In a strong and impassioned address, the political leader of the Liberian National Union (LINU), Dr. Clarence K. Moniba, has called on the Boakai-Koung Government to move beyond mere formalities and ensure the practical implementation of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WCC) in Liberia.
Dr. Moniba’s remarks come on the heels of the recent signing of the WCC into law by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on May 2, 2024, following its passage by the Liberian Legislature.
Speaking through a press release in Monrovia, Dr. Moniba emphasized the critical need for the government to transform the symbolic act of signing the WCC into actionable measures that would bring about true justice and accountability. “The signing of the WCC should not be a man-bluff by the Rescue Government,” he stated, “it should be implemented so that it brings relief and a sense of accountability and integrity to the country and its people.“
Dr. Moniba’s speech underscored a longstanding issue in Liberia: the creation of laws without their effective implementation. He pointed out that despite numerous anti-corruption laws, no significant convictions have occurred in the past two decades. “Throughout Liberia’s history, the creation of laws has not been our problem – the implementation of laws has,” he declared. Highlighting the ineffectiveness of past efforts, he called for urgent legislative reforms to ensure that the WCC could function effectively.
Among the specific legislative changes he advocated for was the amendment of Section 17.1 of the Judiciary Law, which currently restricts the practice of law in Liberia to Liberians only, and the repeal of the 2003 Act that grants immunity for civil and criminal acts. “No one should be immune from accountability to the Liberian people,” he asserted, signaling a clear departure from policies that have historically shielded corrupt and criminal officials from justice.
Nation’s Current State: A Cry for Urgent Reforms
Dr. Moniba did not hold back in his critique of the current state of the nation. He painted a grim picture of Liberia’s socioeconomic conditions, pointing to inadequate educational facilities, unpaid civil servants, and deteriorating infrastructure. “People are frustrated because children go to school to sit on dirt floors and broken benches. Frustrated because civil servants are not paid for months; and frustrated that with the rains coming, our dirt roads will soon turn to mud deathtraps,” he lamented.
He also criticized the recently submitted national budget, highlighting the between the high salaries of lawmakers and the meager earnings of essential workers such as teachers, doctors, military personnel, and police officers. “When government expenditure on itself eats the biggest share of one of the smallest national budgets in the world – we as a nation will also continue to remain beggars, instead of leaders,” he warned.
Dr. Moniba laid out a comprehensive vision for Liberia’s development, urging the Boakai-Koung Administration to adopt policies aimed at transforming various sectors including agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He noted that current agricultural policies are insufficient to feed Liberia’s growing population of five million and called for significant reforms to boost food production.
In the realm of education, Dr. Moniba highlighted the dire state of the nation’s schools, many of which lack basic amenities such as computer labs, libraries, electricity, and indoor toilets. “Educating the children of Liberia is serious business,” he said, stressing the importance of providing quality education to the younger generation.
Dr. Moniba concluded his address with a heartfelt plea for unity and collective action. “We must believe and demand nothing less to ensure the greatness of our nation because that is what we as Liberians deserve,” he stated. His call for a “new Liberia,” driven by justice, accountability, and genuine transformation, resonated with many, highlighting the urgent need for substantial and meaningful change in the nation’s governance and societal structures.
Dr. Moniba’s call for action reflects a broader desire among Liberians for a government that not only enacts laws but also ensures their effective implementation. As the Boakai-Koung Government embarks on its tenure, the implementation of the War and Economic Crimes Court will serve as a litmus test for its commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
