MONROVIA: The National leadership of the Community Watch Forum of Liberia (CWFL) has renewed calls for support from national government to remain viable, effective, and functional as the country grapples with perennial reports of crimes across the country.
The National Chairman of the CWFL, Mr. I. Nyenati Kaffey, wants President George M. Weah to make a formal declaration of government’s support to the organization.
He said, with President Weah’s declaration of support for the CWFL, other international partners will see the need to also rally support to the CWFL.
Few months ago, the CWFL was evicted from its rented national headquarters in Paynesville, as a result of the Liberia National Police (LNP’s) leadership failure to settle the organization’s over 13 months arrears as was agreed through a memorandum of understanding with the owner of the property.
According to him, the CWFL has resolved to execute series of programs beginning this year to include the fight or vigorously reporting on human trafficking; the establishment of neighborhood watch teams in crimes-breeding communities across the country; the institution of Alternative Resolution Dispute methods; and the fight against gender-based and domestic violence.
Kaffey: “To accomplish these programs, we need government’s support, something that would trigger assistance from international organizations and donor partners.”
The Community Watch Forum of Liberia which replaced the Community Policing Forum that was established through the instrumentality of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Ministry of Justice in 2004, comprises about 600,000 members across the country who are working in collaboration with national security apparatus including the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Immigration Service to curb criminal activities in communities across the country.
The CWFL head is at the same time cautioning parents and others to ensure that their children are in homes or restricted to their community neighborhoods by 10 and 11 P.M.
He stressed that in a drive to curb crimes in communities, his organization has resolved to arrest anyone including minors seen loitering in communities beyond 12:00 mid-night.
In related news, Mr. Kaffey cautioned the membership of the KAPAO-KAPAO night watch organization to be committed, patient, and patriotic in helping police authorities to fight crimes, saying “your involvement in this endeavour requires sacrifices, flexibility and self-denial.”
Serving as keynote speaker recently at program commemorating the 2nd anniversary of the KAPAO-KAPAO organization in Paynesville, Mr. Kaffey reminded members of the organization that they are volunteers and should put the safety of community members above material pursuit.
“There are times you could be arrested, jailed and disrespected by the same people you are helping and affiliating with, so you need to adjust yourselves with these circumstances and remain firmed if you are to succeed,” he stressed.
After lavishing praises on the KAPAO-KAPAO leadership for joining his 17- year old organization (CWFL) which has been working in collaboration with Liberian security apparatus to curb criminal activities during mid-night and early morning hours across the country, Mr. Kaffey indicated that the community action to create a vibrant and crimes-free environment is firstly in fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) number-16 which calls for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
