Justice Minister and Attorney General of Liberia, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, has reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) during a National Strategic Partnership Meeting on Transitional Justice.
The high-level dialogue, convened by the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC), is part of the national implementation plan for Executive Order #131, signed by President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. in 2024.
The Executive Order laid the legal framework to address Liberia’s longstanding legacy of war-time atrocities and high-level corruption.
Speaking before national and international stakeholders, Cllr. Tweh, who also serves as Acting Chair of the Cabinet, emphasized that the transitional justice process is not the sole responsibility of the government, but a shared national obligation.
“This is not just a government project, it’s a national project. It must reflect our shared responsibility to correct the injustices of the past and ensure they never repeat,” Minister Tweh said.
Progress and Partnership: Building Toward Justice
Minister Tweh commended the leadership of Cllr. Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, Sr., Executive Director of OWECC, for what he described as “tremendous strides” in setting up the office within a relatively short period.
He also extended gratitude to Liberia’s regional and international partners, including the United Nations, the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, and other human rights and development agencies, for their continued support.
“Their support reminds us that justice is not just a domestic pursuit, but a global imperative,” Tweh noted.
Inclusive Justice: Voices across Liberia Weigh In
The conference brought together a broad spectrum of institutions and civil society organizations that will play key roles in shaping Liberia’s transitional justice framework. Notable participants included:
Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR),
The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Press Union of Liberia (PUL), National Muslim Council of Liberia (NMCOL), Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), and Civil Society Advocacy Platform of Liberia (CSAPL).
Stakeholders underscored the need for a victim-centered, culturally inclusive approach to justice, highlighting the importance of traditional leaders, religious institutions, and community voices in building trust and legitimacy in the process.
Laying the Groundwork for the Court
This conference is one in a series of strategic engagements intended to guide the formal establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. The Court is expected to address grave human rights violations committed during Liberia’s two civil wars, as well as economic crimes that eroded public trust and governance.
Discussions at the meeting focused on policy coordination, institutional collaboration, and long-term sustainability, key pillars to ensure the credibility and effectiveness of Liberia’s transitional justice roadmap.
Defining Transitional Justice
The Ministry of Justice concluded the summit by reaffirming the purpose of transitional justice:
“The mechanisms and processes that societies use to address past human rights abuses, mass atrocities, or large-scale conflict, aiming to ensure accountability, serve justice, and promote reconciliation.”
What’s next for Liberia?
As Liberia moves closer to establishing the long-awaited court, both domestic and international observers are watching closely to see how the country will balance justice, national healing, and democratic progress.
The conference marks a significant milestone on Liberia’s path toward confronting its past, honoring its victims, and securing a future grounded in accountability and the rule of law.
