SOURCE: State broadcaster, ELBC
By Jonathan O. Grigsby, Sr.
GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY- LIBERIA-President George Weah wants Liberians form a stronger partnership as a strategy for engagement to respond to issues of national concerns.
President Weah said:” Such strategy will also lead to an inclusive approach by which Liberians can constructively engage their Government.”
He said:” By so doing, Liberians will work together to address social, political and religious division.”
The Liberian Leader said:” It will further transform negative relationship and facilitate physical and psychological healings among the people.”
President Weah made the remarks Thursday, December 3, 2020, at the opening of a two-day National Peace and Reconciliation Conference in Gbarnga, Bong County.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Leader said his Government attaches importance to national reconciliation as a recipe for peace sustenance in the Country.
For his part, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia says the Organization remains committed to supporting Liberia’s quest for durable peace and reconciliation in the Country.
Ambassador Ajisomo Barbatunde said:” The maintenance of peace in Liberia requires a collective effort by Government and the citizens.”
The ECOWAS Ambassador also highlighted the importance of the Peace Conference, saying that it will provide equal access to justice and human rights.
He further commended President Weah for his role played in the sustenance of peace in Liberia.
He said:” President Weah has demonstrated that peace cannot be properly achieved without sustainable development.”
At the same time, the National Chairperson of the Council of Civil Society of Liberia, Loretta Pope-Kai challenged the Government of Liberia and citizens to tackle the root causes of the civil war to prevent a recurrence.
She blamed the civil war for the entrenched hate vices between and among Liberians, noting that identifying and solving those problems will ensure peace and reconciliation.
She stressed the need to reconcile the divisive history of the Country with the involvement of all ethnicities to ensure full participation.
Madam Pope-Kai also invited Government and Liberians to strengthen and respect the systems that dignify and promote the rights of women, children and the youth communities.
The Council of Civil Society of Liberia Chairperson wants all efforts implored to reconcile Liberians home and abroad, and build a culture of conflict prevention and stop impunity.