Written By Bernard Gbayee Goah
President, Operation We Care for Liberia
President, Operation We Care for Liberia
After years of extensive investigation, statement-taking from tens of thousands of Liberians, and the convening of a national conference, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) released its final report. The following statement is contained in the final report of the TRC:
“The full and timely implementation of these recommendations is critical to Liberia’s recovery and progress beyond the conflict and will contribute to a more equitable society in which everyone is equal before a set of laws which guarantee equal protection and opportunity for all.”
“The full and timely implementation of these recommendations is critical to Liberia’s recovery and progress beyond the conflict and will contribute to a more equitable society in which everyone is equal before a set of laws which guarantee equal protection and opportunity for all.”
While we are aware that such a comprehensive report is a milestone on the very difficult journey toward normalcy, it presents one of the best solutions for the restoration of sustainable peace in Liberia. We are of the conviction that the report is also one of the best witness platforms upon which a Liberian war crimes court could be established.We, therefore, call upon all human rights groups to support our effort for the establishment of a Liberian war crimes court using the TRC final report as witness platform.
Also, while we advocate the establishment of a Liberian war crimes court, we are aware that entrusting the affairs of Liberia to persons, whose offenses are so egregious such that it was recommended for them to be barred from public office for up to 30 years, … and/or the possibility of a long prison term, … is a risk Liberia cannot afford.
To protect the interests of the State and guide against inappropriate behavior, particularly as it relates to contractual agreements; we propose that a select group of upstanding citizens is impaneled at the soonest for the purpose of overseeing and approving all major contracts as well as long-term commitments involving the Republic. We would also like to use this occasion to call upon the Government of Liberia as well as the international community, to support the will of the Liberian people as expressed in the TRC report. And that funds and expertise are made available for the establishment of a war crimes court for Liberia’ to ensure the proceedings are fair, swift and just.
To protect the interests of the State and guide against inappropriate behavior, particularly as it relates to contractual agreements; we propose that a select group of upstanding citizens is impaneled at the soonest for the purpose of overseeing and approving all major contracts as well as long-term commitments involving the Republic. We would also like to use this occasion to call upon the Government of Liberia as well as the international community, to support the will of the Liberian people as expressed in the TRC report. And that funds and expertise are made available for the establishment of a war crimes court for Liberia’ to ensure the proceedings are fair, swift and just.
Importantly, it must be noted, that former President (Madam Ellen Johnson Sirlear), as well as the vast majority of affected persons, voted overwhelmingly for the TRC process; now they must comply with its recommendations. No longer must they be allowed to threaten the peace, security, and stability of Liberia and the Sub-region at large.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) was established at the end of the peace conference in Accra, Ghana when all parties to the conflict including the international community, in August 2003, signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
Under the CPA President Charles Taylor left office and went into exile, paving the way for a two year Liberia National Transitional Government headed by Chairman Gyude Bryant. In June 2005, the National Transitional Legislative Assembly enacted the TRC Act into law.
