The prototype was unveiled by President Joseph Boakai at the Executive Mansion on November 6. OWECC-L Executive Director, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, said the Office was also not invited to the ceremony, describing the exclusion as “shocking and unacceptable.”
Barbu argued that victims and survivors of Liberia’s civil wars should have a direct role in shaping a memorial intended to honour their experiences and preserve the country’s history.
While welcoming the memorial initiative, OWECC-L called for broader consultations, particularly in communities severely affected by the conflict. It said victims and survivors should participate not only in the design but also in decisions concerning the memorial’s management.
The Office has urged the Executive Mansion to reconsider the consultation process and ensure that affected communities, including persons with disabilities, are represented.
However, UNDP’s account of the November 6 ceremony said survivors and families of victims were among those present. OWECC-L’s criticism therefore raises questions about the extent of their representation and involvement in the planning process.
The proposed memorial is expected to be constructed on Bali Island in Monrovia, with work anticipated to begin in mid-2027.
