The bills were transmitted to the leadership of the Legislature, including the Speaker, Honorable Richard Koon and the Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, for deliberation and enactment.
The two proposed pieces of legislation are:
1. An Act Establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court
2. An Act Adopting a New Title 17(a) of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised, Establishing a National Anti-Corruption Court
In his communication, President Boakai emphasized that both bills are grounded in Liberia’s historical experience, constitutional framework, and international legal obligations. They seek to address long-standing governance and justice challenges arising from the country’s past conflicts and systemic corruption concerns.
The proposed War and Economic Crimes Court is designed to respond to recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and commitments under the Accra Peace Agreement. It would provide a specialized judicial mechanism to adjudicate allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, gross human rights violations, and economic crimes committed during Liberia’s periods of instability.
The President expressed that the initiative reflects Liberia’s duty to combat impunity, uphold international humanitarian law, and promote reconciliation through accountability.
The proposed National Anti-Corruption Court seeks to enhance Liberia’s judicial capacity to effectively address corruption-related offenses, which continue to undermine public trust, economic development, and service delivery.
The legislation highlights the limitations of existing judicial structures in handling complex corruption cases and proposes a specialized court system to ensure more effective prosecution and deterrence.
President Boakai noted that the enactment of these bills would:
* Strengthen the rule of law and accountability mechanisms
* Enhance public confidence in governance institutions
* Address historical injustices and economic crimes
* Improve transparency in public administration
* Align Liberia with international justice and anti-corruption standards
The President has urged the National Legislature, through the leadership to give the bills urgent and careful consideration in the national interest.
“These reforms represent a decisive step toward justice, reconciliation, and sustainable national renewal,” the President stated in his submission.
President Boakai expressed that he is committed to working with the Legislature, the judiciary, and all national stakeholders to ensure that Liberia continues to build a society anchored on justice, accountability, and peace.
