In a recent interview with journalist Anthony Stephen of the New Narrative, outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, addressed the pressing issue of funding for the proposed war crimes court in Liberia, emphasizing the need for cost-effective model and sustainable financial support.
The backdrop of this discussion is the challenging economic climate and the dwindling availability of donor funds, which complicate efforts to establish a comprehensive judicial system to address past war crimes.
Ambassador Toner, who announced his retirement on July 10, 2025, acknowledged the high costs of setting up a traditional war crimes court and highlighted the necessity for Liberia to consider less expensive alternatives.
“We’re trying to encourage them to look at less expensive models because I don’t think the donor money is there anymore,” he remarked, pointing to comparative examples from other nations.
While he mentioned Sierra Leone as a costly model, he noted that the system established in The Gambia presented a more feasible approach.
The conversation turned towards practical assistance that the United States has provided to Liberia in this endeavor.
Ambassador Toner shared that efforts have included bringing groups from nations like The Gambia and Rwanda, which have pertinent experience in addressing war crimes.
Additionally, he mentioned that experts from the United States, such as Steve Rapp, a well-known lawyer with extensive experience in war crimes tribunals, have also been part of these collaborative efforts.
Toner stressed that for the establishment of a war crimes court to succeed, systematic funding is essential. “They need to pay their staff, they need the operational expenses, they need the budget,” he explained.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Liberian administration in navigating its own financial obligations, noting that budgetary constraints have impacted their capacity to prioritize the war crimes court effectively.
Despite the hurdles, Toner commended the work done by the relevant authorities, particularly referencing Barbu’s role in setting up the necessary framework.
He also acknowledged assistance from the U.N., mentioning that technical expertise had been provided to support Liberia’s efforts. “They’ve got the elements in place,” he affirmed, referring to the action plan or roadmap the authorities have developed, which outlines the steps needed to move forward.
However, Toner’s message was clear: while the groundwork has been laid, the prioritization and resourcing of the war crimes court remain critical. “At some point, you need to decide whether the WEC (War Crimes Court) is a priority and if it is funded as such,” he said, reiterating the need for strategic financial planning.
He expressed that the conversation regarding funding needs to continue, not just with U.S. officials but also with the United Nations and other international partners. “It needs to be, if I could put it so callously, on a budget because I don’t think the money is there anymore, not just from the United States but from other major donors,” Toner stated.
Ambassador Toner’s insights shed light on the complex dynamics surrounding Liberia’s efforts to establish a war crimes court while navigating the economic realities that affect funding. His call for prioritization and innovative financial solutions highlights the urgency needed to uphold justice for the victims of Liberia’s tumultuous past.
