Foreign Minister Sara Bleslow Nyanti has renewed the government’s commitment to support the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia. Minister Nyanti said the government’s commitment goes beyond issuing a joint legislative resolution and executive order but will continue to provide financial and technical support to the office to bring to closure the issue of impunity. The Liberia foreign minister said Liberia was aware of the need to take ownership of the process, and the government has demonstrated a strong political will towards achieving said responsibility. She, however, said while it is a Liberian-driven process, she wants coordination, inclusion, and consultation with local and international stakeholders in driving the process. The engagement with these stakeholders, the foreign minister said, will promote an inclusive process and better inform authorities of the OWECC-L to make an informed decision on the way forward on the type of court to be established in line with both Liberian and international laws on human rights abuse and crimes against humanity. Minister Nyanti reaffirmed her role not only as Minister of Foreign Affairs but also as a transitional justice expert to rally support for justice to be served for both perpetrators and victims. Foreign Minister Nyanti was speaking on Friday, January 10, 2025, when the Executive Director for the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, paid her a courtesy visit at the Foreign Ministry. Briefing the minister earlier, Executive Director Dr. Cllr. Barbu recounted the achievements made thus far since his incumbency two months ago. He named the acquisition of office space and stakeholders’ meetings, including civil society organizations, victim groups, and donor partners who have all agreed to collaborate with the office in the discharge of its duties. Cllr. Barbu also named the completion of technical documents, including a legal framework and strategic work plan for the operation of the OWECC-L. Meanwhile, OWECC-L Executive Director Barbu has welcomed the government’s initial operation funding for the office, terming it as timely and a demonstration of its political will to the process. He pledged that his administration will adhere to all financial regulations in expanding the fund in keeping with the government’s public financial management regulations.
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