By Cooper K. Sangar Jr.
Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L), has renewed his call for justice and accountability for victims of Liberia’s civil wars.
His statement came during the recent dedication of the Sabo Woffieken Memorial in River Gee County, erected in memory of those who perished in the November 11, 1994, massacre.
Addressing the community, Cllr. Barbu reminded Liberians of the solemn promise made after the signing of the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, a commitment not only to peace but also to remembering and confronting past atrocities.
“The people who did the bad things in this country must answer why they did them,” he declared, adding that over two decades later, Liberia is still waiting for a court to address war and economic crimes.
He commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for taking decisive steps to establish the court, highlighting the significance of Executive Order No. 131, which created OWECC-L.
“This office is not the court itself,” Cllr. Barbu clarified. “It is here to help lay the groundwork for the court’s full establishment.”
Acknowledging the political sensitivities and potential threats tied to his role, Barbu remained resolute:
“Even if I will die for the sake of the court, I will make sure the process does not stop,” he said, urging citizens across Liberia to support the effort through unity and prayer.
He underscored that justice is central to national healing and reconciliation.
“How the souls of those can kill rest in peace when their bodies were dumped without dignity?” he asked, highlighting the deep emotional and moral toll of unaddressed crimes.
As part of efforts to decentralize the justice process, Cllr. Barbu announced the upcoming establishment of a regional office in River Gee, which will also serve Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties.
“This is not about people in Monrovia deciding for you,” he stressed. “It’s about Liberians everywhere having a voice in the process.”
The memorial dedication was both somber and symbolic, offering survivors and residents an opportunity to remember the victims and renew calls for justice. Many expressed hope that the memorial, along with the ongoing steps toward court establishment, will mark the beginning of genuine reconciliation and long-overdue accountability in Liberia.
