Senator Konneh Demands Update on War Crimes Court Implementation, Summons Executive Director Barbu
Abraham Sylvester Panto 
MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Gbarpolu County Senator and Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Amara Konneh, has formally requested an immediate update on the operationalization of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC-L) and called for the appearance of Executive Director Cllr. Jallah Barbu, to provide a comprehensive briefing before the Senate Plenary.
The communication, presented Monday, February 23, and read on Tuesday February 24, 2026 during the Senate regular sitting, was forwarded to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petition, to investigate growing concerns over budget allocations, funding sustainability, and the timeline for the court’s establishment following President Joseph Boakai’s renewed Executive Order No. 148 in April 2025.
In his letter to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, Senator Konneh recalled the April 2024 unanimous vote by the Legislature to establish the WECC-L, emphasizing that the court is a historic mechanism to address atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts between 1989 and 2003.
“The establishment of this court was a long-overdue commitment to justice and accountability,” the communication stated, adding “We must ensure that legislative intent is translated into a fully functioning institution that delivers results for the survivors and families of the conflict.”
The senator highlighted that, despite the roadmap submitted by the Office for the Establishment of the WECC-L projecting anti-corruption proceedings in 2026 and war crimes trials in 2027, the process faces critical risks without consistent budgetary support and structured oversight.
“Allocations for the office preparing for the WECC-L in the FY2026 Draft Budget remain far below those provided for executive security agencies,” Konneh noted, adding “Without predictable funding, operational readiness will be compromised, and the victims’ quest for justice will continue to be delayed.”
Senator Konneh further underscored the human consequences of the delay, citing national and international assessments that estimate between forty and fifty percent of Liberian households still include at least one member suffering from war-related trauma, disability, or psychological distress.
“For decades, survivors have waited for formal accountability,” he wrote. “Their lived experiences demand that we act decisively, transparently, and with urgency.”
To strengthen legislative oversight, Senator Konneh requested that Cllr. Jallah Barbu provide a detailed briefing before Plenary, including updates on financial and technical support from both the Government of Liberia and international partners, projected operational milestones, and diplomatic measures to mitigate political resistance from partner countries.
“The Senate must have a clear understanding of the court’s readiness and challenges,” he said, “so that oversight is both meaningful and effective.”
Beyond the WECC, Senator Konneh has used his legislative position to demand updates on other national security and governance issues, including the 2024 Capitol Building fire investigation.
“Our responsibility extends beyond a single institution,” he wrote. “As legislators, we hold the power and duty to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability across all sectors affecting national security and justice.”
The communication positions the Fifty-Fifth Legislature at a critical juncture, emphasizing the Senate’s role in transforming unanimous resolutions into operational outcomes.
