–Ambassador Gerard Considine Says Accountability Is Key to Lasting Peace as European Union- and Ireland-funded PeaceGen Project is Launched in Monrovia
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Government of Ireland has reaffirmed its strong support for Liberia’s transitional justice agenda, including the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and a proposed Anti-Corruption Court, describing accountability as essential to achieving lasting peace and national reconciliation.
Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia, Gerard Considine, made the commitment during the launch of the PeaceGen Project in Monrovia, where he said his country’s continued support for peacebuilding and justice initiatives reflects its commitment to helping Liberia confront impunity and address the legacy of its civil conflicts.
“We believe this project will help bridge the gap between the unresolved grievances of the past and the aspirations for justice in the future,” Ambassador Considine said.
“It aligns perfectly with the principles of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and complements national efforts, including the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.”
The Ambassador said Ireland remains committed to working alongside the Government of Liberia and development partners to promote justice, accountability, reconciliation, and inclusive peacebuilding as the country continues to consolidate its democratic gains.
PeaceGen Project Launched
The PeaceGen Project is a three-year initiative jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland and implemented by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, headed in Liberia by Mrs. Kortu Williams, in collaboration with the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), and other civil society organizations.
The project seeks to strengthen the meaningful participation and leadership of young people and women in Liberia’s peacebuilding, conflict prevention, transitional justice, and governance processes at both the national and community levels.
Through civic engagement, leadership development, advocacy, and public education, the initiative aims to empower women and youth to become active contributors to national reconciliation and sustainable peace.
Barbu Calls PeaceGen a Timely Intervention
Serving as Chief Launcher of the project, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office of the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), described the initiative as a timely intervention that will help build a new generation of peace ambassadors committed to justice, accountability, and responsible citizenship.
Addressing government officials, diplomats, civil society organizations, youth groups, and development partners, Dr. Barbu stressed that empowering young people is one of the most effective ways to confront impunity, strengthen the rule of law, and promote national cohesion.
“True peace is built on justice, accountability, inclusion, and opportunity,” Dr. Barbu declared.
“Nations that fail to address the wounds of the past risk reopening them in the future.”
He said Liberia’s peace will remain fragile unless efforts to promote accountability are matched with investments in youth empowerment, civic education, and democratic participation.
Investing in Peace Is a National Security Priority
Dr. Barbu urged the Government of Liberia, international development partners, the private sector, faith-based institutions, and civil society organizations to continue providing financial, technical, and moral support for peacebuilding initiatives across the country.
“Investing in peace is not charity; it is a national security imperative and a moral obligation,” he emphasized.
“Every investment we make in educating, mentoring, and empowering our young people is an investment in preventing violence, strengthening democracy, and securing Liberia’s future.”
Officially launching the project, Dr. Barbu pledged the full support of OWECC-L and called on Liberians to work collectively to end impunity, corruption, violence, and drug abuse while advancing reconciliation, justice, and national accountability.
Supporting Liberia’s Transitional Justice Process
Ireland has remained one of Liberia’s longstanding development partners, supporting governance reforms, peacebuilding, gender equality, and human rights initiatives over the years.
The Ambassador’s endorsement of the War and Economic Crimes Court comes as Liberia continues implementing key recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which called for the establishment of a special court to prosecute those bearing the greatest responsibility for atrocities committed during the country’s two civil wars between 1989 and 2003.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has repeatedly pledged his administration’s commitment to establishing both a War and Economic Crimes Court and an Anti-Corruption Court as part of broader efforts to combat impunity, strengthen the rule of law, and restore public confidence in Liberia’s justice system.
Observers say the PeaceGen Project complements those national efforts by promoting dialogue, civic participation, and inclusive leadership while empowering women and young people to play a more active role in sustaining peace and preventing future conflict.
As Liberia continues to confront the challenges of its past while building stronger democratic institutions, speakers at the launch agreed that justice, accountability, and citizen participation remain indispensable pillars for achieving lasting peace and national development.
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