Liberian war victims are demanding compensation following President Joseph Boakai’s public apology at a national reconciliation event. The president urged citizens to forgive and move on from the past, referencing years of conflict, Ebola, and COVID-19.

However, survivors and rights groups insist that genuine healing requires more than words. They are calling on the government to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) recommendations, which include reparations for victims.

Dr. Aaron Weah, a transitional justice expert, says Boakai’s gesture aligns with the TRC’s framework but stresses that without action, the apology risks being symbolic.

Many victims say they continue to live with trauma and loss, and that justice and compensation are long overdue.