On September 30th, 2026, The Office for the Establishment of
War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), in collaboration with the
Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) and The Federation of Liberian Youth, engaged members of the Liberian community in The Gambia as part of ongoing
efforts to strengthen public participation and diaspora engagement in Liberia’s
transitional justice process.
The engagement, held on September 30, 2026, at the Liberian
Restaurant in Senegambia, brought together representatives
of OWECC-L, WONGOSOL, the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), and members of
the Liberian community in The Gambia. The meeting provided an opportunity to
share updates on Liberia’s transitional justice process, discuss the proposed
establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and National Anti-Corruption
Court, and explore avenues for the Liberian diaspora to participate more
meaningfully in the process.
Strengthening Diaspora Participation
OWECC-L explained that the engagement forms part of its
broader outreach to Liberians outside the country, recognizing the important
role of the diaspora in supporting accountability, justice, reconciliation, and
national healing.
OWECC-L has undertaken similar engagements with Liberian
communities in other countries, including Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Guinea, South
Africa, Great Britain, and Côte d’Ivoire. The engagement in The Gambia
therefore represents another important step toward ensuring that Liberians
abroad remain informed and connected to developments concerning transitional
justice in Liberia.
For its part, WONGOSOL emphasized that transitional justice
is a national process that must include the voices and perspectives of
Liberians both at home and abroad. The organization further highlighted the
role of civil society in advocating for the consideration and passage of the
legislation required to establish the proposed courts.
Similarly, FLY reiterated the compelling inclusion of youths
and young people and admonished the Liberian Community in The Gambia to
encourage youths and young people to be involved in the process.
Community Perspectives and Concerns
Mr. Tommy Zoker, Acting Vice-Chair of the Liberian Community in The Gambia, welcomed the engagement and expressed appreciation for the effort to connect members of the diaspora with developments in Liberia.
He noted that such engagements help Liberians in The Gambia
feel remembered and connected to their homeland. At the same time, he explained
that many members of the community are primarily focused on economic and
livelihood challenges arising from the high cost of living in The Gambia.
Mr. Zoker encouraged continued engagement and recommended
that future activities take into consideration practical issues such as
transportation and refreshments to facilitate broader participation.
He estimated the current Liberian population in The Gambia
at approximately 200 people and noted that the community generally comes
together during major Liberian national holidays and significant national
occasions.
Questions on the Proposed Courts
Members of the Liberian community also raised questions
about the progress of Liberia’s transitional justice process and the prospects
for establishing the proposed courts.
A community member, Mr. James, expressed concerns
about whether the process would ultimately result in the establishment of the
courts and whether Liberians could be assured that their expectations would be
met.
In response, the delegations explained that OWECC-L has
completed nationwide public outreach and engagement on transitional justice and
has developed the two draft bills relating to the proposed courts. The bills
have been submitted through the appropriate channels and are currently before
the National Legislature for consideration.
WONGOSOL reiterated the important role civil society
organizations are playing in advocating for the consideration and passage of
the legislation and in keeping transitional justice on the national agenda.
The discussion underscored the importance of continued
public advocacy, informed participation, and sustained engagement to advance
Liberia’s transitional justice objectives.
Diaspora Support for Transitional Justice
During the meeting, WONGOSOL encouraged the Liberian
community in The Gambia to consider developing a statement expressing its
support for and interest in the passage of the transitional justice bills.
Such a statement would provide an opportunity for Liberians in The Gambia to demonstrate their solidarity with national efforts to pursue accountability, justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
The acting vice-chair welcomed the proposal and indicated
that the matter would be discussed with the leadership and members of the
Liberian community. He also noted that a Liberian journalist based in The
Gambia could potentially assist in communicating the community’s position.
Connecting the Diaspora to the NTJCC
OWECC-L also invited the Acting Vice-Chair and other members
of the Liberian community in The Gambia to participate virtually in meetings of
the National Transitional Justice Coordination Committee (NTJCC).
The NTJCC provides a platform for civil society
organizations, national and international partners, and other stakeholders to
receive updates and exchange views on developments within Liberia’s
transitional justice process.
Mr. Zoker welcomed the invitation and expressed his
willingness to participate in future virtual meetings.
Engaging Young Liberians
The meeting also explored opportunities to engage Liberian
students in high schools and universities in The Gambia.
OWECC-L noted that young Liberians represent an important
constituency for strengthening awareness and understanding of transitional
justice, civic participation, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and national
responsibility.
The community confirmed that Liberian students are present
in both high schools and universities, although their numbers have declined in
recent years.
Commitment to Continued Engagement
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to
maintaining communication and exploring opportunities for a larger engagement
with the Liberian community in The Gambia.
Participants agreed that a future engagement could be
organized around a major Liberian national holiday or significant national
occasion to maximize participation.
OWECC-L and WONGOSOL reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring
that Liberia’s transitional justice process remains inclusive and
participatory, including through the meaningful engagement of Liberians in the
diaspora.
The engagement in The Gambia represents an important step in strengthening the connection between Liberia and its diaspora and in ensuring that Liberians everywhere have an opportunity to contribute to the country’s pursuit of justice, accountability, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
OWECC-L and WONGOSOL remain committed to working with the
Liberian community in The Gambia and other diaspora communities to strengthen
public participation and support a nationally owned transitional justice
process.
