BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa – The Liberia Peacebuilding Office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has launched a three-day Peace and Reconciliation Dialogue aimed at fostering unity across four counties. The initiative, which commenced on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, will engage stakeholders from Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Grand Bassa, and Bong Counties.
The dialogue brings together traditional leaders, government officials, civil society representatives, and other key stakeholders to address conflicts that threaten development and social cohesion in these regions.
A Continued Pursuit of Peace
This effort follows the Political Reconciliation Dialogue organized by the Peacebuilding Office in March 2024, which sought to break cycles of violence and promote post-traumatic reconciliation. Established in January 2009, the Liberia Peacebuilding Office continues to support the government’s commitment to sustainable peace and reconciliation initiatives.
The current dialogue, themed “Enhancing Peace, Reconciliation, and Social Cohesion Through Building Civic Trust and Fostering Reconciliation in Communities,” will run from March to April 2025. Discussions will center on encouraging political actors and citizens to embrace peace, particularly ahead of the 2029 elections.
Government Officials Address Key Issues
During the opening ceremony, Assistant Minister for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, William Jallah, denounced the misuse of traditional societies like the Sande and Poro, warning that such actions undermine Liberia’s stability.
“Traditional practices should not involve the forced initiation of minors or disrupt children’s education. They must never be used to intimidate or harass residents,” Jallah asserted. He announced forthcoming measures to enhance oversight of cultural practices, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving Liberia’s heritage while addressing abuses.
Liberia’s Peace Ambassador, Eric Quaqua, also spoke at the event, urging citizens and local leaders to reject violence and hate speech. He emphasized the importance of dialogue as a fundamental tool for resolving conflicts and building sustainable peace.
Commitment to Lasting Peace
Participants pledged to apply lessons learned from the dialogues in their communities. Civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, persons with disabilities, women’s groups, and the joint security sector were among those in attendance.
The initiative will continue in the following cities:
- Buchanan, Grand Bassa County
- Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County
- Gbarnga, Bong County
- Foya, Lofa County
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