Commits US$2M To End Liberia’s Era Of Impunity
Monrovia, Liberia – In an effort to finally create a Special War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court to combat decades of impunity and corruption, President Joseph N. Boakai has extended the mandate of Liberia’s Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court for an additional year. President Boakai approved an annual budget of US$2 million to support the process and extended the office’s term from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027 by Executive Order No. 164, which was issued on May 3, 2026.
Establishing the legal and operational framework for the much anticipated courts is the office’s primary responsibility. It was established under Executive Order No. 131 in 2024 and subsequently extended by Executive Order No. 148 in 2025.
According to the President, the office has already finished significant preparatory work, such as conducting in-depth discussions with regional and global stakeholders and drafting two distinct bills for submission to the Legislature: one for the creation of a National Anti-Corruption Court and the other for the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia.
In addition to meeting international commitments on justice, accountability, and reconciliation, the action is among the Boakai administration’s most forceful attempts to address Liberia’s traumatic civil war history and persistent corruption issues.
In accordance with the revised mandate, the office will keep working with foreign partners and donors to raise funds, offer legislators examining the proposed legislation technical assistance, and create the administrative, financial, and logistical frameworks required to operationalize both courts.
For the purpose to maintain transparency and protect the process from political meddling, the Executive Order also mandates that the office send quarterly operational and financial reports to the President via the Ministry of Justice. All reports are subject to independent audits and verification.
The office has 60 days to present a plan for mobilising resources and engaging stakeholders, 90 days to submit a legislative support framework, and 120 days to submit complete implementation frameworks for both courts as part of the implementation timeline.
A mid-term consolidated progress report is due within six months, while preparations for the office’s formal dissolution must begin by March 1, 2027, with a final report and transition plan expected by April 15, 2027. With quarterly payments of US$500,000 from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the office will continue to be semi-independent and supported by a specific grant line item within the Ministry of Justice’s budget.
According to the Executive Order, the renewed mandate is meant to provide ongoing oversight and coordination with foreign partners until both courts are completely formed and operating. The renewed mandate is seen by many Liberians and international human rights advocates as another crucial test of Liberia’s ability to move from promises of justice to actual accountability for economic crimes and war-era horrors that have plagued the country for decades.
