Min. Findley Wants Referendum For W/Crimes Court

By Reuben Sei Waylaun

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gbehzohngah Milton Findley wants Liberians to go through a referendum for the establishment of War crimes tribunal in the country.

Appearing on Okay FM on Tuesday October 16, 2018, the former Grand Bassa County Senator said when the issue of war crimes court surfaced while at the Liberian Senate, every senator was asked to go in their various counties to consult their citizens on the way forward.

The Foreign Ministry boss said he understands that some Liberians want the establishment of war crimes, but reminded them of its results.

“Should we go to a referendum for this, let’s advocate for a referendum for the Liberian people to decide the way forward on this matter,” he said.

He reminded Liberians that billions of dollars have been spent on war crimes court in neighboring Sierra Leone, but victims’ lives yet to improve.

“Yes, you have been able to address war crimes court. But reconciliation has an impact, I must be able to pay my children school fees, have place for my children to sleep, live and be able to buy food for me and my family to survive and additionally have something to save.

“For me, once you can do that, we begin the process of healing and reconciling our country,” he indicated.

The Foreign Minister said his statement is political and not diplomatic and shouldn’t be interpreted wrongly.

“This is my political hat and not a diplomatic view. This has been my view since 2006 to now on this matter.

The former Grand Bassa Lawmaker said during their 36 town hall meetings while serving as senator only four of the entire citizens agreed for war crimes court to be established in Liberia and the rest called for total reconciliation in the country.

“In those 36 town hall meetings, there were only four persons that advocated for war crimes court, the rest of the people all they wanted was peace and reconciliation. I can challenge anybody to tell me that I didn’t do it. Go back to the people in the constituency,” he said.

He further said he doesn’t know about his other colleagues, but he went in his districts and came back with the report while serving as Senator of Grand Bassa County.