Liberian President Joseph Boakai has issued an executive order to inaugurate the nation’s inaugural war crimes tribunal, over two decades following the cessation of two civil wars that claimed 250,000 lives.
Mr. Boakai remarked that Liberia had weathered torrents of suffering.
The conflicts from 1989 to 2003 were marked by egregious acts such as mass murders, sexual assault, and the coerced conscription of minors.
Opponents within Liberia have voiced objections to the tribunal’s formation, fearing it may reignite past traumas.
But Mr Boakai said the court would “help ferret the causes and effects of the violence” and bring about “justice and healing”.
International allies have also welcomed the move.
US Chargé d’Affaires in Liberia Catherine Rodriguez commended Mr Boakai for taking a “historic and courageous step to bring justice and accountability for the atrocities committed”.
She said the US would support the court.
“We are optimistic that this initiative will bring an end to impunity for war and economic crimes, while promoting national reconciliation and sustainable peace,” Ms Rodriguez said.
This marks the initial significant move in the establishment of a war crimes tribunal in Liberia.
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2006, although it did not function as a tribunal.
In 2009, the TRC compiled a list of individuals to be prosecuted for war crimes, yet no further steps were taken.