The discussion around setting up a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) has sparked significant debate.
Many see it as a necessary step to confront the country’s past of violence and economic mismanagement.
It is in this vain that this article looks at how such a court could impact the economy and help break the cycle of unpunished wrongdoing.
As the formation of this court can be seen nothing less than a vital move toward achieving justice and healing the nation, by making sure that those responsible for war crimes and economic wrongs are held accountable for their actions that have disrupted Liberia for so long, many Liberians remain stomach-stared about how this would play out. Economic Benefits:
The establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia could have numerous economic benefits, both immediately and in the long run.
Liberia endured conflicts that severely damaged its economy and resulted in widespread poverty and inadequate infrastructure, along with a struggling business environment. Despite the passage of time since the wars ended persistent corruption continues to impede progress in rebuilding efforts.
Establishment of a court to address war crimes and economic offenses could play a role in promoting accountability, enhancing governance practices and combatting corruption and potentially attracting renewed interest from investors. It’s no doubt that establishment of such a accountability mechanism would send a message to both international investors and development partners about Liberia’s commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law.
Studies have indicated that investors tend to avoid nations with levels of corruption and instead prefer to allocate their resources in regions known for stability, social justice and adherence to the rule of law.
By promoting accountability, transparency and responsibility, the judiciary system has the potential to deter behaviors and foster a business environment thereby enticing additional foreign investments and bolstering the economy.
With enhanced oversight, from the implementation of Economic Crimes Court, Liberia would experience employment opportunities, heightened tax revenue generation and a rising infrastructure development.
More so, establishment of a court dedicated to War and Economic Crimes could facilitate the recovery of embezzled funds, from the conflict era, redirect them towards advancing the nations growth and progress as outlined in the Liberian Constitution that underscores honesty and responsibility in roles – aligning with the courts mission to hold accountable those who exploited the country’s assets for personal gains, through corruption.
Experts suggest that these reclaimed funds could be channeled into sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure development, social services, etc, directly enhancing the well-being of Liberians. Setting up the court will require a considerable boost to Liberia’s legal system.
This will include the hiring of several professionals – to include judges, lawyers, administrators, etc., and create the environment for other forms of employment.
This effort could generate employment, enhance skills, and provide training for legal professionals, improving Liberia’s capacity to handle complex legal matters.
Many believe these upgrades to the legal system could lead to long-term economic benefits by further stabilizing the government’s structures and economic performance.
Challenging the Culture of Impunity:In Liberia, there seems to be a culture that protects Wartime crimes and Economic crimes so that they are never punished.
Article 11 of the 1986 Constitution states that all are equal before the law, “before and not after” but this has repeatedly been violated due to absence of accountability.
In recent times, our society has witnessed the highest form of corruption by public officials.
Audit reports have unearthed perpetrators of alleged misuse of public funds at the detriment of the suffering masses.
Yet, these individuals live in comfort and convenience while the majority is unable to access basic social services at their peril.
They are postured as the “untouchables”, as they exert influence over gullible Liberians whom they use to persecute advocates of social justice.
The establishment of an Economic Crime Court is therefore a beacon of hope for accountability and deterrence from corruption. A court to address War and Economic crimes provides the opportunity to tackle these injustices and allow for justice, reconciliation and oneness of the nation.
Facilitating Justice and Unity in LiberiaThe Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Liberia sought to resolve past injustices against the citizenry but was not able to implement its recommendations.
This discourse leaves some section of scholars arguing that without the imposition of discipline and accountability, the country, and its people will never rise above parasitic violence and impunity which seems to be the order of the day.
A War and Economic Crimes Court could achieve the TRC’s aims it existed to achieve, which includes a detailed outline as procured measure for making the victims – dignified again by bringing to justice those who victimized them.
Owning up to and punishing the offenders of violence, war crimes and economic exploitation in Liberia gives hope that justice, respect for human rights and rule of law can be venerated.
This sense of unity is made possible because different people become witnesses in the fairness of the justice system to deliver justice to the grievance they jointly hold.
A properly executed judicial process could enhance the national identity and confidence over governmental structures which are necessary for any meaningful peace to endure.
Deterring Future Crimes and Long-term ChangeIt is important to note that setting up a War and Economic Crimes Court will act as a deterrent and will ensure that future offenses will be punished.
The End Impunity campaign will ensure that war and economic crimes will not go unpunished, in addition to preventing the corruption of other public officials.
War crimes courts as a tool of accountability contributes much to the ethical system of societies recovering from conflict.The fundamental law of Liberia contemplates legal actions not contrary to its provisions, thus populating the legal idiom of fairness and moral justice.
The limitations of a court of law would be its ability to provide tangible acts of collective retribution and more fundamentally be a constructive force for building a just society. This framework of total accountability is very important for our future governance structures and can serve to normalize legal behavior.
Be as it may, the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia presents advantages that are great, which – therefore – are not without limits.
Prime amongst these is the concealment of powerful persons who might be compromised and of course the resources and human resources aspects of operationalizing such a court could be off putting.
Howbeit, the quest of justice and the economic development of Liberia is a central component for the enduring peace and progress which potentially reshapes the country’s future – ensuring those generations to come inherit a society that is fair, prosperous, and stable.
Written By: Frederick S. SayehNew Jersey, USA
