-Warns of Funding Delays and Conflicting Bills
MONROVIA, Liberia — A coalition of civil society organizations has reaffirmed support for establishing a Special War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti‑Corruption Court, praising recent government and legislative steps while warning that funding delays and competing bills could derail the effort.
In a Nov. 4, 2024 statement delivered by Rev. Adolphus Kaphart, the coalition commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s pledge—reiterated in his January inaugural address—and the 55th Legislature’s passage of Joint Resolution #001/2024 to set the process in motion. Kaphart stressed the courts must be a “Liberian‑owned and Liberian‑driven process,” developed with victims’ groups and civil society.
The coalition, however, cited two immediate concerns:
- Financing: Kaphart said Executive Order No. 148 committed US$2 million annually to the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC‑L), but disbursements have lagged. He criticized what he called poor communication from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and urged the release of funds.
- Conflicting legislation: He opposed a set of alternative bills reportedly championed by senators led by Nyonblee Karngar‑Lawrence, arguing they undercut the consensus approach anchored in the joint resolution.
“The victims are crying, the perpetrators are dying, and the witnesses are getting old and forgetting… Our patience is running out,” Kaphart said, calling for urgent action to sustain public trust in the process. The coalition pledged continued advocacy and partnership “until the courts are fully established,” saying accountability is essential for reconciliation and governance. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Senate leadership were not immediately available for comment on the claims. The coalition urged timely funding, a unified legislative path, and consistent public communication to keep the momentum.
