CSOs Back War and Economic Crimes, Anti-Corruption Courts, Urge Legislature to Act
June 10, 2026
By Laymah Kollie
MONROVIA: A coalition of civil society organizations led by the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has thrown its weight behind the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court, calling on lawmakers to act decisively in the interest of justice and accountability.
The joint statement was issued in Monrovia on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, by CENTAL, the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, and Sister Aid Liberia.
Reading the statement on behalf of the group, Anderson D. Miamen of CENTAL said the organizations were backing the transitional justice process because Liberia can no longer continue to delay accountability for wartime atrocities and corruption.
He said the country’s long struggle for justice had reached a decisive moment. “For many years, the hope to end the culture of impunity for those who committed atrocities during Liberia’s brutal civil conflict seemed bleak,” the statement said.
The coalition said the submission of the bills to establish both courts marks “a decisive moment” in Liberia’s march toward justice and institutional renewal.
It noted that the upcoming high-level technical working session for lawmakers, scheduled for Thursday, June 11 to Friday, June 12, 2026, is intended to give legislators the legal and operational clarity needed to make informed decisions on the two bills.
The statement also praised President Joseph Boakai for submitting the War and Economic Crimes Court Bill and the National Anti-Corruption Court Bill to the National Legislature, describing the move as a strong executive commitment to ending impunity.
The group said the extension of the mandate of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, with funding support, showed that the government was serious about ensuring progress on transitional justice.
The CSOs commended lawmakers who had already agreed to attend the technical session, saying their readiness “reflects courage, foresight, and a deep respect for the Liberian people.”
At the same time, they urged all invited legislators to attend without excuses and to prioritize national interest over political comfort. “Informed leadership is not optional; it is a constitutional and moral duty,” the statement said.
The group further stressed that Liberia has waited too long for justice and accountability, warning that delay can no longer be accepted. “Justice and accountability delayed must no longer be justice and accountability denied,” the coalition declared, while reaffirming its commitment to support the Legislature through technical expertise, monitoring, and public engagement.
