Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-06 02:05:00
In a recent development, Liberia’s past Senate President Pro-tempore Albert T. Chie has called for President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to offer a State Apology, establish a Trust Fund for the worst-affected war victims, and restart a Palava Hut Program instead of moving forward with the establishment of a war and economic crimes court. This request was detailed in a letter addressed to the Liberian Senate on Monday, March 4, 2024.
Chie’s communication to the Senate came in response to President Boakai’s announcement that he is considering setting up an office to explore the feasibility of establishing a war and economic crimes court for Liberia. Chie pointed out that the Senate had previously advised former President George Manneh Weah on the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, highlighting the challenges associated with establishing an extraordinary criminal tribunal for war and economic crimes committed during the civil conflict.
The Senate’s advice emphasized the need to consider constitutional implications and legal prohibitions that may hinder the establishment of such a tribunal on Liberian soil. Chie noted that Liberia’s accession to the Rome Statute and the statute of limitations on domestic economic crimes further complicate the feasibility of an international criminal tribunal in the country.
Instead of pursuing the establishment of a war and economic crimes court, Chie urged President Boakai to follow the recommendations of the TRC report by offering a State Apology on behalf of the government, setting up a Reparation Trust Fund for victims and communities affected by the conflict, and reinitiating the Palava Hut Program for national healing and reconciliation. These initiatives, according to Chie, would not only address the grievances of victims but also promote peacebuilding and restorative justice in Liberia.
Chie called on his colleagues in the Senate to support the allocation of budgetary appropriations in the 2024 National Budget to facilitate the implementation of these initiatives by the President of Liberia. He emphasized the urgency and importance of the Presidential apology, the establishment of the Trust Fund, and the continuation of programs aimed at addressing the economic and social needs of victims and affected communities.
In conclusion, Chie’s letter highlights the need for a holistic approach to addressing the legacy of the civil conflict in Liberia, focusing on reconciliation, reparations, and economic development for the benefit of all those impacted by the war. By prioritizing these initiatives over the establishment of a war and economic crimes court, Liberia can move towards a more inclusive and sustainable path to healing and peace.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
