A recent survey conducted by FrontPage Africa and New Narratives in Liberia's Nimba County has revealed that an overwhelming majority of residents support the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. The survey, which interviewed 100 residents across the county's seven administrative districts, found that 90% of respondents believe that those responsible for atrocities during Liberia's civil wars should face due process and that victims deserve justice and the truth about what happened to their families.
For many Nimbaians, support for the court is rooted in personal experiences of war. Residents such as Yah Dumbar and Jackson Beh described killings, displacement, and loss of family members, saying that accountability is necessary to address Liberia's painful history and prevent a repetition of the violence. Yah Dumbar, a 45-year-old small business owner, recounted the invasion of the Central Agricultural Research Institute in 1994 by ULIMO-K forces, which resulted in the killing of her family members.
The survey also raises questions about lawmakers' claims that they need to consult with their constituents. Only three of the 100 Nimba respondents said they had heard of consultations by their representatives or senators. Some respondents said they would not support lawmakers who oppose the court, while Representative Nyah Garmie Flomo said he supports the court and plans to engage with his constituents.
The survey comes as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's administration pushes legislation for the establishment of the court, which would prosecute those bearing the greatest responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity, economic crimes, and serious human rights violations committed during Liberia's conflicts from January 1979 to August 2003. Six bills have been submitted to the Legislature, which is currently considering them and deciding on what version of the court, if any, they will pass.
Stakeholders and the international community are urging the Legislature to pass a bill by December, when Liberia takes its rotating seat in the presidency of the United Nations Security Council. They argue that it will give Liberia a chance to present a new face to the world, replacing images of child soldiers that dominated global news coverage during the war.
Advocates in Nimba welcomed the survey findings, with Carlton Zayzay, 39, saying that the results indicate progress in their advocacy efforts. He also warned opponents that those who do not support the court may not have been affected by the war or may not understand its impact. Joseph G. Suah, an attorney-at-law, emphasized that the court would set important precedents for accountability and help strengthen the country's justice system.
Key points
- 90% of Nimba residents support establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court.
- The survey raises questions about lawmakers' claims that they need to consult with their constituents.
- The Legislature is expected to pass a bill establishing the court by December.
