MONROVIA – Dr. Alan W. White, Co-Executive Director of the Advocacy Foundation for Human Rights, faces criticism for his persistent advocacy for a war and economic crimes tribunal in Liberia. Critics, primarily victims of the war, argue that his involvement is driven by personal financial gain rather than a genuine pursuit of justice for the victims of the 14-year civil war.
Dr. White, an expert in international criminal investigations, previously served as the Chief of Investigations for the Special Court for Sierra Leone. His work there led to the indictment of Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia. In March 2022, Dr. White, along with a team of Liberians, presented approximately 300,000 signatures to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in support of the U.S. House Resolutions 1055 and 907.
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan caucus of the United States House of Representatives, aims to promote, defend, and advocate for internationally recognized human rights norms as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant instruments.
Resolution 1055, passed by the House in December 2018, seeks to affirm strong United States-Liberia ties, support democratic principles, and call for the full implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, including establishing an Extraordinary Criminal Tribunal for Liberia. Resolution 907, introduced by Representative Gregory W. Meeks on February 2, 2022, aims to support progress toward transparency, accountable institutions, and other tenets of good governance in Liberia as it approaches the bicentennial of the arrival of the first free Black Americans to Providence Island, Liberia.
Those who presented the signatures included Ysyndi Martin-Kepyei, Executive Director of the Movement for Justice in Liberia (MOJUL); Jerome V. Verdier, Esq, Executive Director of the International Justice Group and former Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Liberia; Michael Mueller, Chairman of the Global Initiative for Justice; and Dr. Alan W. White, former Chief of Investigations for the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The signatures were obtained from Liberia by Liberia United for Justice & Accountability, the Global Initiative For Justice, the International Justice Group, and the Movement for Justice in Liberia, among others.
Dr. White has been at the forefront of lobbying in Washington for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia. In September 2023, he delivered a compelling testimony before the United States Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, addressing the issue of ritualistic killings in Africa, with a particular focus on Liberia.
In January, Dr. White visited Liberia to attend the inaugural ceremony of President Joseph Boakai, who committed his government to establishing a war and economic crimes court. During an exclusive interview, Dr. White expressed the international community’s appreciation for President Boakai’s decision to expedite the tribunal’s establishment.
Requesting Funding
Recently, Liberian human rights advocates, including Dr. Alan White, Elizabeth Evenson (Director of the International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch), and Adama Dempster (Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia), told a US Congressional committee that the US government must lead in funding war and economic crimes courts for Liberia. “We request the international community, including the US government, to provide legal advisers and help Liberia organize a donor conference to support the court,” said Dempster via video link to the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. However, Dempster emphasized that the court must be Liberian-led to have a lasting impact, cautioning against appointing an American or any international individual to lead it.
There have been concerns among advocates about Dr. White positioning himself as the most suitable to lead this course.
Addressing the committee, White highlighted the importance of a stable, predictable annual budget for the court. “I strongly believe that the US Congress needs to continue to be fully supportive of the establishment of this court and provide the necessary seed funding and annual appropriations to ensure its viability,” he stated. White suggested that the court’s establishment should be modeled after the Special Court for Sierra Leone, through a treaty or agreement with the United Nations, with the authority to prosecute international crimes or war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Allegations and Controversy
However, the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association (LIMASA), representing victims and survivors of Liberia’s civil war from 1989-2003, has accused Dr. White of exploiting their signatures without permission. LIMASA claimed that the signatures were gathered in collaboration with Mr. Emmanuel Savice and were subsequently handed over to Dr. White without the victims’ consent. They allege that White has been using their signatures to gain support and funding for personal gain, presenting himself as their representative without authorization.
LIMASA’s Executive Director, Mr. Peterson Sonyah, told The Liberian Investigator that they are contemplating filing a lawsuit against Dr. White. Although Sonyah did not provide concrete evidence of Dr. White collecting money on their behalf, he expressed concerns that White’s actions could harm their cause and the progress made in seeking justice for civil war atrocities.
“Dr. White is not working for the U.S. Justice system, he is not working for the International Criminal Court, he does not work for the U.S. government or even the Liberian justice system, so why is he always advocating for us?” Sonyah asked.
Mr. Sonyah urged the U.S. Congress and other organizations to investigate Dr. White’s actions thoroughly and hold him accountable for his alleged misuse of their signatures.
Meanwhile, efforts made by The Liberian Invesitgator to get comments from Mr. Savice on his involvment and his link to Dr. White did not materialize, however, the Coalition for Justice in Liberia (CJL) in a statement noted that Savice expressed his innocence and revealed that he was exploited by individuals with their own agendas.
According to CJL, Mr. Savice said he was unaware of the ulterior motives of those who approached him for signatures.
“Despite the allegations against him, Mr. Savice stands by his beliefs and maintains his innocence. He also expressed his disappointment in being taken advantage of and hopes that this incident will serve as a cautionary tale for others,” stated CJL.
CJL further stated: “Mr. Savice’s statement sheds light on the exploitation and manipulation of individuals. Let us not forget the importance of integrity and honesty in the pursuit of justice.
“As the truth comes to light, we must remember to not let selfish individuals overshadow the true purpose of any cause. Justice prevails when we stand together and stand for what is right. Let us support Mr. Savice in his fight for justice and learn from this experience.”
Dr. White did not respond to The Liberian Investigator’s request for comment sent to him via WhatsApp messaging app.
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