Liberian President Signs Executive Order to Establish War Crimes Court
In a historic move, Liberian President Joseph Boakai has signed an executive order to create the country’s first war crimes court, marking a significant milestone more than two decades after the end of devastating civil wars that claimed the lives of 250,000 people.
Describing Liberia’s past as a period of “downpours of agony”, Boakai acknowledged the immense suffering endured during the 1989-2003 conflicts, which were characterized by horrific atrocities such as mass killings, rape, and the forced recruitment of child soldiers.
Despite opposition from critics who fear that the establishment of the court could reopen old wounds, Boakai emphasized that it is crucial for uncovering the root causes of the violence and paving the way for justice and healing.
Adama K Dempster, a prominent advocate for the war crimes court, praised Boakai’s decision as a significant step towards closure for war victims and survivors, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and addressing the trauma inflicted during the civil wars.
The international community has also voiced support for the initiative, with US Chargé d’Affaires in Liberia Catherine Rodriguez commending Boakai for his “historic and courageous” move to pursue accountability for past atrocities and promote national reconciliation.
This marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey towards establishing a war crimes court, following the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2006 under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, which did not result in prosecutions.
While no individuals have been prosecuted in Liberia for war crimes, some perpetrators have faced justice in other countries, including former President Charles Taylor who is serving a 50-year sentence in the UK for his role in the conflict in Sierra Leone.
