Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai signed a decree on Thursday establishing a war crimes tribunal to provide justice for victims of grave abuses committed during the two civil wars that ravaged the African country. from West.
The conflicts between 1989 and 2003 resulted in numerous atrocities, including massacres, rapes and the use of child soldiers. A truth and reconciliation committee subsequently called for the creation of a special court to try those responsible.
However, no concrete steps were taken until Boakai’s election last year.
The president proposed a resolution to establish a special court, which was later supported by Liberia’s lower house and senate.
On Thursday, Boakai thanked lawmakers for their work and gave final approval.
“The conviction that brings us here today is that for peace and harmony to have a chance to prevail, justice and healing must complete the groundwork,” Mr. Boakai said in a special speech.
The move was welcomed by activists and civil society groups who called for greater accountability for crimes committed during the conflicts, in which some 250,000 people were killed.
Once operational, the court will operate in Liberia in accordance with international standards, with the support of international institutions, including the United Nations. It will also deal with economic crimes.
Some Liberians opposed its creation, saying it risked reopening old wounds and undermining an existing amnesty law that helped end the fighting.
