Africa-Press – Liberia. Two members of the Liberian Senate have reinforced the need for the establishment of war and economic crimes courts through the submission of two separate bills to the National Legislature. The lawmakers include Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence and Joseph Jallah of Grand Bassa and Lofa Counties respectively.
They submitted two bills entitled: Acts to Establish the War Crimes Court and the Special Economic and Corruption Crimes Court of the Republic of Liberia as part of efforts towards promoting justice, accountability and national renewal.
In a communication submitted to the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, October 28,2025, the two Senators disclosed that their proposals are grounded in Article 34 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia.
Amongst other things, Article 34 of the Liberian Constitution empowers the National Legislature to establish courts inferior to the Supreme Court.
They added that their proposals also align with Joint Resolution No. JR-001/2024 issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, mandating the creation of two distinct judicial bodies one to address war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the other to prosecute economic and corruption-related offenses.
“This is a defining moment for Liberia. These bills are not about revenge; they are about restoring the dignity of our nation, healing wounds through justice, and ensuring that corruption and impunity no longer define our governance, “Senator Joseph Jallah, sponsor of the bills stated.
According to him, true reconciliation must rest on accountability and the rule of law.
He pointed out that Liberians deserve a Liberia where justice serves as the foundation for peace, prosperity and good governance.
“True reconciliation must rest on accountability and the rule of law. Our people deserve a Liberia where justice serves as the foundation for peace, prosperity, and good governance,” Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, co-sponsor of the bill said.
A Vision Rooted in Justice and Renewal
The lawmakers maintained that the vision of these legislative measures is to create a Liberia where justice, accountability and integrity are central pillars of national life
They stated that the proposed War Crimes Court seeks to address atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with international human rights standards.
According to them, the Special Economic and Corruption Crimes Court aims to strengthen domestic anti-corruption mechanisms, close gaps in prosecutorial capacity, and reinforce public trust in state institutions.
The lawmakers mentioned that these courts represent a forward-looking framework for building a society where impunity is replaced by justice and corruption by transparency.
Mission of the Sponsors
Senator Jallah disclosed that the mission of the proposed legislations center on upholding the rule of law, promoting justice and advancing democratic accountability as the foundation for sustained peace and national unity.
He said that it is also in line with his leadership which emphasizes institutional reform, integrity in governance, and equitable access to justice for all Liberians.
For her part, Senator Karnga-Lawrence pointed out that her mission focuses on inclusive governance, social justice, and empowering citizens especially women and youth to become active participants in nation-building.
Her advocacy seeks to ensure that the government remains responsive, transparent, and accountable to the people.
Together, the lawmakers added that their collaboration reflects a bipartisan commitment to justice and reform- uniting Liberia’s leadership around a shared goal: a nation reconciled with its past and determined to secure a brighter, more accountable future.
A Call to Action
The sponsors expressed optimism that their colleagues in the Senate will handle these bills with the seriousness and urgency they deserve.
Both lawmakers underscored that the establishment of these courts is not a political act but a moral and constitutional responsibility – a necessary step toward consolidating peace, justice, and economic integrity.
“We must build a Liberia where justice is not selective, where corruption is not a culture, and where the law serves all, not a few,” Senator Jallah asserted.
“History will judge us by the courage we show today to right the wrongs of yesterday,” Senator Karnga-Lawrence concluded.
Meanwhile, the bills have been forwarded to the relevant committees of the Liberian Senate to report back to the Plenary-the highest decision making body of the Liberian Senate.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
