Voice of Liberia

War crimes court in Liberia, why now?

Sam K Zinnah | August 25, 2006

 

I’m yet to define the functions and maybe the strength of the truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Liberia. Over the past months, I’ve been trying to define or analyze the judicial mandate of the TRC but yet to get clear definitions.

 

When laws are violated, the proper thing to do “especially when more than 400.000 persons were butchered in cold blood” is to set up a court of competent jurisdiction to render justice to perpetrators of crimes. I believe this is the only way forward for a peaceful and perpetual transition in Liberia. In this light, I join nine out of every ten Liberians to recommend the establishment of the war crimes court in Liberia. I’ve come to realize that unless we cleanse our “Liberian” society of military and political extremist, the possibility of another war in Liberia cannot be ruled out. One may ask why now? Well, we have the overwhelming presence of around 15000 International peace keepers in Liberia, hence; there can be no better time than now to set up a court before the tenure of the peace keepers expires. If the tenure of the peacekeepers expires, there will be chaos as there will be no one to protect the process.

 

From my own observation, investigation and good sense of thought, the TRC is being set up to identify perpetrators of serious human right violations and violations of international laws but the questions that comes to my mind are:

1.     How do we compare the truth to be told?

 

2.     What do we do with the truth even if it is told? Remember, George Dweh once shouted arrogantly when accused of killing the Johnny Nah’s family “I did not even kill a fly” how do we get such a man to admit to what he did?

 

3.     What happens to those serious violations that are not pardonable under international laws? If they will be tried, where? In court? If yes, why not identify that court before the trial begins.

 

4.     How will victims feel when their perpetrators walk in front of the TRC in grand style and confess to being responsible for destroying their whole family or relative? Will they (victims) be left clapping while their perpetrators walk away free? Once again, I eagerly join the queue to advocate for the establishment of the war crimes court “in Liberia” that will have the judicial empowerment/mandate to identify, investigate and establish responsibility and accountability for those hideous crimes why the guilty “after due process” will be penalized. This will do Liberia several good; first, the culture of impunity will be curtailed.

 

Second, it will send a clear signal that no individually committed nor perpetrated crimes will be tolerated or condoned. Third, it will set in motion deterrence against violence and destabilization in Liberia and fourth, a free and fair judicial process will give victims power to meet those who bear the greatest responsibilities for crimes committed against them.

 

Before Liberia can move on successfully with nation building, war criminals will have to receive their share of punishments. 

 

The writer is a Liberian Student who resides in Delaware State, USA