MOVEE Commends Pres. Boakai For War Crimes Court; Expresses Support For Cllr. Massaquoi As Executive Director

The opposition Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) has commended President Joseph Boakai for the issuance of Executive Order #131, establishing the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia. The MOVEE said President Boakai’s action is an unprecedented, courageous move and a great demonstration of political will, which has paved the way to ending the culture of impunity and give justice to thousands of victims of the wars in Liberia. The party, in a release, further described the critical steps taken by President Boakai in just six months towards the establishment of the war and economic crimes court in Liberia—after his two predecessors failed to do so in the last 12 years or more—as historic and extraordinary.

   Speaking on the appointment of Cllr Jonathan Massaquoi as Executive Director for the Office of the War & Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, MOVEE said, “The Movement for Economic Empowerment unconditionally welcomes the appointment of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi as Executive Director of the Office of the War & Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, because he is an astute and morally upright lawyer with demonstrable character of resoluteness and professionalism. The party believes that Cllr. Massaquoi’s record during his many years of legal practice makes him an ideal lawyer, with moral and ethical standards, to ensure Liberia’s realizes the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. Having fully reviewed and researched the life history, character, and credentials of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi to determine his suitability for this critical position, it is established that Cllr. Massaquoi is an astute, morally and legally upright character to deliver the tasks of ensuring that all processes leading to the establishment of the long awaited War and Economic Courts in Liberia are fully implemented. MOVEE believes that Cllr. Massaquoi’s longstanding years of local and international legal practice, especially his deep knowledge of international human rights laws and treaties makes him best fit to manage the Office for the Establishment of War and Economics Crimes Court in Liberia.”

   Meanwhile, The Movement for Economic Empowerment has entreated the Government of Liberia (GOL), especially authorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to settle the arrears of foreign service officials who have not been placed on payroll for six months now. The party explained that the foreign service employees are currently stranded, evident by their inability to pay rent and take care of their costs of living.  The MOVEE indicated that the foreign mission staff are Liberian citizens who were legally assigned at a number of embassies of Liberia by the former Government of Liberia (GOL), and at such they deserve their salaries and benefits. The party expressed optimism that the Foreign Ministry, under the leadership of Sara Beysolow Nyanti, will rebrand Liberia’s foreign relations with other countries and international partners, thereby attracting economic, social, and political benefits for Liberia.