United States of America Congressman and Chair on the Subcommittee on Global Health, Human Rights, and International Organizations says the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia will help heal the wounds of the country’s civil wars.
Congressman Chris Smith disclosed that the U.S. Congress is closely monitoring the establishment of this court as a way to advance good governance and healing for the people of Liberia. ‘We have long supported Liberia with foreign aid, providing over $162 million in 2023 and more than $4 billion over the last 20 years’.
Smith pointed out that said in recent decades, Liberians have suffered untold human rights violations and economic crimes while perpetrators acted with near-complete impunity during the country’s multiple civil wars.
“Since that time, minimal efforts have been made in Liberia to address these crimes, notwithstanding a recommendation in 2009 by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to establish a court to ensure justice,” he said.
He said as a presidential candidate, Joseph Boakai stated repeatedly that a war and economic crimes court needed to be established for the Liberian people to end impunity and for the nation to heal.
U. S Congressman said President Boakai in his inaugural address committed to pursue “The establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court to provide an opportunity for those who bear the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity to account for their actions.
“Since President Boakai assumed office, the local and international communities including the U.S. have eagerly awaited the establishment of the Court. This promise was made to the Liberian people who want real change—they desire democracy, human rights, and justice,” he noted.
According to him, the U.S. Congress is also closely monitoring the establishment of this Court as a way to advance good governance and healing for the people of Liberia. ‘We have long supported Liberia with foreign aid, providing over $162 million in 2023 and more than $4 billion over the last 20 years’.
U. S Congressman said there must be justice and accountability for the people of Liberia and establishing the promised War and Economic Crimes Court is a necessary, critical step for assuring lasting peace and the people’s confidence in the rule of law and the fair administration of justice in their country.
