Liberia Establishes War Crimes Court to Address Atrocities of Civil Wars

After decades of advocacy, Liberia's President Joseph Boakai has signed an executive order creating a long-awaited war crimes court to bring justice to victims of the country's two devastating civil wars.

Liberia's journey toward reckoning with its violent past took a significant step forward on Thursday, as President Joseph Boakai signed an executive order establishing a war crimes court. The long-awaited court will seek to deliver justice to victims of the country's two civil wars, which were marked by widespread human rights abuses.

The civil wars, which raged from 1989 to 2003, claimed an estimated 250,000 lives and left an indelible scar on the nation. Human rights groups have documented widespread mass killings, torture, and sexual violence during the conflict.

Despite calls for accountability, no one has been tried for war crimes in Liberia. A post-war truth and reconciliation commission identified a list of individuals to be prosecuted, but the government failed to act.

Justice became a central issue in last year's presidential election, helping Boakai defeat former soccer great George Weah. In his victory speech, Boakai pledged to establish a war crimes court as part of his agenda to address Liberia's legacy of violence and impunity.

The court's establishment follows years of advocacy by victims and activists. Human Rights Watch and other civil society groups have repeatedly called for accountability, arguing that it is essential for healing and reconciliation.

The resolution creating the court calls for international funding, and the United States has pledged to support the initiative if it is set up appropriately. Other donors have also expressed interest in providing assistance.

"For many citizens of Liberia, they see this as essential to a larger project establishing the rule of law in Liberia, so that there's faith in institutions," said Beth Van Schaack, the U.S. envoy for global criminal justice.

The court's mandate is to prosecute those accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international law. Eight individuals were identified by the truth and reconciliation commission as leaders of warring factions, including two who currently serve in the senate. Notably, ex-warlord Prince Johnson, who faces allegations of murder, extortion, massacre, torture, and rape, signed off on the resolution.

Also named on the commission's list is former President Charles Taylor, who is serving a 50-year sentence in the United Kingdom for war crimes committed in Sierra Leone. Taylor is the first former head of state convicted by an international war crimes court since World War II.

While no trials have been held in Liberia, a handful of individuals have been convicted of war crimes overseas. Mohammed Jabbateh, a rebel commander accused of horrific atrocities, was sentenced to 30 years in the U.S. Kunti Kamara received a life sentence for crimes against humanity in France.

The establishment of the war crimes court in Liberia represents a significant step toward addressing the country's legacy of violence and impunity. It is a testament to the unwavering determination of victims and activists who have fought tirelessly for justice. The court's success will depend on its independence, impartiality, and the support of the international community.