Challenges Facing Liberia’s War and Economic Crimes Court
The establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia faces significant challenges, primarily due to insufficient and inconsistent support. Despite the government’s efforts to create an office dedicated to advancing this initiative, the process is struggling to gain momentum. The lack of sustained funding and resources has become a major obstacle, raising concerns about the court’s ability to function effectively.
Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, highlighted that while previous U.S. administrations had shown strong backing for the court, current support has diminished. He explained that the U.S. government is now providing more technical assistance rather than financial aid, which is critical for the court’s operations. “It's not an easy task, and I'll say this, it's lacking resources,” Toner said, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to ensure the court can fulfill its mandate.
The Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court is currently facing operational difficulties due to inconsistent funding. According to Toner, the office often receives money only to run out quickly, forcing them to seek additional support. “That's not how you run a serious national priority,” he remarked. While the United States, along with partners such as the European Union, Sweden, and Germany, recognizes the importance of the court, there is no clear indication of future U.S. support. Toner admitted that he could not provide a definitive outlook on the level of assistance Liberia should expect from the U.S.
There were high expectations for robust U.S. support, especially after strong statements from American officials. However, the momentum appears to have slowed following the death of former rebel leader and influential Liberian senator Prince Y. Johnson. Toner clarified that the shift in support is not related to Johnson’s passing but rather reflects changes within the U.S. administration. Although he did not rule out future support, he stressed that nothing is guaranteed at this point.
In May 2024, President Joseph Boakai signed an executive order establishing an Office for the War and Economic Crimes Court. This office is tasked with laying the foundation for a special international tribunal in collaboration with global partners. The court is expected to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and economic crimes committed during Liberia’s civil wars between 1989 and 2003.
When asked whether corruption and poor governance are stalling Liberia’s development, Ambassador Toner did not mince words. “Corruption is a major obstacle, deeply rooted,” he said. He emphasized that the government must ensure timely and fair compensation for public servants as a critical first step in fighting corruption. Equally important, he noted, is a shift in the mindset of public officials, moving away from self-enrichment toward genuine public service. He added that the government must be able to raise revenue and make appropriate allocations to ministries and agencies to promote national development.
Toner concluded by saying that while Liberia has the right institutions, including auditing bodies, those institutions must follow through with prosecutions to send a strong message. His remarks were made during a live talk show in Monrovia, where he discussed various issues affecting Liberia’s political and economic landscape.
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