Liberia: U.S. Applauds Boakai’s Efforts to End Impunity

Beth Van Schaack, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice has lauded the Joseph Boakai administration for making strides towards establishing the War and Economic Court (WECC) in Liberia. 

In an open Letter to the People of Liberia, after a week’s visit, Schaack said when there is no accountability for the worst crimes known to humankind, it undermines the rule of law and contributes to corruption and lawlessness.

“As the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, I see on a daily basis around the world how entrenched impunity for atrocities harms not only the direct victims of those crimes but all of society and the very fabric of a nation,” Schaack adds. 

Liberia’s 14-year civil war, which took place between 1989 and 2003, not only killed 250,000 people, many more fled neighboring countries as refugees. Women and girls were raped, abused, and killed. Warlords recruited child soldiers to fight for them. 

The war ended in 2003 with a call to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court to ensure that those who committed these atrocities were penalized. The WECC is one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that was set up to investigate the 14-year war. 

The U.S. government and other Western allies have vowed to support the establishment of the court to ensure those who committed atrocities be held accountable. The visit to Liberia by the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice earlier this month was prompted by a commitment made by President Boakai during his inaugural address to set up the WECC. 

“In early March, I concluded my second visit to Liberia — it was a visit filled with hope and inspiration, Schaack said. “Like so many Liberians, I — along with the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, my colleagues here in Washington, and others within the international community — was very pleased to see President Boakai’s announcement in his inaugural address that he would begin the process of creating a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia.” 

According to the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Liberians have waited far too long to see justice for the horrific abuses they suffered in the country’s two civil wars, despite recommendations from the TRC. “I applaud President Boakai for making justice such a priority in the early days of his administration.”

During her stay, the WECC was widely discussed. Schaack also met with the House Speaker, J. Fonati Koffa after the House of Representatives voted in favor of establishing the WECC, government officials, and civil society groups.

“It was also thrilling to see a resolution in support of the War and Economic Crimes Court pass with strong support in the House. Congratulations to the Speaker of the House and other Representatives for taking steps to implement the very important and welcome recommendations of the 2009 Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” Schaack noted. 

The resolution is now before the Senate and, when passed, it will be sent to the President. But many doubt if the bill would be a success in the Senate since Prince Johnson, Nimba County Senator, was one of those who took part in the 14-year civil. Johnson, however, is not the only senator against the WECC establishment; several other senators who were saddled with sanctions designations for corruption or human rights abuse (or both), fear being cornered by the prospect of being tried for economic crimes, just as well. 

According to Sen. Johnson, establishing a war crimes court will disrupt the peace in Liberia. “No, it doesn't scare me, it worries me because it may disrupt our peace,” he said. 

But for Schaack, “there can be no true and lasting peace without justice.”

“When I again spoke on Radio OK FM during my visit, I was asked if I would be disappointed if Liberia did not build a War and Economic Crimes Court before my next visit. Of course, I would like to see a war crimes court in Liberia, but it is not my opinion that matters. The imagined Court emerged from the recommendations of your TRC with the goal of bringing real justice for Liberians. This is your court and your history.”

“This is why I encourage everyone reading this to let your voices be heard on this issue. Speak up in your communities. Write, call, or reach out to your representatives and local leaders and tell them how you feel. If you want to see justice, let your leadership know-how impunity affects you, your family, and your community.”

The Ambassador-at-Large Schaack reiterated the U.S. government's support to establish the WECC and ensure that Liberians are protected.

“Victims and witnesses must play a central role in the work of the future Court, and they must be able to do so freely and safely. I am so excited to be your partner in this journey. I had a wonderful visit to Liberia, and I cannot wait for my next one—when I hope I will be able to help you welcome the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for all Liberians,” she said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government has also promised to protect those advocating for WECC ensuring that they do not face threats to their safety. “All Liberians can step forward and speak about this effort without fear of intimidation or retribution.”