MONROVIA – Liberia’s decades-long pursuit of transitional justice has entered another defining phase as advocates seek to transform political commitments into enforceable legal institutions. Although successive administrations have acknowledged the need to address atrocities committed during the country’s civil conflicts, implementation has often lagged behind public expectations. The submission of bills establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court and a Specialized Anti-Corruption Court revived hopes that accountability would finally advance beyond rhetoric. Yet the Legislature’s adjournment without completing action has renewed concerns that political hesitation could once again stall the process. As THE ANALYST reports, Civil society organizations now argue that timely legislative approval is indispensable not only for justice but also for reconciliation, institutional credibility and the preservation of lasting national peace.
Liberia’s long-running quest for accountability for war-era atrocities and economic crimes is facing a critical legislative test as civil society organizations intensify pressure on the National Legislature to pass bills establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and a Specialized Anti-Corruption Court.
With lawmakers having adjourned without completing action on the proposed legislation, advocates warn that further delays could undermine Liberia’s fragile transitional justice process and deepen public frustration over accountability.
The renewed call was made during the PeaceGen Photo Exhibition on Justice, Peace and Renewal, organized by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation (KTK), where civil societyorganizations used the platform to urge lawmakers to prioritize legislation they described as fundamental to justice, reconciliation and sustainable peace.
The advocacy campaign has gained additional momentum following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s submission of the two bills to the National Legislature in May 2026.
While the Executive’s action was widely welcomed as a significant step toward fulfilling the government’s commitment to addressing wartime atrocities and economic crimes, civil society leaders expressed concern over what they described as limited legislative progress since the bills were submitted.
They warned that unless the Legislature accords the measures greater urgency, Liberia risks missing another important opportunity to advance a transitional justice process that has remained unfinished for nearly two decades.
PUL Calls for Commitment
Adding his voice to the growing appeals, President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Julius Kanubah, called on the Government of Liberia and its international development partners to remain steadfast in advancing the country’s transitional justice agenda.
Kanubah emphasized that confronting Liberia’s painful history through truthful national narratives is essential not only for accountability but also for reconciliation, healing and the consolidation of democratic governance.
According to him, documenting and acknowledging the truth about Liberia’s violent past provides an important foundation for strengthening public confidence in national institutions while fostering lasting peace and unity.
He stressed that justice should be viewed as an instrument for national renewal rather than revenge.
Youth Urged To Lead
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), Acting Executive Director Cllr. Asatu Bah-Kenneth underscored the critical role of Liberia’s young people in safeguarding the country’s hard-earned peace.
She encouraged young Liberians to assume ownership of the nation’s future, arguing that sustainable peace ultimately depends upon the commitment and active participation of Liberians themselves.
“The youth are the ones who will enjoy the peace we are striving to preserve. It is your responsibility to protect it because no foreigner will come to Liberia to maintain our peace for us. Liberians themselves must take ownership of sustaining peace,” Cllr. Bah-Kenneth declared.
According to the Acting Executive Director, the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court is intended to promote justice, accountability and lasting national reconciliation for both present and future generations.
She observed that confronting impunity through lawful and credible institutions remains essential to preventing future abuses while strengthening Liberia’s democratic foundations.
Partnership For Peace
Cllr. Bah-Kenneth also commended the partnership between OWECC-L and the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, describing the collaboration as an important contribution to advancing Liberia’s transitional justice agenda.
She noted that the partnership has created meaningful opportunities to engage young people in peacebuilding initiatives while expanding public understanding of the importance of justice and accountability.
According to her, sustained collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners and community stakeholders will be critical to ensuring that Liberia successfully completes its transitional justice journey.
Participants at the exhibition echoed similar sentiments, maintaining that justice, peace and reconciliation are mutually reinforcing objectives that require continued political commitment, legislative action and broad public support.
For many advocates attending the event, the swift passage of the proposed legislation would represent not only fulfillment of a longstanding recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but also a significant milestone in Liberia’s continuing effort to strengthen the rule of law, promote national healing and ensure accountability for atrocities committed during the country’s years of conflict.