War Crimes Court Faces Setback

By Lincoln G. Peters

Capitol Hill, Liberian Senate, May 25, 2026 – Two landmark bills submitted by President Joseph N. Boakai—one to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court and another to create a specialized National Anti-Corruption Court are facing potential setbacks and possible rejection from the Liberian Senate.

The Senate’s hesitation stems from a unanimous decision to restrict the Judiciary Committee’s review of the bills, requiring strict conformity with the National Legislature’s Joint Resolution of April 2024 and other related bills currently under committee consideration.

During the Senate’s regular sitting on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Grand Kru County Senator and Public Works Committee Chair, in his motion, requested that the two presidential bills be received and processed in line with the Joint Resolution and President Boakai’s Executive Orders 131 and 138.

Senator Chie further mandated that the Judiciary Committee harmonize the new bills with others already in committee and report back to plenary.

He emphasized that the Joint Resolution sets prerequisites for passing such bills, including a National Security Plan, endorsement from the United Nations Security Council, and a National Financial and Mobilization Plan.

“Within the Joint Resolution, a Security Plan should have been submitted by the President for review by the security committee. There should also be a commitment from the UN Security Council endorsing the establishment of the war and economic crimes court. Lastly, a Financial Mobilization Plan, with commitments from domestic and international partners regarding funding for the court, is required,” Senator Chie stated.

Consequently, the bills were sent to the Judiciary Committee for review in accordance with the Joint Resolution.

“We request the Judiciary Committee to prepare a Road Map within thirty days, outlining how the bills will be processed. This should involve consultations with transitional justice experts and nationwide consultations, as stipulated by the Joint Resolution,” Senator Chie concluded.

Following his motion, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon expressed reluctance to vote unless the motion was amended to consolidate the Anti-Corruption Court bill already before the committee—submitted by Pro-Temp Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence—with the President’s version. He also suggested that the bills be “informed by” rather than “in conformity with” the Joint Resolution.

Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley criticized the motion as confusing and rejected its restrictive nature, arguing that the committee should be allowed to conduct its work independently.

“We haven’t even read the bills. I urge that the bills be circulated to inform our decision. The committee should have the space to do its work without restrictions,” Senator Findley said.

Senate Pro-Temp Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence clarified that the motion does not restrict the committee but simply asks for a review in light of the Joint Resolution and consolidation of similar bills.

“The motion is not dictating how the committee should do its work. It simply requests that the committee review the Joint Resolution and consolidate related bills. With the motion clear, are you ready to vote?” she concluded, before the Senate voted to refer the bills to the Judiciary Committee for review.

The plenary’s decision tasks the Judiciary Committee with thoroughly reviewing the two landmark bills—seen as crucial steps toward strengthening justice, accountability, reconciliation, and sustainable development in Liberia.

In his communication to Senate Pro-Tempore Karnga-Lawrence, President Boakai described the proposed legislation as critical for implementing recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and fulfilling Liberia’s international obligations on human rights, accountability, and good governance.