President Boakai Issues Executive Order No. 164 RENEWING THE MANDATE OF THE OFFICE OF THE WAR AND ECONOMIC CRIMES COURT FOR LIBERIA

WHEREAS, the Government of Liberia, through Executive Order No. 131 issued on May 2, 2024, and Executive Order No. 148 issued on April 30, 2025, established the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia, with the mandate to investigate, design, and prescribe the methodology, mechanisms, and processes for the establishment of a Special War Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court;

WHEREAS, the Office has conducted research and studies and, in consultation with both local and international partners and stakeholders, has drafted two separate bills for submission to the Legislature: A Bill for the Establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia and A Bill for the Establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Court for Liberia;

WHEREAS, the successful completion of these tasks demonstrates Liberia's commitment to transitional justice, and accountability, as well as the fight against impunity and corruption, while also fulfilling its obligations under international treaties and conventions;

WHEREAS, the continued existence of the Office is necessary to ensure effective coordination with international partners, mobilization of resources, and technical support for the operationalization of the proposed courts, as well as to provide ongoing oversight until the courts are fully established and functioning;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, by virtue of the powers vested in me under the Constitution of Liberia, and in furtherance of Liberia's commitment to justice, reconciliation, and good governance, do hereby order as follows:

1. Renewal of Mandate

The mandate of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia is hereby renewed for an additional period of one year.

2. Composition

The composition of the office for the establishment of the courts, as currently composed, shall continue to run the affairs until otherwise ordered. Further, the Office of the Executive Director shall be assisted by a secretariat and professional staff as required to effectively perform the duties and tasks assigned to the Office.

3. Responsibilities

During this renewed mandate, the Office shall:

a. ​Continue to consult with international partners and funding agencies to secure resources for the establishment and operation of the courts;

b. ​Provide technical support and guidance to the Legislature in the consideration and enactment of the drafted bills;

c. ​Develop implementation frameworks, including logistical, administrative, and financial plans, for the operationalization of the War and Economic Crimes Court and the Anti-Corruption Court;

d. ​Monitor progress and shall submit quarterly operational and financial reports to the Office of the President through the Minister of Justice, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations. This shall be void of political influence and guided strictly by legal considerations, reflecting its achievements and progress made towards the establishment of the Courts.

e. ​All such reports shall be subject to independent verifications and audits by the agencies of government authorized to conduct such activities.

4. Funding

The Office shall be semi-independent and continue to be funded as a grant line item within the budget of the Ministry of Justice, with an annual appropriation of United States Dollars Two Million, payable in equal quarterly installments of Five Hundred Thousand directed into its bank account(s), at the beginning of each quarter, by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.

5. Duration and Implementation Timelines

(1) ​This Executive Order shall take effect on May 1, 2026, and shall expire on April 30, 2027, unless otherwise extended or revoked.

(2) ​In order to ensure effective execution of this executive order, including the responsibilities outlined in Section 3, the Office shall adhere to the following implementation timelines:

a. Resource Mobilization and Stakeholder Engagement (Section 3(a))

The Office shall, within sixty (60) days of the effective date, present to the President, through the Minister of Justice, a comprehensive resource mobilization and stakeholder engagement plan, including identified funding partners and engagement strategies. Progress updates shall be included in all quarterly reports.

b. ​Legislative Support and Coordination (Section 3(b))

The Office shall immediately commence technical engagement with the Legislature and shall, within ninety (90) days, submit a structured legislative support framework that facilitates passage of the draft bills, with timelines to be determined by the Legislature. Continuous support shall be maintained throughout the legislative process.

b. Development of Implementation Frameworks (Section 3(c))

Within one hundred and twenty (120) days, the Office shall develop and submit comprehensive implementation frameworks for both Courts, including logistical, administrative, operational, and financial plans required for their establishment.

d. ​Reporting and Accountability (Section 3(d) and (e))

The Office shall submit quarterly operational and financial reports to the President through the Minister of Justice, beginning no later than July 31, 2026, and every three months thereafter. All reports shall be subject to independent verification and audit by authorized government institutions.

e. ​Consolidated Progress Report

A midterm consolidated report shall be submitted within six (6) months of the effective date, detailing progress, challenges, and recommended adjustments to implementation strategies.

f. ​Preparation for Dissolution

The Office shall, no later than March 1, 2027, commence formal steps toward the orderly conclusion and dissolution of its operations, including submission of a final operational, financial, and administrative report.

g. ​Final Report and Transition Plan

A comprehensive final report, including recommendations for transition to the fully operational courts or successor institutional arrangements, shall be submitted no later than April 15, 2027.

6. Safeguards

Nothing in this Executive Order shall be interpreted to interfere with, hinder, or diminish the rights of any citizen of the Republic of Liberia.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, THIS DAY OF MAY A.D. 2026.

Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.

PRESIDENT

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA