Liberia: WONGOSOL Backs Boakai’s Justice Agenda, Calls It a Turning Point for Survivors - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia — The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), on behalf of women-led organizations across the country, has commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. for his decisive leadership in advancing key justice reforms, including the submission of draft bills to establish the National Anti-Corruption Court and the War and Economic Crimes Court.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

In a strong message of support, WONGOSOL praised the President’s political will in establishing the Office for the War and Economic Crimes Court, describing it as a significant milestone in Liberia’s pursuit of justice and accountability.

According to the organization, this action sends a reassuring signal to survivors of Liberia’s civil conflict that their long wait for justice is finally being addressed.

“This moment is historic,” the statement emphasized, noting that for decades, Liberian women have borne the brunt of conflict, corruption, and systemic injustice — often serving as survivors, caregivers, and frontline peacebuilders.

The organization highlighted the instrumental role women played in ending Liberia’s civil war through non-violent advocacy, community mobilization, and sustained pressure for peace.

Today, WONGOSOL noted, women continue to uphold peace across the country through grassroots initiatives such as Peace Huts, community mediation, early warning systems, and social cohesion programs.

However, many of these same women have waited far too long for justice. “For many women, this is not just about regulation; it is about acknowledgment, dignity, and long-overdue closure,” the statement read. “It affirms that their suffering has not been forgotten and reinforces the truth that without accountability, there can be no healing, reconciliation, or sustainable peace.”

WONGOSOL further stressed that justice remains a cornerstone of national development.

The group warned that in the absence of accountability, corruption thrives, public trust in institutions declines, and vulnerable populations — particularly women and girls — continue to suffer disproportionately.

The establishment of the courts, the organization stated, will not only address past injustices but also serve as a deterrent against future abuses of power.

At a time when Liberia maintains a presence on the global stage, including its engagement with the United Nations Security Council, WONGOSOL believes the move demonstrates the country’s readiness to align national priorities with international standards on justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

“This action reinforces Liberia’s image as a nation willing to confront its past with courage and lead by example,” the statement added.

WONGOSOL also expressed strong support for the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, commending its ongoing efforts to translate national commitments into concrete actions.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Office to ensure that women’s voices remain central to Liberia’s transitional justice process.

It emphasized that any meaningful justice framework must be inclusive, victim-centered, and reflective of the lived realities of survivors across the country.

In its concluding remarks, WONGOSOL called for sustained and uninterrupted support to the Office, urging that its work be protected from interference to enable it to effectively fulfill its mandate.

“As these processes move forward, they must remain victim-centered, ensuring protection, meaningful participation, and comprehensive support for survivors,” the statement urged. “They must also be inclusive at all levels and transparent enough to build public trust.”

WONGOSOL pledged its readiness to support the process through advocacy, community engagement, and coordination across its national network.

“This is a defining moment for Liberia,” the organization concluded. “Let it be remembered as the time when justice was not only promised, but delivered.”