Rhode Island USA-As debate intensifies for the establishment of a war and economic crimes tribunal in Liberia, President George Weah has submitted a petition to global leaders seeking support for the court establishment.
President Weah told the Nations General Assembly that such support from the international community is aimed at addressing impunity and victims support as well as prosecution of war criminals, some of whom roam the corridors of power.
Addressing the United Nations Wednesday, Weah said his government was currently holding consultations with members of the National Legislature, Judiciary and other strategic development partners on sourcing funding, venue and processes leading to the establishment of the court.
He maintained that there can be no peace and development without justice and universal human rights.
Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report amongst other things, recommends the prosecution of hundreds of former war leaders including senator Prince Johnson and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; who the commission maintained should being banned from politics for 30years.
However, many of those listed for prosecution, have argued their innocence claiming the lack of due process during the TRC proceedings.
Weah added: ” When I spoke before you last September, after my first nine (9) months in office, I indicated a preference for dialogue as a conflict-resolution mechanism.
Government and People, we could together focus our efforts on poverty-reduction, growth, and economic development, rather than on retribution”.
He continued that since his call for reconciliation at UNGA in 2018, there has been a rising chorus of voices from many quarters, calling for the establishment of an Economic and War Crimes Court.
Weah further intoned those voices of thousands of war victims some of whom are alleged perpetrators, who seem to wish to either clear their names or their conscience.
At the same time, the Liberian leader has admitted to swelling economic hardship in Liberia, which he said it’s being cause by global economic factors as well as reduction in monetary value of the Liberian currency.
He added that his government remains firm towards addressing the situation with a plead on global investors to take advantage of investment opportunities in Liberia.
Warlord supporting War Crimes court
Nimba Senator Prince Johnson pledged support for President Weah’s communication to the National Legislature on the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia
Speaking to news men Wednesday, Senator Johnson mentioned that the Liberian leader is proceeding in the right path.
The Nimba Senator who described himself as a spokesperson for all defunct warring factions, added, his continuous position on the establishment of the court is to ensure that peace reigns among the people of Liberia.
Senator Johnson also clarified that he is not against the people of Grand Gedeh County as insinuated by the Grand Gedeh Lawmaker Zoe Emmanuel Penue.
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