The Chairman of the National Committee for the Establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, Cllr. Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and accountability for victims of Liberia’s civil conflicts.
Speaking at the 31st memorial celebration of the 1994 Samay Massacre in Bong County District #2, Cllr. Barbu emphasized the need for Liberia to confront its violent past and to correct historical omissions that continue to hinder national healing.
He described the massacre, which claimed dozens of lives during the country’s first civil war, as “a painful reminder of the consequences of impunity,” stressing that the people of Bong County have made immense sacrifices to keep the memory of the victims alive.
“The people of Samay took great risks to erect this monument,” Barbu said. “It still stands today as a bulletproof symbol of resilience and remembrance-a testament that our nation must never forget.”
Cllr. Barbu lamented that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report, which serves as the guiding document for the war crimes court process, did not fully capture the story of Bong County and the Samay Massacre. “It is very heartbreaking that this important history was left out,” he noted. “We must correct that omission to ensure every community’s story is told. Liberia’s path to justice must include all of its people.”
He further explained that while the government has yet to formally establish the court, significant steps are being taken to lay the groundwork for its creation, in line with President Joseph Boakai’s recent commitment to implement transitional justice mechanisms.
“The government of Liberia has said clearly that a court will be established,” Barbu stated. “This is not only a national duty- it is what nature and justice demand of us.”
Cllr. Barbu also reminded Liberians that accountability must go hand-in-hand with development and reconciliation. “Our people are still crying for schools, hospitals, and better livelihoods,” he said. “Justice and development are not separate struggles; they are part of the same process of rebuilding our nation.”
He commended the people of Bong County for their continued leadership in memorializing war victims, describing the county as the “mother of memorials in Liberia.” “Bong County must continue to lead this national process,” he said, adding that the success of the war and economic crimes court will depend on local participation and commitment.
At the event, Cllr. Barbu also highlighted the construction of a “Peace Hall” in the town, a memorial structure in remembrance of victims of the 1994 Samay Massacre.
He noted that the cost for the hall’s construction is US$120,000, craving the legislature’s involvement in funding the project by including it in the pending budget for 2026.
Hawa than made an initial contribution of fifty bags of cement to jumpstart the work.
For his part, Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye Sr. has pledged US$2,000 towards the construction of a national peace hall, noting the money, which is a join constribution of him and Bong County District Two Representative James Kolleh, would be made available by Thursday, October 30, 2025.
He emphasized the importance of honoring the memory of those who lost their lives during Liberia’s civil conflict. The Senator said the amount represents a joint contribution from him and Bong County District #2 Representative James Kolleh.
“This initiative is as important to us as a people. That’s why I came here early this morning to lend my support,” Senator Moye said. “My colleague and I have decided to contribute US$2,000 to help start the construction of this memorial structure.”
The Bong County lawmaker also expressed deep personal connection to the cause of the massacre, recalling that his own family had suffered tragedy during the war. “My brother, who was a father figure in our family, was killed in Botota in 1994. That has devastated us ever since. So I understand the pain that the people of Samay continue to live with,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Moye assured residents of Samay and the office for the establishment of a war and economic crimes that he, along with Representative Kolleh would advocate for the inclusion of the project in the 2026 National Budget. “We will not allow this project to remain just a promise,” he said.
“When the 2026 budget is submitted this week, we will ensure that the US$120,000 is captured to construct this memorial. That amount is nothing compared to the value of peace and justice this project represents.”
The Senator also emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Joseph Boakai’s vision to promote reconciliation, memorialization, and closure for communities affected by the war, calling on concession companies operating in Bong County to meet their financial obligations to the county, noting that such revenues could help fund local development initiatives.
The Samay Massacre Memorial was attended by community members, local officials, and representatives of victims’ groups who renewed calls for accountability and national reconciliation.
