NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Senator Amara Konneh has commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for signing Executive Order No. 164, which extends the mandate of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (WECC-L) by an additional year.
By: Kabina S. Kabah – kabinaskabah98@gmail.com
The Amara Konneh described the decision as an important step toward advancing accountability and justice in Liberia, but stressed that extending the office’s mandate alone is insufficient without adequate funding to operationalize the court.
In a letter dated February 24, 2026, Senator Konneh requested a comprehensive update on progress toward establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court, referencing the Legislature’s April 2024 vote approving its creation.
He warned that continued delays in fully establishing the court could undermine Liberia’s peace, reconciliation, and long-term stability, noting that many Liberian families continue to suffer the psychological and emotional effects of the country’s civil conflict.
According to Senator Konneh, between 40% and 50% of Liberian households are still dealing with trauma linked to the civil war, making accountability and justice critical to national healing.
While expressing appreciation to President Boakai for renewing the WECC-L mandate, the senator urged the government to move beyond symbolic actions and commit financial resources to the court’s operations.
“If Rwanda and Sierra Leone could do it, Liberia certainly can too,” Konneh stated, referencing countries that have established special courts and accountability mechanisms following periods of conflict.
The senator also humorously recalled a previous occasion when a colleague accused him of “showboating” for publicly advocating for the establishment of the court, adding that he hoped his latest call for action would not attract similar criticism.
The War and Economic Crimes Court is widely viewed as a key mechanism for addressing atrocities and economic crimes committed during Liberia’s civil wars, which left thousands dead and displaced while creating lasting divisions and allegations of impunity.
Senator Konneh emphasized that operationalizing the court would represent a major step toward ending impunity and strengthening public confidence in Liberia’s justice system.
“Thank you, Mr. President! But renewal is not enough. Let’s fund the Court to end impunity in our country!” he declared.
