The Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court, Dr. Jallah Barbu, has outlined significant progress made in recent months since President Joseph Boakai’s issuance of Executive Order 131, which created the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and a Special Court for Anti-Corruption.
Speaking at a One-Day Access to Justice Conference organized by the Lutheran Church in Liberia Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Program on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Dr. Jallah Barbu acknowledged existing challenges but emphasized that his office is working expeditiously to ensure the hybrid War and Economic Crimes Court, along with the Special Court for Anti-Corruption, is established and fully functional within the remaining five years of President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
According to Cllr. Jallah Barbu, two proposed Acts are expected to be presented to President Joseph Boakai for onward submission to the legislature on both Courts establishment in Liberia.
“The court will be established, operationalized, indict individuals, and conduct trials within President Boakai’s first term,” he asserted.
Dr. Barbu stressed that the court would position Liberia on the right trajectory by delivering justice to victims and survivors while also allowing the accused the opportunity to clear their names.
OWECC Executive Director clarified that being indicted for war or economic crimes would not automatically imply guilt, as the court would ensure a free and fair trial devoid of any preconceived motives, dismissing public speculations that the court is being set up to target specific individuals.
Cllr. Barbu commended President Boakai for demonstrating courage and political will in establishing the court after years of Liberia’s civil conflict, clarifying that funding for the office operations remain good including support from foreign partners.
He stressed that the court’s establishment should be owned by Liberians nationwide, rather than being a process centered only in Monrovia, reaffirming full commitment to collective participation of all despite their backgrounds.
Dr. Barbu also called for collective support in facilitating the court’s establishment, expressing gratitude to the partnership between OWECC and LCL-THRP especially providing evidence-based information to guide its workings.
He reminded Civil Society Organizations, especially the Church to join efforts to ensure the establishment of the Courts while acknowledging challenges facing
The One-Day ACCESS TO JUSTICE CONFERENCE was held under the Theme: “Liberty and Justice for All” at the Lutheran Compound on 13th Street, Sinkor.
