Joseph Boakai, who narrowly won the November run-off election against incumbent George Weah, is set to be inaugurated as Liberia’s new president on January 22. Boakai, 78, pledged to tackle corruption, promote societal peace and reconciliation, and deliver justice to the victims of Liberia’s devastating civil wars. With over two decades passed since the conflicts, Boakai’s six-year term presents a crucial window for war crimes accountability. Previous attempts to establish a war crimes tribunal have faltered, hindered by political interference and inadequate evidence preservation. Boakai, however, faces skepticism about his commitment due to political alliances, notably with Prince Yormie Johnson, an opponent of a special war crimes tribunal. To overcome obstacles, Boakai could focus on community justice mechanisms, reparations programs, supporting foreign courts, and systematic documentation of war crimes, fostering reconciliation and healing even without a tribunal.
