LDW Decries Gov’t’s ‘Lukewarm War Crime Posture’

-Wants It To Be Proactive

One of Liberia’s prime media advocacy and civil society groups, the Liberia Development Watch (LDW) said it is becoming increasingly concerned over what it calls the ‘lukewarm’ posture of the Liberian Government in fast tracking the processes leading to the establishment of a war crimes court in Liberia which will end impunity and ensure justice for millions victimized by the conflict.

Amb. Akoi M. Baysah, Jr

In a statement, the group’s Executive Director, Akoi Baysah said the organization takes specific notice of the mass killings, looting, raping and the destruction of properties by rebel forces which caused many Liberians to flee their homes to neighboring and other countries in search of a safe haven.

The group believes that recent threats emanating from Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson, an influential member of the Liberian Government, and former head of the defunct rebel group, the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), alleged of killing Liberians and others during the Liberian war is scaring and put the lives of victims in harm’s way.

It can be recalled, a women’s right advocate and war victim, Mercy Bonnor Sackie accused the Senator’s INPFL of rape and torture during the civil unrest which forced her to seek refuge in the United States of America (USA).

“The LDW wishes to caution Mrs. Sackie and those seeking asylum outside Liberia to remain wherever they are until calls to end impunity in Liberia are adhered to and alleged perpetrators brought to book.

Respect for the rule of law and justice for victims of the Liberian civil war is sin qua non to the Liberian Government achieving its ambitious development goals and aspirations dubbed the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD),” the statement said.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.