Monrovia, Liberia – A nongovernmental organization Migrant as Messengers Association of Liberia (MAMAL) has continued its post-election Peace and Reconciliation campaign through sports in the counties of Grand Cape Mount and Montserrado in an effort to put a stop to the bloodshed that follows elections in Liberia, tagged in “Let’s play and keep the peace.”
The goal of the Post-Electoral Peace Awareness initiative is to educate young Liberians about the value of peace and its effects on the country’s society by bringing them together from a variety of political and non-political institutions.
Speaking at the Monrovia event, Catheryn Kenny, the Executive Director of MAMAL, stated that the organization’s mission is to educate young Liberians about the risks and dangers of violence and the need for them to stay away from all forms of violence, including conflict triggers.
Madam Kenny asserted that it is indisputable that all members of the community, including family members, should support the same candidate in an election. She claimed that this practice typically causes conflict or division but that there should be unanimity following the election.
Elections come and go, but Liberia never goes away, according to MAMAL Executive Director Catheryn Kenny. For this reason, there’s no reason for Liberians to keep going down this confusing route, especially because there will be another election in the near future.
“In a world where conflict and division often dominate the headlines, our collective presence here today is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to fostering peace, reconciliation, and cooperation. We have come together from different walks of life, different cultures, and different perspectives, united by a common goal: to build bridges where there have been walls, to create dialogue where there has been silence, and to sow the seeds of peace where there has been discord.”
She stated that violence cannot coexist with progress, adding that partners in development will be scared off by the state’s never-ending strife.
“As we set out on this journey together, let us keep in mind that true peace is characterized by justice, equity, and respect for all people, not just the absence of conflict. As global citizens, leaders, and activists, it is our duty to put up unceasing effort into fostering settings where each person feels heard, respected, and empowered. I urge you to participate completely in the conversations and endeavors that actively advance national development and peace, to listen with open minds, and to speak courageously from the heart.”
Despite the obstacles faced, Madam Kenny noted that 21 years of peace had been maintained in Liberia, a country that has made history during the 14 years of civil conflict that destroyed the nation’s infrastructure and human resource development.
“Although the road to peace is frequently difficult, it is a journey worth traveling together as we work to build a better, more tranquil future for everybody. Together, let’s continue to be committed to this admirable cause and make a difference.”
The Executive Director of the organization stated that the gathering’s main goal was to promote peace and unity, which will aid in national development. Emphasizing that peace is a prerequisite for development, the Executive Director urged the youth of Liberia to maintain peace and work toward resolving any conflicts that may have arisen during the recently concluded general elections on October 10, 2023.
Electoral District #8 in Montserrado County was one of the districts that saw intense political tensions during the 2023 elections, particularly over the acceptance of the legislator’s concession of defeat. Nevertheless, the decision of the electorate triumphed, according to official results from the National Elections Commission of Liberia.
The rivalry that developed between the followers of various political leaders has resulted in what is known as silent conflict because there may be a potential for conflict to erupt as a result of what happened during the 2023 elections. As a result, MAMAL and its partners have recognized the need to guarantee that peace remains paramount.
For his part, Mr. Calluchi Beiah, the Program Officer of the Liberia Peace Building Office, utilized the platform to encourage the country’s youth to embrace peace as a prerequisite for both attaining development and enhancing human potential. The Representative for the Peace Building Office continued, “Let us allow peace reign in our society void of our political affiliations and religious beliefs once we claimed to be patriotic citizens of Liberia.”
By sports and other leisure activities, the post-election awareness campaign brought together a number of young people from the Says Town and City Hall communities.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
