War Crimes Court begins work in November 2026
-OWECC Executive Director Cllr. Barbu reveals
All hope is not lost yet, as the Office for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court announces here that the court will come into full swing by November 2026.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, Liberia; August 26, 2025 – Liberia’s 178th Flay Day orator and Executive Director of the Office for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, Dr. Jallah Barbu, assures Liberians that the operationalization and implementation of the War and Anti-Corruption Court will be in full swing by November 2026 to commence trial.
Serving as Orator for the 178th Flag Day celebration here on Monday, August 26, 2025, Dr. Barbu inspired war victims and families, stating that justice is here for all Liberians, while drawing an urgent need for justice and accountability.
According to him, between 2026 and 2027, the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court will complete the establishment and operationalization of the Anti-Corruption and War Crimes Court in Liberia.
“I therefore determined, as we have reported to your office and the public, that the National Anti-corruption Court will be established and operationalized in November 2026, and the War and Economics Crimes Court will be established, operationalized, and commence trial in November 2027”, Dr. Barbu noted.
However, he informed the gathering and the government that the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court is depending on them for full support and political will, for the establishment of the courts, because it’s a Liberian-owned and Liberian-led process.
“In this regard, I respectfully request President Joseph N. Boakai to instruct all relevant authorities of the government to scrupulously execute the terms and conditions of Executive Order #148, especially as to making available the funds that you mandated them to provide to the OWEC,” he stressed.
On Monday, August 26, 2025, Liberians and the diplomatic community, including High School Students, gathered at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia for the celebration of the country’s 178th Flag Day.
The program, which saw the conspicuous absence of top officials, including President Joseph N. Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, Senator Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence, and members of the Liberian Senate; House Speaker Richard N. Koon and members of the House of Representatives, was poorly attended, as only three key government officials attended, namely, the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Seku Kanneh; Minister of Justice N. Oswald Tweh, and Presidential Special Envoy, Minister Mamaka Bility.
The Flag of the Republic of Liberia was first hoisted on August 24, 1847; it represents a great heritage that reflects a nation of one people. The Flag contains eleven (11) stripes symbolizing the eleven (11) signatories of the Declaration of Independence. The eleven singers include: Samuel Benedict, Elijah Johnson, John N. Lewis, John B. Grippon, Hilary Teage, Beverly R. Wilson, Anthony W. Gardner, John Day, Ephraim Titler, Amos Herring, and Richard E. Murray.
The stripes on the Flag consist of three distinct colors: Red, White, and Blue, depicting distinct characteristics if our existence as a people of one Liberia. The Red symbolizes the blood of those who died in the struggle for independence; the White represents the purity of mind and the clearness of the founding fathers towards one another, whilst the Blue represents the Dark Continent of Africa, as it was then perceived. The White star in the Blue Field represented the only independent Republic on the continent at the time.
Commenting further, Orator Barbu highlighted the humanity and apology of President Joseph N. Boakai when he publicly apologized to war victims and families on behalf of the government on July 5, 2025, for the wrongs meted out against the people.
“Under the same tone, I draw attention to the pressing need for accountability and the urgency to complete the establishment and operationalization of the War and Economics Crimes Court and the national Anti-corruption court. On this note, Mr. President, I again appreciate your appointment of me as Executive to lead this process and establish these courts. And for providing funding grants.” He stated.
Accordingly, Cllr. Barbu recommended that his team ensure that the court is established to render services to the state, adding that it’s about time that they close the gap against injustice. Editing by Jonathan Browne
