Fellow Liberians,
As our beloved Republic
commemorates its 179th Independence Day today, I extend warm
congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency President Joseph
Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Government and People of Liberia, and all Liberians
at home and throughout the Diaspora.
This occasion calls upon us not
only to celebrate our Nation's enduring history, but also, to renew our
commitment to building a Liberia founded on justice, accountability, peace, and
respect for the rule of law.
True independence is measured not
only by political sovereignty, but also by our collective ability to guarantee
justice, protect human rights, and ensure that no one is above the law.
On behalf of the Office for the
Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), I
express profound appreciation to His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma
Boakai, Sr. for his steadfast political leadership and the political will
and financial support provided to advance the establishment of the War and
Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC)
for Liberia. His Excellency President Boakai’s administration's commitment to
the establishment of the two courts demonstrates a clear resolve to confront
impunity and strengthen democratic governance.
OWECC-L equally commends Honorable
Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia and
President of the Senate, Honorable Richard Nagbe Koung, Speaker of the
House of Representatives, Honorable Thomas Panga Fallah, Deputy Speaker
of the House of Representatives, Honorable Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence,
President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Chairpersons of all Committees of
the two Houses of the Legislature, and the entire Liberian Legislature, for their
continued engagement in the law-making process, particularly their careful
review and consideration of the draft legislation establishing these historic
courts. The Legislature's constitutional role is indispensable to ensuring that
these institutions are firmly grounded in law and capable of delivering
credible justice.
OWECC-L’s sincere gratitude extends
to Liberia's civil society organizations, victims' associations and support
groups, faith-based institutions, traditional leaders, youth and women's
organizations, international organizations and development partners, countries
that continue to share their experiences with OWECC-L, and all stakeholders in
Liberia and across the Diaspora whose unwavering advocacy, technical
contributions, and moral support have sustained this national endeavor. Your
partnership has kept alive the hope that justice in Liberia for both corruption
and war and war-related economic crimes remains achievable.
As we celebrate this Independence
Day, OWECC-L respectfully calls upon all Branches of Government of Liberia and
every stakeholder to accelerate the review and passage of the draft laws
establishing the WECC and NACC. Their timely enactment will mark a defining
milestone in Liberia's democratic journey and reinforce our national commitment
to accountability.
The establishment of these courts
offers Liberia a unique opportunity to break permanently from the legacy of
violence, impunity, corruption, and the willful abuse of human rights and
international humanitarian law. It will strengthen public confidence in our
institutions, promote national reconciliation and healing, deter future
atrocities, and help secure a peaceful and prosperous future for generations to
come.
I avail myself of this opportunity
once again to acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifices being made by members of
OWECC-L who continue to encounter diverse threats and risks to their personal
safety and security of their families yet remain resolute in the pursuit of the
mandate of OWECC-L. History shall reward you without measure.
May this 179th Independence
Day inspire every Liberian to recommit to justice, integrity, reconciliation,
and national unity void of emphasis on ethnicity or tribal affiliation.
Together, let us build a Liberia where accountability prevails, the rule of law
is respected, and our independence is fully realized through lasting peace and
equal justice for all.
May God Bless our Country, our
Leaders, and the Works of Our hands.
Happy 179th Independence
Day!
YOURS IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE AND SUPPORT FOR THE RULE OF LAW.
Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu (Prof.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
