On October 26, 2026, at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, Speaker Koon received a petition from the National Council of Chiefs Support Office and the Liberia Massacre Survivors Association (LIMASA), accompanied by other civil society organizations and war victims. The petitioners are seeking justice, national healing, reconciliation, and accountability for crimes committed during Liberia's civil conflicts, which ravaged the country for over 14 years.
Speaker Koon acknowledged the concerns raised by victims and survivors across Liberia's 15 counties, emphasizing that the House leadership understands the importance of the proposed legislation. He noted that the bills are currently before the relevant committees of both Houses, undergoing thorough scrutiny, and that public hearings have already been conducted.
According to Speaker Koon, the committees are seeking funding to conduct additional consultations to gather firsthand information from affected communities before submitting comprehensive reports to plenary. He stressed that the proposed legislation involves technical and complex issues that require careful review, adequate public consultation, and detailed explanations to enable lawmakers to make informed decisions.
Speaker Koon clarified that the proposed bills are not intended to target any particular individual, tribe, or religion but aim to establish a legal framework for addressing war-related and economic crimes and strengthening the rule of law. He assured the petitioners that the proposal is not targeted at any specific individual or group.
The petitioners emphasized the importance of establishing the proposed court to provide justice for victims and survivors, promote national reconciliation, and deter future atrocities. They highlighted concerns raised during public awareness engagements across Liberia's 15 counties, noting that victims and survivors continue to seek accountability and closure for atrocities committed during the country's civil wars.
The petitioners appealed to the House leadership to prioritize the bills, arguing that their enactment would demonstrate Liberia's commitment to addressing historical injustices and strengthening the rule of law. Speaker Koon assured the petitioners of the House's commitment to responsible deliberation and encouraged them to continue engaging lawmakers throughout the process.
The committees are expected to continue consultations after the passage of the national budget, with further legislative discussions anticipated in the first session in January 2027.
Key points
- The proposed War and Economic Crimes Court bill aims to establish a legal framework for addressing war-related and economic crimes and strengthening the rule of law in Liberia.
