Liberian President Joseph Boakai has signed an executive order to establish the country’s first war crimes court, more than 20 years after the end of two civil wars which killed 250,000 people.

Mr Boakai said Liberia had “endured downpours of agony”.

The 1989-2003 conflicts saw atrocities including mass killings, rape and the forced recruitment of child soldiers.

Critics in Liberia have opposed the creation of the court, saying it risks reopening old wounds.

But Mr Boakai said the court would “help ferret the causes and effects of the violence” and bring about “justice and healing”.

Adama K Dempster, one of the lead campaigners for the establishment of a war crime court told the BBC that although some people criticised Mr Boakai for making an “emotional” decision, it will bring closure for many others.

“It’s an open show of support for war victims and survivors of the civil wars,” he said.

International allies have also welcomed the move.

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