By King Brown, sarwahking@gmail.com
BUCHANAN, Liberia– In a bid to bolster post-electoral peace and prevent violence, over 60 stakeholders from Sinoe, Rivercess, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties have this week been meeting here for a pivotal regional dialogue.
The day-long Dialogue, which was held at a local hotel on Thursday, August 29, 2024, aimed to address challenges and strategies related to post-electoral violence and community engagement.
Held under the theme, “Let’s Advance on the Promise of Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All,” the dialogue was organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) in collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC), the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The dialogue concluded with a collective promise from attendees to act as peace ambassadors in their communities, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining and protecting Liberia’s peace at all costs.
Ademilda Adesiyun, UNOHCHR’s Human Rights Officer, emphasized that Liberia’s 2023 presidential elections represented a critical juncture in the country’s democratic journey.
Adesiyun highlighted the challenges exposed by the elections, particularly in preventing violence and ensuring inclusive participation from youth, women, and political parties.
“The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Consultative Committee (IPCC) and local community teams, have been instrumental in maintaining peace during this crucial period,” Adesiyun stated.
He stressed that such collaboration sets a positive precedent for future elections and the need for ongoing dialogue to protect and respect the rights of all citizens.
Inspector Seah W. Monboe, Chief of Community Services for the Kakata Liberia National Police Detachment in Margibi County, underscored the collective responsibility to maintain peace.
“Without peace and good law and order, the consequences are severe for all citizens. It is imperative that we work together to preserve our nation’s peace and unity,” Monboe urged.
Nathan T. Garbie, Deputy Director of Programs at NEC, spoke about the importance of dialogue in addressing post-electoral issues. “When political tensions rise, communication becomes vital. Understanding the political landscape and the associated risks is crucial to preventing violence,” Garbie noted.
He urged citizens to be informed about the political process to avoid becoming victims of corruption and violence.
Barber Barnel of INCHR reflected on the dialogue’s goal to evaluate the 2023 electoral process and develop recommendations for future elections.
The discussions brought together human rights defenders, political leaders, and security officials from the four participating counties to assess challenges and progress in combating electoral violence.
The event, supported by ONCHR, aimed to create a roadmap for enhancing electoral processes and sustaining peace through the 2029 elections.
Participants, including Philip Gongar, head of community policing in Grand Bassa County, and Othello Teah, spokesperson for the Unity Party’s Grand Bassa Chapter, expressed their commitment to peace.
They pledged to advocate non-violence and seek legal redress for grievances.