Cllr. Gongloe Wants Full Participation Of War Victims In WECC Process

By K. Ericson Sayee

Renowned Liberian human rights lawyer, Cllr. Tiawon Saye Gongloe, has suggested that for the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) to succeed, it must give room to the active participation and cooperation of those who suffered the most during the dark days of the civil conflict in Liberia.

Delivering a Keynote address at a public engagement forum organized by the Liberia Massacre Association, Inc., supported by Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund, held at a local hotel in Paynesville City, on Thursday, September 12, 2024, Cllr. Gongloe added that the court cannot solely execute its mandate without testimonies, evidence, and accounts of the victims and survivors.

"The success of the War and Economic Crimes Court hinges on the active participation of victims and survivors. Their stories will shape the pursuit of justice, and their courage will pave the way for a lasting peace in Liberia. Let us stand together in supporting their efforts, for without their cooperation, justice will remain elusive, and peace will only be a distant dream," he narrated.

The standard bearer of the Liberian People Party (LPP) added that through the courage of war victims and survivors to come forward and tell their stories, it will surely dispense a transparent justice for them, averring that without their voices, the truth will remain hidden, and the healing of the nation will be incomplete.

"Victims' cooperation is not just a legal necessity; it is a moral imperative. By standing up and sharing their experiences, victims help to ensure that those responsible for War and Economic crimes are held accountable," Cllr. Gongloe noted.

He added: "This cooperation is not about revenge or retribution, but about justice, closure, and the restoration of dignity to those who were wronged. It is also about preventing the recurrence of such atrocities in the future, ensuring that Liberia does not repeat its painful history".

However, the ex-Labor Minister stated that the cooperation of both victims and survivors must be met with protection, stating that the government, civil society, and the international community must work together to provide security and support for victims and witnesses who may come forward.

"We must create an environment where victims feel safe and empowered to participate in the judicial process without fear of intimidation, threats, or further harm,” He suggested.

"In fact, the burden of fear that was carried out by victims during war such as the fear that fighters are coming, the fear of fighter raping girls and women, the fear of all the evils that were being perpetrated during the civil war has shifted now to the suspected war criminals," he indicated.

He pointed out that some of the participants of the war are having sleepless nights, losing appetite and experiencing restlessness as the establishment of the war and economic crimes court progress, citing that justice is already being done as the process of attaining justice is now irreversible.

"Yes, the burden of fear has now shifted to the suspected war criminals", Gongloe said.

Cllr. Gongloe stressed that no matter how long it takes, the voices of the people will prevail in the search for justice and peace because there can be no lasting peace without justice.

“At long last, the Government of Liberia has agreed based on the pressure of the People of Liberia led by the civil society organizations of Liberia such as LIMASA to establish the War and economic crimes court,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the ex-Solicitor General of Liberia noted that Pres. Boakai will go down in history for mustering the courage to initiate the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.

According to him, the Liberian leader passed the test of being a good president by making this very important decision, making tough decisions no matter the personal risks, including the risk of losing loved ones, friends and associates.

"Now that the president has so ably performed his duty as the President of Liberia, we the citizens are left with the responsibility of fully supporting his decision in every way possible. The work of the War and Economic Crimes Court will not succeed without the full cooperation of victims and eyewitnesses," Cllr. Gongloe emphasized.