As part of efforts to end post-electoral conflict in Liberia, Migrant as Messenger (MAMAL), has ended the first phase of post-electoral conflict awareness in Grand Gedeh, Bong and Nimba Counties.
The campaign focused on a messages of unity, peace-building and reconciliation, thereby referencing the Farmington River Declaration.
Citizens in those counties were enlightened on the importance of upholding the peace within their communities.
The implementation of the awareness commenced on March 24 to April 7, 2024 covering at least 500 participants.
Speaking with reporters Saturday, April 21, 2024, MAMAL Executive Director, Catheryn Best Kenny mentioned that the reconciliation campaign had a strong effect on individuals who were directly and indirectly involved with electoral violence and the selling of votes.
She said the campaign was aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in areas with election-related conflicts and reuniting citizens in concentrated areas.
“Strengthening conflict resolution and peace infrastructures that effectively resolve conflicts and limit electoral violence, as well as providing authentic information on the importance of maintaining peace and reconciliation, also highlighting the negative effects of misinformation was paramount during the reconciliation campaign,” Madam Kenny said.
She said the team collaborated with county stakeholders, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the elderly, especially women groups as well as youth volunteers within the selected location.
Each of the activities, she said, comprised a session of dialogue where MAMAL’s team interacted with the participants on the importance of upholding peace and provided messages that prevent violence of any form.
Accordingly, in Nimba County, they visited Zor Zualay, an area that experienced violence between supporters of Senator Prince Johnson and the people of Dulay during the October 10, 2023 Elections where the conflict resulted to serious rioting.
“Chan District in Grand Gedeh and Palala District in Bong are areas that were also hit by electoral conflict; as such, we had to create some awareness,” she said.
The head of Migrant as Messenger explained that the initiative is under “Promoting Peaceful Electoral Environment and Community Security in Liberia” project with support from the International Organization for Migration, OHCHR and the Liberian Government.
She narrated that at the end of the post-electoral awareness, the group conducted sports and soccer tournaments, cultural and traditional performances, interactive dialogue, and media engagement to reunite communities.
