Attackers Target OWECC-L Officer -Sonpon Home-Raid Marks Fourth Attack

MONROVIA – The office preparing Liberia’s war crimes court says its staff are under attack. Armed robbers raided the home of Gender and Youth Officer Sinami Sonpon on Saturday night. Her mother was wounded, and the attackers reportedly tried to sexually assault women in the house. Sonpon had just returned from The Gambia, where she discussed justice for women abused during the civil war. It is the fourth reported attack on the Office’s personnel in two years. Some earlier raids reportedly featured attackers chanting slogans against the court. The Office is careful not to claim a link to her work yet. As THE ANALYST reports, the pattern now tests the State’s will to protect transitional justice.

The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L) has condemned an armed robbery attack on the residence of its Gender and Youth Officer, Sinami Sonpon, on Saturday night, October 10, 2026, during which her mother sustained injuries. In a press release issued in Monrovia on Sunday, October 11, the Office called on the relevant security authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

According to accounts of the incident cited by OWECC-L, the armed assailants attempted to sexually assault female occupants of the residence but were resisted by Sonpon’s husband, who is a serving police officer. During the confrontation, the attackers wounded Sonpon’s mother and made away with cash and valuables before fleeing the scene, warning at the same time that they would return.

OWECC-L described the incident as deeply disturbing. The Office also urged the authorities to ensure the safety and protection of Sonpon, her family and other individuals who may be at risk.

Attack Follows Gambia Mission

The attack came shortly after Sonpon returned to Liberia from The Gambia, where she formed part of a high-level Liberian delegation engaged in discussions on women’s rights and participation in transitional justice. The discussions focused particularly on efforts to ensure accountability for atrocities committed against Liberian women and girls during the country’s civil war.

The Office noted that the timing of the incident raises serious concerns about the safety of OWECC-L personnel. It emphasized, however, that the circumstances surrounding the attack must be thoroughly investigated before any connection is established between the incident and Sonpon’s official duties.

Fourth Attack on OWECC-L Staff

The incident marks the fourth reported attack on OWECC-L personnel since the Office began its work two years ago, according to the release. Other officials who have reportedly been attacked at their respective residences include Executive Director Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Director of Research Atty. Archie P. William and Associate Director for Press and Public Affairs Christopher K. Sellee.

OWECC-L noted with concern that some of the previous incidents involved attackers chanting slogans opposing the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.

 Those accounts, the Office stated, heighten concerns about the possible risks facing personnel engaged in advancing Liberia’s transitional justice process. It stressed, however, that all reported incidents must be investigated independently and professionally, and that those responsible must be held accountable under the law.

Commitment to Justice Unwavering

Despite the incidents, OWECC-L reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court as important mechanisms for strengthening accountability, combating impunity and advancing the rule of law in Liberia.

The Office maintained that efforts to pursue justice for victims and survivors of the civil wars and to address corruption must proceed in an environment where public officials, justice advocates, civil society actors and ordinary citizens can carry out their lawful responsibilities without fear of intimidation or violence.

OWECC-L therefore called on the Liberia National Police (LNP) and other relevant security institutions to give the reported attacks the urgent attention they deserve, strengthen appropriate protective measures where necessary, and ensure that investigations are conducted without fear or favor.

The Office also appealed to the public to remain calm and to provide credible information to the appropriate authorities that may assist in identifying the perpetrators of the attacks.

OWECC-L extended its concern and solidarity to Sonpon and her family, particularly her injured mother, and wished her a speedy recovery. The Office reiterated that violence, intimidation and threats must never be allowed to undermine the pursuit of justice, accountability and lasting peace in Liberia.