Sen. Konneh Wants Status Update on War Crimes Court Establishment Warns Delays Could Undermine Justice and National Healing.

February 24, 2026

Layma Kollie

MONROVIA:  Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh, is calling on the Liberian Senate to provide a comprehensive update on the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (WECC-L), warning that delays could undermine justice and national healing.

 In a formal communication dated February 23 and addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Konneh reminded Plenary of its “overwhelming vote” in April 2024 to establish the court in concurrence with the House of Representatives to prosecute atrocities committed during the country’s civil wars from 1989 to 2003.

Following the Legislature’s decision, President Joseph Boakai issued Executive Order No. 131 on May 2, 2024, and renewed the mandate in April 2025 through Executive Order No. 148 to advance the court’s establishment.

“The purpose of these directives is to bring justice for the more than 250,000 Liberians who lost their lives, as well as for the economic crimes that fueled and prolonged the conflict,” Konneh said.

The Gbarpolu lawmaker emphasized that the call for accountability remains urgent, noting that many victims and survivors continue to suffer the consequences of the war. “For decades, victims and survivors have waited for justice. Many of us in this Plenary, including myself, continue to carry the scars of that senseless war,” he stated.

Citing recent assessments, Konneh said an estimated 40 to 50 percent of Liberian households still include at least one member suffering from long-term trauma, disability, or psychological distress linked to the conflict.

“Without justice and closure, these households remain trapped in cycles of trauma that continue to affect community cohesion, national reconciliation, and our prospects for sustainable peace,” he warned.

Concerns Over Sustainability Although the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court has reportedly submitted a roadmap projecting the launch of an anti-corruption court in 2026 and the commencement of war crimes trials in 2027, Konneh expressed concern about the sustainability of the effort.

“There are concerns about the sustainability of these efforts without formal legislative action and consistent long-term national and international funding,” he noted. Konneh praised Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence for her leadership in securing the votes necessary to establish the court, describing her efforts as reflective of “admirable leadership and legislative experience.”

 However, he cautioned that more decisive action is needed to prevent the country’s fragile peace from being undermined. “History cannot be avoided. The people of Liberia deserve justice, and a court supported by the Government of Liberia is essential for lasting peace and the rule of law,” Konneh asserted.

Legislature’s Legacy at Stake The senator stressed that the Fifty-Fifth Legislature will be judged by its handling of the war crimes court process. “No title or seniority can shield us from the judgment of history if we fail to push the Executive to complete what we unanimously began,” he declared.

Konneh also referenced the late Prince Y. Johnson, noting that despite longstanding accusations surrounding the killing of former President Samuel K. Doe, Johnson had supported the creation of the court.

He called for Briefing to strengthen oversight and ensure transparency, Senator Konneh is requesting that the Senate Invite Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, to appear before the Committee of the Whole.

 According to Konneh, the briefing should include “updates on the office’s work, the status of financial and technical support from the Government of Liberia and international partners, and any diplomatic measures being taken to ensure that the establishment of the court is not hindered by political opposition in partner countries, particularly the United States.”

The communication has forwarded to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petition for possible action.