Liberian President Joseph Boakai to create first war crimes court

President of Liberia José Boakai signed an executive order to establish the country’s first war crimes court, more than 20 years after the end of two civil wars that killed 250,000 people.

Mr Boakai said Liberia had “endured showers of agony”.

The 1989-2003 conflicts saw atrocities including mass killings, rape and the forced recruitment of child soldiers.

Critics in Liberia have opposed the court’s creation, saying it risks reopening old wounds.

But Boakai said the court would “help uncover the causes and effects of violence” and bring “justice and healing.”

Adama K Dempster, a leading advocate for the creation of a war crimes tribunal, told the BBC that while some people have criticized Boakai for making an “emotional” decision, it will bring closure to many others.

“It is an open show of support for victims of war and survivors of civil wars,” he said.

International allies also welcomed the measure.

The US Chargé d’Affaires in Liberia, Catherine Rodriguez, praised 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 end impunity for war and economic crimes, while promoting national reconciliation and sustainable peace,” said Rodriguez.

This is the first major step towards the creation of a war crimes court in Liberia.

A Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was created in 2006 by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, but it was not a court.

In 2009, the TRC identified a list of people to be prosecuted for war crimes, but no action was taken.

It was mired in political controversy by nominating incumbent politicians like Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.

No one was tried in Liberia, but some perpetrators were convicted in other countries.

Liberia’s former president, Charles Taylor, is currently serving a 50-year sentence for war crimes in the United Kingdom, but that was due to his role in the conflict in neighboring Sierra Leone.

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