MONROVIA: As Liberia strives to actualize genuine national reconciliation and integration 200-years on, exacerbated by the 14-year civil war (1989 – 2003), a conglomeration of prodemocracy, human rights and civil society organizations, under the umbrella of Partners for Democracy & Good Governance (PdG), has embarked on a historic and unprecedented peacebuilding initiatives, aimed at reconciling Liberia’s ugly past, present, and usher the country into the 21st Century of durable peace.
Serving as Keynote Speaker at the occasion, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai expressed his administration’s firm commitment and resolve to collaborate with civil society organizations in the strive for genuine national unification, reconciliation, peace and healing, leaving no one behind.
President Boakai indicated the inclination of his leadership to judicially evaluate the basic request by the CSOs for the Government of Liberia, through the Executive Branch, and with the approval of the National Legislature, appropriate budgetary allotments, to facilitate programs, projects, and activities in commemoration of the Annual National Unification Day on 14, May.
“The Government of Liberia, will also look at your kind request for provision of the necessary technical, financial and logistical support for the establishment of the Unification Day Diaspora Initiative (UDI), that seeks to identify and engage Liberians in the diaspora to contribute to unification, integration, sustainable peace, and inclusive development in Liberia; and to, at all times, exhibit lawful and good citizenship as ambassadors to promote national self-esteem abroad,” President Boakai indicated.
In President Boakai’s Keynote Address delivered on his behalf recently by Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, G. Andy Quamie, at program marking the 60th National Unification Day, held in the auditorium of the Capitol Hill Main Campus of the University of Liberia in Monrovia, he stressed that the Government of Liberia, also notes the recommendation by the CSOs for the National Unification Monument in Voinjama City, Lofa County, which is the symbol for the unification and integration of the Liberian nation, to be renovated, revived and preserved so as to host tourists, historians and other researchers from across the globe and inspire the ideas of patriotism amongst Liberians, particularly young people who represent the future of the Liberian Nation.
President Boakai, who wholeheartedly applauded the CSOs led celebration of this year Liberia National Unification Day program including civil society organizations, under the umbrella of Partners for Democracy & Good Governance (PdG), Better Future Foundation (BFF), proponent of Liberia’s Democracy Sustainability Platform (DSP), the Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation (KAICT) of the University of Liberia, and the Angie Brooks International Center (ABIC) for Peace, for their farsightedness in celebration of this historic program.
President Boakai was delighted by this year’s NUD Anniversary Theme: “Reconciling Liberia for the 21st Century: Welfare and Plight of Senior Citizens,” that seeks to highlight and facilitate national discussions to aid policy formulation and legislation aimed at ensuring that the state fulfills its social welfare obligations to enhance the well-being of senior citizens.
The 2024 National Unification Silver Jubilee initiative was a dedication and commitment to showcase and debate the current challenges faced by Liberia’s senior citizens, many of whom have made significant and impactful contributions to national development in yesteryears but, are now sadly experiencing glaring neglect and abandonment in their time of needs, with little or no access to pension and social security benefits.
This is why the significance of the role of Better Future Foundation (BFF), and its CSO collaborating institutions that have been actively involved in advocacy, making policy recommendations, aimed at complementing the efforts of the Government of Liberia, for peace consolidation and sustainability in Liberia from 2014 to present cannot be over emphasized.
Indeed, national reconciliation and unification in Liberia, remains a critical challenge to human development, peace and security, nearly 60 years after the formal launch of the Unification and Integration Policy by Liberia’s former President, William V.S. Tubman, late.
President Boakai indicated that it is regrettable that successive administrations of the Liberian Government have not actualize peace, reconciliation, and integration of the Liberian people, consistent with Article 5 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia which states that:
“The Republic of Liberia shall aim at strengthening the national integration and unity of the people of Liberia regardless of ethnic, regional or other differences, into one body politic; and the Legislature shall enact laws promoting national unification and the encouragement of all citizens to participate in government”.
President Boakai emphasized that the promotion of sustainable peace, genuine national reconciliation and healing, rule of law, regional integration and the post-war reconstruction of Liberia by Better Future Foundation and CSOs-Partners for Democracy and Good Governance (PdG), and collaborating partners over the years are in line with the flagship national development program of the Government of Liberia which includes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Security and Tourism (ARREST).
President Boakai enthusiastically expressed support for the peace-building and unification efforts of collaborating Civil Society Organizations under the Partners for Democracy and Good Governance (PdG), and partners which are primarily dedicated to the postwar reconstruction and development of Liberia.
President Boakai stressed that his administration remains committed to collaborating with CSOs that are involved in initiating programs and activities aimed at promoting peace, development, socio-economic, educational, and international cultural understanding and cooperation among others.
“The Government is committed to working with civil society partners in advancing national unification, healing and integration, respect for, and adherence to the rule of law, good governance including its components of transparency, accountability and probity, and in acknowledging the devotion and sacrifices of senior citizens in transforming the lives of all Liberians,” President Boakai’s message concluded.
