War, Anti-Corruption Courts Establishment Confirmed

Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, who served as this year’s national orator at the just celebrated Flag Day, confirmed the establishment of the long-awaited National Anti-Corruption Court and the War and Economic Crimes Court Liberia (WECC-L).

Barbu said that the courts will be established in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Cllr. Barbu is the Executive Director of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court-Liberia.

He disclosed that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has pledged his full support for the establishment of both the courts.

In the timeline, the Anti-Corruption Court is expected to become operational by November, 2026, while the War and Economic Crimes Court will open by November, 2027.

He said the success of these institutions will depend heavily on government’s political will, including financial commitment.

“This is a Liberian-owned and Liberian-led process,” he emphasized, urging national stakeholders to take ownership of its implementation.

Cllr. Barbu also called on Pres. Boakai to ensure the full enforcement of Executive Order No. 148, particularly the timely disbursement of funds to the OWECC-L.

“Let me be clear,” Barbu said, “when a public official disregard the dignity of the law, including executive orders, constitutes a misuse and abuse of power, and a clear act of corruption. Such conduct must not be tolerated.”

Executive orders are presidential mandates, and thus carry the weight of laws.

He further cautioned against portraying the initiative as solely a presidential agenda, insisting it is a national undertaking.

Cllr. Barbu called on members of the legislature to lend full support, and allocate resources necessary for the timely establishment of the courts.

The creation of the War and Economic Crimes Court, in particular, has been a longstanding demand of victims’ groups, civil society, and international partners, who believe it is key to addressing past atrocities and promotes accountability.