NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh has urged the Liberian Senate to take decisive action toward the full establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (WECC-L), cautioning that further delay would amount to a betrayal of victims of the country’s civil wars.
In a formal communication addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, Konneh recalled that both chambers of the Legislature overwhelmingly voted in April 2024 to create the court.
By: Sampson W. Weah sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
He noted that the decision was subsequently reinforced by Executive Orders issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. in May 2024 and renewed in April 2025.
“The people of Liberia deserve justice, and a court supported by the Government of Liberia is essential for lasting peace and the rule of law,” Konneh wrote.
He emphasized that more than 250,000 lives were lost between 1989 and 2003, and that the effects of the conflict remain evident in families grappling with trauma, disability, and social dislocation.
While acknowledging an implementation roadmap that suggests anti-corruption trials could begin in 2026 and war crimes trials in 2027, Konneh warned that progress could stall without firm legislative backing and sustainable funding.
“Without justice and accountability, we risk perpetuating cycles of impunity, mistrust, and political manipulation,” he cautioned.
Konneh commended Senator Lawrence for her role in rallying Senate support for the court but stressed that the Legislature would ultimately be judged by its actions.
“The Fifty-Fifth Legislature will be remembered for our action or our inaction on this matter. No title or seniority can shield us from the judgment of history if we fail to push the Executive to complete what we unanimously began,” he declared.
He also observed that even the late Prince Y. Johnson, who had been widely accused of killing former President Samuel K. Doe during the war, publicly supported the creation of the court — a development Konneh said reflects a growing national consensus for accountability.
To strengthen legislative oversight, Konneh has requested that the Senate invite Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, to brief the Committee of the Whole.
He said the briefing should focus on progress made, funding availability, international technical assistance, and diplomatic efforts to guard against political interference, particularly from key partners such as the United States.
“We hold the power and responsibility to deliver justice to victims and their families,” Konneh wrote. “By doing so, we provide fairness, closure, and national healing.”
He concluded by stressing that Liberia cannot move forward while ignoring its painful past, urging Plenary to act decisively to ensure that the long-promised War and Economic Crimes Court becomes operational.
