OWECC-L Faces Funding Drought -MFDP Holds 5-Month Pay, Operations Stalling

MONROVIA – Liberia’s quest for justice and accountability hangs precariously in the balance as the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and Anti-Corruption Court (OWECC-L) faces a severe funding crisis. The embarrassing news that employees are going unpaid for over five months is sparking fears of a collapse in the country’s fragile justice system. Despite President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court through Executive Order No. 148, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s delay in releasing allocated funds has brought the critical office to a near standstill, threatening to derail Liberia’s long-promised efforts to prosecute war crimes and economic offenses committed during the country’s civil conflicts. The Analyst reports

The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and Anti-Corruption Court (OWECC-L) is reportedly facing a severe operational crisis, with employees going unpaid for over five months.

According to sources, the OWECC-L is grappling with a severe operational crisis following a prolonged delay in salary payments.

“For over five months, employees have gone unpaid, leading to a significant disruption in the office’s ability to fulfill its mandate,” a reliable source hinted, begging for anonymity. “And this institution is supposed to be central to Liberia’s pursuit of justice, accountability, and reconciliation.”

It can be recalled President Joseph Boakai issued Executive Order No. 148 by which US$2 million for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, but this effort by the president has so far not moved the Ministry of Finance to act on said presidential mandate, thus leaving the critical Office unable to cover essential operational costs, including rent, utilities, and staff compensation.

According to reports gathered by The Analyst, Authority as the OWECC-L in consideration of the financial paralysis has advised its Human Resources Department to relax the daily attendance on staff if they are unable transport themselves to work.

A tour of the Office saw that the situation, particularly salary delay, has resulted in a near standstill of operations, severely hampering the office’s ability to carry out its preparatory work for the court’s establishment.

“The consequences are far-reaching, threatening to derail Liberia’s long-promised efforts to prosecute war crimes and economic offenses committed during the country’s civil conflicts,” said a middle official who could not call him name because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

In and around the vicinity of the Office, concerned citizens discussed widely how the delay in funding not only affects internal operations but also risks undermining public trust in the government’s commitment to justice.

While international partners and civil society organizations have long supported Liberia’s transitional justice efforts, the prevailing situation at the OWECC-L may erode confidence in the country’s ability to follow through on its promises, many were heard saying.

“The War and Economic Crimes Court is a cornerstone of Liberia’s post-conflict accountability framework,” one said. “Its successful establishment is critical to addressing impunity, restoring dignity to victims, and reinforcing the rule of law.”

He said any further delay would threaten to stall progress and diminish the credibility of Liberia’s justice system on the global stage.

OWECC-L has been making urgent calls on the Government of Liberia—particularly the Ministry of Finance—to release the allocated funds without further delay.

“The office also appeals to civil society, religious leaders, and international stakeholders to advocate for swift and decisive action,” a senior official.