Political Opposition Delays War Crimes Justice in Liberia
The Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court (OWEC) has raised serious concerns over the deliberate obstruction of its mission by high-ranking government officials. This body, dedicated to creating a judicial framework aimed at holding...
The Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court (OWEC) has raised serious concerns over the deliberate obstruction of its mission by high-ranking government officials. This body, dedicated to creating a judicial framework aimed at holding civil war perpetrators accountable, claims that its efforts are being stifled at a critical juncture.
OWEC Executive Director Jallah A. Barbu highlighted the nature of the interference, describing it as a phenomenon surpassing mere bureaucratic hurdles. “What we are witnessing is a strong political will from the President,” Barbu remarked, “but it is being strangulated by individuals who may have participated in the war or are shielding those who could face justice.”
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The envisioned court aims to prosecute individuals responsible for heinous acts during Liberia’s civil conflicts, which raged from 1989 to 2003 and resulted in approximately 250,000 fatalities and the displacement of countless others. Although the establishment of this court was recommended years ago by a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, its implementation has encountered enduring political obstacles.