Monrovia, Liberia – The Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy near Monrovia, Mr. Joseph Zodrozny, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L), at a time when the institution is facing a severe financial crisis and mounting pressure from civil society groups.
The visit, held at OWECC-L’s headquarters in Monrovia, comes as staff at the office reportedly remain unpaid for more than five months. Demonstrations by civil society organizations (CSOs) and victims’ advocacy groups have intensified in recent weeks, calling attention to what they describe as the government’s neglect of a critical justice institution.
Although details of the closed-door meeting were not disclosed, sources within both the U.S. Embassy and OWECC-L confirmed that discussions focused on the office’s financial challenges and the need for sustained international and domestic support to ensure its continued operation.
CSO leaders argue that the funding shortfall threatens to derail Liberia’s fragile transitional justice process. Protesters have accused the government of failing to meet its obligations under Executive Order No. 148, which set guidelines for financing the institution’s work. They warn that inadequate funding has hampered outreach activities, delayed key programs, and demoralized employees, many of whom have gone months without salaries.
Despite the growing tension, diplomatic observers interpret Mr. Zodrozny’s visit as a sign of renewed U.S. engagement and support for Liberia’s accountability efforts. The United States has consistently advocated for the establishment of war and economic crimes courts, emphasizing that justice for past atrocities and corruption is vital for lasting peace and reconciliation.
Established by the Liberian government, OWECC-L is responsible for laying the groundwork for both the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC). These institutions form a key part of President Joseph N. Boakai’s governance and rule-of-law reform agenda, aimed at confronting the country’s long history of impunity.
As Liberia struggles to sustain momentum in its post-war justice process, Wednesday’s high-profile diplomatic engagement underscores the growing calls for stronger financial commitment and political will to ensure that the promise of accountability does not fade amid economic constraints.
