By Contributing Writer
Liberia’s Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L) on Monday opened a two-day national dialogue with the country’s Council of Chiefs and Elders to review draft legislation proposing the creation of a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and a National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC).
The historic gathering, held in Gbarnga, Bong County, brings together more than 100 chiefs and elders from all 15 counties, marking one of the most expansive engagements between the state and traditional authorities on justice sector reform in recent years.
Held under the theme “Understanding the WECC and NACC – Empowering the Chiefs to Educate the People,” the dialogue aims to deepen national understanding of the proposed courts while ensuring that grassroots voices play a central role in shaping Liberia’s path toward justice, accountability, transparency, and reconciliation.
According to OWECC-L, the dialogue is designed to provide traditional leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the two draft bills, create a platform for chiefs and elders to share perspectives and recommendations, and strengthen collaboration among state institutions, civil society, and customary authorities. Organizers also say the engagement seeks to promote unity and community cohesion by embedding national decision-making in local realities.
By engaging traditional leaders—long regarded as custodians of culture, mediators of disputes, and pillars of community governance—OWECC-L underscored the importance of participatory governance and inclusive reform processes.
The proposed War and Economic Crimes Court is intended to address atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts, providing a legal framework for accountability, justice, and national healing.
The National Anti-Corruption Court, meanwhile, is aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption through the swift adjudication of corruption cases, bolstering public trust, and reinforcing the rule of law.
OWECC-L Executive Director, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barby, said Liberia’s pursuit of justice and transparency must be inclusive to be sustainable.
“By engaging chiefs and elders from every county, we ensure that the voices of local communities are heard, respected, and reflected in the nation’s laws,” Dr. Barby said. “This process is essential to building legitimacy and public confidence in these reforms.”
The two-day dialogue is expected to produce concrete recommendations on strengthening community engagement in justice and anti-corruption initiatives, as well as a roadmap for sustained collaboration between traditional leaders and OWECC-L.
The outcomes of the Gbarnga dialogue is expected to play a critical role in shaping national consensus around the proposed courts, widely viewed as transformative steps toward consolidating peace, justice, and good governance in Liberia.
