Civil society warns war crimes court effort is stalling due to lack of funding

Published: November 5, 2025

MONROVIA — The establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia remains challenged, as funding allotments continue to be in short supply, even though President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has committed his government to ensuring that victims of the civil crisis have access to justice.

While there is the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L), many, including civil society groups, fear that the project might remain a lip service rather than an effort aimed at achieving its intended goals. Employees at OWECC-L have been raising concerns about not receiving pay for several months, with the office leadership noting that their funding only covers operations and nothing more. 

Given the risk of losing focus and gradually failing to establish the courts, a coalition of Liberian civil society organizations (CSOs) has urged the government to immediately release funding and provide adequate security for the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC). They warn that ongoing delays threaten the operationalization of these courts. 

At a press conference on Tuesday in Monrovia, the CSOs emphasized the urgent need for government action, highlighting that the courts are crucial for delivering justice to victims of Liberia’s civil crises and holding perpetrators of economic crimes accountable. Although President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., issued Executive Order No. 148, committing US$2 million annually to OWECC-L, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has reportedly failed to disburse the funds. 

The office has been underfunded, with staff unpaid for five months, disrupting nationwide outreach efforts and administrative functions. “The fiscal constraints have slowed national outreach and gravely affected administrative processes. Immediate action is required to save this process,” the group noted.

The coalition recommended that at least USD 500,000 be released immediately, with full disbursement by November 10, 2025, to enable OWECC-L to resume operations and continue preparations for the formal establishment of the courts. The CSOs also expressed concern about legislative interference, noting that some Senators, including President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence and Senator Joseph Kpartor Jallah, submitted separate bills proposing alternative frameworks for the courts.

The coalition argued that these bills undermine Joint Resolution #001/2024, exclude victim groups from the process, and compromise the independence and credibility of the courts. “We contend that the Senate proposals are counterproductive and against the interests of the people of Liberia,” the group said. Security for OWECC-L staff and facilities was highlighted as a critical issue. The coalition warned that inadequate protection could jeopardize personnel and the integrity of the courts, stressing that the sensitive nature of the work exposes staff to serious threats.

The CSOs stated, “The government must ensure state security is extended to protect the staff and facilities of OWECC-L.” The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to establishing the courts within President Boakai’s tenure, emphasizing that justice for victims, accountability for perpetrators, and protection of witnesses remain urgent national priorities. The statement highlights ongoing tensions between executive directives, legislative actions, and operational challenges, underscoring the vital role of these specialized courts in promoting justice, reconciliation, and public trust in Liberia.