MONROVIA-Executive Director Calls for Unity, Justice, and Accountability as Liberia Marks 179th Independence Day Monrovia, Liberia – July 26, 2026 – The Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu (Prof.), has called on all Liberians to use the nation’s 179th Independence Day celebration as a defining moment to recommit themselves to justice, accountability, reconciliation, and national unity.
In his Independence Day message to the nation, Dr. Barbu extended warm congratulations to His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Government and People of Liberia, and Liberians across the Diaspora, while emphasizing that true independence is measured not only by political freedom but by a nation’s commitment to the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and equal justice for all.
“As we celebrate our nation’s rich history and the sacrifices of those who came before us, we must also renew our determination to build a Liberia where justice prevails, accountability is guaranteed, and no one is above the law,” Dr. Barbu declared. The OWECC-L Executive Director praised President Boakai for demonstrating steadfast political leadership and commitment toward the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC).
He noted that the President’s continued political will and financial support represent a significant step toward confronting impunity and strengthening democratic governance in Liberia. Dr. Barbu also commended Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, committee chairpersons, and members of the Legislature for their ongoing consideration of the draft legislation establishing the two courts.
He described the Legislature’s constitutional responsibility as indispensable in ensuring that the proposed courts are legally grounded and capable of delivering credible, impartial, and effective justice for the Liberian people. The OWECC-L Executive Director expressed profound appreciation to Liberia’s civil society organizations, victims’ associations, faith-based institutions, traditional leaders, youth and women’s groups, international organizations, development partners, and Liberians in the Diaspora whose unwavering advocacy and support have sustained the country’s pursuit of justice.
According to Dr. Barbu, the collective efforts of these stakeholders have kept alive the hope that Liberia can finally address the legacy of war-related atrocities, economic crimes, corruption, and impunity through credible judicial institutions. He urged all branches of the Liberian Government to expedite the review and passage of the draft laws establishing the WECC and the NACC, describing their enactment as a historic milestone that will strengthen democracy, reinforce the rule of law, and advance national reconciliation.
“The establishment of these courts offers Liberia a unique opportunity to permanently break from the legacy of violence, impunity, corruption, and the abuse of human rights and international humanitarian law,” he stated. “These institutions will strengthen public confidence, promote healing and reconciliation, deter future atrocities, and secure a peaceful and prosperous future for generations yet unborn.”
Dr. Barbu also paid tribute to members of OWECC-L who continue to serve despite threats to their personal safety and that of their families. “I acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifices being made by members of OWECC-L who remain resolute in executing this national mandate despite the risks they face. History will remember and reward your courage and dedication,” he said. Dr. Barbu called on every Liberian to reject division based on ethnicity or tribal affiliation and embrace unity, integrity, reconciliation, and patriotism.
“As we commemorate 179 years of nationhood, let us build a Liberia where accountability prevails, the rule of law is respected, and our independence is fully realized through lasting peace, justice, and equal opportunity for all,” he emphasized. He ended by wishing all Liberians a peaceful and joyous Independence Day, praying for God’s continued blessings upon the nation, its leaders, and its people. “Happy 179th Independence Day! May God bless our Country, our Leaders, and the Works of Our Hands.
July 26, 2026
Fellow Liberians,
As our beloved Republic commemorates its 179th Independence Day today, I extend warm congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Government and People of Liberia, and all Liberians at home and throughout the Diaspora.
This occasion calls upon us not only to celebrate our Nation’s enduring history, but also, to renew our commitment to building a Liberia founded on justice, accountability, peace, and respect for the rule of law.
True independence is measured not only by political sovereignty, but also by our collective ability to guarantee justice, protect human rights, and ensure that no one is above the law.
On behalf of the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), I express profound appreciation to His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for his steadfast political leadership and the political will and financial support provided to advance the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC) for Liberia. His Excellency President Boakai’s administration’s commitment to the establishment of the two courts demonstrates a clear resolve to confront impunity and strengthen democratic governance.
OWECC-L equally commends Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia and President of the Senate, Honorable Richard Nagbe Koung, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Thomas Panga Fallah, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Chairpersons of all Committees of the two Houses of the Legislature, and the entire Liberian Legislature, for their continued engagement in the law-making process, particularly their careful review and consideration of the draft legislation establishing these historic courts. The Legislature’s constitutional role is indispensable to ensuring that these institutions are firmly grounded in law and capable of delivering credible justice.
OWECC-L’s sincere gratitude extends to Liberia’s civil society organizations, victims’ associations and support groups, faith-based institutions, traditional leaders, youth and women’s organizations, international organizations and development partners, countries that continue to share their experiences with OWECC-L, and all stakeholders in Liberia and across the Diaspora whose unwavering advocacy, technical contributions, and moral support have sustained this national endeavor. Your partnership has kept alive the hope that justice in Liberia for both corruption and war and war-related economic crimes remains achievable.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, OWECC-L respectfully calls upon all Branches of Government of Liberia and every stakeholder to accelerate the review and passage of the draft laws establishing the WECC and NACC. Their timely enactment will mark a defining milestone in Liberia’s democratic journey and reinforce our national commitment to accountability.
The establishment of these courts offers Liberia a unique opportunity to break permanently from the legacy of violence, impunity, corruption, and the willful abuse of human rights and international humanitarian law. It will strengthen public confidence in our institutions, promote national reconciliation and healing, deter future atrocities, and help secure a peaceful and prosperous future for generations to come.
I avail myself of this opportunity once again to acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifices being made by members of OWECC-L who continue to encounter diverse threats and risks to their personal safety and security of their families yet remain resolute in the pursuit of the mandate of OWECC-L. History shall reward you without measure.
May this 179th Independence Day inspire every Liberian to recommit to justice, integrity, reconciliation, and national unity void of emphasis on ethnicity or tribal affiliation. Together, let us build a Liberia where accountability prevails, the rule of law is respected, and our independence is fully realized through lasting peace and equal justice for all.
May God Bless our Country, our Leaders, and the Works of Our hands.
Happy 179th Independence Day!
YOURS IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE AND SUPPORT FOR THE RULE OF LAW.
Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu (Prof.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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