed legislations An Act to Establish the War Crimes Court of the Republic of Liberia and An Act to Establish the Special Economic and Corruption Crimes Court of the Republic of Liberia were formally submitted to the Liberian Senate on Tuesday.
According to the sponsors, the bills are grounded in Article 34 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which empowers the Legislature to create courts subordinate to the Supreme Court.
They also align with Joint Resolution No. JR-001/2024, which mandates the creation of two distinct judicial bodies to address war-related crimes, crimes against humanity, and corruption offenses.
“These bills are not about revenge; they are about restoring the dignity of our nation, healing wounds through justice, and ensuring that corruption and impunity no longer define our governance,” said Senator Jallah, who sponsored the bills.
Co-sponsor Senator Karnga-Lawrence said the legislation represents a step toward true reconciliation. “Our people deserve a Liberia where justice serves as the foundation for peace, prosperity, and good governance,” she said.
The senators said their goal is to build a Liberia where justice, accountability, and integrity are central to national life. The War Crimes Court, if passed, will prosecute atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and that perpetrators are held accountable in line with international human rights standards.
Meanwhile, the Special Economic and Corruption Crimes Court aims to strengthen domestic anti-corruption mechanisms, close gaps in prosecutorial capacity, and reinforce public trust in state institutions.
Report by Nyantee Genero Samuel Togba
