The President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai has taken a historic step by signing an executive order to establish Liberia’s inaugural war crimes court after the country’s devastating civil wars claimed 250,000 lives.
In a statement released by President Boakai acknowledged the profound suffering endured by Liberia during the conflicts from 1989 to 2003, characterized by atrocities such as mass killings, rape, and the forced recruitment of child soldiers. Despite facing opposition from critics concerned about reopening old wounds, Boakai emphasized that the court’s establishment is crucial for addressing the root causes of violence and promoting both justice and healing.
This decision represents a crucial advancement towards creating a war crimes court in Liberia, following previous efforts such as the 2006 establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) by former President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, which did not function as a tribunal. Despite identifying individuals for potential prosecution for war crimes in 2009, no legal action was taken, leading to political controversies, especially regarding implications for sitting politicians like Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
While trials within Liberia have yet to occur, some perpetrators have faced justice in foreign jurisdictions. Notably, former Liberian President, Charles Taylor is currently serving a 50-year sentence in the United Kingdom for war crimes committed during the Sierra Leone conflict.
