Liberian activist in exile, Martin K. N. Kollie, has praised President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for what he described as an “unprecedented and historic” step toward justice and accountability in Liberia following the submission of bills seeking to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court and a specialized Anti-Corruption Court. In a strongly worded letter dated May 20, 2026, addressed to President Boakai from The Hague, Netherlands, Kollie lauded the Liberian leader for demonstrating what he called “courage and temerity” by advancing the long-debated judicial reforms.
According to Kollie, no Liberian President since 1847 has taken such a decisive action to pursue justice for victims of war crimes and strengthen accountability mechanisms against corruption and financial crimes.
“We’ve long advocated and craved for a specialized Court to prosecute cases of corruption and financial crimes in Liberia,” Kollie wrote. “This is indeed historic, and we commend you and your government for acting in such a scrupulous and patriotic manner.” The activist emphasized that accountability and justice must remain “nonnegotiable” in Liberia, arguing that corruption and impunity significantly contributed to the country’s devastating 20-year civil conflict. He stressed that victims of the civil war continue to cry out for justice and that Liberians deserve transparency and accountability in public service. Kollie further called for the recovery of stolen public assets dating back to 2005/2006, insisting that individuals responsible for looting state resources and committing wartime atrocities must face prosecution under the rule of law.
“Stolen assets since 2005/2006 up to now must be retrieved and converted into public use. Stolen properties must be seized. Perpetrators must be jailed,” he asserted. In his letter, Kollie also urged the government to ensure that both proposed courts remain fully independent and depoliticized, staffed by judges and officers of “high moral repute, unquestionable qualification, and impeccable character.”
Beyond corruption and war crimes, the activist raised alarm over the growing prevalence of fake academic credentials in Liberia, describing academic fraud as a “new serial killer” threatening national integrity and public safety. He called on President Boakai to either establish an Academic Crimes Court or amend Liberia’s Penal Law to criminalize academic fraud with severe penalties.
Kollie warned that fake professionals occupying classrooms, public offices, and even medical operating rooms pose grave dangers to society. Despite his frequent criticism of government shortcomings, Kollie acknowledged that President Boakai deserves recognition for initiating the proposed legislation. “We’ll commend when it is commendable, and condemn when it is condemnable,” he stated, emphasizing that the ultimate goal remains the dignity and well-being of the Liberian people. The letter has already sparked discussions across political and civil society circles, with many viewing the proposed courts as a major test of Liberia’s commitment to justice, accountability, and post-war reconciliation.
