Published: June 24, 2026
MONROVIA – The Government of Ireland has reaffirmed its support for Liberia’s ongoing transitional justice process, pledging continued backing for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court and an Anti-Corruption Court as part of efforts to address decades of impunity and strengthen democratic governance.
Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia, Gerard Considine, made the commitment Tuesday during the launch of the PeaceGen Project in Monrovia, describing the initiative as a significant investment in empowering young people and women to play a greater role in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and justice.
Ambassador Considine said Ireland remains committed to supporting initiatives that help Liberia confront unresolved grievances stemming from its civil conflicts while promoting accountability and reconciliation.
“We believe this project will help bridge the gap between the unresolved grievances of the past and the aspirations for justice in the future,” Ambassador Considine said. “It aligns perfectly with the principles of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and complements national efforts, including the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.”
The PeaceGen Project is a three-year program funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland. It is being implemented by the Kvinna Till Kvinna Foundation, headed in Liberia by Mrs. Kortu Williams, in partnership with the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), and other civil society organizations.
According to organizers, the project seeks to strengthen the meaningful participation and leadership of women and young people in Liberia’s peacebuilding architecture, conflict prevention mechanisms, transitional justice process and national decision-making.
Serving as Chief Launcher of the initiative, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, described PeaceGen as a timely intervention that will help prepare a new generation of peace ambassadors capable of promoting tolerance, responsible citizenship and social cohesion.
Addressing government officials, diplomats, development partners, youth organizations and civil society representatives, Dr. Barbu stressed that sustainable peace cannot exist without justice and accountability.
“True peace is built on justice, accountability, inclusion and opportunity,” he declared. “Nations that fail to address the wounds of the past risk reopening them in the future.”
Dr. Barbu said empowering young people through education, mentorship and civic engagement remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing violence and preserving Liberia’s democratic gains.
He urged the Government of Liberia, international partners, the private sector, religious institutions and civil society organizations to provide sustained financial, technical and moral support for peacebuilding initiatives.
“Investing in peace is not charity; it is a national security imperative and a moral obligation,” Dr. Barbu said. “Every investment we make in educating, mentoring and empowering our young people is an investment in preventing violence and protecting our democracy.”
The OWECC-L Executive Director also reaffirmed his office’s commitment to supporting the PeaceGen Project, emphasizing that collaboration among government institutions, development partners and civil society is essential to ending impunity and promoting reconciliation.
He called on Liberians to unite in combating corruption, violence and drug abuse while embracing justice, accountability and inclusive development.
The launch of the PeaceGen Project comes as Liberia continues to advance efforts toward establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court, a long-standing recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission aimed at ensuring accountability for atrocities committed during the country’s civil wars.
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