MONROVIA – Liberia’s long-debated pursuit of transitional justice and anti-corruption accountability is gradually moving from political rhetoric to institutional preparation. Officials from the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC) say the groundwork is already underway to create two specialized courts aimed at addressing wartime atrocities and entrenched corruption. Appearing on a local radio talk show yesterday, OWECC’s senior communications officials outlined the legal framework, outreach efforts, and institutional roadmap guiding the initiative. While the office insists it is not itself a court, its mandate places it at the center of Liberia’s evolving justice architecture, a process rooted in recommendations of the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Communications Officials from the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC) have clarified the mandate and progress of the institution tasked with leading the process to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court in Liberia.
Speaking on the Prime Morning Drive program on Prime FM 105.5 on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Associate Director for Press and Public Affairs Christopher Selle explained that the work of the office requires careful handling because it touches issues of justice, accountability, and public trust.
“The job comes with careful handling,” Selle stated. “It has to do with accountability and justice, and sometimes people’s characters are drawn into these matters. So we always say we are not the breaking-news type of institution. When we come out, we come out to inform the public where we came from, where we are, and where we are heading.”
According to him, the work of the office is guided by Executive Order No. 148, which renewed Executive Order No. 131 issued earlier by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The order established the office responsible for leading the process to create the War and Economic Crimes Court as well as the National Anti-Corruption Court.
Historic Background of the Office
Selle provided historical context for the establishment of the office, noting that in 2024 the Liberian Legislature passed a joint resolution calling for the creation of both courts and the supporting institutional mechanism to implement the process.
He explained that the resolution itself did not create an operational body to move the initiative forward, which prompted the issuance of Executive Order No. 131 by President Boakai establishing the office.
The office is headed by Jallah A. Barbu, who was appointed to lead the process of establishing the two courts.
According to Selle, the Executive Order mandates the office to lead the process of establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court while coordinating with international partners and Liberian stakeholders.
He noted that the initiative traces its origin to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Liberia, which recommended the establishment of a tribunal to address crimes committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts.
Selle recounted that former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf opted for a reconciliation approach through the traditional Palava Hut mechanism rather than establishing a war crimes court at the time.
He also referenced former President George Manneh Weah, who publicly pledged support for establishing a war crimes court but urged the Legislature to initiate the process through formal legislative action.
According to Selle, President Boakai reaffirmed the commitment during his presidential campaign and again in his first Annual Message to the Legislature.
Clarifying the Role of the Office
Selle stressed that a key misconception among the public is the belief that OWECC itself functions as a court.
“Our office is not a court,” he emphasized. “The office is established to lead the process of creating the two courts.”
He explained that the office’s responsibilities include preparing the legal framework, coordinating consultations, and working with national and international stakeholders to ensure the successful establishment of the courts.
Roadmap and Legislative Process
According to OWECC officials, the roadmap guiding the process targets the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Court by 2026 and the War and Economic Crimes Court by 2027.
Selle explained that the timeline does not necessarily mean the courts will be created only at the end of those years but reflects a target period within which the process could be completed depending on national consensus and legislative action.
He disclosed that draft legislation for both courts has already been prepared and submitted to the Presidency, the Ministry of Justice Liberia, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs Liberia for review.
Simplified versions of the draft laws are also being prepared for presentation to traditional leaders and community stakeholders as part of the consultation process.
Public Outreach and Community Engagement
Also speaking on the program, OWECC Deputy for Press and Public Affairs, Madam Miama Pewee highlighted the office’s nationwide public outreach efforts designed to build public understanding and support for the proposed courts.
She explained that the National Anti-Corruption Court is intended to ease the burden on Criminal Court C Liberia, which currently handles corruption-related cases but faces a heavy docket.
The proposed court would serve as a specialized judicial mechanism dedicated to fast-tracking corruption cases.
According to her, OWECC has conducted extensive public awareness campaigns across the country, working with civil society networks including the Federation of Liberian Youth, religious institutions, rural women’s groups, and civil society organizations.
She revealed that the outreach process began in July of last year and included a month-long engagement across Nimba County, where the team visited towns and villages to explain the objectives of the proposed courts.
Initially, there were concerns about how residents in Nimba would receive the initiative due to the historical influence of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, but the outreach team reported that communities welcomed the engagement and expressed interest in justice for wartime abuses.
OWECC has also established regional offices in River Gee County, Bong County, Margibi County, and Bomi County, with plans to expand operations to additional counties.
Building Local Expertise
The officials also disclosed that the office has launched internship and ambassadorial programs aimed at building local expertise in transitional justice and governance.
Students studying criminal justice, public administration, and related fields are being recruited to participate in internships to gain hands-on experience in the justice reform process.
Currently, the office hosts between 60 and 70 interns who are working with various departments and partner organizations.
According to officials, the initiative aims to ensure that Liberia develops its own pool of trained professionals capable of sustaining the transitional justice process in the future.
OWECC officials emphasized that while the office may not frequently appear in the media, significant work is ongoing behind the scenes to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court—two institutions they say are central to strengthening accountability and justice in Liberia.