Monrovia, Liberia – A diverse group of local, national, and international stakeholders from Liberia and Sierra Leone have launched the GOLA-REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Peacebuilding) project to be implemented along the shared border of the two countries.
The project’s objectives are to improve local governance, strengthen social cohesion, and promote climate-smart agriculture as a way to reduce the risk of conflict and promote economic resilience in the Gola Forest Landscape, a protected ecosystem that supports biodiversity, livelihoods, and cross-border trade.
The implementation of GOLA-REAP will be jointly led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in both countries, in partnership with national governments and in collaboration with local authorities, community representatives, civil society organizations, and regional institutions like the Mano River Union (MRU).
The Fund supports joint UN responses to address critical peacebuilding opportunities, connecting development, humanitarian, human rights and peacebuilding initiatives. Implementation of GOLA-REAP will be jointly led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in both countries, in partnership with national governments and in collaboration with local authorities, community representatives, civil society organizations, and
regional institutions such as the Mano River Union (MRU).
During today’s launch event, remarks by the Ministers of Internal Affairs and UN Resident Coordinators for both Liberia and Sierra Leone, the MRU Secretary-General, and the Society for the Conservation of Nature in Liberia highlighted the GOLA-REAP project’s objectives and the critical importance of this geographical area for sustained peace, security, and resilience in both countries.
Speaking, Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator for Sierra Leone, opened her statement by thanking the Government of Liberia for hosting the event and commenting on this geographical importance.
“Grand Cape Mount County plays a crucial role in regional peacebuilding efforts, crucial for the development of both countries. The boundary between Sierra Leone and Liberia means you have a shared past, a shared present and a shared future, a future you are dedicating efforts towards making it better. Importantly, the boundary means shared peace,” she said.
According to her, the GOLA-REAP project has already garnered support from key policymakers and peace advocates, who have highlighted the potential of the project to prevent conflicts and sustain the peace in the region.
For his part, Morie Lengor, Minister of Internal Affairs in Sierra Leone, also linked the planned activities in border communities to national development.
“(Sierra Leone’s) 5 Big Game Changers and Feed Salone initiatives are more than just projects—they are a call to action for our communities to take ownership of sustainable resource management. By strengthening cross-border collaboration, we are fostering peace, resilience, and economic empowerment for the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia,” he explained.
Resilience was also highlighted by Edward K. Mulbah, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Research and Development Planning, who stated that the Gola Forest is a shared legacy and a cornerstone of economic, security, and peace between the two countries. According to Deputy Minister Mulbah, it demonstrates the dedication to regional collaboration and sustainable development.
The GOLA-REAP initiative expands upon the PBF cross-border peacebuilding initiatives carried out in Guinea and Sierra Leone between 2021 and 2024, where governments were assisted by WFP and IOM in strengthening evidence-based policies and civil institutions to resolve conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence between crop farmers and cattle herders in the two countries’ border regions.
The initiative is to facilitate the avoidance and amicable settlement of community disputes while promoting sustainable resource management in this crucial area by strengthening cooperation and trust between local people, forest rangers, border officials, and national governments.
UN Resident Coordinator for Liberia Christine N. Umutoni stated, “With GOLA-REAP, we have a unique opportunity to make the Gola Forest a lasting legacy not just as a protected area, but as a model of cross-border peacebuilding, cooperation, and shared prosperity.”
Madam Umutoni urged the two nations to take use of the opportunity, cooperate, and realize their common goal.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
