Monrovia, Liberia- In a strong national call to action, the Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), Cllr. Dr. Jallah Barbu, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and national healing, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 148 by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
The Executive Order, signed on April 30, 2025, renews the mandate for establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court, an essential step toward addressing past atrocities committed during Liberia’s brutal civil conflicts.
The order also significantly increases the OWECC-L budget from $380,000 to $2 million USD, signaling strong political will for the court’s establishment.
Speaking at a press conference over the weekend in Monrovia, Dr. Barbu hailed the move as a “bold, decisive, and unrelenting drive aimed at fighting impunity, abuse of human rights, and violations of humanitarian law.”
He praised President Boakai’s leadership and thanked both local and international partners for their ongoing support.
“This assistance is a true and strong proof of your decision to join in the fight against impunity and injustice. You and institutions acting in this regard are true partners of OWECC-L,” Dr. Barbu stated.
Dr. Barbu emphasized that the establishment of the court will not only bring perpetrators to justice but also offer a pathway for national reconciliation.
“This is a moment of accountability and healing for the wounds that have lingered since the war,” he said.
However, amid these strides, Dr. Barbu raised serious concerns about his personal security and that of the OWECC-L office.
“Our country may never enjoy stable peace and justice for all unless and until these threats are addressed uncompromisingly,” he warned, pointing to war-mongering rhetoric and growing acts of intimidation.
Dr. Barbu underscored the urgent need to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), particularly the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Echoing the President’s words, he said it is in “the best interest of the Liberian people” to pursue justice.
“As the OWECC-L, we declare that we shall, at the peril of our lives, do all that is necessary and proper to achieve our mandate,” he vowed. He called on government entities, civil society, academic institutions, religious groups, the private sector, and international stakeholders to unite in support of the process.
Dr. Barbu concluded by reaffirming the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and justice.
Our principle of inclusion of all persons and no room for exclusion remains in force,” he affirmed.
In his closing remarks, he pledged his full dedication to President Boakai and the Liberian people: “Please accept my assurances of fullest commitment to performing the services requested of me in this position of Executive Director of the OWECC-L.”
As Liberia stands on the threshold of justice and reconciliation, the reestablishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court signals a defining moment in the nation’s post-war recovery, one that may finally begin to close a painful chapter in its history.
