The Liberia Peace-building Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and supported by UNDP, has conducted a three-day political reconciliation dialogue in Gbarnga, Bong County which brought together representatives from civil society organizations, youth groups, women organizations, motorcyclists, traditional leaders, religious groups among others.

The dialogue was held under the theme: “enhancing peace, reconciliation and social cohesion through building civic trust and fostering reconciliation in the communities.” 

It brought together county stakeholders to break a cycle of violence, and post-traumatic reconciliation, build a more peaceful common future, and ultimately sustain peace in Bong County and Liberia at large.

The event held 8-10 April 2024, concludes a series of dialogues launched early this year and scheduled for Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Nimba, Bong, and Lofa with a focus on emerging issues that continue to divide the people and undermine reconciliation in hot spot communities from the 2023 presidential and Legislative elections.

Eric Quaqua, Liberia’s National Peace Ambassador, who proxy for the Minister of Internal Affairs, at the opening ceremony, called on political leaders to refrain from all forms of violence and respect the rights of all.

Mr. Quaqua reminded participants of their fundamental right to peacefully participate in the democratic process, noting that everyone is responsible for creating a better country for present and future generations.

He said the Political Reconciliation Dialogues seek to bring stakeholders together to break a cycle of violence, promote reconciliation, build a more peaceful common future, and ultimately sustain the peace in Bong County and Liberia at large.

“Liberia has enjoyed relative peace since the end of the civil war two decades ago. However, land conflicts, failure of concession companies to live up to agreements made with residents that often lead to riots and violence between local people and security forces, drug abuse, as well as sexual and gender-based violence still threaten the peace of the country,” Quaqua said.

He urged participants to use the dialogue to develop and apply the skills and knowledge acquired to solve conflict and promote reconciliation.

Participants at the three-day dialogue outlined some ills in society that spark up violence and, at the same time, promised to implement recommendations derived therefrom. 

The participants told reporters that they will embark on creating awareness in their various communities to provide citizens the opportunities to understand the negative impact of conflict. 

The Liberia Peace-building Office (PBO), based in the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), was established in January 2009 with the primary function of supporting the Government of Liberia in the development and implementation of the government’s peace and reconciliation programs.