By: Julius Konton
More than two decades after the guns fell silent in Liberia’s brutal civil wars, pressure is once again mounting on the Liberian government to confront the legacy of mass atrocities, human rights abuses, and economic crimes that devastated the nation between 1989 and 2003.
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), in collaboration with national and international partner organizations, has successfully convened a two-day Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Transitional Justice Conference under the theme “Call to Action on Transitional Justice for Liberia Now.”
The conference was held at the E. J. Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, drawing together a broad coalition of justice advocates.
The high-level gathering brought together transitional justice experts, survivors of Liberia’s civil conflicts, legal practitioners, civil society leaders, and international development partners, creating one of the most comprehensive platforms in recent years to reassess Liberia’s unfinished justice agenda.
A Nation Still Reckoning with Its Past
Liberia’s civil wars, which spanned 14 years, claimed an estimated 250,000 lives, displaced nearly one million people, and destroyed much of the country’s social and economic infrastructure.
In 2009, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) documented widespread war crimes, crimes against humanity, sexual violence, and economic plunder, recommending the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC).
However, despite these recommendations and repeated calls from victims’ groups and international human rights organizations, Liberia remains one of the few post-conflict countries without a dedicated judicial mechanism to prosecute such crimes.
Renewed Calls for Accountability
Central to discussions at the conference was the urgent demand for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, not only to prosecute direct perpetrators but also those who financed and economically benefited from the conflict.
Participants emphasized that accountability must extend beyond battlefield actors to include individuals who fueled violence through illicit economic activities.
Speakers also underscored the importance of a survivor-centered approach to transitional justice, including reparations, psychosocial support, memorialization, and institutional reforms aimed at preventing future conflict.
Gongloe: Democracy Cannot Thrive Without Justice
Delivering the opening address, renowned human rights advocate Cllr. Tiawon S. Gongloe spoke on the theme “The Need for Continued Transitional Justice Processes in Liberia Today.”
He warned that Liberia’s democratic gains remain fragile without justice and accountability.
“Punishment should not be limited only to those who pulled the triggers,” Gongloe said.
“Those who financed war crimes and profited from bloodshed must also be held accountable.
Without justice, peace remains incomplete and democracy vulnerable.”
He stressed that transitional justice is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process essential to rebuilding public trust, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring non-recurrence of conflict.
Panel of Experts Weighs In
A moderated panel discussion, led by Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor-Kelly, Vice President of AFELL, provided expert reactions to Gongloe’s address and explored pathways for advancing transitional justice in Liberia.
The distinguished panel included:
Madam Elise Keppler, Executive Director, Global Justice Center
Loretta Pope Kai, Past President, National Civil Society Council of Liberia
Binta Mansaray, Registrar, Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone
Lawrence Yealu, President-Elect, National Civil Society Council of Liberia
Dr. Simon Robbins, Senior Research Fellow, Center for Applied Human Rights, University of York
Panelists drew lessons from international and regional experiences, including the Special Court for Sierra Leone, highlighting how delayed justice can still deliver accountability and national healing when political will aligns with citizen demand.
Civil Society as the Driving Force
Speakers repeatedly emphasized the critical role of civil society organizations in sustaining public advocacy, supporting victims, and keeping transitional justice on the national agenda.
According to organizers, civil society-led initiatives have been instrumental in maintaining momentum at a time when political consensus remains elusive.
As Liberia prepares for future electoral cycles and continues democratic consolidation, conference participants warned that unresolved wartime injustices remain a latent threat to long-term stability.
They urged lawmakers and the executive branch to move decisively on legislation establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court, arguing that justice delayed further risks deepening public distrust.
For survivors and advocates, the message from the conference was clear: Liberia’s peace process remains unfinished without accountability, reparations, and truth transformed into justice.
