By Nicholas Nickey Brosius
Research Assistant at Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research and a Student of Cuttington Graduate School and Professional Studies.Â
International law plays a pivotal role in post-conflict peacebuilding, providing legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms to address the root causes of conflict, promote justice, and ensure sustainable peace. According to Amos Sawyer in his book Beyond Plunder: Toward Democratic Governance in Liberia, international law has significantly influenced Liberia’s transition to peace. The end of the protracted civil wars (1989–2003) demonstrated the importance of international legal instruments in facilitating peace and reconciliation, which have contributed to the country’s relative stability.
Malcolm N. Shaw defines international law as the body of rules and principles of action which are binding upon civilized states in their relations with one another. In the book, Building Peace in West Africa: Liberia, Sierra Lone, and Guinea Bissau by Adebajo in 2002, one of the critical contributions of international law to Liberia’s peacebuilding process was the establishment of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2003. Initiated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and supported by the United Nations (UN), the CPA served as a legally binding framework to cease hostilities and create transitional governance structures. The agreement drew on international legal principles, including respect for sovereignty and the right to self-determination, while mandating mechanisms such as disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants, overseen by the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The implementation of the CPA was instrumental in stabilizing Liberia, marking a turning point toward a more secure and structured political environment. However, sustaining this peace requires ongoing commitment from all stakeholders.
International law also provided the basis for transitional justice in Liberia. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established under the CPA, sought to document human rights abuses and recommend reparations and prosecutions. While the TRC faced challenges in implementation, its reliance on international norms of accountability underscored the necessity of addressing impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The recommendations of the TRC, though partially implemented, remain a critical guide for fostering reconciliation and preventing future conflict. Since the intervention of international actors and the implementation of international law in Liberia’s peacebuilding process, the country has enjoyed relative peace. However, the journey toward full stability remains ongoing. Key challenges include entrenched political divisions, limited economic opportunities, and resource constraints. To address these, political parties and civil society must prioritize the upholding of peace agreements and support initiatives that align with both local and international norms. For instance, integrating customary practices of conflict resolution with international legal frameworks could enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts.
In conclusion, international law has been integral to Liberia’s peacebuilding efforts by providing a framework for conflict resolution, justice, and institutional development. However, the Liberian case also explain the limitations of international legal mechanisms when faced with local political dynamics and resource constraints. Moving forward, greater emphasis on integrating local norms with international standards, coupled with stronger political will and resource allocation, could enhance the effectiveness of peacebuilding initiatives in post-conflict states. To ensure a sustainable future, all Liberians, including political parties, civil society, and ordinary citizens, must actively support and uphold the tenets of peace and reconciliation.