The Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L) and the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association (LIMASA), have formally entered into a strategic partnership aimed at promoting public awareness, victim participation and accountability through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This action, according to observers, is one of significant steps toward national healing and prevailing of justice in the country.
Signed on April 14, 2025, the MoU underscored a shared commitment to the establishment and operationalization of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC).
At the signing ceremony on Monday, OWECC-L Executive Director, Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, said the partnership further demonstrates his desire to make the process inclusive, where all Liberians can fully participate to bring justice and national healing.
“This MoU marks a pivotal moment in the country’s pursuit of justice. We believe that inclusive, Liberian-driven initiatives such as this partnership with LIMASA are essential to ensuring that victims and survivors are at the heart of the transitional justice process,” stated Dr. Barbu, a lawyer by profession.
Under the MoU, the OWECC-L will provide an enabling environment for engagement, share relevant information and support LIMASA’s advocacy work.
LIMASA will promote victims’ participation in evidence gathering and support reconciliation initiatives across communities.
“This partnership gives us a powerful platform to amplify the voices of survivors and ensure they are no longer marginalized in conversations about justice and accountability,” said Person Sonyah, LIMASA’s head.
Mr. Sonyah highlighted how the strong support that the current Executive Director of OWECC-L has provided to victims’ and survivors’ groups nationwide, which according to him, has renewed their relevance in transitional justice advocacy.
The MoU also outlines a framework for cooperation through the formation of a joint coordination team, shared representation and collaborative resource mobilization.
Dr. Barbu signed for OWECC-L, while Mr. Sonyah signed for LIMASA.
Meanwhile, this is the third partnership MoU signed by OWECC-L in three months, all intended to promote inclusiveness in the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court.
The OWECC-L recently signed a similar an MoU with Integrity Watch Liberia, the Secretariat of Women NGOs, and the Liberia Council of Churches.