Liberia–S/Leone Border Communities Unite In Historic Peace Festival
Monrovia, Liberia – Talking Drum Studio Liberia and its GOLA-REAP partners have successfully completed the first-ever cross-border peacebuilding and cultural event joining communities along the Liberia–Sierra Leone border in a historic attempt to transform years of hostility into trust.
After protracted unrest over land disputes involving conservation authorities, the initiative, which took place over three days in Camp Alpha, Kungba District, near Gola Forest National Park, and extended into nearby Sierra Leonean communities, brought together citizens and leaders from both countries in a rare show of unity.
Funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, the event combined cultural celebration with critical discourse to foster reconciliation among impacted communities, government actors, and conservation stakeholders.
The event addressed deeper themes of land usage, border cooperation, and environmental stewardship while using traditional music, dance, and storytelling as means to mend broken connections under the theme “Building Trust and Inclusion for Peace.”
Speaking at the event, GOLA-REAP Project Manager Tvogs Wrobeh stressed that the program is more than just a celebration, characterising it as a strategic platform to foster sustainable management of shared forest resources and rebuild trust between communities, park rangers, and border authorities.
Senator Botoe Kanneh of Gbarpolu County gave the keynote speech, emphasizing the need for harmonious coexistence and stressing the importance of open discourse and cultural interchange as foundational elements for long-term stability. She pointed out that the program was created with a conflict-sensitive approach, guaranteeing participation from people of all ages, genders, and social backgrounds.
The main focus of the event was dialogue sessions where women, young people, elders, and traditional leaders candidly discussed resource management, reconciliation, and cross-border ties. Both Sierra Leone’s and Liberia’s voices expressed a desire to put the past behind them.
Local authorities, traditional chiefs, women’s and youth leaders, and security officials were among the important contributors who reinforced the idea that community-driven peace and development are essential in border regions.
The festival represents a turning point for the Gola region, showing that inclusive discourse and cultural ties may create the foundation for resilience, collaboration, and long-lasting peace even in places that were previously characterized by war.
Reported by: Prince Saah
