Without Justice there can be no peace in Liberia

The presence of United Nations troops has afforded Liberians the opportunity to find solutions to the ills plaguing the nation. Knowing full well these troops will not remain indefinitely; it is imperative Liberians lay the foundation for the rule of law because it offers the best remedy for human rights violations, and other pressing issues.

Liberia needs a workable but uncompromising system that will make the country an asylum free from abuse, and other forms of crimes; and there is no better way to stabilize Liberia than to introduce a legal system capable of holding people accountable.

Crimes sponsored, committed, or masterminded by handful of individuals cannot be blamed upon an entire nationality. In this case, Liberians! The need for post-war justice is a step toward lasting peace, stability and prosperity for Liberia.

We must not delude ourselves into believing Liberia can emerge from its quagmire without holding accountable individuals bearing the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

All of us should no longer stand idly by and wait for another deadly insurrection, which is certain to happen should President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf continue to place her personal interests above that of the collective. And there is no denying it; this nation cannot and will not heal or be rebuilt successfully under the leadership of persons who organized, participated in, or financed the mass killings.

Liberia needs a war crimes tribunal or some credible legal forum that is capable of dealing with atrocities perpetrated against defenseless men, women and children during the country's brutal war.

If you agree on the establishment of a Liberian War Crimes Court, please send me a letter indicating your reasons. Do not forget to include your name, phone number and email address.

Please direct all letters to the following address:

Bernard Gbayee Goah
President, Operation We Care for Liberia
4916 SW 56th AVE APT 110
Portland OR 97221 USA
You may also email me at: [email protected]