In their 10-count petition submitted to the Government of Liberia through the 55th National Legislature on 13, May, 2024, in the Auditorium of the University of Liberia on Capitol Hill in Monrovia, the 32-member petition signed CSO Conglomerate, which includes the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Better Future Foundation, People Uniting for Peace in Liberia, Voices of the Elders-Republic of Liberia, Human Rights Monitor of the United Methodist Church, Liberia Institute of Growing Patriotism, among others, quoted Article 1 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia which enumerates that “all power is inherent in the people and all free governments are instituted by their authority and for their benefits.”
The petitioners also quoted Article 5 of the Liberian Constitution which states that “the Republic of Liberia shall aim at strengthening the national integration and unity of the people of Liberia regardless of ethnic, regional or other differences, into one body politic; and the Legislature shall enact laws promoting national unification and the encouragement of all citizens to participate in government.”
The CSO petitioners further cited Article 8 of the Constitution of Liberia which states that “the Republic shall direct its policy towards ensuring for all citizens, without discrimination, opportunities for employment and livelihood under just and humane conditions towards promoting safety, health, and welfare.”
“Whereas, Article 17 of the Constitution states that “all persons, at all times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, shall have the right to assemble and consult upon the common good, to instruct their representatives, to petition the Government or other functionaries for the redress of grievances,” the CSO groups told the Legislature.
According to the CSOs-Partners for Democracy and Good Governance (PdG), the National Unification Policy was enacted in 1964 to bridge the socio-economic and political barriers and differences in the country and to further unite and integrate the indigenous population with that of the settlers, whereas, 200 years on since the founding of the Liberian state in 1822 and 60 years after the formal launch of the National Unification and Integration Policy in 1964, actualizing genuine peace, reconciliation, and integration remains a critical challenge in Liberia.
The CSO Petitioners further told the Government through the National Legislature that whereas, the National Pledge of Allegiance of Liberia which states, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of Liberia and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all,” with this pledge providing the foundational principles for unification, integration, justice, and inclusive governance of Liberia, however, to the contrary, since the founding of Liberia 200 years ago and since the passage of the National Unification and Integration Policy 60 years ago, genuine national reconciliation and unification are yet to be actualized in Liberia with widespread division across the country.
According to the Petitioners, “whereas, successive administrations of the Liberian Government have failed to actualize genuine peace, reconciliation, and integration of the Liberian people consistent with Article 5 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, now therefore they, as citizens of Liberia, represented by duly accredited civil society, human rights, and pro-democracy organizations, under the umbrella of Partners for Democracy and Good Governance (PdG), and acting under the authority of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia and the National Unification and Integration Policy of Liberia, petition the Government through the National Legislature of Liberia for the following reasons:
That the Government of Liberia, through the National Legislature appropriates funds through the fiscal budget to facilitate programs, projects, and activities to commemorate Unification Day nationwide annually and that the Government of Liberia should provide support for the establishment of the Unification Diaspora Initiative (UDI), which seeks to identify and engage Liberians in the diaspora to contribute to unification, integration, sustainable peace, and inclusive development in Liberia; and to, at all times, exhibit lawful and good citizenship as ambassadors to promote national self-esteem abroad.
The CSOs recommended that the Unification Monument in Voinjama City, Lofa County, should be renovated so as to revive and preserve the facility which is a symbol for the unification and integration of the country and to host tourists, researchers, and scholars from countries around the globe and inspire the idea of patriotism amongst Liberians, especially young people who are the future of the Liberian nation.
The CSOs further called on the Government of Liberia to build a War Memorial to remember all the precious human lives lost during Liberia’s civil wars and to remind Liberians in general to never again resort to violence to solve any grievances that may arise between and/or among themselves and in the governance of the country.
The CSO petitioners further requested the Government of Liberia to initiate regular Government-Civil Society Dialogue so as to remain constructively engaged within scope and to ensure that CSOs are adequately informed and supportive of the Government’s policies and national development agenda as the Dialogue broadly seeks to bridge the gap of low citizens’ perception of, and further improve public confidence in the Government.
The CSO Petitioners further recommended for the Government of Liberia to facilitate national discussion, and aid in the formulation of a policy, and enact laws to address the plight of senior citizens in order to meet its social welfare obligation, as these senior citizens contributed to the development of Liberia in yesteryears but are now sadly experiencing neglect, abandonment in their time of needs, with limited, or no access to pension and social security benefits.
The CSO Petitioners, at the same time, stressed the significance for the Government of Liberia to support the compilation and publication of a National Unification Day Celebration Compendium from 2014 to 2024 to aid the teaching of civics and peace education in learning institutions in Liberia.
They emphasized that the compendium, when published digitally, Liberians in the diasporas and in the country will benefit immensely from the literature and this will lead to a ripple effect in preserving and promoting unification, reconciliation and peace in the country.
In her goodwill message delivered at the program, Madam Loretta Pope-Kai, Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, applauded BFF and the CSOs-PdG led organizers of the National Unification Day program.
“Today, we stand on the edge of a significant moment in our nation’s history. As we gather here on this auspicious occasion to commemorate Liberia’s 60th National Unification Day, we do so with a profound sense of purpose and dedication to a cause greater than ourselves,” she pointed out.
“I am deeply honored to address you on behalf of the Better Future Foundation (BFF), in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation (KAICT) of the University of Liberia, the Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB), and a coalition of civil society organizations, under the umbrella of Partners for Democracy & Good Governance (PdG). Together, with Voices of the Elders-Republic of Liberia and the Angie Brooks International Center (ABIC), I join your forces to champion a cause that is both noble and urgent. I hear you, I feel you, and we are in this together. On behalf of myself and the National civil society council, we are on this together,” said Madam Loretta Pope-Kai, Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia.
The CSOs National Chairperson, Loretta Pope-Kai asserted that the anniversary theme- “Reconciling Liberia for the 21st Century: Welfare and Plight of Senior Citizens,” “strikes at the heart of a fundamental principle: the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, especially those who have dedicated their lives to the service and development of our beloved nation.”
“As we reflect on the progress we have made and the challenges that lie ahead, it is imperative that we recognize the invaluable contributions of our senior citizens. These are the Women and Men who labored tirelessly to build the foundation upon which our society stands today. They are the unsung heroes and heroines whose sacrifices have paved the way for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy,” the tough-talking rights activist stressed.
She maintains that despite their immense contributions, far too many of our senior citizens find themselves marginalized and neglected, grappling with the harsh realities of poverty, illness, and isolation.
“Many are deprived of the basic necessities of life, with no access to pension and social security benefits to support them in their twilight years. But let us be clear: this is not merely a matter of charity or goodwill. It is a matter of justice and human rights. It is a reflection of the values we hold dear as a nation – values of compassion, solidarity, and respect for the dignity of every individual,” she further told the gathering.
Madam Pope-Kai: “Today, as we come together to celebrate our nation’s unity and diversity, let us also recommit ourselves to the task of building a society that honors and uplifts its senior citizens. Let us pledge to ensure that they receive the care, support, and recognition they rightfully deserve. Through dialogue, advocacy, and concrete action, we can forge a better future for all Liberians, where no one is left behind or forgotten. Together, we can reconcile our past, embrace our present, and chart a course towards a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.”
“So let us stand united in our resolve to make Liberia a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come. Let us be guided by the timeless principles of justice, equality, and solidarity. And let us work tirelessly to build a nation where the welfare and dignity of every citizen are upheld and protected,” she emphasized.
According to Ms. Pope-Kai, “In recent months, we have witnessed progress in delivering justice to Liberians, particularly in the aftermath of a 15-year civil crisis that concluded in 2003 without any semblance of accountability.”
The female rights activist expressed gratitude to President Joseph N. Boakai, “for his unwavering dedication to this cause. As civil society organizations, we maintain hope that the signed resolution and the establishment of the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court will be actualized into a Court for the benefit of all Liberians.”
Madam Pope-Kai: “We advocate for the establishment of this court within our borders, emphasizing the importance of sensitizing Liberians to embrace it as a crucial step towards our collective healing and the eradication of impunity in Liberia. We urge the new government to provide unwavering support for the establishment and functioning of this court. Furthermore, we implore our international partners and friends of Liberia to recognize this court as a tribute to the countless lives lost and their grieving families. A court situated on Liberian soil will not only serve the present but will also leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
According to Better Future Founder/CEO Augustine S. Arkoi, during the occasion, former President George Weah, along with Mr. Korte Dorbor Barzie, a rising Liberian musical star, known by his famous stage name, ‘Kobarzie’ and the All Liberia Coalition Party (ALCOP), a registered political party in Liberia, were honored as recipients of the 1st National Unification Hero/Heroine Awards (NUHA).
The awards were formally presented to the three distinguished recipients by the Cameroonian Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia/Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Beng ‘Yela Augustine GANG, on behalf of the CSOs-PdG led organizers of the National Unification Day program Committee, Co-chaired by the former Minister of Education, Dr. D. Evelyn S. Kandakai and veteran Liberian Educator and former President of Stella Maris Polytechnic University, Sister Mary Laurene Browne, OSF.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. D. Evelyn S. Kandakai, former Minister of Education, Chairperson of the CSOs led NUD Organizing Committee, told the Government that Liberians desire peace, security and development to enhance their socio-economic livelihoods.
Dr. Kandakai, at the occasion, express gratitude to the Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, Andy Kweme who proxy for President Boakai; and Cllr. Dewey Gray who on behalf of her Boss Minister Sara Beslow Nyanti, launched the Unification Day Diaspora Initiative (UDI) in her capacity as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.
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Dr. Kandakai welcomed President Boakai’s expressed commitment to collaborate with, and support the CSOs led peacebuilding initiatives, as outlined in the petition statement, including the Unification Day Diaspora Initiative; and follow-up Post-Elections Peace Building Snap Survey on “why are Liberians not reconciled?”, and subsequent project for publication of a Compendium, documenting the decade-long CSOs led National Unification Day programs, from 2014 to 2024, aimed at aiding the teaching of civics in Liberian schools.
