The Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy near Monrovia, Mr. Joseph Zodrozny, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L). The visit came against the backdrop of ongoing demonstrations by civil society organizations (CSOs) calling attention to the office’s deepening financial crisis, which has reportedly left staff unpaid for over five months. Held at OWECC-L’s headquarters in Monrovia, the visit formed part of broader diplomatic engagements aimed at supporting Liberia’s justice and accountability process.
Though details of the closed-door meeting were not made public, sources within both institutions confirmed that discussions centered on the financial and operational challenges facing the office, and the need for sustained international and national support to ensure the smooth continuation of its work. The visit also comes amid mounting pressure from CSOs and victims’ advocacy groups who have organized peaceful protests in Monrovia and other parts of the country. Protesters argue that the lack of funding is undermining the credibility and effectiveness of OWECC-L, an institution viewed as central to Liberia’s long-awaited justice and reconciliation process.
Many activists say the government’s limited budgetary allocation below the amount recommended under Executive Order No. 148—has paralyzed critical operations, delayed public outreach activities, and strained the morale of employees who have gone months without salaries. Despite these challenges, the U.S. Embassy’s visit is being interpreted by observers as a show of renewed international engagement and confidence in Liberia’s transitional justice process. The United States has been one of the leading advocates for accountability for wartime atrocities and corruption, maintaining that justice remains essential for long-term peace and reconciliation.
The Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, created by the Government of Liberia, is tasked with laying the groundwork for the formation of both the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC). These courts are expected to address decades of impunity and promote rule of law as key pillars of President Joseph N. Boakai’s governance reform agenda. As Liberia continues to grapple with post-war accountability challenges, Wednesday’s diplomatic visit is seen as a crucial reminder of the need for stronger financial backing and political commitment to sustain the momentum toward justice, transparency, and institutional credibility.
