By: Julius Konton
The Office of the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia is said to be demonstrating its inclusive approach geared towards reaching each and every sector of the Country relative to its works and activities.
As part of said initiative, OWECC-L ended successfully a one day lecture Reflecting on the making of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement twenty two years after.
The well organized and informative session brought together dominant young people and students under the theme: Building Our Country with Integrity and Justice.
Serving as the lead Lecturer was Prof. Augustine Konneh, Senior Advisor to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai who firstly commended OWECC-L for the level of work done so far since its Establishment.
He told the gathering that the establishment of OWECC-L is a significant step towards accountability and healing in Liberia.
The seasoned historian speaking to the young people underscored that by understanding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations and the proposed court structure and the importance of restorative justice, the nation can work towards a more just and peaceful future especially for the young people.
He stated that it is also an important day for Liberia, Twenty-two years after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Accra Ghana.
President Boakai he told the young people also sees the day as significant and is taking necessary steps towards the Country’s national healing , reconciliation and accountability processes respectively.
According to him, the Liberian leader realizes that without such, there will be no total development as well as moving the Country forward.
“We can’t develop and move forward if there is no national healing process especially for both victims and survivors of the crisis”, he noted.
Even though it is painstaking, Prof. Konneh welcome such engagement and emphasized that it is important for the future leaders of the Country.
The government he informed that youth is gradually taking steps in said direction evidence of the general apology made by President Boakai recently to the Liberian people, the reburial process of past leaders and the pronouncement of a national memorial among others.
Also making brief remarks at the opening session was the Executive Director of OWECC-L Dr. Jallah Barbu who reiterated OWECC-L’s commitment to process.
Currently he disclosed that OWECC-L staffs and others are in Lofa, Nimba and Bong Counties on a national public outreach process.
He also reemphasized that the government through President Boakai takes very seriously the process and is doing everything to support it.
At the same time , the Director at the Human Rights Division at the Justice Ministry, Kutaka Devine Togba challenged the young people to see their role in the process is critical.
Young people he stated played a vital role in shaping the future of the nation.
“You can speak up for justice, encourage dialogue at the community level, serve as justice ambassadors who can promote truth and healing”, he added.
Mr. Togba also reminded the young people that their involvement can inspire hope and affirm that Liberia’s future rest not just in remembering but in action of compassion, courage and share responsibility.
Liberia he said made a promise to heal the wounds from the Civil conflict at the Accra Peace accord as such he wants the young people see themselves as driving force towards such healing process, ” We need your passion, ideas and your voice to make this happen “, he further encouraged them.
The human rights division boss at the Justice Ministry indicated that it is time to build a Liberia define by Peace, accountability and unity, a nation he emphasized where youth will not only learn about conflict but hope restore and justice realized.
Speaking about the Afro Barometer survey , he disclosed that 84% Liberians are fully aware of the OWECC-L while 78% are very key about accountability in order to avoid the recurrence of the Country’s old and ugly past.
As OWECC-L continues its work and activities nation wide, Accountability for past crimes and taking actions to serve as deterance is key for Liberia’s growth process.
