A prominent Liberian has cautiously warned that Liberia risks another civil war if perpetrators of the country's 14-year- civil war go with impunity. Liberia's 14-year-civil war was occasioned by the death of about 250,000 people and displacement of one million people.
Mr. Joseph Cornormia, Sr. wants a war crimes court established here before the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) leaves the country. In a weekend chat with this paper, Mr. Cornormia said the establishment of a war crimes court is very necessary for the sustenance of peace and stability in the country.
He pointed out that all those who committed war crimes in Liberia must be prosecuted to serve as deterrence for others who may want to engage in such a destructive act (war).
He expressed fear that the country will witness another bloodbath if justice is denied. The former Bong County lawmaker maintained that the country will descend into chaos again once the perpetrators of the war are not prosecuted either locally or internationally.
The former Bong County lawmaker asserted that some of the perpetrators of the bloody Liberia conflict are serving in government, and that if they go with impunity, they could end up in the bush to fight again just for power.
"Those who committed war crimes know where to find the guns. If UNMIL leaves without the establishment of a war crimes court, those who committed war crimes will get weapons and so this is worrisome and troubling," He averred.
Against this backdrop, he asked the international community, including the United Nations and United States to establish a war crimes court before the departure of UNMIL.
He advised that UNMIL should not leave without justice, stressing without justice, genuine peace is impossible. Citing example of Sierra Leone, the prominent Liberian said there is no trouble in that neighboring country. "In Sierra Leone, everyone is pleased with peace, the UN forces have left the country and there is no trouble in Sierra Leone."
Meanwhile, Mr. Cornormia has appealed to UN, United States and other powerful nations to see wisdom in his call and act quickly before it gets too late.
