OWECC-L Engages Council of Chiefs and Elders in Historic Dialogue -On the Establishment of War Crimes and Anti-Corruption Courts

MONROVIA – The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L) on Monday opens a landmark two-day national dialogue with Liberia’s Council of Chiefs and Elders on draft legislation seeking to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and a National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC).

The dialogue, held in Gbarnga, Bong County, has drawn more than 100 chiefs and elders representing all 15 counties of Liberia. Convened under the theme “Understanding the WECC and NACC – Empowering the Chiefs to Educate the People,” the gathering aims to ensure that traditional leaders are fully informed and actively involved in shaping two of the country’s most consequential justice reforms in decades.

OWECC-L described the engagement as part of a broader effort to promote inclusive national consultation around the draft bills, which are currently under review.

“This historic gathering brings together over 100 chiefs and elders representing all 15 counties of Liberia,” the institution said in a statement. “Together, these bills represent a transformative step toward consolidating peace, justice, and good governance in Liberia.”

Empowering Traditional Leaders

Opening the dialogue, OWECC-L Executive Director, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement in national decision-making processes.

“Liberia’s journey toward justice and transparency must be inclusive,” Dr. Barbu declared. “By engaging chiefs and elders from every county, we will ensure that the voices of local communities are heard, respected, and reflected in the nation’s laws.”

He noted that chiefs and elders remain custodians of Liberia’s cultural heritage and serve as trusted authorities within their communities.

“You are the bridge between the government and the people,” Dr. Barbu told the gathering. “If these courts are to succeed, our people must understand them, trust them, and see them as instruments of fairness rather than division.”

According to him, the two-day engagement is expected to generate concrete recommendations for strengthening community education on the proposed courts and to produce a roadmap for continued collaboration between OWECC-L and traditional authorities.

“This dialogue is not symbolic,” he added. “It is practical. We are here to listen as much as we are here to explain.”

Understanding the Draft Bills

The proposed War and Economic Crimes Court seeks to address atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts, providing a legal framework to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes and economic crimes linked to the wars. Advocates say the court would help fulfill long-standing recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

OWECC-L stressed that the court would focus on accountability and national healing.

“The draft bill is designed to address atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts,” the release stated. “The court would provide a framework for accountability, justice, and healing.”

Meanwhile, the proposed National Anti-Corruption Court aims to strengthen Liberia’s fight against corruption by ensuring swift adjudication of corruption-related cases.

“The National Anti-Corruption Court is intended to ensure the swift adjudication of corruption cases, bolster public trust, and reinforce the rule of law,” the statement noted.

Fostering Unity and Collaboration

Beyond explaining the legal frameworks, the dialogue is also intended to create space for chiefs and elders to share their perspectives, concerns, and recommendations.

OWECC-L indicated that the objectives of the gathering include providing a comprehensive understanding of the two draft bills, strengthening collaboration between state institutions and traditional authorities, and promoting unity and community cohesion by involving grassroots voices in national decision-making.

“By engaging Liberia’s traditional leadership, OWECC-L underscores the importance of participatory governance and the need to anchor reforms in the lived realities of communities across the country,” the institution emphasized.

Participants are expected to deliberate on how best to communicate the purpose and scope of the proposed courts to their respective communities, particularly in rural areas where misinformation and fear could undermine public confidence.

A Pivotal Moment

Chiefs and elders have historically played a critical role in Liberia’s governance structure, mediating disputes and guiding communities through periods of tension and transition. Their involvement in discussions around the WECC and NACC is seen as essential to ensuring legitimacy and national buy-in.

As Liberia continues to grapple with the legacies of war and persistent corruption challenges, the Gbarnga dialogue marks a significant step toward building consensus on accountability and reform.

“Together, these bills represent a transformative step toward consolidating peace, justice, and good governance in Liberia,” OWECC-L reiterated.

The two-day dialogue is expected to conclude with a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening community engagement and enhancing coordination between traditional leaders and the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.