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Published on 2024-03-06 19:34:11
The passage of a resolution seeking the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia has reportedly caused concern among some warlords. The decision was made after members of the House of Representatives signed and voted on the resolution during a session.
Just 24 hours after meeting with Ambassador-at-Large Beth Van Schaach and her team from the Office of Global Criminal Justice, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, sponsored the resolution together with other lawmakers. The resolution was quickly placed before the Plenary and passed with 41 lawmakers giving their approval.
The resolution recognizes that Liberia has not prosecuted anyone for the grave crimes committed during the armed conflicts from 1989 to 2003, and emphasizes the need for accountability for the actions of warlords. It also expresses support for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations, including the establishment of an Extraordinary Criminal Court in Liberia.
Members of the House of Representatives also pledged their commitment to working with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai towards the establishment of the court. Quoting Section 48 of the TRC Act, the lawmakers reminded the Head of State of the requirement to report to the Liberian Legislature on the implementation of the TRC recommendations.
The resolution urges the President to act promptly on the legislative enactment without seeking advice from the legislature, as the TRC recommendations are already an act awaiting full implementation. They also call on the President to allocate funding for the conversion of the TRC records, which are essential for the implementation of the recommendations, promoting justice, the rule of law, and democratization in Liberia.
Representatives Sumo K. Mulbah and Yekeh Y Kolubah are among the lawmakers who sponsored the resolution. Rep. Kolubah, a former fighter in the civil war, has expressed strong support for the establishment of the court, while Senator Prince Y Johnson has voiced opposition to the idea of an international court in Liberia.
Senator Johnson, a former rebel leader, argues that they are protected by the amnesty law, which pardons all those who participated in the civil unrest. He believes that any interference with the amnesty law would disrupt the peace of Liberia. Senator Johnson emphasizes that he is not the only one targeted by the TRC or the court, as there are other generals who have moved on to positive endeavors.
Adama K. Dempster, a proponent of justice, has been advocating for the establishment of an international tribunal for warlords to be held accountable for their roles in the country’s civil unrest. He welcomes the lawmakers’ action, believing that it will bring justice to the victims of the war.
The resolution and the lawmakers’ commitment to establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia represent a significant step towards addressing the crimes of the past and holding accountable those responsible. It shows a dedication to promoting justice, the rule of law, and reconciliation in the country.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
