The Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu has renewed calls for justice and accountability for victims of Liberia’s brutal civil conflicts. He made the statement recently during the dedication of the Sabo Woffieken Memorial in River Gee County. The memorial is constructed in honor of victims of the November 11, 1994 Massacre. Cllr. Barbu reminded Liberians of their collective promise after the 2003 peace agreement not to return to war, but also not to forget the atrocities committed.
“The people who did the bad things in this country must answer why they did them. Two decades later, Liberia still awaits a court to address war and economic crimes,” he said. Barbu praised President Joseph N. Boakai for taking concrete steps toward establishing the court, recalling the President’s campaign promise and subsequent issuance of Executive Order No. 131 that created the War and Economic Crimes Court Office.
According to him, the Office is not the court itself, but helps prepare the ground so that the court can be fully established. He admitted that his role comes with risks, given that some individuals currently in government could face accountability.
“Even if I will die for the sake of the court, I will make sure the process does not stop, calling for nationwide prayers and support for the initiative,” he added. Barbu stressed that justice is essential for national healing, emphasizing that victims’ souls cannot rest until truth and accountability are pursued.
As part of decentralizing the process, Cllr. Barbu announced plans to establish a regional office in River Gee to serve River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland counties. The dedication ceremony was both solemn and symbolic, as residents reflected on the horrors of the 1994 massacre while also expressing hope that the memorial and the future court would mark the beginning of true reconciliation and justice in Liberia.
