Buchanan – Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Liberian Peacebuilding Office, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched a three-day peace and reconciliation dialogue on Monday, March 24, 2025 in four constituencies that begin in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County.
The dialogue aims to bring together key stakeholders, particularly traditional leaders from LOFA, Grande, Grande Bassa and Bonn counties, to identify and address existing conflicts that could hinder the development of these areas.
In March 2024, the Liberian Peacebuilding Office held a political reconciliation dialogue to break the cycle of violence, promote post-traumatic reconciliation and maintain peace in the targeted counties.
Founded in January 2009, the Liberian Peacebuilding Office plays an important role in supporting the government in the development and implementation of peace and reconciliation programs.
The ongoing dialogue was about “strengthening peace, reconciliation and social cohesion by building citizen trust and promoting community reconciliation.”
The key focus of the dialogue is to promote political and community cooperation and encourage citizens and political actors to embrace peace and reconciliation for sustainable development. It also aims to explore strategies to maintain peace in 2029 and ensure free, fair and successful elections.
At the start of the dialogue, William Jala, the Cultural Affairs Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, condemned the misuse of Sande and the Polo society, saying such practices undermine peace and stability in Liberia.
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According to Minister Yara, traditional practices should not involve forced initiation of minors and should not be used to disrupt the education of children or to repent or threaten residents or development partners. He emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs has instituted mechanisms to regulate cultural practices while ensuring the preservation of Liberian cultural heritage and addressing related challenges.
Speaking at the event, Liberian Peace Ambassador Eric Kuakka urged residents, particularly Grand Bassa County leaders, to refrain from speeches of violence and hate and support the rule of law. He encouraged participants to use dialogue as a means of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Participants pledged to apply knowledge gained from peace-reconciliation dialogues in fostering peace within their respective communities.
The dialogue will take place in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. Zwedl, Grande County. Gubaanga, Bonn County. Foya, Lofa County.
The initiative brought together representatives from civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, disabled people, women’s groups, and joint security.
