President Joseph Boakai of Liberia has taken a significant step towards establishing War and Economic Crimes Courts in the country.
In a formal letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President Boakai requested both financial and technical assistance to bring these courts to fruition.
This move is seen as a crucial element in addressing the lingering issues of justice and accountability from Liberia’s past conflicts.
The confirmation of the letter’s receipt came from the Secretary-General’s office, which informed Front Page Africa/New Narratives that the letter was received on May 9. “We have shared it with the relevant department for the appropriate action/response,” stated the office in an email.
Despite this confirmation, President Boakai has not publicly acknowledged the letter. This silence has stirred frustration among supporters of the court, who demand transparency in the process.
Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana has also been unresponsive to multiple requests for confirmation of the letter.
John Morlu, a former auditor general under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and an initial supporter of Boakai, expressed his disappointment: “I support the War Crimes Court 100 percent, but I don’t like the games they are playing,” he stated. Massa Washington, a former commissioner of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), echoed this sentiment, calling for the president to make the letter public. “This process must be transparent every step of the way,” she urged via WhatsApp.
In the letter, President Boakai emphasized that Liberia could no longer delay justice for the atrocities committed during its civil wars. This call for action aligns with the recent appointment of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi as Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWC), a move welcomed by U.S. Congressman Chris Smith. S
mith, who chairs the House Global Human Rights Subcommittee, praised Boakai for his dedication to justice. “With this critical appointment, President Boakai continues to show his commitment and eagerness for justice,” Smith stated in a public statement.
However, this appointment has not been without controversy. Human rights advocates and members of the coalition have voiced significant concerns regarding Cllr. Massaquoi’s suitability for the role.
Reports indicate that Massaquoi has previously served as legal counsel for individuals accused of serious war crimes.
Among them is Madam Agnes Reeves Taylor, the ex-wife of former Liberian President Charles G. Taylor, who faced war crimes charges in a UK court. Taylor himself is serving a 50-year sentence for crimes committed in Sierra Leone.
Moreover, Massaquoi has been involved in defending Gebril Massaquoi, a Sierra Leonean national currently being prosecuted in Finland for atrocities allegedly committed during Liberia’s civil war.
These associations have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, given that the new role involves leading efforts to prosecute similar crimes.
The coalition stresses the importance of appointing individuals without such controversial backgrounds to ensure the credibility and integrity of the War and Economic Crimes Court.
The appointment of Cllr. Massaquoi has, therefore, cast a shadow over the process, with advocates fearing it could undermine the very justice the court aims to deliver.
Despite the mixed reactions, President Boakai’s actions reflect a broader commitment to addressing Liberia’s turbulent history.
The establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Courts is seen as a pivotal step in providing justice for victims and ensuring that those responsible for grave human rights violations are held accountable.
This initiative, while fraught with challenges, holds the potential to bring closure to many affected by the civil wars.
The international community’s support, particularly from the UN, is crucial in ensuring the successful establishment and operation of these courts. As Liberia moves forward, the transparency and integrity of this process will be essential in gaining the trust and support of its citizens and the global community.
