MONROVIA – Dr. Cllr. Jallah Barbu has called on the Government of Liberia to make assistance to civil war victims a national priority. Barbu heads OWECC-L, the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia. He also urged the government to commit adequate national resources to address survivors’ enduring physical, emotional and economic hardships. Barbu made the appeal Thursday after receiving the Integrity Personality of the Year 2025/2026 Award. The West Africa Media Network of Liberia bestowed the honor in recognition of his integrity and distinguished public service. Executive Director Prince Grandoe presented the award. He said justice must be accompanied by tangible support for those most affected. THE ANALYST reports.
According to Dr. Barbu, Liberia’s transition toward justice will only be meaningful if it addresses the plight of thousands of victims and survivors who continue to live with the devastating consequences of the country’s brutal civil wars. He stressed that the pursuit of justice and accountability must go hand in hand with concrete relief for war-affected communities.
Reparation Funding Mechanism Proposed
“Considering the creation of a reparation funding mechanism is a step that will go a long way in addressing the present condition of victims and survivors and war-ravaged communities,” Dr. Barbu said. He emphasized that establishing a comprehensive reparations program would demonstrate the government’s commitment to restoring the dignity of victims while complementing ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Dr. Barbu further underscored that Liberia has a compelling national interest in confronting the painful legacy of its civil wars. He noted that genuine accountability is essential to ending the culture of impunity, promoting national reconciliation, strengthening the rule of law, and preventing future atrocities.
Court a Historic Milestone
The OWECC-L Executive Director described the planned establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court as a historic milestone in Liberia’s democratic journey, saying it presents a unique opportunity for the country to address decades of alleged human rights abuses and economic crimes. He urged Liberians across political, religious, and social divides to support the government’s efforts to establish the court, describing it as a vital instrument for achieving lasting peace, justice, and national healing.
Why Barbu Was Honored
Meanwhile, presenting the award, the Executive Director of the West Africa Media Network of Liberia, Prince Grandoe, said the honor was bestowed upon Dr. Barbu in recognition of his unwavering commitment to national development, distinguished public service, patriotism, and demonstrated integrity. Mr. Grandoe praised Dr. Barbu’s leadership since assuming the helm of OWECC-L, noting that he has fostered a renewed culture of transparency, accountability, professionalism, and institutional integrity within the office.
According to him, those leadership qualities have earned Dr. Barbu widespread admiration and growing public confidence as the institution spearheads efforts toward the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. The Integrity Personality of the Year Award also recognizes Dr. Barbu’s continued contribution to advancing Liberia’s transitional justice agenda, promoting accountability, advocating for justice for victims of the civil conflict, and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic governance and the rule of law.