Boakai Gives PYJ ‘Wah-Way’ Welcomes War Crimes Court To Prosecute Warlords

Cogent information gathered by the GNN over the weekend has hinted that the political marriage between President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Senator Prince Y. Johnson is reportedly approaching its end, amid the Liberian leader reported advocacy for the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.

Last week the Liberian media was overwhelmed with classified information that the Liberian leader, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai had a closed meeting with the former United Nations-backed War Crime Court prosecutor, Mr. Allen White, according the document, the discussion between the, two centered around the immediate establishment of both Economic and War Crimes Court in Liberia, and that all those linked to the nearly fifteen years Liberian civil war to took the lives of over 250,000 people be brought to justice.

According to the report, during the meeting between them, President Joseph N. Boakai allegedly reaffirmed his commitment to holding accountable those responsible for war crimes and economic atrocities in Liberia. The Liberia leader also outlined his ambitious plan to prosecute former warlords implicated in mass murders, which resulted in the deaths of at least 250,000 individuals, as reported by the UN.

The former rebel leader turned politician and preacher, Prince Yormie Johnson during the bloody Liberian civil war headed the Independent National Patriotic Front (INPFL), one of the armed factions in the civil war allegedly killed thousands of Liberians and foreign residents including a sitting President, the 21st President of Liberia, Samuel Kenyon Doe.

On 9 September 1990, Johnson’s supporters abducted President Samuel Doe from the headquarters of the West African intervention force, ECOMOG at the Freeport of Monrovia; he was he was tortured and executed in Johnson’s custody, with the spectacle videotaped and broadcast around the world.

But with this latest arrangement between President Boakai and the international war advocate, Allen White on the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, Senator Prince Y. Johnson who overwhelmingly gave his support to the Boakai’s presidency from vote rich Nimba County, the cordial relationship between Johnson and President Boakai may likely turned sour, and probably end to a bad blood in the face of this latest development.

The Liberian during the meeting with White also noted, “:In our 176 years of independence, impunity, disrespect for justice, and disregard for the rule of law have fueled unrest in our nation,” remarked President Boakai during the meeting.

“It is imperative that we put an end to this cycle of injustice. Those who believe they are innocent must come forward, and together, we must move this country forward,” the Liberian leader averred.

Addressing concerns about the nature of the prosecution, President Boakai emphasized that it is not a witch hunt but rather a quest for truth and accountability. “We seek to uncover the truth so that victims can find closure based on knowledge and truth. It is essential for the healing process and the advancement of our nation,” President Boakai noted.

The Liberian leader acknowledged the significance of facing the past, regardless of one’s position during the conflict. “The truth is the truth, whether one was a perpetrator or a victim,” he affirmed.

President Boakai told Mr. White that, “By addressing the injustices of the past, we can finally close the dark chapter of those years and pave the way for a brighter future.”

Commending the efforts of Mr. Allen White and others in seeking justice for Liberia, President Boakai expressed confidence that the establishment of a war and economic crimes court would contribute to national reconciliation and peace adding, “Even those who have been wronged and those who bear responsibility will find solace in knowing that justice has been served.”

The proposed court has garnered support from various quarters within Liberia and the international community. Many view it as a crucial step towards accountability and the consolidation of peace in the region.

However, challenges lie ahead in the pursuit of justice. Securing evidence, ensuring fair trials, and overcoming political obstacles will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved.

The road to reconciliation may be long and arduous, but President Boakai remains resolute in his determination to uphold the principles of justice and accountability. “We owe it to the victims, their families, and future generations to ensure that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten,” he declared.

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