Liberian News: War Crimes Court Boss Hails USAID For Significant Donation To His Office

Monrovia-The Office of the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia continues to receive support for the progress they are making in their mandate to have the Courts established in Liberia. The latest to provide support to that Office is USAID in the wake of their drawdown period.

Speaking during the presentation, the Executive Director for the office of the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, Dr. Jallah Barbu, termed as a significant relief the donation of huge office supplies to them.

Cllr. Barbu said he was elated about the donation, which he pointed out is a clear demonstration of the confidence the public and partners have in their work. According to him, the multiple of visitations from key international and local partners to the OWECC-L is an expression of the trust they have in their performance over the period.

“This USAID donation is a magnificent gesture to us and it speaks volume, imagine the amount of support we would have received had it not been for the shutdown of USAID’s operations” he re-emphasized.

The head for the office of the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia named some of the essential items donated to include, four-wheel vehicle, stationery and supplies, printer and camera, among others.

He stressed that they have a very strong maintenance department as such emphasized the judicial use of the public assets.

Dr. Barbu who appreciated USAID for the huge donation to his office including previous donations and visitations to the OWECC-L was also quick to mention that with the evolving of their work, they will need more support and supplies in order to help further enhance their operations.

“This office work is reflected in an Italian Newspaper acknowledging our working and commending us for progress we have made thus far and this is a welcoming and motivational news for us,” he disclosed.

He reechoed that with the recognition and appreciation of their work, they are now challenged to do what is right and to also pursue everything that they have to ensure that the Courts are established in Liberia including fully implementing their mandate to the core.

Speaking on other issues, Cllr. Barbu also indicated that with the release of Executive Order 148 by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai which gives them additional authority to operate especially with the new increase of US$2 million in their budget, he is convinced that past bureaucracies in releasing their funds has been cut off.

“This will help ensure that very soon our staffs including me will smile and also our local partners because of our outreach activities,” he noted.

Dr. Barbu told our reporter that plans are already in the making by OWECC-L to engage into a robust and holistic outreach nationwide soon.

Speaking on his security including that of his office, he informed the public that he recently met with the Deputy Police Director for Operations Col. Freeman as he is awaiting him for advanced security discussion in the interest of his security and that of the office in general.

He maintained that the donation and past and current works at his office are clear signals that they are making progress towards the establishment of the courts in Liberia.

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.