4 Liberian CSOs Back WECC

By Lewis S. Teh

Monrovia, June 11, 2026 – At least four leading civil society organizations have thrown their full support behind Liberia’s efforts to end impunity, endorsing bills to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and a National Anti-Corruption Court, and urging all lawmakers to back the process.

In a joint press statement issued Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Monrovia, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Women’s NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFL), and Sister Aid Liberia said the legislation represents “a decisive moment in its long and difficult march towards justice, accountability, and institutional renewal.”

“Liberia can no longer postpone justice.”

The CSOs noted that for years, the hope of accountability for corruption and atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflict seemed bleak, with corruption trials producing little action.

That reality, combined with the “burning desire for justice and accountability,” is why they are backing transitional justice mechanisms, including the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC).

They praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for formally submitting both the War and Economic Crimes Court bill and National Anti-Corruption Court bill to the Legislature, calling it a clear executive commitment to ending decades of impunity.

The extension of OWECC’s mandate with funding support, they added, further demonstrates determination to ensure uninterrupted progress.

Technical working session critical for lawmakers

The groups issued the statement ahead of a high-level technical working session for the designated House committee on both bills, scheduled for Thursday, June 11 to Friday, June 12, 2026. They stressed the session is “not a ceremonial gathering” but a “national obligation” at a time when Liberia is finally confronting impunity and strengthening the rule of law.

The session, according to them, is designed to provide lawmakers with legal, institutional, and operational clarity to make informed decisions.

The CSOs said informed leadership at this stage is “not optional. It is a constitutional and moral duty.”

They commended lawmakers who have already pledged to attend, saying their readiness reflects “courage, foresight, and a deep respect for the Liberian people.” By participating, those lawmakers show they “stand on the right side of history, aligned with victims, survivors, and citizens who demand justice and accountability.”

Call for legislative action

The four organizations called on all invited lawmakers, and others yet to fully endorse the cause, to follow their colleagues’ example: attend without excuses, engage constructively, and prioritize national interest over political comfort.

“While the president has proactively acted by submitting the bills and extending our mandate, it is now the legislature’s turn to act with equal resolve and integrity to timely enact both instruments,” the statement said.

As civil society, CENTAL, WONGOSOL, AFL, and Sister Aid Liberia reaffirmed their commitment to support the Legislature with technical expertise, independent monitoring, public engagement, and transparency. They pledged to remain dedicated to ensuring both courts become credible, inclusive, effective, and efficient institutions that reflect Liberian aspirations at home and abroad.

“Justice and accountability delayed must no longer be justice and accountability denied,” the groups concluded.