-As They Call for Swift Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia
By Shallon S. Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA — Women who endured unimaginable suffering during Liberia’s brutal civil wars are urging the Unity Party-led government to accelerate the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC). Their calls come as they recount the horrors they faced, including the loss of loved ones and lifelong trauma, and demand accountability for those who committed atrocities during the conflict.
The women made their plea during a recent dialogue on transitional justice held in Ganta City, Nimba County. The event, organized by the Alliance for Peace, Justice, and Human Rights, the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, and the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, brought together scores of war-affected women to share their experiences and advocate for justice.
One victim, whose name was withheld for confidentiality, shared her heartbreaking story. During the war, she was pregnant and fleeing for her life when she fell on her stomach after hearing the sound of heavy gunfire. The fall caused her unborn child to dislodge from her placenta, leading to the baby’s death.
“When I fell on my stomach, I didn’t realize the child in my womb had moved from the placenta and dropped inside my stomach. My feet started swelling, and I was rushed to the hospital. The child died inside me, and they had to remove it. After that, I could no longer bear children,” she recounted.
Through tears, she called on the government to prioritize the establishment of the WECC to prosecute those responsible for war crimes against women, children, and humanity.
“What I really want the government to do is to bring the war crimes court to this country so that those who brought this war and made us victims can be prosecuted. We, the women, are suffering. We live with trauma every day,” she said.
The women emphasized that the lack of accountability for war crimes has created a culture of impunity in Liberia. They argued that the absence of justice has emboldened people to commit violence without fear of consequences.
“Liberians are now brave to kill each other because those who committed heinous crimes during the war have not been held accountable,” one participant stated.
Adama Kiatamba Dempster, a lead campaigner for the establishment of the WECC, stressed the importance of engaging with communities in Nimba County, where the civil war began. He noted that hearing the stories of victims in Nimba is crucial to building momentum for the court’s establishment.
“This dialogue serves as a floodgate for other victims to come forward and share their experiences. It is only by confronting the past that we can bring closure to the atrocities committed during the war,” Dempster said.
Archie P. Williams, Director for Research and Operations at the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, provided a timeline for the court’s creation. He revealed that the WECC is expected to be established by 2027, with the first indictments to follow shortly after.
“The court will be established, and the first indictments will be made in 2027. This is a commitment we are working tirelessly to fulfill,” Williams stated.
The women’s dialogue in Nimba County marks a significant step in Liberia’s journey toward transitional justice. By amplifying the voices of war victims, advocates hope to build public support for the WECC and ensure that those responsible for war crimes are held accountable.
For the women who suffered unimaginable losses, the establishment of the court represents more than justice—it is a path to healing and closure. As one victim poignantly stated, “We cannot move forward as a nation until we confront the past and ensure that such atrocities never happen again.”
