By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
Monrovia, Liberia — The Government of Liberia has announced an annual allocation of $2 million to support the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), signaling a renewed push to address atrocities committed during the country’s prolonged civil conflict.
The funding will be administered as a grant line item under the Ministry of Justice, with the WECC office operating as a semi-independent body.
According to Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando, the amount will be disbursed in four equal quarterly installments of $500,000.
Speaking at a press briefing held Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Information, Sando disclosed that the WECC office will be required to submit quarterly operational and financial reports to the Office of the President through the Minister of Justice.
President Joseph N. Boakai has further instructed the office tasked with establishing the court to present a comprehensive 60-day plan outlining strategies for resource mobilization and stakeholder engagement. The plan is expected to identify potential funding partners and detail approaches for inclusive consultation.
The establishment of the WECC stems from recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which investigated Liberia’s 14-year civil war. The conflict resulted in the deaths of an estimated 250,000 people and left deep societal scars.
The proposed court aims to prosecute individuals deemed most responsible for war crimes and economic violations committed during that period.
Despite years of advocacy, previous administrations did not implement the TRC’s recommendation to create such a tribunal.
The Boakai administration’s move is being viewed as a significant step toward accountability and justice for thousands of victims and their families, many of whom have long awaited legal redress for crimes committed during the conflict.
