Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai officially received draft legislation for the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Court and the War and Economic Crimes Court on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Many view this as a historic step to address the country’s painful past and strengthen the fight against corruption. This was a big milestone in Liberia’s direction toward accountability and justice.
Dr. Cllr. oversaw the presentation, which took place at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, described the two proposed statutes as “historic instruments” intended to promote justice, accountability, healing, and national reconciliation.
Speaking to President Boakai and high-ranking government officials, Barbu stated that the draft laws were the outcome of several national and international discussions, ongoing public participation, technical legal work, and cooperation with various organisations and stakeholders.
He clarified that by establishing the court’s jurisdiction, powers, and procedures and guaranteeing protections for judicial independence and adherence to international human rights norms, the draft statute for the War and Economic Crimes Court creates a firm legal foundation for the court.
He claims that by offering robust investigative and prosecutorial powers, encouraging transparency in public service, and establishing channels for citizen engagement and monitoring, the National Anti-Corruption Court draft law is intended to fortify Liberia’s anti-graft infrastructure.
“The establishment of these two courts is a novel development in our justice system. Consequently, compelling conditions were put in place to ensure the highest standards possible were achieved,” Barbu stated.
He revealed that the drafting process included nationwide consultations involving civil society organizations, religious institutions, women and youth groups, traditional leaders, and academia to ensure that the voices of both war-affected communities and broader society were reflected.
Barbu added that specialists in international justice, legal scholars, and anti-corruption practitioners were consulted in order to ensure that the proposed laws complied with Liberia’s international commitments and constitutional framework. According to him, the office has examined historical documents, previous commission reports, such as the July 1997 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report, and comparative experiences from nations that had set up comparable courts and anti-corruption organizations.
Both draft statutes have already received preliminary peer review and are being prepared for public hearings before the Honourable Legislature, according to the Executive Director. He added that in order to help lawmakers comprehend the ramifications of the proposed laws, technical committees are drafting legislative briefs and explanatory memoranda.
“We have initiated dialogue with several members of the Legislature to build consensus and secure bipartisan support,” he said, adding that public awareness campaigns would also be intensified to ensure the passage of the laws is not only a legislative act but a citizen-driven demand.
Cllr. Barbu urged Liberians to see the initiative as a national responsibility, emphasizing that justice must be delivered in accordance with international human rights standards and with full transparency. He expressed solidarity with all parties involved in Liberia’s transitional justice process and called for a moment of quiet in remembrance of the more than 250,000 people died during the country’s civil conflict before wrapping off his speech.
The action is anticipated to reignite national discussion about anti-corruption measures and war crimes accountability, two topics that have long been at the heart of Liberia’s governance and reconciliation agenda.
