Liberia: President Joseph Boakai Sets Up A War Crimes Court.
Liberian President Boakai Signed An Executive Order To Establish A War Crimes Court For The Country 20year After Their Two Times Civil War.
Twenty years after the end of two civil wars that claimed 250,000 lives, Liberian President Joseph Boakai has signed an executive order creating the nation’s first war crimes court.
Liberia, according to Mr. Boakai, had “endured downpours of agony”. Atrocities throughout the hostilities that lasted from 1989 to 2003 included forced child military recruitment, rape, and mass executions. The court’s establishment has been met with opposition in Liberia from those who fear it will revive old wounds.Mr. Boakai, however, asserted that the court will “assist in identifying the causes and consequences of the violence” and promote “justice and healing.”
Although some individuals criticized Mr. Boakai for making a “emotional” decision, Adama K. Dempster, one of the main proponents of the creation of a war crimes court, told the BBC that it will provide closure for many others. “It’s an open show of support for war victims and survivors of the civil wars,” he stated.
The action has also been praised by allies abroad. Thanking Mr. Boakai for his “historic and courageous step to bring justice and accountability for the atrocities committed,” US Ambassador to Liberia Catherine Rodriguez expressed her admiration. She declared that the US will back the court. “We are optimistic that this initiative will bring an end to impunity for war and economic crimes, while promoting national reconciliation and sustainable peace,” said Ms. Rodriguez.
This is a significant first step toward Liberia’s establishment of a war crimes tribunal. Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2006, but it was not a court. The TRC identified a list of those who should face war crimes prosecution in 2009, but no action was
