— As Several Senators Sign Draft Resolution, But PYJ, Yaya Nimely Boycott Signing
IPNEWS: Senators on Capital Hill are expected to begin debate on a resolution sent by the lower House on the establishment of a War and economic crimes court in Liberia.
A statement from Senate Pro-tempore’ Sen. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence states that the resolution from the House of Representatives will be put on the floor of the Senate after its committees on judiciary, defense, security and intelligence reported that due to the delicacy of the matter, a debate be entertained for the full participation by the Liberian Senate.
“The Public is invited to follow the Senate session tomorrow Tuesday, April 9, 2024 as a major decision will be taken on calls for the establishment of the war and economic crimes court. The Senate notes the concerns of the public with respect to the establishment of the war and economic crimes court. However, members of the Senate have relied on advice from Members of the Committees on judiciary, defense, security and intelligence.”
“The public can be assured that just as they are concerned and interested in ending the culture of impunity in Liberia, Senators are also interested in ending what has been a long-standing issue of impunity but has been keen on taking the appropriate steps.” Sen. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence noted.
As anticipated, Senators from Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties in persons of Senators Prince Y. Johnson and Yaya Nimely boycotted the signing ceremony.
However, strangely, Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill, whose Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) objected to any plan for the establishment of a economic crimes court was seen signing the draft resolution which calls for the establishment of both the war and economic crimes court.
This week, a pressure group under banner, The Coalition for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (CEWAECCL), called on the Liberian Senate to fast track the long awaited establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Courts.
“The open show of support demonstrated by 42 members of the House of Representatives at the opening session of their recall to the Capitol further supports the call by war crimes campaigners for the establishment of the court. The resolution also sends a message to our international partners that Liberians are making conscious efforts to hold to account those bearing the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the civil wars,” the Coalition said.
At the same time, the Coalition is appalled by the misinformation that some former warlords, politicians and their surrogates are spreading by asserting that the establishment of the War and Economics Crimes Court in Liberia will spur unrest and plunged Liberia back into war.
According to the Coalition’s release signed by its Lead Campaigner, Adama K. Dempster, this negative propaganda, which is unsupported by any evidence, is a means to perpetually instill fear in the minds of the people of Liberia and thereby escape justice for their role in the atrocities of the civil wars, which resulted in some over 250,000 deaths.
The continuous delay in the establishment of the War and Economics Crimes Courts in Liberia is emblematic of the failure of the Liberian state to provide justice for the thousands of Liberians who suffered countless abuses including torture, rape and other sexual violence, and murder during what many consider to be a senseless civil war.
CEWAECCL notes with interest the enthusiasm of the House of the Representatives for the establishment of the War and Economics Crimes Court in Liberia to end the culture of impunity and enhance the rule of Law in Liberia.
The Coalition is, however, profoundly concerned by the apparent waning delay of political will on the part of the Presidency to expedite the establishment of the court since President Joseph Nyuma Boakai vowed to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court during his inaugural speech.
The Coalition admonishes the office of the President to make good on his proclamation that he would end impunity and promote the rule of law as manifested in the ARREST agenda of the Boakai-led regime.
The Coalition welcomes the recent resolution of the House of Representatives calling for the establishment of the court and admonishes the Liberian Senate to enact the appropriate legislation required towards this endeavor.
