Liberia: Barbu Calls for Swift Passage of War and Anti-Corruption Courts As Liberia Celebrates 179th Independence

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a FrontPageAfrica report from Monrovia, said Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, executive director of Liberia’s Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, used the country’s 179th Independence Day observance to press for speedy legislation creating two proposed courts. In a July 26 Independence Day message, Barbu urged lawmakers to advance draft laws for a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court, framing both as important to accountability, reconciliation, human rights protections and the rule of law.

According to the report, Barbu congratulated President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., the government, Liberians at home and the diaspora, while saying independence should be tied to justice and democratic governance. He praised Boakai for political and financial backing for the court initiatives, and also acknowledged Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, legislative leaders including Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, as well as committee members reviewing the proposed legislation.

Barbu also credited civil society groups, victims’ associations, religious and traditional leaders, youth and women’s organizations, international partners and Liberians abroad for continuing to support transitional justice efforts. The report said he argued the courts could help address Liberia’s legacy of violence, impunity, corruption and serious rights abuses, while strengthening confidence in public institutions and deterring future crimes.

FrontPageAfrica reported that Barbu also recognized staff of the court-establishment office, saying they continue their work despite threats and risks to themselves and their families. He urged Liberians to place justice, integrity, unity and reconciliation above ethnic or tribal divisions as the country marked the national holiday.