By Christian Appleton
Harper City, Maryland County – February 5, 2025 – New Narratives, a non-profit organization committed to empowering journalists in Liberia, hosted a crucial two-day training session for over 20 journalists from four southeastern counties on February 5. The training, which took place in Harper City, Maryland County, focused on deepening the participant’s understanding of the War and Economic Crimes Court and its implications for Liberia’s legal system and societal healing.
The event attracted journalists from Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, River Gee, and Maryland counties, including talk show hosts, editors, and news directors. The workshop was designed to refresh their knowledge of international law, particularly within the context of Liberia’s transitional justice process. It also aimed to enhance the relationship between journalists and key stakeholders in the coverage of war and economic crimes.
Leading the training were prominent experts in international law and human rights, including Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, a seasoned Liberian human rights lawyer; Mr. Hassan Bility, director of the Global Justice and Research Project (GJRP); and Mr. Maxwell Bondo, a war crimes investigator with GJRP. These experts brought valuable insights to ensure journalists leave the session equipped to cover sensitive issues around war and economic crimes accurately and responsibly.
Cllr. Gongloe, who delivered a powerful address during the workshop, stressed the importance of establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court, highlighting that the court’s advocacy had shifted the burden of fear from victims to perpetrators. “The establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court will provide accountability for the crimes committed during our civil wars,” said Cllr. Gongloe. “This is crucial for the healing process of our country.”
The training also emphasized the media’s essential role in fostering transparency and societal accountability, advocating for accurate and balanced reporting of Liberia’s justice system. The workshop underscores the critical role that journalists play in ensuring the public remains informed, particularly as Liberia seeks justice for the atrocities committed during its civil wars.
The Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, which supported the event, also played an integral role in making the training possible. As Liberia continues to pursue accountability for war and economic crimes, such initiatives remain vital to the country’s pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation.
The training is part of New Narratives’ ongoing efforts to build the capacity of local journalists, ensuring that they are better equipped to inform the public and contribute to the discourse on pressing national issues, such as the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.
