Kpolokpalai residents back establishment of a war crimes court

By Joseph Titus Yekeryan 

Residents of Kpolokpalai, Bong County, are mustering the courage to speak out, calling upon the government of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to establish a War Crimes Court. 

Kpolokpalai, a serene town nestled in the heart of Bong County, Liberia, still carries the weight of the darkest chapter in its history. 

Over three decades have passed since the ravages of the Liberian civil war-scarred its lands and souls. 

Their pleas for justice reverberate through the town, intertwining with tales of horror and resilience.

In 1994, Kpolokpalai witnessed a massacre that would forever haunt its inhabitants. 

More than two hundred innocent lives were brutally extinguished, their untimely demise inflicted by the merciless hands of perpetrators wielding cutlasses and other instruments of destruction. 

The vivid memories of that fateful day are etched into the minds of survivors, who bear the physical and emotional scars as a testament to the horrors they endured.

As the sun rises above the town, casting its warm glow on the people of Kpolokpalai, their voices rise in unison, echoing across the land. 

Community leader, Gormai Kollie, a survivor of the massacre whose father was killed speaks with unwavering determination: “We have carried the weight of our pain for far too long. We demand justice for our loved ones who were brutally taken from us. We deserve closure and the opportunity to rebuild our lives.”

The call for a War Crimes Court is not just a quest for vengeance; it is a collective yearning for truth, reconciliation, and healing. 

The residents of Kpolokpalai understand that the wounds of war cannot fully heal without justice being served. 

Samuel Flomo, a local activist, passionately expresses his conviction: “Establishing a War Crimes Court is not just about punishing individuals for their crimes; it is about reclaiming our dignity, restoring faith in our justice system, and ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.”

The people of Kpolokpalai have rallied together, their voices amplified through peaceful demonstrations, community meetings, and engagement with national and international stakeholders. 

Josephine Kollie, a survivor who lost her entire family during the massacre, states, “We are not alone in this fight. We have the support of other war-affected communities, human rights organizations, and advocates who stand by our side, demanding justice for all.”

However, President Joseph Boakai, known has taken note of the resolute demands of not only Kpolokpalai but the people of Liberia as a whole.

During a recent address, he acknowledged the steadfastness of Liberian citizens, promising to set up a team that would analyze and later report to him, the need to establish the court.

 “Your calls for justice have not gone unheard. I stand with you in your pursuit of truth and accountability. We will work together to establish a War Crimes Court that will bring justice to those who committed unspeakable acts during the war.”