“War Crimes Court, Liberia Not Prepare”

By New Republic Liberia

-Sen. Wesseh Asserts

By Jackson C. Clay, Jr.

River Gee County Senator and a member of the Comprehensive Accra Peace Accord (CPA), Conmany Wesseh says Liberia is not prepared and ready for the establishment of a war crimes court in the country.

Addressing journalists at his in Monrovia Tuesday, August 14, 2018, Senator Wesseh said the country is not prepared in terms of financial, psychological and material wise to establish a war crimes court.

“We must be prepared for the psychological, materials, physical and economy strength that would make it possible to set up this kind of court in the country. I am aware that no crime against humanity was amnesty, now if we are able to identify those people, you have to have the evidences that you will carried to court,” Senator Wesseh stressed.

Senator Wesseh stated that there should be sufficient evidences in order to take those accused of war crimes to court, thus, the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) report cannot be used against those individuals because according to him, it was spelt out as ground rules establishing the TRC.

“Under the law, you cannot use evidences from the TRC hearing to take people to court because at that time the intention was that people should come and say the truth and if they did that it is not sufficient to be called crimes against humanity,” Senate noted.

There has been mounting calls and pressure on the George Weah led administration by both local and international partners for the establishment of a war crimes court in the country so as to bring to justice individuals who are perceived to have caused crimes against humanity in Liberia.

At the same time, Senator Conmany Wesseh is calling on the legislature to enact into law the creation of a National Day of Peace to be celebrated August 18th of each year as a working holiday and the creation of national recognition for peace in the country.

This idea, according to him could be a reminder to the country and its people that those who stood by the country during those times and who blood and sweat made the country where it is today would be a promise to them and the future generation of Liberia.

Meanwhile, August 18th of this year would marked fifteen years (15) since peace was restored in Liberia through the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) in Liberia and it would be celebrated in the country with variety of programs.

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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. 

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