By: Melvin Flomo
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In a bold step to confront Liberia’s entrenched culture of impunity, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has joined forces with key integrity institutions, civil society actors, development partners, and the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC-L) to push for the immediate creation of a National Anti-Corruption Court.
The call came during a pivotal national dialogue held in Monrovia, focused on fostering collaboration, reforming the justice sector, and meeting the Liberian people’s growing demands for accountability and good governance.
Speaking on behalf of LACC Executive Chairperson Cllr. Alexandra Kormah Zoe, the Commission’s Vice Executive Chairperson, Mr. Ernest Hughes, emphasized that the drive for an Anti-Corruption Court stems not from politics but from citizens' demands for truth, transparency, and justice.
“The fight against corruption must reflect the aspirations of the Liberian people,” Hughes declared.
Blueprint for a Transformative Court
Participating as a panelist, Cllr. Zoe underscored the essential conditions for a successful and credible Anti-Corruption Court. She stressed that judicial independence, non-political interference, transparent appointments, and a robust legal framework are critical to the court’s effectiveness.
“An effective Anti-Corruption Court must be built on independence, credibility, and sustained collaboration,” she asserted. “Without these pillars, the court will simply mirror the weaknesses of the current system.”
Cllr. Zoe warned that in the absence of a specialized court, corruption cases risk being delayed, diluted, or completely abandoned due to an overstretched judiciary.
Consensus and Collective Resolve
Participants in the dialogue voiced strong support for swift action. They called for a court that is:
Free from political interference
Staffed with specially trained judges and prosecutors
Accessible to whistleblowers and investigative journalists
Integrated with existing anti-corruption mechanisms
The dialogue also revealed the need for legal reforms, capacity-building, and sustained donor engagement to make the court a reality.
Turning Words into Action
As Liberia strives for justice and institutional renewal, many see this moment as a potential turning point.
“Let this dialogue be more than talk,” said a civil society representative. “Let it mark the renewed national commitment to integrity, justice, and accountability.”
With the LACC and its allies united in purpose, the call for a National Anti-Corruption Court now enters a new phase from discussion to decisive action.
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