Monrovia, Liberia The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, at the age of 100.
President Carter, revered for his tireless advocacy for global justice, left a lasting impact on Liberia’s post-conflict legal reform.
In a statement, the LNBA lauded Carter’s significant contributions through The Carter Center’s Rule of Law Program, which championed access to justice in Liberia following years of civil unrest.
The program, initiated to strengthen Liberia’s legal system, worked in collaboration with the LNBA, the Liberian government, and international bodies.
“President Carter’s dedication to advancing justice has transformed lives and solidified his legacy as a global legal icon,” the LNBA stated. They described him as “selfless and unflinching” in his support for Liberia’s efforts to rebuild its judiciary.
Enhancing Access to Justice
The Carter Center’s Rule of Law initiative partnered with the LNBA to provide pro bono legal services across Liberia, focusing on marginalized communities in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Gedeh counties.
Launched in June 2022, the partnership addressed prolonged pretrial detentions and expanded support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Through collaborative efforts, the program identified pressing legal needs, deployed lawyers to rural areas, and promoted civil education, significantly improving access to justice in underserved regions.
Preserving Carter’s Legacy
As Liberia mourns President Carter’s passing, the LNBA urged its members to honor his legacy by continuing efforts to improve the legal system.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of all Liberians, particularly those most vulnerable, and called for a renewed focus on justice and accountability.
Meanwhile, Concerns Over Mob Violence
The LNBA also raised concerns about the rising tide of mob violence in Liberia, describing it as a serious threat to the rule of law.
The association condemned recent incidents of mob justice, where alleged criminals were targeted and sometimes killed by angry crowds.
“Mob violence not only endangers the lives of the accused but also undermines the very foundation of our justice system,” the statement read.
The LNBA emphasized that such actions often lead to irreversible harm, including the deaths of innocent bystanders accused without evidence.
The association urged Liberians to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to uphold the principles of due process.
They called on the government and security forces to address the growing trend with urgency to preserve public trust in the nation’s justice system.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
