Liberia: Coalition for Justice Applauds President Boakai’s Leadership in Justice Reform, Welcomes Barbu’s Appointment as Head of War and Economic Crimes Court

Washington, D.C. – The Coalition for Justice in Liberia (CJL) has hailed President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for what it described as a “decisive and transformative” move to advance accountability and justice in Liberia. The organization lauded the President’s decision to revoke the contentious appointment of Counselor Jonathan Massaquoi and implement a transparent, inclusive selection process for leadership of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC). 

“This monumental decision sets a significant precedent for justice, integrity, and accountability in Liberia,” CJL stated in a press release. 

In response to persistent demands for reform from human rights advocates, civil society organizations, international partners, and victims of Liberia’s civil wars, President Boakai established a diverse vetting committee. The committee, comprising representatives from the Liberian National Bar Association, civil society, and human rights experts, conducted an inclusive process that led to the appointment of Counselor Jallah Barbu as head of the WECC. 

Counselor Barbu, a distinguished legal scholar and former Chairperson of Liberia’s Law Reform Commission, brings extensive experience to the role. A former Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia, Barbu has consistently championed the rule of law and accountability. CJL noted that his leadership represents a pivotal step in addressing impunity, a key obstacle to Liberia’s pursuit of justice and national reconciliation. 

According to CJL, this development aligns with international human rights obligations, including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It also reflects the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) recommendations, which emphasized the establishment of a war and economic crimes court as vital for achieving national healing.

“Counselor Barbu’s appointment represents renewed hope for thousands of Liberians who have endured decades of suffering without justice,” said Lovetta Tugbeh, Founder of CJL. “This court signifies a critical step in addressing historical injustices and ending the entrenched culture of impunity. It offers a pathway for national healing and reconciliation by ensuring that those responsible for heinous crimes face justice.” 

While acknowledging that the WECC cannot undo past atrocities, CJL stressed the court’s potential to restore public confidence in Liberia’s justice system. It also enhances Liberia’s reputation as a nation committed to the rule of law and human rights. 

The CJL called on the Liberian government, civil society, and international partners to provide the financial, technical, and logistical support necessary to ensure the court’s effectiveness. It emphasized the importance of assembling a team of professionals with impeccable reputations and expertise in international criminal law, human rights, and transitional justice to support Counselor Barbu’s leadership. 

The coalition also advocated for a nationwide consultative dialogue to engage Liberians from all counties and the diaspora. Such a dialogue would integrate the TRC’s recommendations and foster collective ownership of the court’s mandate, bolstering its inclusivity and public trust. 

“The Coalition for Justice in Liberia remains steadfast in its support for this historic development. Counselor Jallah Barbu’s leadership represents a transformative moment in Liberia’s pursuit of justice, peace, and reconciliation,” the release concluded. CJL reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the court fulfills its mandate of accountability and contributes to a lasting legacy of healing and national unity. 

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