Senators Joseph Kpator Jallah of Lofa County and Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence of Grand Bassa County have jointly introduced two landmark bills in the Liberian Senate.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish specialized courts dedicated to addressing war crimes and corruption; two long-standing issues that continue to challenge Liberia’s pursuit of peace and good governance.
The bills, titled “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,” are rooted in Article 34 of the 1986 Constitution, which grants the National Legislature authority to create courts subordinate to the Supreme Court.
They also fulfill the mandate of Joint Resolution No. JR-001/2024, which calls for the creation of special courts to prosecute wartime atrocities and combat economic crimes.
According to a statement issued by the office of the Senate Pro Tempore, Senator Jallah hailed the initiative as a turning point for the nation.
“This is a defining moment for Liberia. These bills are not about revenge-they are about restoring dignity, healing our nation’s wounds through justice, and dismantling the culture of impunity and corruption,” he said.
Co-sponsor Senator Karnga-Lawrence emphasized that accountability is essential for genuine reconciliation.
“True reconciliation cannot exist without justice. Our people deserve a Liberia where the law protects the weak and restrains the powerful. Justice must be the cornerstone of our peace and prosperity,” she stated.
The proposed War Crimes Court would investigate and prosecute serious human rights violations committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts, ensuring justice for victims and adherence to international legal standards.
The Special Economic and Corruption Crimes Court, on the other hand, would focus on prosecuting corruption and financial crimes, enhancing transparency, and strengthening public confidence in state institutions.
Senator Jallah, a strong advocate of the rule of law, has centered his legislative agenda on institutional reform and equitable access to justice.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence’s leadership, meanwhile, emphasizes inclusive governance, social justice, and empowering ordinary Liberians-especially women and youth, to participate in national development.
“We must build a Liberia where justice is not selective, where corruption is not a culture, and where the law serves all citizens equally,” Senator Jallah affirmed.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence concluded, “History will remember the courage we show today to correct the wrongs of the past.”
