MONROVIA — Liberians living in The Gambia have been encouraged to take part in Liberia’s transitional justice process, as OWECC-L, WONGOSOL and the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) continue efforts to bring the diaspora into discussions about justice, accountability and reconciliation.
The three organizations held a meeting with members of the Liberian community in The Gambia on September 30, 2026, in Senegambia.
The meeting focused on Liberia’s transitional justice process, including the proposed establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court.
Members of the community used the meeting to ask questions about the progress of the proposed courts and what role Liberians living outside the country could play in the process.
Representatives of OWECC-L said the office has completed its nationwide consultations and has prepared two draft bills for the proposed courts. The bills, they said, have been submitted through the proper channels and are now before the National Legislature for consideration.
WONGOSOL told the gathering that transitional justice should involve Liberians both at home and abroad. The organization said civil society groups will continue to push for the Legislature to consider and pass the bills.
The Federation of Liberian Youth also called for young people to become part of the process. The group encouraged members of the Liberian community in The Gambia to involve young Liberians in discussions about justice, reconciliation, peace and the country’s future.
Community Raises Concerns
Tommy Zoker, Acting Vice-Chair of the Liberian Community in The Gambia, welcomed the visit and thanked the delegation for engaging Liberians living there.
Zoker said meetings like the one held on September 30 help Liberians in The Gambia stay connected to developments in Liberia.
But he said many members of the community are also dealing with economic difficulties and the rising cost of living in The Gambia.
He called for more meetings and suggested that future activities take into account transportation and refreshments to make it easier for more people to attend.
Zoker estimated that about 200 Liberians are currently living in The Gambia. He said the community normally comes together during major Liberian holidays and other important national occasions.
During the meeting, a community member identified as James questioned whether the proposed courts would actually be established and whether the process would meet the expectations of Liberians.
The delegation responded that the two bills are already before the National Legislature and that civil society groups are working to keep the issue before lawmakers and the public.
Diaspora Support
WONGOSOL also asked the Liberian community in The Gambia to consider issuing a statement in support of the transitional justice bills.
The organization said such a statement would show that Liberians outside the country are also interested in the passage of the legislation and the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
Zoker welcomed the proposal and said it would be discussed with community leaders and members.
He also suggested that a Liberian journalist based in The Gambia could help communicate the community’s position.
OWECC-L also invited Zoker and other members of the community to join virtual meetings of the National Transitional Justice Coordination Committee, known as the NTJCC.
The committee brings together civil society organizations, government representatives, national and international partners and other stakeholders to discuss developments in Liberia’s transitional justice process.
Zoker welcomed the invitation and said he was willing to take part in future meetings.
Focus on Young Liberians
The organizations also discussed ways to reach Liberian students attending high schools and universities in The Gambia.
OWECC-L said young Liberians should understand the country’s transitional justice process and have an opportunity to take part in conversations about peace, reconciliation and national responsibility.
Members of the community confirmed that Liberian students are enrolled in schools and universities in The Gambia, although their numbers have declined in recent years.
The meeting ended with an agreement to continue communicating with the Liberian community and to explore plans for a larger gathering in the future.
Participants suggested that another engagement could be held during a major Liberian holiday or national occasion when more members of the community are likely to be available.
OWECC-L and WONGOSOL said they will continue working with Liberians in The Gambia and other diaspora communities to encourage greater participation in Liberia’s transitional justice process.
