By By Contributing Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – A high-level delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has paid a courtesy visit to the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), signaling strong international interest in the country’s drive for justice, accountability, and anti-corruption reforms.
The delegation, led by Andrew Flex Arsenio De Castro, met with OWECC-L Executive Director, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, at the institution’s headquarters in Monrovia. Talks focused on the creation of two landmark judicial bodies: the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Court—both seen as critical to tackling impunity and restoring public trust.
IMF officials reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s justice and governance agenda, stressing that credible courts to prosecute war crimes and economic offenses are not just moral imperatives but also key to economic growth and investor confidence.
“The establishment of these courts will play a central role in enhancing transparency, rule of law, and sustainable development in Liberia,” the delegation emphasized.
The IMF team, which also included Alexander Deline from the Fund’s Africa Department, praised Liberia’s efforts to confront its painful history while building stronger institutions. They pledged technical assistance to ensure the courts meet international standards of justice and due process.
For his part, Dr. Barbu briefed the visitors on ongoing consultations with lawmakers, civil society, and international partners. He outlined OWECC-L’s roadmap covering legislative drafting, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns to ensure broad-based support.
The establishment of the courts comes amid growing public demand for accountability. The War and Economic Crimes Court is expected to address atrocities committed during Liberia’s civil wars, while the Anti-Corruption Court will focus on prosecuting high-level graft and recovering stolen assets.
Both institutions, according to OWECC-L, will operate independently with strong safeguards for judicial integrity.
The IMF delegation lauded Liberia’s progress and encouraged continued collaboration with development partners, while underscoring that independence and credibility will determine the courts’ long-term effectiveness.
The visit, observers say, reflects renewed global confidence in Liberia’s reform agenda and highlights how justice and governance are being tied directly to the country’s economic future.
