𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗵 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘂 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝘀 $𝟮 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗶’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁

By: Methuselah Gaye

Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – Dr. Jallah Barbu, Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), has praised President Joseph Boakai for allotting $2 million to his office, describing it as a strong sign of the administration’s commitment to establishing the court.

Speaking during a two-day training organized by New Narratives in Buchanan, Dr. Barbu presented on the topic “What Next for the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia Now that President Boakai Has Renewed Its Mandate and Given It a Budget of $2 Million.” He said the budgetary support is a major step forward.

“This amount is sufficient to run the office and begin the establishment of the court,” Dr. Barbu declared, describing the funding as a significant milestone in the country’s push for justice and accountability.

He also credited President Boakai’s Executive Order No. 148 for streamlining the financial process. “The Executive Order has reduced the excessive bureaucracy that used to delay the disbursement of funds,” he noted.

Dr. Barbu revealed that the office is in the process of setting up its own internal security system, despite the national government’s provision of police officers. “Security is crucial. Even with the government’s support, the office must have its own mechanism to protect staff and assets,” he explained.

Describing the establishment of the court as a matter of urgency, Dr. Barbu said it demands “serious attention” and the backing of all Liberians. “This is about justice for the people. It’s about ending impunity,” he said.

He further disclosed ongoing collaboration with local organizations aimed at addressing Liberia’s drug crisis. “We are not just talking about stopping drug consumption — we are working to help victims recover and reintegrate,” he emphasized.

Dr. Barbu concluded by urging the government to focus on using home-grown resources to support national initiatives. “Sustainability will depend on how well we can use what we have,” he said.

The establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court remains a key demand of human rights advocates and international partners seeking justice for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil wars and ongoing issues of corruption. President Boakai’s recent actions, including the budget allocation and Executive Order, are seen as pivotal steps toward finally realizing the court.