Salala Citizens Endorse War Crimes Court -Mensah rallies support for anti-impunity efforts

MONROVIA – Support for the establishment of Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court continues to gain visibility at the community level as citizens and local leaders engage in discussions on accountability, reconciliation, and democratic governance. The latest endorsement from Salala District reflects ongoing national efforts to address unresolved questions arising from Liberia’s civil conflict while strengthening mechanisms to combat corruption and impunity. Beyond legal accountability, the discussions also underscore broader concerns about peacebuilding, political tolerance, women’s participation, and responsible leadership. As the country debates how best to confront its past while safeguarding its future, grassroots support remains a critical component of the national conversation. THE ANALYST reports.

Citizens of Salala District in Bong County have reaffirmed their support for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court in Liberia.

The message was conveyed by Salala District Representative Moima Briggs Mensah during a reconciliation meeting held with residents of the district on June 19, 2026. According to organizers, the gathering formed part of ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation, accountability, and democratic participation within the district.

Call for Accountability

Addressing the meeting, Representative Mensah emphasized the need to end impunity and strengthen accountability for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil conflict.

“The practice of using government resources for personal gain and taking the law into one’s own hands must stop,” Mensah stated.

She further argued that individuals responsible for grave violations committed during the civil war should be held accountable for their actions. The lawmaker reiterated her support for national efforts aimed at establishing both the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court.

“As the elected representative of the people of Salala District, I will continue to support the work of Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu and the national effort to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court,” she declared.

Women’s Participation Highlighted

The reconciliation program also featured presentations by the Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, and the Executive Director of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), Esther Davis Yango.

Speaking on women’s participation in grassroots politics and economic empowerment, Yango encouraged women in Salala District to become more actively involved in political and economic affairs.

According to her, women deserve meaningful participation in Liberia’s democratic governance process and should be afforded opportunities to contribute to decision-making and development initiatives. She emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men.

Barbu Promotes Political Reconciliation

Meanwhile, Barbu delivered a presentation on conflict resolution in politics. He stressed the importance of accountability and responsible leadership as essential elements of sustainable peace and national development.

“The only way conflicts can truly be resolved is when individuals acknowledge their wrongdoing and accept responsibility for their actions,” Barbu stated.

He urged residents of Salala District to engage political opponents peacefully and respectfully and cautioned against actions that could revive tensions associated with Liberia’s years of conflict.

Barbu further emphasized that political accountability remains an important component of national development and noted that reconciliation initiatives such as the Salala District program contribute to unity and peacebuilding efforts across the country.

The event brought together women, youth, elders, local leaders, and other stakeholders as part of efforts to encourage dialogue, accountability, reconciliation, and democratic participation within the district.