MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has taken a decisive step toward strengthening national accountability and restoring public trust by receiving draft legislation to establish a Special War Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court. The draft bills were formally presented at the Executive Mansion by the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, a body whose mandate was recently extended for one year under Executive Order No. 164. This extension, signed by the President on May 1, 2026, is specifically designed to fast-track the legal and institutional processes required to make both courts operational.
Describing this development as a cornerstone of his administration’s governance agenda, President Boakai emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader national effort to reinforce the rule of law and reposition Liberia within the global community. He clarified that the proposed courts are intended to strengthen national systems rather than target specific individuals, asserting that Liberia must demonstrate a firm commitment to justice, human rights, and its various international obligations. “I didn’t come to this position to look for precedence. We came on a rescue mission,” the President remarked, signaling a departure from past political hesitations.
The President further noted that the creation of these courts aligns with Liberia’s treaty commitments and its responsibility to uphold global standards. He maintained that accountability is essential for genuine national reconciliation and long-term development. Reflecting on the country’s history, President Boakai acknowledged the necessity of honoring victims of conflict and ensuring that historical mistakes are not repeated, stating that leadership requires prioritizing what is right over what is politically convenient.
Linking the initiative to his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the President noted that ending impunity is critical to restoring confidence in public institutions. He stressed that such measures ensure that national resources are managed in the interest of all Liberians and help make the country respected on the world stage once again. With the submission of these draft legislations, the government has reached a significant milestone in institutionalizing accountability. As the bills move toward the National Legislature, the Boakai administration has signaled its determination to ensure that justice in Liberia is neither delayed nor denied.