MONROVIA, November 6, 2026: The Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, has expressed doubts about the political will of the country’s leadership to establish the long-awaited court, citing persistent legislative delays and the lack of concrete progress despite repeated engagements.
Speaking Wednesday, November 4, during a three-day fast and prayer organized by Liberian women at the historic Fish Market in Sinkor, Monrovia, Cllr. Barbu questioned the commitment of both the Legislature and the Executive Branch to ensuring accountability for atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil wars.
The women gathered to seek divine intervention for the establishment of the court, which is intended to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations committed during the country’s prolonged civil conflicts.
Barbu disclosed that lawmakers had promised to consult their constituents during the recently concluded legislative break before taking further action on legislation concerning the proposed court.
However, he expressed disappointment that, to his knowledge, no lawmaker had publicly demonstrated that such consultations had taken place.
He described the continued delays as unnecessary, warning that the absence of tangible progress raises serious questions about the Legislature’s willingness to advance the court’s establishment.
The OWECC-L Executive Director also questioned the Executive Branch’s commitment, recalling President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s campaign promise to ensure justice for victims and survivors of Liberia’s civil wars.
According to Barbu, the President’s subsequent commitment to accelerate the establishment process has yet to produce the anticipated results.
He suggested that the prolonged delays, despite repeated assurances from the country’s political leadership, have heightened concerns about whether the proposed court will become operational.
The proposed War and Economic Crimes Court is intended to provide a judicial mechanism for holding individuals accountable for serious crimes committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts, which left thousands dead and displaced many others.
Its establishment has remained a longstanding demand among war victims, survivors, civil society organizations, and advocates for transitional justice.
Meanwhile, the three-day fast and prayer organized by Liberian women underscores continuing public demands for the establishment of the court.
The women are calling for divine intervention to encourage national leaders to move beyond political promises and take concrete legislative and administrative steps toward making the court a reality.
Barbu’s concerns come amid continued uncertainty over the legislative process and the timetable for establishing the court, despite commitments by the Boakai administration to pursue accountability for wartime atrocities. -Editing by The New Dawn
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