President signs order for war crimes court

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has signed an executive order to establish a war crimes court meant to bring overdue justice to victims of serious abuses committed during the country's two civil wars. The conflicts between 1989 and 2003 saw widespread atrocities including massacres, rape and the use of child soldiers. A Truth and Reconciliation Committee later called for a special court to be set up to try those allegedly responsible. However, no concrete action was taken until Boakai was elected last year, notes an East African report. The President proposed a resolution to create a special court, which was later backed by Liberia's lower house and senate. On Thursday, Boakai, in a special address, said: ‘The conviction that brings us here today is that, for peace and harmony to have a chance to prevail, justice and healing must perfect the groundwork.’ The move has been welcomed by activists and civil society groups that have called for more accountability for crimes committed during the conflicts in which around 250 000 people were killed. Once up and running, the court would operate in Liberia in line with international standards, with back-up from international institutions, including the UN. It will also handle economic crimes.

Full East African report