Liberia sets up court to investigate civil war crimes

The Liberian senate has approved the setting up of a special court that investigates crimes by warlords during the country’s civil war.

The Liberian civil war erupted in 1989 when Charles Taylor, leading the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), invaded Liberia from neighboring Côte d’Ivoire through Nimba County, triggering one of the most deadly and devastating wars on the continent.

At least 200,000 are believed to have died -out of a population of about 2 million people- in the decade-long conflict.

The new court will examine crimes against humanity and corruption linked to the wars. It will also bring warlords before judges to render justice to the victims.

This decision follows years of advocacy from civil society groups such as the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association. The court’s establishment is seen as a crucial step towards ending the widespread impunity that has plagued Liberia.

While some warlords faced trials abroad, no perpetrators have been held accountable within the country. The court offers a chance to finally address these outstanding grievances.

Liberia’s truth and reconciliation commission recommended a court be established in 2009, but there was little political appetite to move forward until President Joseph Boakai promised to explore the possibilities during his inauguration in January this year.