Barbu Presses for War & Economic Crimes Court -OWECC-L Head Salutes Boakai’s Political Will

MONROVIA – Independence Day in Liberia is often a festival of flags and speeches, but the man charged with building the country’s war and economic crimes court used the 179th anniversary to press a harder message. Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, told the nation that true independence is measured less by political freedom than by the rule of law, equal justice, and the courage to confront impunity. As THE ANALYST reports, Barbu urged the Legislature to move swiftly on the bills creating the long-delayed war crimes court and a companion anti-corruption court, framing their passage as the unfinished business of nationhood.

Independence measured by law

In his Independence Day message, Barbu called on all Liberians to use the 179th anniversary as a defining moment to recommit themselves to justice, accountability, reconciliation, and national unity.

He extended warm congratulations to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the government and people of Liberia, and Liberians across the diaspora, while stressing that true independence is measured not only by political freedom but by a nation’s commitment to the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and equal justice for all. As the country celebrates its history and the sacrifices of those who came before, he said, it must renew its determination to build a Liberia where justice prevails, accountability is guaranteed, and no one is above the law.

Praise for the President

The OWECC-L Executive Director praised President Boakai for demonstrating steadfast political leadership and commitment toward establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court. The President’s continued political will and financial support, he said, represent a significant step toward confronting impunity and strengthening democratic governance in Liberia.

The Legislature’s indispensable role

Barbu also commended Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, committee chairpersons, and members of the Legislature for their ongoing consideration of the draft legislation establishing the two courts.

He described the Legislature’s constitutional responsibility as indispensable to ensuring that the proposed courts are legally grounded and capable of delivering credible, impartial, and effective justice for the Liberian people.

Thanks to the advocates

The director expressed profound appreciation to Liberia’s civil society organizations, victims’ associations, faith-based institutions, traditional leaders, youth and women’s groups, international organizations, development partners, and Liberians in the diaspora, whose advocacy and support have sustained the country’s pursuit of justice.

Their collective efforts, he said, have kept alive the hope that Liberia can finally address the legacy of war-related atrocities, economic crimes, corruption, and impunity through credible judicial institutions.

A plea to expedite the courts

Barbu urged all branches of government to expedite the review and passage of the draft laws establishing the two courts, describing their enactment as a historic milestone that would strengthen democracy, reinforce the rule of law, and advance national reconciliation.

The courts, he asserted, offer Liberia a unique opportunity to break permanently from a legacy of violence, impunity, corruption, and the abuse of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Such institutions, he added, would strengthen public confidence, promote healing and reconciliation, deter future atrocities, and help secure a peaceful and prosperous future for generations yet unborn.

A team under threat

The director paid tribute to members of OWECC-L who continue to serve despite threats to their personal safety and that of their families.

Barbu acknowledged the extraordinary sacrifices being made by his staff, who remain resolute in executing the national mandate despite the risks they face, and said history would remember and reward their courage and dedication.

A closing appeal for unity

Barbu called on every Liberian to reject division based on ethnicity or tribal affiliation and to embrace unity, integrity, reconciliation, and patriotism.

As the nation marks 179 years, he said, Liberians should build a country where accountability prevails, the rule of law is respected, and independence is fully realized through lasting peace, justice, and equal opportunity for all.

He ended by wishing all Liberians a peaceful and joyous Independence Day and praying for God’s continued blessings upon the nation, its leaders, and the works of their hands.