Liberian President Joseph Boakai has formally submitted landmark bills to the country’s legislature seeking the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court as well as a specialized Anti-Corruption Court.
The proposed legislation is aimed at addressing crimes committed during Liberia’s years of political unrest and civil conflict between 1979 and 2003, while also strengthening the country’s fight against corruption.
According to reports, supporters of the president have described the move as one of the most significant accountability reforms in Liberia’s post-war history. The proposed War and Economic Crimes Court would investigate and prosecute individuals accused of serious abuses committed during the country’s civil wars.
President Boakai, in a communication to lawmakers, reportedly argued that the existing judicial system has not been effective enough in tackling corruption and safeguarding public resources.
The bills were submitted to both chambers of the Liberian legislature and are expected to spark national debate over justice, reconciliation, and accountability in the West African nation.
Observers say the move will test the administration’s commitment to transforming years of promises about justice reform into concrete legal action. Human rights campaigners and civil society groups have also welcomed the development, describing it as an important step toward ending impunity in Liberia.
The proposed courts come amid renewed conversations about justice for victims of Liberia’s brutal civil war, which claimed thousands of lives and displaced many citizens.
The development follows previous actions by the Boakai administration to renew the mandate of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, signaling growing momentum for transitional justice efforts in the country.
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